In multiple counts, the suit alleges that the ordinance is an impermissible "general law" under the State Constitution and is inconsistent with and preempted by multiple State statutes. The suit also attacks the vague requirements as a violation of the Due Process Clause of the Maryland Constitution. The Plaintiffs are seeking declaratory judgment and an injunction against the enforcement of the ordinance. Citizens have a Second Amendment right to acquire firearms and dealers have the ancillary Second Amendment right to sell them. The Anne Arundel ordinance would drive up dealer costs and hamper the exercise of both those rights. Read the Amended Complaint HERE
In the hearing prior to the passage of the bill, one of the Council Members pointed out that the Bill was going beyond what state law allows. His concerns were dismissed. So too was testimony and feedback provided by dealers who were contacted by members of the Council. The bill passed by a vote of 4-3.
We are pleased that these dealers have decided to fight this ordinance. It is never easy for any small business to fight City Hall and these dealers are to be congratulated for their willingness to do so. The dealers are:
Field Traders, LLC, a firearms dealer and manufacturer located in Pasadena, Maryland.
https://fieldtraders.com/
Cindy's Hot Shots, Inc., a shooting range and firearms dealer located in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
https://www.cindyshotshots.com/
Pasadena Arms, Inc., a firearms dealer located in Pasadena, Maryland.
http://pasadenaarmsllc.com/
Worth-A-Shot, Inc., a firearms dealer located in Millersville, Maryland
https://worth-a-shot.com/
Litigation is never cheap or easy so we rely on YOUR support in order to defend your rights. Don't be a free-rider -- donate to MSI or join us today.
Maryland Shall Issue®, Inc. (MSI) is a Section 504(c)(4), all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of gun owners' rights in Maryland. It seeks to educate the community about the right of self-protection, the safe handling of firearms, and the responsibility that goes with carrying a firearm in public.
Case Documents and History
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, MD Case# C-02-CV-22-000217
2/7/22 - Complaint / Petition
2/8/22 - Summons Issued
2/9/22 - Affidavit - Service
2/11/22 - Scheduling Order
2/11/22 - Order - Mediation
2/11/22 - Amended Complaint / Petition
3/1/22 - Defendant's Consent Motion to Extend Time to Respond to Amended Complaint
3/4/22 - Order - Defendant's Motion to Extend Time is GRANTED.
3/21/22 - Defendant's Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Defendant’s Motion To Dismiss Or Alternatively For Summary Judgment
3/21/22 - Defendant's Motion To Dismiss Or Alternatively, For Summary Judgment
4/4/22 - Opposition Of Plaintiffs To Defendant’s Motion To Dismiss And For Summary Judgment And Memorandum In Support Of Plaintiff’s Motion For Summary Judgment And Alternative Motion For A Preliminary Injunction
4/4/22 - Plaintiffs’ Motion For Summary Judgment And Alternative Motion For A Preliminary Injunction
4/4/22 - Plaintiffs’ Motion For Expedited Hearing and Decision
4/28/22 - Supplemental Memo Re: House Bill 1021
4/28/22 - Order Granting Motion for Expedited Hearing and Decision
5/6/22 - Scheduling Order Setting Hearing on Preliminary Injunction for 8/29/2022 at 1:30p
5/10/22 - Plaintiffs' Motion for Emergency Hearing and for Clarification
5/17/22 - Plaintiffs' Notice of Supplemental Authorities
5/17/22 - Directive on May 24th Hearing
5/24/22 - Hearing Held
5/24/22 - Anne Arundel County's Proposed Amendments to Bill 109-21
5/26/22 - Order - Hearing signed as Order of Court regarding Case continued to July 11, 2022 at 9 am
6/21/22 - Anne Arundel County Council Introduces Bill 70-22
6/24/22 - ORDERED that the Motion for Clarification is DENIED AS MOOT
6/25/22 - Plaintiffs' Supplemental Memorandum On Mootness
6/25/22 - Defendant's Draft of Proposed Amendments to Bill 109-21 as submitted by County Counsel on May 24, 2022
6/25/22 - Defendant's Supporting Exhibit Bill 70-22, as submitted on June 21, 2022 to County Council
7/6/22 - Defendant's Motion / Request - To Continue / Postpone
7/6/22 - Plaintiffs' Opposition To Defendant's Motion For A Continuance Of The July 11, 2022, Hearing
7/8/22 - Defendant's Memorandum of Law Regarding Mootness
7/8/22 - ORDERED that the Defendant's Motion to Postpone Motions Hearing is hereby GRANTED; The Motions hearing will be held on August 4, 2022 at 9:00 am.
7/14/22 - Plaintiffs' Submission of Supplemental Authorities
7/18/22 - Anne Arundel County Council Passes Bill 70-22, suspending enforcement of Bill 109's provisions
8/4/22 - Motions Hearing Held
8/4/22 - Case Ordered Dismissed as Moot
