Gun laws in Massachusetts
On July 25, 2024, Maura Healey, the Governor of Massachusetts, signed An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws (H.4885) described as "the state’s most significant gun safety legislation in a decade.
[7] Some aspects of the Act, such as requiring live-fire training for prospective gun owners, have been delayed by action of the state legislature.
All applications, interviews, fees, and fingerprinting are done at the local police department then sent electronically to the Massachusetts Criminal History Board for the mandatory background checks and processing.
Non-citizens who reside in Massachusetts can apply for a "permit to possess non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns pursuant M.G.L.
The applicants must receive firearms education at the FID or LTC-level and pass a 20-fingerprint FBI background check and interview.
The non-citizens permit allows the possession of non-high capacity (10 rounds or less) shotguns, rifles, and ammunition.
State regulations provide a presumption that holders of federal curios and relics collector licenses (FFL03) meet this definition.
[12] As of June 2024[update], the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has published several rosters, which are updated periodically:[10] Roster additions, which must pass state-define testing by one of several state-approved independent laboratories, are periodically recommended by the Gun Control Advisory Board (GCAB).
[10] Assault weapons are defined (with no exceptions, except pre-1994 models) as: (i) Avtomat Kalashnikov (AK) (all models); Action Arms Israeli Military Industries Uzi and Galil; Beretta Ar70 (SC-70); Colt AR-15; Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR and FNC; SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9 and M-12; Steyr AUG; Intratec TEC-9, TEC-DC9, TEC-22; and revolving-cylinder shotguns including the Street Sweeper and the Striker 12.
"[22] In the event a license is revoked for any reason, law enforcement will confiscate all firearms and store them for one year before destroying or selling them unless the revoked licensee transfers ownership to a properly licensed party who then claims the firearms.
Within a short time, the firearms are then sold by the storage facility to pay costs, the police department receiving some money in return.
Efforts to sue police departments for damages have been rejected by the courts there is no private right of action under Massachusetts General Laws ch.
[25] A license (such as an LTC or FID) is not required to possess "so-called black powder rifles, shotguns, and ammunition therefor", such as a muzzleloader.
