Massachusetts Activists Sue Over New Gun Law

The Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) has initiated legal action against Massachusetts' new firearm law, filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on August 1. The organization, alongside six individuals, is suing Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and John E. Mawn, the head of the Massachusetts State Police, claiming that the law imposes unreasonable licensing and training requirements for prospective gun owners. GOAL's director of public policy, Mike Harris, emphasized that the law creates significant barriers for individuals seeking to obtain licenses for purchasing and carrying firearms. The contentious law mandates that the colonel of state police disseminate new regulations regarding firearms safety certificates to the public. However, there is ambiguity surrounding whether individuals will need to complete a new training course, which includes a live-fire requirement, once the law takes effect. This uncertainty has raised concerns among gun owners about the validity of their existing licenses and the potential implications of the new regulations. In addition to the lawsuit, GOAL has filed petitions with Campbell's office to request a referendum aimed at repealing the law. The attorney general is responsible for determining the legality of the referendum, but there is uncertainty about her potential actions. Harris noted that the comprehensive nature of the 116-page law necessitates collaboration with other groups to address its various provisions effectively. The new legislation not only tightens licensing requirements but also expands the list of banned "assault-style firearms" and mandates that all firearms, including those held by federally licensed dealers, be registered with the state.