Federal Appeals Court Overturns Maryland Handgun Licensing Law

Federal judges overturned a Maryland gun-control law, saying the handgun licensing statute violated the Second Amendment. According to the Washington Post on November 21, the panel voted “2-1 to block Maryland’s enforcement of a key part of a 2013 law that was passed by Democratic legislators after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.” That portion required handgun buyers to obtain a “handgun qualification license” from Maryland officials and wait up to 30 days for approval.

Advisory Board: Regulate Kansas Massage Therapy to Combat Human Trafficking

Members of the Human Trafficking Advisory Board recommended that Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach regulate massage therapists. According to the Topeka Capital-Journal on November 26, the American Massage Therapy Association testified that 46 states regulate massage therapy, with one more offering voluntary certification; only Kansas, Minnesota and Wyoming provide no form of regulation. Debra Persinger, executive director of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, told the advisory board, “we do not currently have statewide regulation in Kansas. We’re hopeful to have that so we can make an impact statewide and get control of this, because it is happening in Kansas.”

Idaho Ranking: State Occupational Licensing Index

The 2023 State Occupational Licensing Index ranks Idaho 28th nationally—with 1st the most burdensome. Idaho makes it illegal to work in 178 of the 331 occupations examined. Of the 178 occupations that Idaho establishes minimum entry requirements to start working, 13 of those require licensure in 20 states or fewer nationally. Idaho remains one of five states to issue a separate license for landscape architects in training and one of eight states to license septic tank cleaners, according to the Knee Regulatory Research Center.

More State Regulatory News

Mont. License Fees for Teachers Slated to Increase

Mich. Health Dept. Creates 100 New Placements for Kids in Juvenile Justice System

NASCIO Outlines Importance of Digital Accessibility Coordinator Role in State Government

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