A federal appeals court has struck down Maryland's handgun licensing law, ruling that it is unconstitutionally restrictive. The law, which was passed in 2013, required individuals to obtain a special license before purchasing a handgun, and included requirements such as completing a safety training course, submitting fingerprints, and passing a background check. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel found that the law violated Second Amendment rights and did not align with the country's "historical tradition of firearm regulation." The ruling cited the Supreme Court's Bruen opinion from last year, which expanded Second Amendment rights and required gun laws to meet the historical tradition test. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, expressed disappointment with the ruling and stated that his administration would continue to fight for the law. It is currently unclear whether the Supreme Court would agree with the 4th Circuit panel's decision, as another post-Bruen challenge is currently being decided.