Gun Violence Prevention Groups Applaud Introduction of Critical Gun Safety Package in Massachusetts

Boston, MA — Today, in advance of a legislative hearing, GIFFORDS, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action – part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, Brady, and Stop Handgun Violence issued the following statements applauding  the introduction of comprehensive gun safety legislation titled An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws by the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary Michael Day. 

The measure will take forward-thinking steps to ensure people carrying guns in public receive rigorous safety training, update Massachusetts’ assault weapons prohibition and ensure that it is enforced, prohibit ghost guns, keep guns out of sensitive public spaces including schools and government buildings, promote innovative and emerging gun safety technologies, and more. 

“Massachusetts has one of the lowest gun death rates in the country, but must address growing problems like ghost guns and last year’s Supreme Court decision. This package of gun safety bills will not only address these new issues but also strengthen Massachusetts’ existing laws. GIFFORDS applauds Chairman Day for introducing this critical legislation and we urge the legislature to quickly pass it.”

“Massachusetts communities continue to be traumatized by gun violence, and we have too many families in the Commonwealth grieving the loss of loved ones. Gun violence is an incredibly complex issue, one that requires a comprehensive and multilayered response. This bill provides just that, strengthening a variety of policies along with tackling new issues that need immediate attention. We are grateful to Chair Day for his work on this legislation and look forward to working with our state leaders to ensure its passage.”

“Reducing gun violence requires a comprehensive approach, and this package of bills contains numerous policies that will ensure that Massachusetts families are better protected. In particular, designating government buildings, polling places and schools as sensitive places and expanding dealer oversight will help stop the cycle of violence and prevent gun violence before it begins. We applaud Chairman Day for introducing this life-saving legislation.”

“Our Commonwealth has led by example, demonstrating strong gun laws work and save lives– but as guns continue to be the leading cause of death among children and teens in the country we must do more to address the gun violence crisis. This comprehensive bill equips Massachusetts with the tools and resources necessary to save lives before tragedy strikes. We strongly support this important bill and are grateful to Chairman Day and Speaker Mariano for their steadfast leadership in the fight against gun violence. We urge Representatives to join us in support and bring it to the House floor for a vote.”  

“As promised, House Speaker Mariano and Representative Day have taken action to renew the omnibus gun safety bill. By closing dangerous loopholes, this legislation will help keep guns out of the hands of people who are legally prohibited from buying firearms. These bills will absolutely save lives and endless grief without any inconvenience to law-abiding gun owners like me. They will also continue to make  Massachusetts the safest state with the most effective gun violence prevention laws and lowest gun death rate in the nation.”

• Improve firearm dealer inspections by requiring the Massachusetts State Police to conduct inspections of local gun dealers.
• Strengthen Massachusetts’s assault weapons prohibition by expanding it to cover more firearms and facilitate the enforcement of the prohibition.
• Raise the age for possession of a semi-automatic long gun (rifle or shotgun) to 21.
• Expands current prohibitions on devices that increase the rate of fire of semi-automatic firearms. 
• Create a special legislative commission to examine the funding structure for community-based violence prevention services in the Commonwealth, ensuring that it is both impactful and equitable.
• Direct the Department of Criminal Justice Services (CJIS) to collect and analyze a wider range of data on firearms and firearm crimes, and regularly make that data available to the public. 
• Address the growing problem of ghost guns by requiring all firearms manufactured, assembled, possessed, purchased, or transferred into Massachusetts to be serialized, so law enforcement can trace them if they are used to commit a crime. 
• Strengthen the state’s concealed carry laws in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.
• Strengthen the existing extreme risk protection order law to include by expanding the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include licensed healthcare providers, school administrators, and employers.
• Establish a commission to study and report on the feasibility of microstamping and smart gun technology, with a report due in September of 2024.

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