A major Second Amendment battle is heading toward the U.S. Supreme Court as gun rights organizations challenge Maryland’s broad concealed carry restrictions in Novotny v. Moore. The case could become one of the most important firearm rights cases since the landmark Bruen decision.

The lawsuit argues that Maryland’s “sensitive places” laws effectively ban lawful concealed carry in many everyday locations, including public transportation, parks, restaurants, museums, stadiums, healthcare facilities, and entertainment venues. Gun rights advocates claim the restrictions make it nearly impossible for permit holders to legally carry firearms in public.

Following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen ruling, several states expanded location-based firearm restrictions instead of limiting permit access outright. Critics argue these laws undermine the constitutional right to self-defense by turning large portions of public life into gun-free zones.

The petition also highlights growing disagreements among federal courts over how “sensitive places” should be defined under the Second Amendment. Supporters of the challenge believe the Supreme Court may step in to clarify how far states can go when restricting public carry rights.

If the Court agrees to hear the case, the outcome could shape concealed carry laws nationwide and determine whether states can continue expanding public carry bans after Bruen.