Massachusetts House approves significant gun reform, targets ‘ghost’ guns.

The Massachusetts House Passes Major Gun Bill to Strengthen Gun Laws and Combat “Ghost” Guns

The Massachusetts House of Representatives ​made a significant⁢ move on Wednesday ​by passing‌ a comprehensive gun bill aimed at tightening existing gun laws and cracking down on unregistered‌ “ghost” guns. ⁢This 125-page bill, which received a resounding 120-38 vote in favor, was a top priority for Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano, especially⁣ after ⁤the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing US​ citizens ⁤to carry firearms ​in public for ⁤self-defense.

Addressing Key Issues

The newly approved legislation encompasses various crucial measures. It includes a ban on firing guns near or ‍at residential properties and prohibits carrying firearms while under the influence⁤ of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, if ‌approved by the state⁢ Senate, the bill would make it⁤ illegal ⁤to ‌carry firearms at schools, polling places, and ⁣government buildings. It’s worth noting that the state Senate has yet to release its own version of the bill.

The ‌bill also expands ‍Massachusetts’ existing ban⁢ on​ assault weapons ‍by⁢ prohibiting the purchase of AR-15-style firearms. Furthermore, it aims to prevent individuals from converting legal firearms ​into illegal automatic weapons, as⁢ reported by the Associated ⁤Press.

Building on Success

Massachusetts already boasts the lowest gun death rate in the nation,⁣ with only ‌3.4⁣ deaths per 100,000 people in 2021. In contrast,‍ Mississippi has the highest rate at 33.9 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and⁤ Prevention.

While opponents argue that the legislation unfairly targets law-abiding ‌gun owners instead of criminals, ⁤supporters​ believe it ​introduces common-sense measures such ‌as training requirements and restrictions on where firearms can be ⁤carried.

“We firmly‌ believe that ⁣if you ​hold⁤ a gun ‌license, you should ​undergo live fire training, similar to how we ‍require driver’s⁤ education before allowing someone to drive a car. We don’t simply hand over the keys and walk away,” ⁢emphasized Jennifer Robinson, representing the Massachusetts chapter‌ of Moms Demand Action⁤ for Gun Sense in America.

Next Steps

The bill will ​now move forward to the state Senate,⁤ where it will be combined with ‌any ⁣existing Senate⁣ proposals and undergo further approval. Once passed by the Senate, ​it will then be sent ⁣to Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her signature. With Democrats controlling both chambers of ⁢the state legislature and the executive branch, the bill’s ultimate passage ⁤seems likely.

What is the goal of⁢ the mandatory safety ‌training course for obtaining a license to carry ⁢a firearm

Ban ⁣on unserialized DIY firearms, commonly known as “ghost” guns, which are assembled from easily obtainable kits and lack serial numbers, making them difficult‌ to trace. This ban aims to combat the rise in the use of untraceable firearms in crimes and to fill a gap in existing federal regulations.

Furthermore, ⁢the bill strengthens the state’s ⁢background‌ check system by requiring all private sales, including ⁤those made online and at gun shows, to ‌go through a licensed firearms dealer. This measure aims to prevent guns from ⁤ending up ⁢in the wrong hands and to ensure that ⁣all buyers undergo a thorough background check.

Additionally, the legislation establishes a new process for obtaining a license to carry a firearm, ​including ‍a mandatory safety‍ training course. This provision aims to promote responsible ⁢gun⁢ ownership and ensure that individuals who carry firearms are adequately trained in their proper use ​and safety precautions.

Moreover, the bill enhances the information ‌sharing between state and federal law enforcement agencies by requiring the submission of mental health and substance abuse records ‌to the National Instant Criminal Background​ Check System (NICS). This provision aims to prevent individuals with a history of mental illness⁢ or substance abuse from ‍obtaining firearms​ illegally.

Reaction and Debate

The passing ​of the gun bill has received both praise and criticism from various stakeholders. Supporters argue‌ that these measures are necessary to address the growing concerns⁢ regarding gun violence and⁢ to protect public safety. They believe that tightening gun laws will ‍help prevent tragedies and save lives.

Opponents, on ⁣the other hand,⁢ claim that these new regulations infringe upon Second ‌Amendment rights ⁣and burden law-abiding citizens. They argue that⁢ criminals will find‍ ways to acquire firearms‍ regardless of stricter laws and that these measures​ primarily affect law-abiding citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional rights.

Implications and Future Steps

With the Massachusetts House​ passing this⁤ major gun bill, the legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. If⁣ approved, it will then be sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature.

If⁢ signed into law, Massachusetts will join a ⁤growing number of states that have taken steps to strengthen their gun‍ laws in response to increasing gun‍ violence. By addressing the issue of “ghost” guns and implementing stricter background checks, Massachusetts aims to create safer communities and reduce the illegal circulation‌ of firearms.

Going forward, it is crucial for lawmakers to strike a ‌balance between protecting public safety and respecting the constitutional ⁣rights of⁢ individuals. Ongoing dialogues and debates among stakeholders are necessary to find common ground and ensure⁤ effective gun control measures that address the root causes of gun violence while preserving individual liberties.

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