Massachusetts has some of the strongest gun laws in the country, earning an A- in our Annual Gun Law Scorecard, and leads the nation in investing state funds to support evidence-based community violence intervention strategies. In 2017, Massachusetts had the second-lowest gun death rate in the country and imported three times more crime guns than it exported. To further strengthen its gun laws, Massachusetts legislators could strengthen their relinquishment laws and regulate undetectable and untraceable firearms (often referred to as ghost guns).
Firearm owner licensing (includes background check)
Extreme risk protection order law
Strict gun dealer licensing
Assault weapon and large capacity magazine ban
Lost and stolen firearm reporting
Mental health record reporting to federal background check databases
State collection and maintenance of firearm sale records
Handgun design safety standards
Licensing authority has discretion to deny a concealed carry permit
Local governments have authority to regulate firearms and ammunition
Investment in evidence-based community violence intervention strategies
50 caliber rifle ban
Bulk firearm purchase restrictions
Waiting period