Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has fast-tracked the implementation of new gun control legislation, targeting “ghost guns” and other firearm attachments while introducing stricter safety requirements for gun license applicants.
The law, passed by state lawmakers in July, was set to take effect later this month, but Healey’s decision means it goes into effect immediately. The legislation focuses on “ghost guns,” which are firearms made from unserialized parts, making them difficult to trace. It also bans gun attachments such as bump stocks and requires anyone applying for a firearm license to complete a live-fire training course, demonstrating a basic understanding of gun safety.
“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,” Governor Healey said in a statement. “It is important that these measures go into effect without delay.”
By fast-tracking the law, Healey has undercut efforts by gun rights advocates to temporarily suspend the legislation. These groups have been gathering signatures in an attempt to delay the law’s enforcement and eventually place a referendum on the 2026 ballot, which would give voters a chance to repeal the measure. To suspend the law, they would have needed to gather 49,716 signatures from registered voters.
The new law also strengthens Massachusetts’ existing “red flag” statute, allowing law enforcement, healthcare providers, and school officials to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are considered a threat to themselves or others. Additionally, it prohibits non-law enforcmeent individuals from carrying firearms in schools, polling places, and government buildings. Applicants for a gun license will now be required to complete a live-fire course and provide local licensing authorities with information about their mental health history, according to Fox News.
Gun rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. They claim it imposes “onerous firearms legislation” with broad bans on arms, magazine restrictions, registration requirements, and licensing conditions that are overly burdensome and not grounded in historical precedent. This argument is in reference to the recent US Supreme Court ruling that mandates state gun regulations align with the nation’s historical traditions of firearm regulation.
The recent legislation adds to Massachusetts’ reputation of being one of the strict states in the country regarding gun control.
