Gun laws in Massachusetts regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States.[1][2] These laws are among the most restrictive in the entire country.
On July 25, 2024, Maura Healey, the Governor of Massachusetts, signed An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws (H.4885) described as "the state’s most significant gun safety legislation in a decade."[3][4] Changes per H.4885 were due to go into effect 90 days from the date of signing, on October 23, 2024.[5] However, the governor signed an emergency measure on October 2, 2024, which put the Act into effect on that date.[6] Efforts to suspend the Act for two years, via a citizens' initiative, were ongoing at that time.[7] Some aspects of the Act, such as requiring live-fire training for prospective gun owners, have been delayed by action of the state legislature.[8]
- ^ "State Gun Laws: Massachusetts". National Rifle Association – Institute for Legislative Action. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
- ^ "Massachusetts State Law Summary". Giffords. Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
- ^ "Governor Healey Signs Gun Safety Legislation Cracking Down on Ghost Guns, Strengthening Violence Prevention". mass.gov (Press release). July 25, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ Young, Colin A. (July 25, 2024). "Gov. Healey signs gun law, saying it 'will save lives'". WBUR-FM. State House News Service. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ "H.4885 Timeline". GOAL.org. Gun Owners' Action League. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ Van Buskirk, Chris (October 2, 2024). "Gov. Maura Healey officially implements Mass. gun law after signing emergency language". Boston Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Van Buskirk, Chris (September 20, 2024). "Massachusetts gun law repeal effort has half of necessary signatures to suspend statute". Boston Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Medsger, Matthew (September 24, 2024). "Bay State's new gun license live fire training requirement quietly delayed". Boston Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2024.