MD Conceal Carry Law set to begin Oct 1st as legal battle continues

MARYLAND – On October 1st Senate Bill One in Maryland is set to go into effect banning concealed carry of handguns in schools, hospital settings, childcare venues, stadiums, and more.
State Senator Johnny Mautz says the restrictions are so extensive- it in effect is a repeal of the state’s concealed carry system.

“It’s going to have an enormous impact on Second Amendment rights, particularly for conceal and carry permit holders. It would implement a number of restrictions on where people could lawfully wear and carry, even if they have a permit to do so,” he said adding  “if it goes into effect, that essentially would prevent anyone from being able to wear and carry because of the doubt or question that goes into the enforcement of how this law will take effect, meaning you could be wearing and carrying lawfully and not even know it, but you could be in violation of the law and then you’re a criminal.”

Those concerns have been at the center of a federal lawsuit between gun rights supporters and the state, arguing the measure is unconstitutional.
Ahead of the October 1st implementation next month, the judge could issue an injunction; pausing the law until a decision is made, or issue their final ruling.

State Senator Mary Beth Carozza says she supports those efforts legal efforts pushing back against the law.

“These organizations are on strong legal foundations and they have researched this has also has occurred in other states as well, so there is the strong legal foundation to challenge the constitutionality of these bills that have passed, and you will see that process continue,” she said.

She says she understands lawmakers want to curb gun violence but she believes concealed carry permit holders are not behind the state’s rise in gun violence saying juvenile crime needs to be handled to make a dent in gun crime.

“That’s where our focus needs to be, not on limiting the rights of our law-abiding citizens who simply want to uphold their constitutional right, to protect their family, to protect their property,” she said.

Sen. Carozza tells 47ABC she hopes the judge issues an injunction, if not a full reversal of the bill, but says she believes either decision could see an appeal before the supreme court.

She tells us she believes the momentum of the movement against the bill can also help her efforts to craft a Juvenile Crime bill come January.