SAF Takes Maryland to State Supreme Court Over Nonresident Carry Ban
The Second Amendment Foundation petitioned Maryland's highest court to hear a case challenging the state's refusal to recognize nonresident concealed carry permits. The filing attacks Maryland's policy of denying reciprocity to gun owners licensed in other states, even those from jurisdictions with comparable permitting standards. The petition frames the dispute as a constitutional question about interstate gun rights under the Second Amendment.
Key Details
- SAF is asking Maryland's Supreme Court to accept the case for review—a discretionary decision that is not guaranteed.
- Maryland currently does not recognize any out-of-state concealed carry permits, regardless of the issuing state's licensing requirements or reciprocal agreements.
- The challenge hinges on whether Maryland's blanket nonresident permit rejection violates the Second Amendment or interstate commerce principles.
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Maryland residents and visitors face a hard choice: travel unarmed or face felony charges. A gun owner licensed in Virginia, Pennsylvania, or any other state cannot legally carry in Maryland, even if that owner passes a background check and meets Maryland's own standards. This creates a carry dead zone for interstate travel on I-95 and other major routes. If SAF wins, Maryland would be forced to either recognize nonresident permits or explain why it can deny constitutional rights to out-of-state citizens. The decision could pressure other anti-carry states—New York, New Jersey, California—to follow suit or face similar litigation. For daily carriers crossing state lines, this case determines whether you're armed or disarmed by geography alone.
DownRange Analysis
Maryland's nonresident ban is an outlier even among restrictive states. Most no-issue jurisdictions at least maintain reciprocal agreements with select states; Maryland refuses all out-of-state licenses outright. Post-Bruen, this policy becomes harder to defend. The Supreme Court made clear that blanket bans on carry—especially those lacking historical precedent—face strict scrutiny. Maryland will argue public safety and may cite crime rates, but the state can't point to historical carry bans targeting nonresidents. If the Maryland Supreme Court accepts the petition, expect a decision within 12-18 months. This case won't flip Maryland's politics overnight, but a win forces the state's hand on reciprocity and creates precedent for similar challenges in New York and California.
