VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY: Massachusetts Senate Passes Comprehensive Gun Violence Prevention Measures, Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond

BOSTON, MA – Today, the Massachusetts chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement applauding the Massachusetts Senate for their quick work to pass the comprehensive gun violence prevention bill (S.2572) that was introduced just last week. Now, this legislation will be considered in both the House and the Senate in the conference committee process. 

“Yesterday’s vote is a victory for gun safety and an example of the impact that our gun sense lawmakers can have when they take quick, decisive action,” said Peter McConarty, a survivor and volunteer with the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Every death caused by gun violence is preventable, and this bill introduces the forward-thinking tools that this crisis demands. We look forward to our lawmakers finding common ground across both chambers so they can finally enact the common sense gun violence prevention measures that Massachusetts needs.” 

S.2572 includes provisions to prevent gun violence in Massachusetts by modernizing and strengthening existing laws. The bill will expand Extreme Risk Protection Orders to include healthcare providers and enact prohibitions on ghost guns, Glock switches, firearms in some government administrative buildings, firearm marketing to minors, and more. S.2572 would establish a commission to study the funding structure for violence prevention services and a pilot program to promote equity in access to gun safety awareness and firearm licensing education through community outreach. 

Last year, the House passed H.4135, a sweeping gun violence prevention bill that also increased training requirements for those seeking a License to Carry, and expanded the prohibition on guns in sensitive places to include schools and polling places. Provisions from both of these bills are critical to ensuring that Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in gun violence prevention. Following yesterday’s passage in the Senate, S.2572 will go to a conference committee to reconcile differences between the two branches. Once the two branches are able to reach an agreement, the bill will be sent to Governor Healey’s desk for signature. 

In an average year in Massachusetts, 255 people die by guns and 557 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Massachusetts $3.5 billion each year, of which $85.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Massachusetts is available here.

To speak to a Massachusetts volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.