Gov. Larry Hogan has directed the Maryland State Police to suspend the “good and substantial reason” standard for issuing permits to wear and carry firearms, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar clause in a New York law.
Maryland’s wear and carry permits apply to adults who submit fingerprints, have a “good and substantial reason” for the permit and have completed a state police approved firearms training course. There were 39,797 active concealed carry firearm permits across the state as of July 1, according to state police.
Hogan said in a statement it would be “unconstitutional” to continue enforcing the “good and substantial reason” standard.
“I have consistently supported the right of law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms, while enacting responsible and common sense measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill,” he wrote.
The Supreme Court ruled last month against New York’s requirement to show “proper cause” to get concealed carry gun permits in a 6-3 split, arguing that it violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.
