The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the state’s Handgun Qualification License (HQL) violates the constitution. Yet again, 2022’s pivotal Bruen decision by the Supreme Court was the basis for protecting the right to keep and bear arms.
NRA Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director Randy Kozuch told Fox News Digital that the Court of Appeals decision “is a significant victory for the Second Amendment and Americans who value constitutional freedoms.”
Kozuch added, “Striking down Maryland’s oppressive Handgun Qualification License requirement affirms that the burdensome process infringes on the rights of the law-abiding.”
Fourth Circuit Court Judge Julius N. Richardson sharply rebuked lawmakers who pushed through the onerous requirement.
“The answer is not complicated. If you do not already own a handgun, then the only way to ‘keep’ or ‘bear’ one is to get one, either through sale, rental, or gift. And the challenged law cuts off all three avenues — at least for those who do not comply with its terms.”
The NRA was equally harsh in its criticism, describing the mandated HQL as a “draconian process.”
The lengthy hoops required included submitting fingerprints to get a background check at the applicant’s expense. An up to 30-day wait along with a four-hour safety course in which at least one live round must be fired followed.
A separate license was also required to exercise carry rights. There was even another seven-day handgun purchase waiting period along with more fees tacked on.
With the track record of Maryland’s anti-gun leadership, an appeal is certain to follow. But the Fourth Circuit ruling is an enormous positive in the pushback against government overreach into constitutional rights for everyday Americans.
