Senator Markey Introduces Legislation to Make Massachusetts's Gun Safety Laws A National Model

Press Release

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced legislation that would incentivize states to adopt gun licensing standards similar to those in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has the lowest gun death rate in the country, in part because it has enacted some of the strongest and most effective gun laws in the nation. Since 1994, the Commonwealth has reduced gun deaths by 40 percent. Among the most effective of Massachusetts's laws are the firearms licensing requirements under which local chiefs of police, or an authorized designee, decide whether to approve the issuance of a firearms license, a process that can include an in-person interview. Police chiefs also have tools to revoke or suspend a license if they find that someone should not be allowed to continue to hold a license. Senator Markey's legislation, the Making America Safe and Secure (MASS) Act, would authorize the Department of Justice to make grants totaling $20 million in each of the next five fiscal years to states that implement and maintain comprehensive licensing standards for gun owners and dealers.

"Massachusetts gun licensing laws should serve as a model for the nation," said Senator Markey. "And the involvement of police chiefs in the licensing process is key. They have the direct responsibility and vested interest in making sure that those who should not be allowed to own a gun do not get their hands on dangerous weapons. A license in Massachusetts is only given with the Police Chief Seal of Approval.

"From democratic independence to universal health care, America has looked to Massachusetts to be a national leader. I believe that America should, once again, look to us to lead the way on gun safety laws. The MASS Act will encourage other states to implement our proven methods, which have been successful in reducing deaths from gun violence."

"From democratic independence to universal health care, America has looked to Massachusetts to be a national leader," continued Senator Markey. "I believe that America should, once again, look to us to lead the way on gun safety laws. The MASS Act will encourage other states to implement our proven methods, which have been successful in reducing deaths from gun violence."

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