How Massachusetts Passed Its Sweeping 2024 Firearm Law
A chronological account of the legislative process, procedural maneuvers, public hearings, and final votes that led to Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024.
From the Supreme Court's Bruen decision to the Governor's emergency preamble, GOAL documents the events and decisions that shaped this legislation.
GOAL followed the legislation from its earliest development through the final votes and implementation. The timeline below separates the major milestones from the additional details.
The Supreme Court's Bruen decision triggers changes to Massachusetts law.
The United States Supreme Court issues its decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 597 U.S. 1 (2022), changing the constitutional framework for evaluating firearm licensing restrictions.
House Speaker Ronald Mariano assigns Representative Michael Day to develop legislation responding to Bruen, including changes to licensing and suitability standards.
During the final hours of the legislative session, language responding to Bruen is incorporated into H.5163, a judiciary information technology bill.
The measure becomes Chapter 175 of the Acts of 2022. GOAL objects to the use of an unrelated legislative vehicle for significant firearm licensing changes.
A statewide listening tour, multiple proposals, and controversial House procedures.
Speaker Mariano renews his assignment to Representative Day to conduct a broad review of Massachusetts firearm laws.
GOAL staff meets with Representative Day and his staff to discuss the proposed review. GOAL offers research, information, and assistance.
Representative Day and Senator Cynthia Creem participate in an event involving Moms Demand Action and Everytown. GOAL raises concerns about the appearance of impartiality in the legislative review.
Representative Day announces a series of public listening sessions around Massachusetts. GOAL staff attends each stop and participates in the process.
GOAL criticized the condensed schedule and last-minute changes, which it believed limited public participation.
Representative Day publicly shares a photograph with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. GOAL cites the appearance as another reason for its concerns about the legislative review.
Representative Day files HD.4420, An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws, a roughly 140-page proposal.
GOAL publishes an analysis of the proposed legislation and encourages members to contact their representatives.
The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association announces opposition to recommending passage of the proposal, citing enforceability and overreach concerns.
The Senate non-concurs with the House and suspends Joint Rule 12, referring the proposal to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
House leadership withdraws the proposal for reassessment and redrafting. GOAL attributes this development in part to pressure from its members and other citizens.
Senate President Karen Spilka assigns Senator Cynthia Stone Creem to lead work on the Senate's firearm legislation.
GOAL meets with Senator Creem to discuss its concerns regarding the proposed legislation.
The House Ways and Means and Judiciary Committees conduct a joint hearing. The supplemental budget bill H.4090 is used as a legislative vehicle for firearm legislation.
GOAL objects to the procedural approach and argues that it reduced opportunities for normal legislative scrutiny.
Representative Day files a revised version of An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, approximately 122 pages long.
The House considers H.4135, with subsequent amendments and renumbering to H.4139.
The House passes the measure to be engrossed by a vote of 120–38.
Senate legislation, conference committee negotiations, and final approval.
The Senate releases S.2572, An Act to Sensibly Address Firearm Violence Through Effective Reform, as its version of the legislation.
Following amendments and renumbering to S.2584, the Senate passes its version by a vote of 37–3.
The House appoints Representatives Michael Day, Carlos González, and Joseph McKenna to the conference committee.
The Senate appoints Senators Cynthia Creem, Joan Lovely, and Bruce Tarr to the conference committee.
July through October 2024.
The conference committee reports its negotiated legislation.
After procedural actions and suspension of rules, the House accepts the conference committee report by a vote of 124–33.
The Senate considers several procedural motions before accepting the conference report by a vote of 35–5.
Both chambers enact the legislation and send it to the Governor.
Governor Maura Healey signs the legislation, creating Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024.
Governor Healey signs an emergency preamble, making the law effective immediately rather than allowing the ordinary waiting period.
GOAL criticizes this action in connection with the citizen-led referendum petition effort, which had gathered nearly 100,000 signatures.
GOAL believes the process that produced Chapter 135 raises serious concerns about transparency, public participation, legislative procedure, and constitutional rights.
This timeline documents GOAL's account of the legislative history. Readers are encouraged to review the official legislative records and the law itself.
This timeline summarizes historical events and includes GOAL's analysis and opinions. It is not a substitute for official legislative records or legal advice.