CHAPTER 135 REGULATORY PUBLIC HEARING

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has scheduled a public hearing on regulations related to the implantation of certain parts of Chapter 135. 



  • Firearms Data Dashboard
  • Licensing Authority Training
  • Firearm Dealer Training
  • Basic Safety Course Requirements
  • Firearm Instructor Certification

EOPPS Public Hearing on Regulations for Chapter 135

Hearing: July 7, 2026


After reviewing the proposals, GOAL has found several issues with the initial draft. Some of these are basic typos, but some have serious conflicts with the law itself.



  • Definitions for FID card and LTC are wrong and inconsistent with statute.
  • According to incorrect language there are no restrictions on semi-automatic rifles and shotguns for FID Card holders.
  • Language for LTCs lacks the term “transfer.”
  • Large capacity magazine language is hard to understand.
  • Institutes live fire training.
  • Confusion on who issues training certificates.
  • The regulations use the term “firearm” as the new statute reflects, so the question is what type are to be used for qualifying?
  • Course must include “competency with firearm ownership.” This is something new and undefined.
  • Rather than basic live fire training, these regulations would add a “qualifying” live fire standard that goes well beyond what is required by law.
  • Target size 10.5 x 12
  • Five shots at 3, 7 & 10 yards.
  • Students must display proficiency in safely loading no more than five (5) rounds into the firearm being utilized.
  •  It appears that non-resident instructors may not be eligible to become certified instructors as the qualifications do not specifically include a “Temporary License to Carry.”
  • Instructors must be certified by a nationally recognized organization that “fosters safety in firearms.” What does this term mean and what groups would this include?
  • Temporary LTC language inconsistent throughout.
  • Hunter Education with no live fire requirement would qualify for an FID Card.  
  • Licensing authorities can wait a year after being appointed before taking the required training. They should have to take the training and show proficiency prior to being appointed.
  • The proposals would preclude anyone without internet access from being able to exercise their 2A.
  • Under the dealer training there is a new term: “uniform standards of security.” GOAL is not aware of this term and what it entails.
  • Requires employee training for retailers, but does not give any details.
  • Requires retailers to be proficient in all of Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws.


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING


July 7, 20256


The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Department of Criminal

Justice Information Services (DCJIS), and the Massachusetts State Police, hereby provide notice

of a public hearing to solicit input on two new regulations:


1. Firearms Data Dashboard, 803 CMR 12.00 (DCJIS)

2. Licensing Authority Training Seminars and Firearms Dealer Online Training Program, 501

CMR XX; and amendments to one existing regulation:

3. Basic Firearms Safety Course Requirements and Firearm Instructor Certification, 515

CMR 3.00.


Under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A, EOPSS, DCJIS, and MSP will conduct a public

hearing for the purpose of gathering comments, ideas, and information concerning the three

regulations listed herein.


Summary of Proposed Amendments:

An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (the “Act”), requires

EOPSS, in consultation with the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, to

promulgate regulations governing online dashboards containing relevant state-wide firearms data

available for public viewing. The Act also requires regulations governing training for licensed

firearms dealers and local licensing authorities. Additionally, the Act made several changes to the

requirements of Basic Firearms Safety courses, including a live-fire component, resulting in the

need to amend 515 CMR 3.00.


Availability of Proposed Amendments:


A written copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained by e-mailing a request to EOPSS

Deputy General Counsel John H. Melander, Jr., at John.Melander@mass.gov


The proposed regulations are available on EOPSS’s website, located here:




Hearing Details:

The hearing will be held virtually, using the Microsoft Teams platform, on July 7, 2026,

from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To join, please use the following link:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/295417642615538?p=9nI1TTbpN6OUmaz5ox.

To join via telephone (audio only), please use the following credentials:

+1 857-327-9245,,98686077# United States, Boston

Phone conference ID: 986 860 77#


Submission of Comments:

Written comments or testimony in advance of the hearing are welcome and may be

submitted by e-mail to John.Melander@mass.gov with a subject line stating, “Firearms Comment”

or by mail to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, One Ashburton Place, Room

2133, Boston, MA 02108, attention John H. Melander, Jr. Comments received after July 7, 2026,

at 5:00 p.m. may not be accepted. All persons desiring to be heard on this matter should join the

virtual hearing, and participants shall conduct themselves as if attending the hearing in-person.