​Massachusetts Lawmakers Agree to Sweeping New Gun Control Bill

This week, lawmakers in Massachusetts finally agreed on a sweeping new gun control bill. Legislators have been working on the bill since January, and now it looks like they’ve settled on a final version. The new bill may pass into law soon – possibly within the next few days.

New Gun Control Regulations in Massachusetts

The new bill, Amendment S. 2572, covers a lot of ground. Here’s a breakdown of the main points.

“Assault Weapons”

Broadening the definition of “assault weapons” to include most modern sporting rifles. Other types of weapons, like shotguns with a revolving chamber, will now be considered “assault weapons.” The bill also bans any firearms with certain cosmetic features.

“Ghost Guns”

Expands the definition of a firearm to include unfinished frames of a gun. In addition, anyone who builds a firearm without a serial number may face fines up to $12,000 and four years in jail.

Currently, there are no federal laws that prevent a person from building an unserialized firearm for personal use – however, they cannot transfer or sell an unserialized firearm.

The new regulations also specifically outlaw using a 3D printer or CNC machine to make firearms or firearm parts. It also outlaws selling a 3D printer or CNC machine if the device’s primary purpose is to make gun parts.

Red Flag Laws

Healthcare professionals can now petition law enforcement agencies to enact extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), also known as “red flag laws.” Previously, only family members could ask law enforcement to issue these kinds of orders.

Sensitive Places

Individuals can no longer carry weapons in schools, polling places, and government buildings unless they’re members of law enforcement. Lawmakers contend that this is consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling on “sensitive places” in its landmark 2022 NYSRPA v Bruen decision.

Concealed Carry Permits

Increases the amount of training someone would need to receive their concealed carry permit.

Gun Tracking

S 2572 requires state and local police to work with federal agents to track every gun used in a crime. The state will use this data to create a report detailing gun violence in the state every two years. Some federal agencies, like the CDC, are banned from producing these kinds of reports.

“Trigger Activators”

Impose strict penalties for possessing devices that can increase a gun’s rate of fire, like a Glock Switch.

Suing Gun Companies

S 2572 explicitly allows citizens and the state’s Attorney General to sue gun companies for damages.

The Big Picture

We should note that this bill hasn’t technically passed into law yet. However, both Massachusetts’ Senate and House have Democratic majorities. What’s more, the state’s new executive, Governor Maura Healey, is also a staunch Democrat. As a result, this bill is likely to become law as soon as Healey signs it – and it could hit her desk sometime this week.

It’s just in time for the bill's sponsors, Representative Michael Day and Senator Cynthia Creem (both Democrats). The bill needs to be passed by its July 31 deadline in order to become law.

This is pretty much par for the course for Massachusetts. Along with California, Massachusetts has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country. The state has banned “assault weapons,” for decades as well as prohibiting magazines with a capacity higher than 10 rounds. Gun owners even need a license to carry in order to buy ammo in the state.

These developments in Massachusetts are a dark spot in a year that’s seen significant strides for gun rights across much of the country. If you’re reading from Massachusetts, good luck out there – and maybe consider moving to New Hampshire.