Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the filing of an amicus brief supporting Maryland in two consolidated legal challenges, Kipke v. Moore and Novotny v. Moore. These cases question Maryland's restrictions on carrying firearms in sensitive locations. The brief urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to uphold the constitutionality of Maryland’s Gun Safety Act of 2023 and related firearm regulations.

"The fact is, more guns in more places makes us less safe and interferes with the ability of our citizens to live their daily life in peace," said Attorney General Bonta. "In the United States, the heartbreaking tragedy of mass shootings has become all too frequent. As the weight of this trauma grows heavier in our communities, it is imperative that we act, not retreat."

The brief argues that states have the right to implement reasonable measures to protect communities from gun violence without infringing on Second Amendment rights. Maryland’s law prohibits carrying firearms in specific areas such as schools, government buildings, healthcare facilities, and other designated sites.

Additional restrictions include barring firearms on private property without explicit permission and within 1,000 feet of public demonstrations. Exceptions are made for certain individuals like law enforcement officers and those with a public-carry permit under specific conditions.

Attorney General Bonta's action is part of a broader coalition including attorneys general from several states and Washington D.C., emphasizing collective support for sensible gun regulations aimed at enhancing public safety.