Governor Healey Fast-Tracks Gun Law Implementation
On Wednesday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey took swift action to immediately enforce a comprehensive new gun law aimed at tightening restrictions on firearms ownership and use. Originally scheduled to take effect later this month, the law targets privately made, unserialized “ghost guns,” criminalizes possession of bump stocks and trigger cranks, and mandates live-fire training for gun license applicants.
Law Faces Resistance from Gun Rights Advocates
The governor’s move blocks the efforts of gun rights activists who were trying to gather enough signatures to temporarily suspend the law. These activists had been working toward placing a referendum on the 2026 ballot to potentially repeal the new law. To delay the law’s implementation, they needed at least 49,716 signatures from registered voters, but Healey’s decision prevents any suspension before the measure takes effect.
Gun rights advocates have harshly criticized the law, calling it an “historic attack on our civil rights.” They argue it places undue restrictions on law-abiding citizens seeking to own firearms.
Key Provisions of the New Gun Law
The new legislation includes several major changes to Massachusetts’ gun control policies. The law cracks down on untraceable, privately made firearms, also known as ghost guns, which lack serial numbers. Gun license applicants are now required to complete live-fire training to demonstrate their knowledge of firearm safety. The state’s “red flag” law is expanded to allow not just police, but also healthcare providers and school officials, to alert the courts if they believe someone poses a danger and should have their guns temporarily taken away. The law extends the definition of assault weapons, banning the possession, sale, or transfer of firearms and devices deemed to have similar functionality.
“This gun safety law bans ghost guns, strengthens the Extreme Risk Protection Order statute to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others, and invests in violence prevention programs,” Healey said in a statement. “It is important that these measures go into effect without delay.”
Federal Lawsuit Filed by Gun Rights Groups
Gun rights groups have also filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that the new law is unconstitutional. They describe the law as “onerous firearms legislation” and claim it imposes restrictive bans and burdensome licensing requirements. Citing the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision—which reinforced the right to carry firearms in public for self-defense—the lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to prevent the law from being enforced.
