In a significant move to tighten firearm laws and address the issue of unregistered "ghost guns," the Massachusetts House has approved a comprehensive gun bill. This legislation aims to strengthen the state's assault-style weapons ban, prohibit the carrying of guns into someone's home without permission, and require the serialization and registration of key gun components. The 125-page bill, which passed with a 120-38 vote, is a response to a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming citizens' right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the prohibition of firing guns at or near homes and carrying firearms while intoxicated. Additionally, it seeks to ban the carrying of firearms in schools, polling places, and government buildings. To expand the state's existing ban on assault weapons, the bill prohibits the purchase of AR-15-style weapons and the conversion of legal firearms into illegal automatic weapons.

To address the issue of illegal guns flowing into the state, the proposal includes an enhanced system to track firearms used in crimes. It also aims to modernize the existing firearm registration system and increase the availability of firearm data for academic and policy purposes.

Massachusetts, which already has stringent gun laws, boasts the lowest rate of gun deaths in the country. In 2021, the state reported a rate of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to Mississippi's highest rate of 33.9 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the Massachusetts House has taken the lead in passing this bill, the state Senate has yet to release its own version. Both chambers will need to collaborate to create a single bill, which will then be sent to Democratic Governor Maura Healey for her signature before becoming law.

Gun owners who oppose the bill argue that it disproportionately targets law-abiding citizens and fails to address the issue of criminal activity. Jim Wallace, executive director of the Gun Owners' Action League, expressed his concerns, stating, "All of it goes against us, the lawful people. There's nothing in there that goes after the criminals." Wallace also criticized the bill as an overreaction to last year's Supreme Court decision.

Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, believe it is necessary to address the gaps in the state's gun laws while also responding to the Supreme Court ruling. Jennifer Robinson, from the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, highlighted the provision that would prohibit guns in safe spaces such as schools, polling places, and the Statehouse. She also emphasized the importance of requiring live fire training for gun license holders, comparing it to the training required to obtain a driver's license. Additionally, the bill proposes transferring the responsibility of inspecting gun dealers to the state police.

As the legislation now moves to the state Senate, Massachusetts is poised to further strengthen its firearm regulations in an effort to ensure public safety and reduce gun-related crimes.