On Tuesday, July 5th, Governor Larry Hogan directed state police to suspend the “Good and Substantial Reason” requirement for individuals applying for “Wear and Carry” permits for firearms.
The suspension is a product of the United States Supreme Court holding in New York Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. Bruen involved a concealed carry permitting requirement, similar to Maryland’s, in New York held to be in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. In light of the holding, Governor Hogan provided the following statement in a press release:
Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision in New York law pertaining to handgun permitting that is virtually indistinguishable from Maryland law. In light of the ruling and to ensure compliance with the Constitution, I am directing the Maryland State Police to immediately suspend utilization of the ‘good and substantial reason’ standard when reviewing applications for Wear and Carry Permits. It would be unconstitutional to continue enforcing this provision in state law. There is no impact on other permitting requirements and protocols.
Today’s action is in line with actions taken in other states in response to the recent ruling.
The Maryland Department of State Police’s Licensing Division has already begun updating its Licensing Portal to reflect Governor Hogan’s decree. In an advisory bulletin, the Division noted applicants seeking a “Wear and Carry” permit are no longer required to submit “personal protection documentation.” The Division’s licensing portal can be found here.
