In December, Mr. Hogan was asked by a caller during an appearance on WBAL-AM's C4 show whether he would loosen the restrictions on the issuance of concealed-carry permits for handguns. Maryland not only requires applicants to pass a background check but also that they demonstrate a "good and substantial" reason for carrying a weapon outside the home. Mr. Hogan said his goal was to make it harder for criminals and the mentally ill to possess handguns but easier for everyone else. He bragged that 95 percent of those who applied to the state police for concealed-carry permits were getting them (others questioned that statistic) but lamented that while his administration was "trying to do what we can to make improvements," he was constrained by the legislature. "The law is the law," he said.