Reaction to suspending use of “good and substantial reason” standard for permits to carry handguns

MARYLAND- In a statement Tuesday, Governor Larry Hogan is directing Maryland State Police to suspend use of the “good and substantial reason” standard for permits to carry handguns after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar New York law in June.

“I’m flabbergasted that it actually happened I never thought I would see it in my life time,” Evan Avnet, CEO and Chief of Operations of US Tactical American Security Consulting, said. “So, now any citizen essentially who’s not a criminal and some other minor requirements are able to wear and carry a handgun after they obtain a Maryland handgun permit.”

But, not everyone I spoke with is in favor of the Governor’s announcement. Salisbury City Councilwoman, Michele Gregory, feels it could harm our first responders. “I think we are moving backwards,” Gregory said. “It’s going to allow bad people to get a hold of weapons that will ultimately take lives in our community and we just experienced that here, and I don’t think it,s right for us to be rolling back these protections.”

Gregory also said while decisions like this are being made there’s still restrictive rules on gun ownership for people who have medical cannabis cards.

“We are asking a grandma, who uses medical cannabis so she can keep food down from cancer treatment, we are asking her to give her right to a gun while also saying these criminals on the street have better access; it just does not make sense to me,” Gregory said.

But it doesn’t necessarily mean that Maryland is now an open carry state, there’s still a process of obtaining a handgun permit for the state.

“There’s three steps to obtaining it, first you have to take a 16 hour class, which we offer at USTASC,” Avnet said. “The second is that you have to get your finger prints taken and three is that you have to complete the online application with the Maryland State Police.”

In a statement, Maryland State Police say their licensing division will continue to investigate and approve those eligible for a wear and carry permit, while ensuring those prohibited by the law are not approved.

They also want to remind everyone that a wear and carry permit is still required before you can legally carry a regulated firearm.

If you have any questions about the rule changes, you can contact USTASC.