The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to Hawaii’s law that bars carrying handguns on private property open to the public unless the owner gives express permission [nytimes.com#1][cbsnews.com#5][pbs.org#2]. The case, Wolford v. Lopez, comes after the 9th Circuit upheld the restriction under the Court’s 2022 Bruen framework, and the Trump administration urged the justices to take the case, arguing the law conflicts with that ruling [reason.com#3][pbs.org#2].
Highlights:
- Case accepted: The Court agreed to hear the challenge to Hawaii’s rule that generally forbids guns on private property open to the public without the owner’s permission [nytimes.com#1][cbsnews.com#5][pbs.org#2].
- Case and standard: Wolford v. Lopez tests Hawaii’s policy under the Bruen 'historical tradition' standard after the 9th Circuit found the rule consistent with that test [reason.com#3].
- Administration stance: President Trump’s administration urged review, asserting Hawaii’s rule conflicts with the Court’s 2022 decision recognizing a general right to carry firearms [pbs.org#2][reason.com#3].
- Other states: California is among five states that moved to restrict guns in public places following Bruen, alongside jurisdictions like New York, Maryland, and New Jersey [latimes.com#4][reason.com#3].
- Permission mechanics: Hawaii’s law requires 'unambiguous written or verbal authorization' or 'clear and conspicuous signage' to allow carry on private property open to the public [reason.com#3].
Perspectives:
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit: The rule aligns with historical firearm regulations and reflects owners’ rights to exclude others, including those carrying firearms. (Reason)
- Challengers: They argue the default ban makes licensed carry impractical across much property open to the public. (Reason)
- U.S. administration: The administration says Hawaii’s rule conflicts with the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision protecting public carry. (PBS NewsHour)
Sources:
- Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Hawaii Law Limiting Guns on Private Property – nytimes.com
- Supreme Court will weigh Hawaii’s strict ban on guns on private property – pbs.org
- SCOTUS Will Consider a Challenge to Hawaii's Default Rule Against Guns on Private Property Open to the Public – reason.com
- Supreme Court will decide if gun owners may carry in private places open to the public – latimes.com
- Supreme Court takes up case over Hawaii handgun restrictions – cbsnews.com
