Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore released the following statement regarding the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit’s decision to re-hear argument in the case of Maryland Shall Issue v. Wes Moore.
“I welcome the court’s decision to rehear this important case. Common sense gun laws are vital to my administration’s commitment to keeping guns out of the wrong hands and saving lives. Since day one I’ve been clear–we have to do more than offer thoughts and prayers when it comes to addressing gun violence and I refuse to be a governor that just stands by and attends funerals while our communities continue to be terrorized.
Every Marylander has the right to feel safe in their own neighborhood. We will continue to work in partnership with the state legislature, local leaders, advocates, and community members to introduce common-sense legislation that makes Maryland’s communities safer.”
In November, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the 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.”