Shooting sports have experienced a significant surge in popularity among high school students across the United States, despite the ongoing debate surrounding gun ownership. In Maryland, the State Police have announced that they will continue enforcing the state’s handgun law, despite a recent federal appeals court ruling declaring the licensing requirement as unconstitutional.
The Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland mandates that applicants undergo a background check, complete a four-hour firearm safety course with live fire training, and endure a waiting period of up to 30 days for approval before purchasing a handgun. Additionally, a second application and a seven-day waiting period are required to finalize the purchase. However, a three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled 2-1 that this law is overly burdensome and cannot be justified under the 2022 landmark Supreme Court decision, which stated that firearm regulations must align with the nation’s historical tradition to be considered constitutional.
Judge Julius Richardson, a Trump appointee, wrote in the majority opinion that the law restricts the rights of law-abiding adult citizens without providing a historical precedent to justify the restrictions. However, the Maryland State Police’s licensing division has stated that they will continue to enforce the law until a mandate is issued by the federal court.
Gun control advocacy groups have rallied with Democratic members of Congress outside the U.S. Capitol in support of the law. Maryland officials have 14 days to file for a rehearing before the full appeals court. If they do not file within this timeframe, a mandate will be issued seven days later, finalizing the court ruling on December 11. The state has not yet confirmed whether they plan to seek a rehearing or appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has expressed his commitment to fighting for this law and is currently evaluating the available options, according to a statement released by his administration. Attorney General Anthony Brown’s spokesperson has also stated that they are considering their next steps.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has previously criticized Maryland’s HQL as a “draconian process” and hailed the Fourth Circuit’s ruling as a “significant victory” for the Second Amendment and constitutional freedoms. Randy Kozuch, the executive director of the NRA’s lobbying arm, praised the decision, stating that it affirms the rights of law-abiding citizens.
While the debate on gun ownership and regulations continues, the popularity of shooting sports among high school students remains on the rise. The implications of the court ruling and the future of Maryland’s handgun law will likely have a significant impact on the ongoing discussions surrounding firearms in the United States.
This article was written by Hannah Ray Lambert, an associate producer/writer with Digital Originals. For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, subscribe to this newsletter.
