The Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling in Wolford v. Lopez strikes down Hawaii’s “default-deny” concealed carry law, immediately affecting five states. Combined with last week’s unanimous Hemani ruling limiting the federal drug-user gun ban, this has been the most consequential week for Second Amendment law since Bruen in 2022.

Today’s Headlines

• SCOTUS — Concealed Carry on Private Property (Wolford v. Lopez): In a 6–3 ruling issued June 25, the Court struck down Hawaii’s law requiring affirmative property-owner consent before a licensed carrier could bring a firearm onto private property open to the public. The default rule now mirrors 45 other states: carry is permitted unless the property owner posts otherwise. California, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have substantially similar laws now under immediate legal pressure. Source: scotusblog.com
• SCOTUS — Federal Drug-User Gun Ban Narrowed (United States v. Hemani): A unanimous Court ruled June 18 that automatic, status-based prosecution of marijuana users under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) violates the Second Amendment; case-by-case prosecutions tied to demonstrated dangerousness may still proceed. Source: cnbc.com
• Rhode Island — Assault Weapons Transfer Ban (July 1): Rhode Island’s ban on the sale and transfer of defined military-style semi-automatic firearms takes effect in three days. Existing owners may keep their firearms but may only sell to licensed dealers or out-of-state buyers who can lawfully possess them. Source: governor.ri.gov
• Colorado — Semi-Automatic Firearms Ban (August 1): Colorado’s SB25-003 prohibits the sale, transfer, or purchase of broadly defined semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and gas-operated handguns with detachable magazines beginning August 1, 2026. Transfers to out-of-state residents and licensed dealers are among the limited exceptions. Source: leg.colorado.gov

What This Means for Gun Owners

Licensed carriers in Hawaii, California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland should monitor local guidance, as Wolford takes effect immediately but enforcement transitions may vary by jurisdiction. The Hemani ruling does not eliminate the federal drug-user prohibition — it narrows how it is applied, and ATF’s related proposed rule on the “unlawful user” definition closes for public comment June 30. Gun owners and FFLs in Rhode Island and Colorado face hard transfer deadlines within the next five weeks; transfers of affected firearms out of state or to licensed dealers remain available options under both laws.

Key Dates to Watch

• June 30, 2026: ATF comment period closes — “Unlawful User of Controlled Substance” redefinition (directly affected by Hemani)
• July 1, 2026: Rhode Island assault weapons sale and transfer ban takes effect
• August 1, 2026: Colorado semi-automatic firearms ban takes effect
• August 4, 2026: ATF FFL eZ Check rule becomes effective; FOPA interstate transport NPRM comment period closes
• August 6, 2026: ATF Form 4473 and NICS overhaul NPRM comment period closes

Sources

• scotusblog.com — Wolford v. Lopez Coverage
• cnbc.com — United States v. Hemani
• governor.ri.gov — Rhode Island Assault Weapons Law
• leg.colorado.gov — Colorado SB25-003

This brief is updated daily. Read past briefs.