Reader question, asked March 2025
Short answer: Courts have generally said reasonable licensing is allowed. They’ve also warned that excessive fees or delays can cross the line.
The details
- In NY State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen (2022), the Supreme Court said shall-issue permit systems with background checks and training are generally fine. A footnote added that exorbitant fees or long waits could still be challenged.
- Courts usually allow fees that cover the actual cost of running a program. A fee that works as a tax on exercising the right is treated differently.
- The argument against: High fees, required courses and psych evaluations add up, and they shut out lower-income people who may need protection the most.
- The argument for: Training and vetting improve safety, and the fees just cover what the program costs to run.
- Fee and training challenges are still being decided case by case, and the rules vary a lot from state to state.
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