However, there is a limited grandfathering of sorts in Section 153 of Chapter 135. It does not appear in the General Laws, it can only be found by researching the bill as it was passed. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2024/Chapter135

The way it reads is that one can “possess” any firearm they could legally possess at the last license renewal. I.E. – An FID Card holder prior to August 2, 2024 could possess a semi-automatic shotgun (that was not an assault weapon or large capacity firearm). According to this section an FID Card holder can legally possess that shotgun until their next renewal. At which time they would have to obtain an LTC or surrender the firearm.

The Catch: Since the section only refers to “possess”, by omission it bans purchase, transfer, and carry.

• This means there is no ability to sell or transfer the item unless an LTC is acquired. The only option would be to surrender the firearm if an LTC is not obtained.
• Since it removes the ability to “carry” it is likely that the owner cannot possess the semi-automatic firearm outside of their home.

For more information on semi-automatic exemptions: https://www.goal.org/semiautofid

Chapter 140, Section 129B:

(c) A firearm identification card shall entitle a holder thereof to purchase, transfer, possess and carry rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semi-automatic, and the ammunition therefore. A firearm identification card shall not entitle a holder thereof to transfer, possess or carry any other firearm including any large capacity firearm, any large capacity or semiautomatic rifle or any large capacity or semiautomatic shotgun except under the direct supervision of a holder of a license to carry firearms at an incorporated shooting club or a licensed shooting range. Except as otherwise provided herein, a firearm identification card shall not be valid for the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental or transportation of any large capacity firearm.

Section 153 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024:

SECTION 153. A valid license to carry a firearm issued under sections 131 or 131F of chapter 140 of the General Laws, a valid firearm identification card under section 129B of said chapter 140 or a valid license to sell under section 122 of said chapter 140, shall remain valid until the expiration, suspension or revocation of said license and shall entitle the holder to possess the firearms authorized by the license at the time it was last issued or renewed.