Massachusetts: Gun Control Bill Hits Governor Baker’s Desk

Today, the Massachusetts state House of Representatives and Senate approved the conference committee report reconciling differences between the appropriations bills that contained gun control language banning bump fire stocks and trigger cranks.  This piece of legislation, House Bill 4008, will now go to Governor Charlie Baker’s desk for approval. It is important that Governor Baker line item veto the gun measure out of the HB 4008.  Please contact Governor Baker and urge him to line item veto the gun measure provision out of HB 4008! Click the “Take Action” button below to contact them.  

Under this provision, a “Bump Stock” is defined as a device for a semiautomatic firearm that increases the rate of fire achievable with such firearm by using energy from the recoil of the firearm to generate a reciprocating action that facilitates repeated activation of the trigger.  A “Trigger Crank” is defined as any device to be attached to a semi-automatic firearm that repeatedly activates the trigger of the firearm through the use of a lever or other part that is turned in a circular motion, but does not include any firearm initially designed and manufactured to fire through the use of a crank or lever.

The provision allows for the excessive punishment of life imprisonment, but with a minimum sentence of 18 months, for the mere possession of these accessories.

Currently, at the urging of Congress, ATF is reviewing whether its prior determinations regarding bump-fire stocks are correct.  Any legislation in this area should wait for this review to be complete so an accurate assessment of the applicable federal law is available.

Again, please contact Governor Baker’s office and urge him to line item veto this provision.  Stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on this bill.