Maryland Wear and Carry

Registration closed. 

I was excited about Maryland ‘s changes to their concealed carry restrictions.  Last June, after the Supreme Court struck down New York’s concealed carry restrictions as Unconstitutional, Maryland recognized that their very similar restrictions were also Unconstitutional.  Accordingly, they became a “shall issue” state and began issuing permits.  Unfortunately, on April 11^th, Maryland Governor Moore  signed Senate Bill 1 putting in place sweeping restrictions on concealed carry.  The Maryland approach is like New York’s newest attempts to deny civil rights to Americans.  I had been looking forward to being able to assist people in obtaining a Maryland permit by offering the requisite training.  A quick look at Maryland’s new restrictions convinces me that Maryland ‘s efforts are blatantly Unconstitutional and the state will ultimately lose in court with a decision that they may not continue their Unconstitutional actions.  Until that time, I’ve taken the Maryland Wear and Carry permit class off the schedule.

Maryland’s new law makes private property a gun free zone unless the property owner states otherwise, firearms are banned in numerous public places, it WAIVES ANY PRIVACY RIGHTS TO APPLICANTS PERSONAL INFORMATION and it reinstitutes their requirement for a “good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun.  Their law is doomed.  But, it’s going to take time to work through the system.  On the positive side, more and more states are becoming “Constitutional carry” recognizing the legal right to carry a firearm, either concealed or openly, without a permit or license.  But, states like Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Hawaii are only likely to go that route kicking and screaming.

I know a fair number of people were eagerly anticipating obtaining their Maryland permit.  Sorry to take the Maryland class off the schedule.    For now, I just don’t see any point in people going to the trouble and expense.  I don’t want to take your money if the class won’t do you any good.  Additionally, you probably don’t want Maryland to release your personal information to the general public.

It won’t help with the strongly prohibitionist states such as Maryland, New York and Illinois, but, in addition to being a Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor, I’m also certified as a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit Instructor.   A PA permit allows you to carry in thirty one states (fourteen of those with some restrictions).  Obtaining a Utah permit in addition to a PA permit adds Indiana, Nevada, Nebraska, Washington and  Delaware (also with some restrictions)  to the list.  Please let me know if you are interested in attending the Utah class.