Gun rights group to sue Montgomery County over new bill revising gun laws

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Montgomery County signed a new bill into law Monday that revises several of its gun regulations, including rules on so‑called ghost guns and restrictions on possessing firearms in public places.

The revisions began after a 2021 lawsuit challenging Montgomery County’s gun restrictions. Council members stress that Monday’s action does not add new requirements but updates language in existing law following a recent Maryland Supreme Court decision.

READ MORE | Montgomery County passes sweeping bill targeting ghost guns, firearm restrictions

The law maintains Montgomery County’s ban on carrying firearms within 100 yards of sensitive public places, including schools, libraries, parks, houses of worship, courthouses and polling places. The restriction also applies to government buildings open to the public and multi‑purpose exhibition spaces such as fairgrounds.

Exceptions remain for people traveling on public highways near those restricted areas if they have a valid concealed carry permit or if the firearm is locked inside the vehicle.

Hospitals, long‑term care facilities and child‑care centers were removed from the county law because state law already prohibits firearms in those locations.

The bill continues to prohibit adults from giving, renting or selling guns, ammunition or gun parts to minors. It also clarifies that ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers, are regulated under state law. Maryland law makes it illegal to possess, sell or transfer firearms without serial numbers.

"Our commitment to public safety has not changed," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "Our goal remains exactly what it has always been—to do everything we legally can do to reduce gun violence and protect our communities. We will continue working with our partners at every level of government to strengthen sensible gun safety measures, reduce gun violence, and keep Montgomery County safe."

Representatives from Moms Demand Action, Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County Public Schools also attended the bill signing. 

Gun rights group to sue

The other side:

Maryland Shall Issue, a volunteer organization aimed at preserving gun rights, said they plan to sue the county over the new law, claiming it does not comply with the Maryland Supreme Court order. 

The group claims that the new laws make it so that legal gun permit holders cannot carry if they get out of their cars within 100 yards of thousands of public places. 

"Basically, the county has big toll permit holders who are granted carry permits by the Maryland State Police that they may not carry in the county if they get out of their cars if it's within 100 yards of literally thousands and thousands of places of public assembly," said Mark Pennak President of Maryland Shall Issue.

Pennak said because of the Second Amendment claim in the case, the suit could eventually end up at the Supreme Court. 

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