From NBC 4 — The state of Maryland is facing off in federal court against gun-rights advocates who aim to block implementation of tough, new firearm restrictions.
The hearing Tuesday morning in Baltimore comes on the same day the law is scheduled to take effect.
The opponents object to the addition of 45 gun types to a list of banned assault weapons. They say that provision, and one limiting magazines to 10 bullets, amount to an unconstitutional ban on commonly used firearms.
They also object to a measure requiring people to be fingerprinted and licensed before buying a handgun. The plaintiffs say that provision will add to a huge backlog of post-purchase background checks and effectively prevent people from buying guns.
The state says the plaintiffs haven’t shown the law will cause irreparable harm.