The proposed gun law contains a number of important statutes for cracking down on gun ownership in the state, and was overwhelmingly voted in by the Massachusetts House.
The bill, of which parts were described by an opposition negotiator as “not objectionable to anyone,” now awaits the final approval of Governor Maura Healey.
Massachusetts Setting An Example
The vote was applauded by the group Students Demand Action after it was passed on Thursday, who were pleased to see more action taken on gun violence.
A volunteer leader at the Boston University chapter of the organization said: “Massachusetts is setting an example for the rest of the country. We’re showing that even with existing gun safety laws, there’s always more action we can take to save lives.”
Void of Republican Support
The bill passed comfortably but without a shred of cross-party support, as not a single Republican voted in favor of the bill.
It made it through the House with 124 votes for and 33 against and, subsequently, the Senate by 35 to 5.
Recent Gun Deaths in Massachusetts
Supporters of the bill point out the large number of gun deaths that the state has faced only in the past few weeks.
Representative Michael Day, a negotiator in favor of the bill, says: “I have heard some critics of this legislation say that it’s unnecessary … Well, here is a problem: Since June one alone – June one – here in Massachusetts there have been 14 deaths from gun violence.”
Gun Deaths Across the US
Day also points out that, in the same period, the US has faced dozens of mass shootings and says that “we don’t have to live this way.”
He says that, since June 1, “there have been 107 mass shootings, injuring 576 people and killing 103 people in the United States … there’s your problem.”
Package of Bill Unpalatable to Opposition
Opponents agree on some aspects of the bill, with Representative Joseph McKenna describing such issues as “intoxicated firearm carry” as “not objectionable to anyone.”
However, he questions the package as a whole and whether the bill would have, in practice, led to the prevention of the deaths cited by Day.
Uniquely American Issue
Proponents of the bill also pointed out that gun violence is a problem unique to the US.
Day says: “Gun violence is anathema to a civil society, but it continues to uniquely plague us here in America.”
Proposed Package
Aside from crackdowns on carrying while intoxicated, the bill includes tools to combat untraceable ‘ghost’ guns and the expansion of gun-free zones.
It would expand the ‘red flag’ law, brought through in 2018, to allow professionals to remove guns temporarily from people considered a threat to others or themselves.
Question of Effect
McKenna sympathized with the emotional argument brought forward by Day, who had read out the names of those killed by gun violence in Massachusetts since June 1.
However, he questioned the effectiveness of the proposed bill. “I certainly express remorse and sadness for those lives lost. But I must ask the gentleman, which section of this bill before us would have saved those lives?”
Strict Gun Laws Already in Place
McKenna pointed out that the Commonwealth already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country.
He disagreed that the suite of measures was necessary, calling the final proposed bill “a solution in search of a problem.”
Federal Assault Weapons Ban
Congress reintroduced a federal assault weapons ban in 2024. The bill aims to prohibit the sale, manufacture, and import of certain semi-automatic firearms.
It builds upon the 1994-2004 ban, which studies suggest reduced mass shooting fatalities. Proponents argue it could decrease gun violence, while opponents cite Second Amendment concerns.
Universal Background Checks Implemented
The US enacted universal background checks for all firearm sales in 2024. This law closes the “gun show loophole” that previously allowed some private sales without checks.
It expands on the 1993 Brady Act, which mandated federal background checks for licensed dealer sales. Studies estimate this could prevent up to 1,100 gun deaths annually.
Red Flag Laws Expand
By 2024, 37 states have adopted red flag laws. These laws allow temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a risk.
Since Indiana’s first red flag law in 2005, research shows a 7.5% reduction in firearm suicides. Federal incentives have encouraged more states to adopt these measures.
Safe Storage Laws Strengthen
More states enact strict safe storage laws in 2024. These laws mandate secure firearm storage to prevent unauthorized access.
They aim to reduce the 4.6 million children living in homes with unlocked, loaded guns. Studies show such laws can reduce youth firearm injuries and deaths by up to 54%.
Ghost Gun Regulations Tighten
Federal regulations on “ghost guns” become stricter in 2024. These rules aim to curb the proliferation of untraceable, homemade firearms.
From 2016 to 2021, over 45,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement. The new regulations require serial numbers and background checks for ghost gun kits and parts.
