A Maryland county has quietly rewritten its gun ordinance after losing a legal battle, but the new rules still keep a controversial 100-yard carry ban near schools, parks, and churches. The move by Montgomery County officials comes as a direct response to a court ruling that struck down the previous version of the law, forcing lawmakers to redraft the measure while preserving its core restrictions. Gun rights advocates say the rewrite is a workaround, while county officials insist the updated ordinance is legally sound and necessary for public safety.

Court Loss Forces Legislative Pivot

The original ordinance was challenged in court by Second Amendment groups, who argued that the 100-yard buffer zones around sensitive locations were overly broad and violated recent Supreme Court precedent. A judge agreed, invalidating the measure and giving county leaders a set deadline to fix the legal defects. Instead of scrapping the proximity limits entirely, the county council opted to revise the language, narrowing some definitions but keeping the same practical effect for gun carriers.

According to local reports, the rewritten ordinance now includes more specific language about what constitutes a school, park, or church property line, and it adds exceptions for individuals who live or work within the restricted zones. However, the core 100-yard restriction remains intact, meaning most licensed carriers will still be prohibited from carrying a firearm within that distance of the listed locations. This has drawn sharp criticism from gun rights groups, who see the revision as a deliberate attempt to circumvent the court's ruling.

What Changed in the New Ordinance

  • Clearer definitions of protected locations, including attached parking lots and playgrounds.
  • New exceptions for residents, employees, and business owners operating inside the buffer zones.
  • Updated signage requirements that mandate visible notices at all restricted property boundaries.
  • Stricter enforcement rules that require a verbal warning before charges are filed, in most cases.

County attorneys argue these changes address the court's concerns about vagueness and overreach while still allowing the county to regulate firearms in sensitive areas. They point to the added exceptions as evidence that the new law is more balanced than its predecessor.

Second Amendment Groups Vow Further Legal Action

Civil rights organizations, including the Second Amendment Foundation and local gun clubs, have already indicated they will challenge the revised ordinance. Their primary argument is that the 100-yard distance is arbitrary and effectively bans lawful carry in large parts of the county, given the density of schools, parks, and churches in the area. They also note that the court loss should have prompted a more substantial change, not a cosmetic rewrite.

One attorney involved in the original lawsuit called the new version "a patch job that ignores the spirit of the ruling." He argued that the county is simply using different words to achieve the same unconstitutional result. The county, however, maintains that the revised law is fully compliant with state and federal court decisions, and that it has taken steps to protect the rights of gun owners while addressing public safety concerns.

Impact on Law-Abiding Gun Owners

For residents of Montgomery County, the practical impact is minimal change. Anyone with a concealed carry permit must still map out routes that avoid the 100-yard buffer zones, which can be challenging in densely populated areas where schools and parks are often located within a few blocks of each other. The new exceptions help a small number of people—those who live or work inside the zones—but most carriers will see no difference in their daily lives.

Local gun shops report that customers are frustrated and confused by the ongoing legal battles. Many had hoped the court loss would lead to a rollback of restrictions, not a re-enactment of the same rules. The county has published a FAQ on its website to explain the changes, but gun rights advocates say the guidance is misleading and designed to downplay the severity of the restrictions.

Legal Precedent and Future Outlook

The Montgomery County case is part of a larger national trend, as municipalities across the country struggle to reconcile local gun laws with the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. That ruling established that gun laws must be consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation, and it has led to the overturning of many restrictive measures. Courts have been divided on how to apply that standard to buffer zones, with some upholding them and others striking them down.

Legal experts say the outcome of the Montgomery County challenge could have implications beyond Maryland. If the new ordinance is also struck down, it could set a precedent that makes it harder for other jurisdictions to enact similar proximity bans. Conversely, if it survives, it could provide a template for other counties looking to maintain restrictions while avoiding legal pitfalls.

What Happens Next

The county has set a date for a public hearing on the revised ordinance, scheduled for later this summer. Gun rights groups are expected to pack the meeting to voice their opposition, while gun control advocates will likely support the measure. After the hearing, the council will vote on final adoption, and any legal challenge would then proceed in federal court. Both sides say they are prepared for a lengthy fight.

In the meantime, Montgomery County law enforcement has been instructed to enforce the new ordinance as written, with a grace period for the first 30 days to allow for public education. Officers have been trained on the new exceptions and signage requirements, and the county has released a mobile-friendly map showing the restricted areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Montgomery County, MD, has rewritten its gun ordinance after a court loss, but kept the 100-yard carry ban near schools, parks, and churches.
  • The revised law adds exceptions for residents, employees, and business owners, but gun rights groups call it a workaround.
  • Further legal challenges are expected, and the case could influence similar buffer zone laws nationwide.
  • County officials say the new ordinance is legally compliant and necessary for public safety.

As the legal battle continues, both sides are watching closely. For now, gun owners in Montgomery County must still navigate the 100-yard restriction, and the future of the law remains uncertain.