Question 9Keep or repeal a new law · Citizen referendum
Uphold 2024 firearm law
Explain it like I'm 5
The Legislature passed new firearm rules in 2024. This asks whether to keep that law, including rules about untraceable guns, licensing, safety, and some gun restrictions.
Yes vote
A yes vote keeps An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, H. 4885, in effect.
No vote
A no vote repeals the 2024 law and returns Massachusetts to the earlier rules, while older firearm laws remain.
The question to ask yourself
Do the law’s added safety and traceability rules justify its added restrictions and privacy concerns?
The case for
- Keeps rules targeting untraceable and 3D-printed guns.
- Maintains licensing, training, and firearm safety requirements.
- Preserves expanded tools for responding to people considered a danger.
Backed by: Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
The case against
- Adds burdens and restrictions for lawful gun owners.
- Critics raise privacy and constitutional concerns.
- Repeal would remove the new law without repealing older firearm restrictions.
Opposed by: Civil Rights Coalition, Pioneer Valley Arms
- Money
- The fiscal effect is not estimated in the sources reviewed.
- Don't be misled
- A yes vote keeps the law and a no vote repeals it, because this is a referendum on legislation already passed.