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Writer's pictureSpencer Benisch

New Gun Laws in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

Updated: Nov 28, 2023


Gun Control Controversy in the state of Massachusetts
New Gun Control Controversy

Recently, there’s been a buzz about the new gun bill, HD.4420. This bill has successfully passed the house and is now referred to as bill H.4139. This shift in legislation might leave gun owners questioning; what does this signify for them in the grand scheme of things? It's essential to understand the implications of the new MA gun laws for those currently in possession of firearms and potential buyers. This article dives deep into these changes and discusses what you need to know about the new gun control bill in Massachusetts (MA).


What Guns are Being Banned in Massachusetts?


Bill H.4135, the new MA gun control bill, chiefly covers an expanded ban of the so-called "assault-style firearms," changes in the regulations about carrying firearms, and renewed rules regarding the registration and serialization of Frames & Receivers. This won’t be a cursory change as it implies a revision of the classification for the now banned "assault-style weapon," involving a more extensive range of guns which are set to be prohibited under the new assault weapons ban.


So which guns are banned in Massachusetts? The expansive list includes:


The semi-automatic version of ANY automatic firearms


All the following rifles:


- Barrett M107A1 and M82A1;

- Beretta CX4 Storm;

- Calico Liberty Series;

- CETME Sporter;

- Daewoo K-1

- Daewoo K-2

- Daewoo Max 1

- Daewoo Max 2

- Daewoo AR 100

- Daewoo AR 110C

- FN PS90

- FN FS2000

- FN FAL

- FN LAR

- FN 308 Match

- FN L1A1 Sporter

- FN 22 FNC

- FN Scar

- Feather Industries AT-9;

- Galil Model AR and Model ARM;

- Hi-Point Carbine;

- HK-91

- HK-93

- HK-94

- HK-PSG-1

- HK USC

- IWI TAVOR

- IWI Galil ACE rifle

- Kel-Tec Sub 2000,

- Keltec SU-16

- Keltec RFB;

- SIG AMT, SIG PE-57, Sig Sauer SG 550, Sig Sauer SG 551 and SIG MCX;

- Springfield Armory SAR-48;

- Steyr AUG;

- Storm, Ruger & Co. Mini-14 Tactical Rifle M-14/20CF;

- All Thompson rifles

- UMAREX UZI rifle;

- UZI Mini Carbine, UZI Model A Carbine and UZI Model B Carbine;

- Valmet M62S, M71S and M78;

- Vector Arms UZI Type;

- Weaver Arms Nighthawk; and

- Wilkinson Arms Linda Carbine.


All of the following pistols:


- All AK types

- All AR / AR15 types

- Calico pistols; DSA SA58 PKP FAL pistol; Encom MP-9 and MP-45;

- Heckler & Koch model SP-89 pistol;

- Intratec AB-10

- TEC-22 Scorpion, TEC-9 and TEC-DC9;

- IWI Galil Ace pistol, UZI PRO pistol

- Kel-Tec PLR 16 pistol;

- All MAC types

- Sig Sauer P556 pistol;

- Sites Spectre

- All Thompson types, including the following: TA510D and TA5;

- All UZI types, including Micro-UZI.


And all of the following shotguns:


- DERYA Anakon MC-1980, Anakon SD12;

- Doruk Lethal shotguns;

- Franchi LAW-12 and SPAS 12;

- All IZHMASH Saiga 12 types

- Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

- All belt-fed semiautomatic firearms, including TNW M2HB and FN M2495.


But Wait.... There's More!


Pile of confiscated Guns
confiscated Guns

Alongside the aforementioned firearms and existing limitations, the proposed legislation will establish a fresh "assault weapons roster" that will undergo updates every three months to prohibit additional firearms categorized as "assault style."


What will happen if I own a gun in Massachusetts that is getting banned?


Untangling the consequences of owning one of these prohibited "assault-style weapons" in Massachusetts can be confusing. One pivotal question is what happens to law-abiding citizens who currently own firearms that are soon to be classified as prohibited under the new category. Will they suddenly be labelled as criminals? There is ongoing speculation that either a government-led firearm buyback scheme may be implemented, or the alternative, is that these firearms will be considered grandfathered into ownership as per the rules when they were purchased. However, many have expressed skepticism about both perspectives, creating a cloud of uncertainty that will hopefully be addressed in the forthcoming months.


New Carrying Laws in Massachusetts


New Concealed Carry Laws in Massachusetts

Another significant feature of the new MA gun law is the redesigned code of conduct in regards to carrying firearms. A new mandate restricts individuals from carrying firearms in any government-owned building and private properties except if a clear permission statement has been issued by the property owner. This specific part of the bill has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it hampers the rights and practices of responsible gun owners.


Registration of Frames and receivers


Ar15 Receiver, now required to be registered through Massachusetts.

Part of the bill, in a bid to curb the incidence of ghost guns, introduces registration requirements for Frames & Receivers which did not previously exist. Massachusetts's system (MIRCS) now recognizes both the frame and receiver as firearms themselves – hinging on federal background checks (NICS) is no longer sufficient.



A Big Win for Police


Police ar15

Amidst this whirlpool of contentious debates, this bill has stirred up intense controversy on both sides. At the epicenter of this fierce deliberation lies a particularly contested provision regarding the possession of duty firearms by police officers. Within the initial draft of the legislation, stringent restrictions were proposed, effectively disallowing law enforcement officers from bringing their duty firearms home.


The contentious issue has provoked a storm of divergent opinions. On one side of the spectrum, proponents argue that restricting police officers from having access to their duty firearms at home would enhance public safety by minimizing any potential risks associated with firearms. They assert that this measure would prevent officers from inadvertently causing harm or having their weapons fall into the wrong hands, bolstering overall community safety and alleviating anxieties of weapon misuse.


Conversely, critics of this particular provision argue that it undermines the very essence of an officer's responsibilities and hinders their ability to protect and serve. They contend that allowing officers to have their firearms at home bolsters their preparedness in emergency situations, enabling them to swiftly respond to threats that may arise in their vicinity. Additionally, opponents assert that it engenders a sense of responsibility, accountability, and commitment to public safety when


Fortunately, after immense public outcry and intense negotiations, the bill was amended, ultimately excluding the controversial provision pertaining to the possession of duty firearms by law enforcement officers. The amendment acknowledges the invaluable role that police officers play in ensuring public safety and recognizes the importance of empowering them to carry out their duties effectively. This revision signifies a compromise that seeks to strike a balance between preserving individual liberties and enhancing community safety, appeasing both sides of the contentious debate. While the bill may still be subject to scrutiny and critique, this amendment showcases the power of public discourse and highlights the significance of finding common ground in the pursuit of responsible gun control measures.


Conclusion


In conclusion, the new gun control bill in Massachusetts entails comprehensive changes in firearm regulations that every gun owner must familiarize themselves with to stay within the framework of the law. While the shift aims at enhancing security and control, it has received mixed reactions across the board. Nevertheless, remaining informed and updated is crucial for every firearm owner, as ignorance of these new laws can lead to unintended legal complications.

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