Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

NRA Sues Maryland Over Sensitive Places Expansion

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

NRA Sues Maryland Over Sensitive Places Expansion

The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) sued the state of Maryland on Tuesday after an unconstitutional bill was signed making carry illegal in so much of the state that a law-abiding individual cannot effectively carry for self-defense. 

“Here are some sad facts: the mere mention of the word Baltimore invokes an immediate vision of a violent, unsafe city. That's because of the woeful lack of prosecution of violent criminals in the state. It is vital for law-abiding Marylanders to have an effective means of defending themselves and their loved ones. Our laws should burden criminals and aid good, lawful people. It is evident that those in power in Maryland care more for criminals and less for the law-abiding,” said Randy Kozuch, executive director, NRA-ILA.  

Until recently, Maryland laws were so restrictive that less than .19 percent of residents were approved for a permit to carry each year. After the Supreme Court affirmed that the individual right to carry a firearm outside the home for self-defense is protected under the Second Amendment, Maryland deceitfully responded by amending its laws concocting a scheme where law-abiding Marylanders will not be able legally carry anywhere in the state.  
 
The new bill signed into law vastly expand the number of places where carry is prohibited — even for those who have carry permits. Now, it is illegal in Maryland to carry a firearm in state parks and forests, state highway rest areas, state transit facilities, public school properties, state public buildings, property controlled by the Maryland Racing Commission, the Camden Yards Sports Complex, a video lottery facility, a museum operated by the Department of Planning, any public demonstration — including in vehicles within 1,000 feet of the demonstration, areas for children and vulnerable individuals, health care facilities, public infrastructure, locations where alcohol or cannabis is sold for on-site consumption regardless if the individual is consuming those products, stadiums, museums, amusement parks, racetracks, and all private property unless the owner has expressly informed individuals that they are allowed to carry on the property.
 
D.J. Spiker, NRA-ILA Maryland state director, said, “Maryland previously had one of the most restrictive wear and carry permit schemes in the country. Now, in order to carry legally, Marylanders have to go through a process that’s somehow more burdensome, lengthy and expensive to get a permit, yet effectively doesn’t allow them to carry anywhere in the state. The NRA is suing because this is illegal under the U.S. Constitution, but it’s also important to note these laws defy common sense. You know who isn’t going to do all of this to get a permit? And who isn’t going to worry about where it’s legal to carry? Criminals. This law will only prevent law-abiding people from exercising their rights.”
 
The case is captioned Kipke v. Moore. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. NRA’s state affiliate, the Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association, is also a plaintiff to the case.
TRENDING NOW
ATF Proposes Helpful Reforms for Travel with NFA Items

News  

Monday, December 8, 2025

ATF Proposes Helpful Reforms for Travel with NFA Items

Until the National Firearms Act is a relic of the past, every little bit that makes it easier to navigate can surely help. In recent weeks, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) ...

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Monday, November 17, 2025

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Last week the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee.

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Case of Virginia CCW Holder Arrested While Traveling Through Maryland

Thursday, December 11, 2025

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Case of Virginia CCW Holder Arrested While Traveling Through Maryland

The National Rifle Association joined the Second Amendment Foundation, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in filing ...

Latest Anti-Gun Task Force Report Delivers Next Wish List for Michigan Prohibitionists

News  

Monday, December 8, 2025

Latest Anti-Gun Task Force Report Delivers Next Wish List for Michigan Prohibitionists

Joe Biden has been out of office for over 300 days now, but his anti-gun legacy lingers, including in the form of a playbook left behind for anti-liberty governors (hello, Governor Gretchen Whitmer!) to consult. NRA-ILA ...

UK Continues Perilous Slide into 1984 Territory

News  

Monday, December 8, 2025

UK Continues Perilous Slide into 1984 Territory

By now, many of you have probably heard about the British subject (we are not really sure they should be called citizens anymore) who, after visiting the United States and enjoying the firearm freedoms many ...

Third Circuit Grants Rehearing En Banc in NRA-Supported Challenge to New Jersey’s Carry Restrictions

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Third Circuit Grants Rehearing En Banc in NRA-Supported Challenge to New Jersey’s Carry Restrictions

Today, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted rehearing en banc in Siegel v. Platkin, an NRA-supported challenge to New Jersey’s carry restrictions.

The Kids are Alright: Distrust of Mainstream Media Peaks with Gen Z, Alpha

News  

Monday, December 8, 2025

The Kids are Alright: Distrust of Mainstream Media Peaks with Gen Z, Alpha

A few weeks ago, an alert discussed the Gallup organization’s polling that tracks historic changes in the public’s perception of mass media (newspapers, TV, and radio). Since 1972, Gallup has been asking Americans about their “trust and ...

New Jersey: Senate Committee Passes Attack on Garden State Shooting Ranges

Thursday, December 4, 2025

New Jersey: Senate Committee Passes Attack on Garden State Shooting Ranges

On Thursday, December 4, the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee advanced legislation that could potentially weaponize local zoning laws against outdoor shooting ranges. According to the bill statement, “This bill requires a municipality in which ...

New Jersey: Assembly Committee Schedules Gun Control Next Week

Friday, December 12, 2025

New Jersey: Assembly Committee Schedules Gun Control Next Week

On Monday, December 15, the Assembly Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on a couple of gun control bills, promising to gift more coal to Garden State gun owners during the lame duck session. Please contact ...

Ninth Circuit Grants Rehearing En Banc in NRA-Supported Challenge to California’s Ammunition Background Check Requirement

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Ninth Circuit Grants Rehearing En Banc in NRA-Supported Challenge to California’s Ammunition Background Check Requirement

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has granted rehearing en banc in Rhode v. Bonta—a case backed by the National Rifle Association and California Rifle and Pistol Association.

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.