NRA-ILA | NRA Sues Maryland Over Sensitive Places Expansion

NRA Sues Maryland Over Sensitive Places Expansion

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

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

California Glock Ban Triggers Warning from Trump DOJ

News

Monday, June 29, 2026

California Glock Ban Triggers Warning from Trump DOJ

Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), continues to play offense when it comes to the Trump administration defending the Second Amendment.

Florida Court: Young Adult Carry Ban Reduces the Second Amendment to a “Second-Class Right”

News

Monday, June 29, 2026

Florida Court: Young Adult Carry Ban Reduces the Second Amendment to a “Second-Class Right”

A recent court decision adds Florida to the list of some 14 constitutional (“permitless”) carry states in which adults under the age of 21 may legally carry firearms.

NRA Secures Statewide Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia “Assault Firearm” and Magazine Bans

Legal & Legislation

Monday, June 29, 2026

NRA Secures Statewide Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia “Assault Firearm” and Magazine Bans

In a major victory for the right to keep and bear arms, the Washington Circuit Court today granted a statewide preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of Virginia’s newly enacted “assault firearm” and magazine bans, finding that ...

President Trump Reiterates Support for National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity and NRA

News

Monday, June 29, 2026

President Trump Reiterates Support for National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity and NRA

During remarks to American workers at a Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa. on June 23, President Donald Trump reiterated his support for National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity and NRA.

“Red Flag” Law Claimed to Work Simply Because it is Being Used

News

Monday, June 29, 2026

“Red Flag” Law Claimed to Work Simply Because it is Being Used

According to a recent editorial by an anti-gun spokesman, Florida’s version of a “red flag” law—also known as an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law—is a “success” simply because it is being used.

Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

Quick Links

NRA Sues Maryland Over Sensitive Places Expansion

More Like This From Around The NRA