Massachusetts Enacts Comprehensive Gun Legislation Following Supreme Court Ruling

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has signed a significant gun bill aimed at enhancing the state's existing firearm regulations while addressing concerns raised by a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming the right to carry firearms for self-defense. The new law introduces stricter measures against "ghost guns," which are privately made and untraceable firearms, and expands the state's extreme risk protective order law, allowing healthcare professionals to petition for the suspension of gun rights for individuals in crisis. The legislation also imposes strict restrictions on firearm possession in sensitive locations, including schools and government buildings, and establishes severe penalties for the use of modification devices that can convert legal firearms into fully automatic weapons. Governor Healey emphasized the importance of the law in maintaining public safety, stating that it aims to prevent firearms from falling into dangerous hands while addressing the root causes of violence in communities. In addition to these measures, the law empowers district attorneys to prosecute individuals who discharge firearms near residential areas and ensures that those under harassment prevention orders cannot access firearms. The legislation also prohibits the possession, transfer, or sale of "assault-style" firearms and large-capacity magazines, while limiting machine gun licenses to firearms instructors and bona fide collectors. Gun rights advocates have expressed concerns over the legislative process, criticizing the Massachusetts Senate for not holding a separate public hearing to address differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. The law reflects Massachusetts' commitment to maintaining strong gun control measures in the wake of recent judicial decisions.