On Tuesday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a 2013 law that required Maryland residents to obtain a handgun qualification license before purchasing a fire. Requirements for the license included submitting fingerprints for a background check and taking a four-hour firearm-safety course. According to The Hill, “In a 2-1 ruling, a panel of the Virginia-based 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Maryland cannot add more regulations for acquiring handguns than for other weapons. The court said the law was unenforceable in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling last year.”
Governor Wes Moore released the following statement regarding the Fourth Circuit Court’s ruling:
”I am disappointed in the Fourth Circuit Court’s decision. This law is not about stripping away rights from responsible gun owners – it’s about every Marylander having the right to live free from fear.
Common-sense gun laws are critical to protecting all Marylanders from the gun violence that has terrorized our communities. I am determined to do more than just give thoughts and prayers and attend funerals – and that’s why this law is vital to our administration’s commitment to keeping guns out of the wrong hands and saving lives.
Every Marylander has the right to feel safe in their own neighborhood – and I will continue to fight for this law. Our administration is currently looking at all options and reviewing the ruling.”