The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down Hawaii’s law restricting concealed carry on private property open to the public, a ruling that immediately threatens similar laws in California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. The 6–3 decision in Wolford v. Lopez is the most significant Second Amendment ruling of the current term and takes effect immediately.

Today’s Headlines

• SCOTUS — Wolford v. Lopez (6–3): The Court struck down Hawaii’s law making it a crime to carry a firearm onto private property open to the public without specific owner consent, holding it violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms in daily life. Similar laws in California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland are now directly vulnerable. Source: scotusblog.com
• SCOTUS — United States v. Hemani (9–0): The Court held that automatically disarming anyone who regularly uses marijuana under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) is too broad; the government must show the individual is actually dangerous. The law was not struck down entirely. Source: scotusblog.com
• ATF NPRM — Form 4473 and NICS Overhaul: ATF is proposing significant changes to the firearms transaction record process, including doubling the NICS transaction timeframe, allowing electronic forms, and tightening CCW permit exemption standards. Public comments are open through August 6, 2026. Source: federalregister.gov
• ATF Final Rule — FFL eZ Check Verification: Starting August 4, 2026, FFLs transferring firearms to another FFL may verify the recipient’s license through ATF’s eZ Check system using only the FFL number, eliminating the need for a certified license copy. Source: federalregister.gov
• Colorado SB25-003 — Semiautomatic Permit-to-Purchase Law: Colorado’s sweeping semiautomatic firearms law takes effect August 1, 2026, covering most semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and gas-operated handguns with detachable magazines. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits challenging related provisions, and litigation is active. Source: leg.colorado.gov

What This Means for Gun Owners

The Wolford ruling directly affects concealed carry permit holders in Hawaii and signals likely legal challenges to similar statutes in California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland — residents in those states should monitor developments in their state courts. The Hemani decision means federal prosecutors can no longer treat marijuana use alone as automatic grounds to bar gun possession, though the law itself remains on the books with a narrower application. Colorado gun owners and dealers should prepare now for the August 1 permit-to-purchase requirements, even as litigation continues. FFLs nationwide should familiarize themselves with the eZ Check verification process ahead of its August 4 effective date.

Key Dates to Watch

• August 1, 2026: Colorado SB25-003 semiautomatic permit-to-purchase law takes effect.
• August 4, 2026: ATF FFL eZ Check direct final rule becomes effective.
• August 4, 2026: Comment period closes — ATF NPRM on interstate firearm transportation.
• August 6, 2026: Comment period closes — ATF NPRM on Form 4473 and NICS overhaul.

Sources

• scotusblog.com — Wolford v. Lopez
• scotusblog.com — United States v. Hemani
• federalregister.gov — Form 4473 NPRM
• federalregister.gov — FFL eZ Check Final Rule
• leg.colorado.gov — Colorado SB25-003

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