Understanding Massachusetts’ Gun Laws: Strict Regulations Long Before H4885
For those unfamiliar with firearms and gun laws in Massachusetts, it might seem like recent debates surrounding Chapter 135 (H4885) reflect an effort to establish new controls where none previously existed. However, the reality is that Massachusetts already had some of the strictest gun laws in the nation long before this new legislation was passed. In fact, the state’s gun regulations were considered a model for stringent oversight, ensuring public safety while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
Massachusetts’ Gun Laws Before H4885 / Chapter 135
Before the enactment of Chapter 135 in 2024, Massachusetts was already recognized as a state with comprehensive and restrictive firearm laws. Here are some of the key aspects of gun regulation that were already in place:
- Firearms Identification (FID) Cards and Licenses to Carry (LTC): Massachusetts required all firearm owners to obtain a license, either a Firearms Identification (FID) Card or a License to Carry (LTC), depending on the type of firearm. The licensing process was rigorous, involving background checks, fingerprinting, and mandatory safety courses. This process aimed to ensure that only responsible individuals could possess firearms.
- Background Checks: Every sale of a firearm, whether through a licensed dealer or a private party, required a background check. This included all commercial transactions, meaning that loopholes often found in other states—such as those at gun shows—were closed in Massachusetts.
- Red Flag Law: Massachusetts had a “Red Flag” law, which allowed family members or law enforcement to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. This law was designed to prevent tragedies before they occurred by giving authorities the ability to act when there were clear warning signs.
- Assault Weapons Ban: The state had already implemented a ban on assault weapons that included a broad range of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity feeding devices. This ban mirrored the federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 but remained firmly in place in Massachusetts, further restricting the types of firearms that could be owned by civilians.
- Safe Storage Laws: Massachusetts had some of the strictest safe storage requirements in the country. Firearms had to be stored in a locked container or secured with a trigger lock when not in use, ensuring that they were inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, particularly children.
- Limits on Magazine Capacity: Massachusetts law limited the capacity of firearm magazines to 10 rounds for most firearms. This measure was intended to reduce the potential for mass casualties in the event of an incident involving firearms.
- Mandatory Waiting Periods and Permitting: There were mandatory waiting periods for firearm purchases, which allowed for thorough background checks and a “cooling-off” period. Additionally, all prospective gun owners had to apply for permits through their local police departments, which had discretion in approving or denying applications based on suitability.
- Machine Guns have been Outlawed by The Federal government for nearly a century and most recently on May 19, 1986, as part of the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA), Congress banned the transfer and possession of machine guns with two exceptions.
A New Layer of Complexity: Chapter 135 (H4885)
With Chapter 135, also known as “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws,” many new provisions were added, but it’s important to understand that Massachusetts was not a state lacking in gun control. Instead, these new regulations have added additional hurdles for gun owners who were already following some of the most rigorous regulations in the country. The new law introduced even stricter definitions, expanded licensing requirements, and mandated registration for firearms that had previously been exempt.
For example, guns that could previously be owned with an FID Card now require an LTC, making the ownership process even more challenging and expensive. The law also required antique firearms and muzzleloaders to be registered, something unheard of in most other states. It further expanded the definition of “assault-style firearms” to include many guns that were previously considered standard rifles.
Why Does This Matter?
It is crucial to understand that Massachusetts was already a leader in gun control and public safety measures long before Chapter 135 was enacted. The state’s gun owners were some of the most thoroughly vetted and regulated in the country. The new legislation, therefore, did not address a lack of control or oversight—it merely added layers of restrictions on top of an already complex system.
For many responsible gun owners, these new measures feel like an overreach, impacting hunters, sportsmen, collectors, and recreational shooters who were already playing by some of the strictest rules in the nation. It’s about striking the right balance—between safety, effective regulation, and the rights of citizens.
Get Informed and Get Involved
If you want to learn more about Massachusetts’ gun laws and the ongoing referendum to repeal Chapter 135, visit TheCivilRightsCoalition.com. We encourage everyone—whether you’re familiar with firearms or not—to understand the impact of these laws, not only on public safety but also on the rights of responsible citizens across our state.