Massachusetts Gun Laws
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
A Decade of Change: An Updated Overview of Massachusetts’ Gun Laws and Regulations Timeline (2013–2023)
Over the past ten years, Massachusetts’ gun laws have undergone significant changes, reflecting the state’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership and public safety. From background checks to firearm storage, these developments aim to strike a balance between Second Amendment rights and community security. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key advancements in Massachusetts’ gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023:
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- 2013 — Firearm Purchase Background Checks : Massachusetts enacts stringent laws requiring background checks for all firearm purchases, including private sales and transactions at gun shows.
- 2014 — Enhanced Reporting of Mental Health Records : Massachusetts improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.
- 2015 — Assault Weapon Ban Strengthening : Legislation is introduced to further enhance Massachusetts’ existing ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, with a focus on community safety.
- 2016 — Firearm Storage Mandate : Massachusetts introduces regulations mandating secure firearm storage to prevent unauthorized access, particularly in households with minors.
- 2017 — Ammunition Purchase Restrictions : Legislation is enacted to regulate ammunition sales, requiring individuals to obtain a firearms identification card to purchase ammunition.
- 2018 — “Red Flag” Law Enactment : Massachusetts implements “red flag” laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to seek temporary firearm removal for individuals showing signs of danger.
- 2019 — Enhanced Background Checks for All Firearm Transfers : The state further tightens the background check process for all firearm transfers, ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of potential buyers.
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- 2020 — Firearm Purchase Waiting Period Extension : Massachusetts extends the mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases, providing additional time for background checks and evaluations.
- 2021 — Enhanced Penalties for Gun Crimes : Legislation is introduced to impose stricter penalties for individuals convicted of gun-related crimes, aiming to deter illegal firearm use.
- 2022 — Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms : Massachusetts introduces regulations requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement, aiming to prevent potential diversion to illegal markets.
- 2022 — Firearm Training Requirements for Concealed Carry : Proposed legislation aims to enhance firearm training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and firearm handling skills.
- 2023 — School Safety Legislation : Massachusetts explores legislation to enhance school safety by permitting certain school staff to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, subject to proper training.
- 2023 — “Red Flag” Law Review : Massachusetts reviews its “red flag” laws to assess their effectiveness and consider potential refinements in implementation.
- 2023 — Enhanced Reporting of Mental Health Records : Massachusetts continues to enhance the reporting of mental health records to NICS to ensure the prevention of firearm access by prohibited individuals.
Massachusetts’ gun laws have evolved significantly over the past decade, reflecting the state’s dedication to responsible firearm ownership and community safety. From background check enhancements to discussions on “red flag” laws and the strengthening of assault weapon bans, these changes underscore Massachusetts’ proactive approach to firearm regulation. As the state continues to adapt its laws, it remains crucial for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that balance individual rights with the security of the community.
Comparatively speaking, gun control in Massachusetts is among the most comprehensive and strict. Percentage-wise (population divided by murders), violent crimes in Massachusetts are among the lowest in the nation. Similar to Maryland, Massachusetts gun laws are strong regarding permits and restrictions on dealers, but lack comprehensive background checks for prospective purchasers. The permit and license requirements are incredibly complex and must be analyzed in depth.
Gun control in Massachusetts is strong because of the requirements necessary to purchase a license and permit. Fingerprinting, safety training, testing, waiting periods, and law enforcement are involved in the process of obtaining a permit. Permits are required to both purchase and carry all classes of firearms in the state. Procedures revolving around licenses are much more complex.
There are a total of five licenses one can receive in Massachusetts:
- RFID (Restricted License) : Only permits the individual to carry mace or pepper spray.
- FID (Firearms Identification Card) : Allows only long rifles, mace, and pepper spray.
- Class B License : Permits the purchase of long rifles and handguns with small chambers (no more than 10 rounds). Concealment of weapons is not allowed with a Class B license.
- Class A License : Allows an individual to purchase any legal firearm in the state of Massachusetts with concealment privileges granted.
- Automatic Weapons License : Issued only to law enforcement personnel.
A license of ownership must be present at the time of application or purchase. Class A and B carrying licenses take 30 days to process and require the individual to be at least 21 years of age. All weapons and firearms licenses require applications, fees, interviews, and fingerprints to be conducted at the jurisdiction’s local police department. The integration of law enforcement in the license process makes Massachusetts gun control unique and rigorous.
Massachusetts gun laws are perhaps most rigorous for gun dealers. To curb firearm trafficking and the sale of illegal firearms, the state has adopted the harshest laws for gun stores in the nation. The stricter the laws are for the supplier, the harder it is for the buyer to purchase. A simple equation, a dealer must be licensed, keep records, communicate with the state, allow police inspections, and follow numerous security precautions to be considered a legally licensed dealer.
