Massachusetts Governor Expedites Gun-Control Law Implementation
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has employed an emergency preamble to hasten the implementation of the state's comprehensive gun control bill. This move effectively stops the ongoing attempt by gun rights activists to delay its impact.
The law, H.4885, was initially set to take effect on Oct. 23, 90 days after Healey endorsed the bill in July. However, her decision to sign the emergency preamble means the law is now in effect.
Emergency Preamble and Its Implications
Governors in Massachusetts have the power to issue an emergency preamble to speed up legislation when the immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety, or convenience is considered necessary.
The swift enactment of the law has been lauded by gun control groups but sharply criticized by gun rights advocates, who had hoped to gather enough signatures to delay its implementation until a potential 2026 referendum.
Details of the New Gun Control Law
H.4885 expands Massachusetts' already strict gun regulations, partly in response to the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which affirmed an individual's right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.
The expedited law includes provisions banning untraceable "ghost guns," expanding restrictions on "assault-style" firearms and large-capacity magazines, and tightening the state's "red flag" rules. It also mandates that firearm license applicants pass a standardized safety exam and complete live-fire training, while also providing mental health information to local licensing authorities.
Reactions to the Law
The decision to fast-track the law has been met with swift criticism from gun rights organizations. Tody Leary, owner of Cape Cod Gun Works and a leader of the grassroots Civil Rights Coalition, accused Healey of bypassing the democratic process.
Leary claimed that the Civil Rights Coalition was on track to collect the 49,716 signatures required to suspend the law and place it on the 2026 ballot, adding that Healey’s emergency order circumvented that effort.
Jim Wallace, executive director of the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL), expressed similar frustrations, with the group issuing a statement denouncing the law as a “historic attack on our civil rights.”
In contrast, Healey’s decision was applauded by the Massachusetts chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, part of the Everytown for Gun Safety network.
Impact of the Law
The law's passage marks the culmination of nearly a year of efforts by gun control advocates to respond to Bruen and tighten the state's already strict regulations. In addition to banning ghost guns and "assault"-style firearms, the law prohibits firearms at schools, polling places, and government buildings and increases penalties for shootings near residential areas.
Bottom Line
The decision by the Massachusetts Governor to fast-track the implementation of a comprehensive gun control law has sparked a heated debate. While gun control groups applaud the move, gun rights advocates argue that it bypasses the democratic process. The law's impact on public safety and the rights of gun owners will likely be closely watched. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
