GOAL’S RECORD OF SUCCESS

1974

• Chapter 649 provides a 90 day grace period beyond the expiration date of the License to Carry Firearms.

1975

• Chapter 113 requires the Department of Public Safety to send a notice of renewal for Licenses to Carry 90 days in advance of expiration.

1976

• Chapter 34 provided the first temporary extension of the grace period on a License to Carry to 170 days beyond its expiration.

1978

• Chapter 551 exempts black powder long arms and ammunition from our restrictions for non-residents.  The law also increases the validity period for a non-resident license from one month to one year.

1980

• Chapter 69 allows non-residents to secure temporary permits to compete in the IHMSA internationals.
• Chapter 353 exempts collectors from the “four guns per year” display requirement when at a gun show or exhibit.

1981

• Chapter 411 was emergency legislation to temporarily extend the grace period for a License to Carry to 180 days. (This was the second time such legislation was necessary in five years.)
• Chapter 541 allows an individual to purchase any type of ammunition with either the FID card or a License to Carry.
• Chapter 597 allows a private citizen to sell more than four firearms per year, provided the sale is to a licensed dealer.
• Chapter 598 allows an individual to display for sale more than four firearms.
• Chapter 661 empowered the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to allow the use of rifled primitive firearms.
• GOAL worked to assist Governor Edward J. King in passage of “defense in the home” legislation, signed as Chapter 696.

1982

• Chapter 39 empowered the Division to issue special permits to handicapped bow hunters.
• By petition of GOAL, Governor Edward J. King proclaimed April 4th as the “Right to Bear Arms Day” in Massachusetts
• Chapter 189 forbids gun owners’ names and addresses from being public information.

1983

• Chapter 516 redefined certain firearms to protect collectors of antique rifles and shotguns.

1984

• Chapter 172 provides for certain exemptions from Bartley-Fox, such as common carriers, veteran’s organizations, and organized shooting competitions.
• Chapter 333 increased the duration of a dealer’s license from one year to three years.
• Chapter 420 authorizes the Department of Public Safety to issue temporary licenses to non-resident aliens for competition purposes, paving the way for hosting international shooting events here in the Bay State.

1986

• Chapter 481 provides standardization (statewide application, response time for licensing, etc.) for the License to Carry.

1987

• Chapter 249 allows Massachusetts gun dealers to sell guns at shows, providing that they comply with all record keeping requirements.

1989

• Chapter 338 removed conflicting language relative to the term of validity for a firearms dealer license.
• Chapter 339 extended the time from 10 days to 30 days in which an FID card holder must notify of authorities of an address change.
• Chapter 408 cleaned up the language regarding “minors.”
• Chapter 554 removed possible restrictions from a parent or instructor when training a minor in the safe use of a firearm.

1990

• Chapter 72 established a conservation land stamp.  The money raised from the sale of the stamp will go solely for the purchase of open space. This legislation was filed jointly with the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council.
• Chapter 511 removed black powder pistols from the licensing requirements.  More importantly, it provided that the holder of a License to Carry a Firearm could not be held in violation of Bartley-Fox, regardless of the reason for issuance stated on the license.

1991

• Chapter 82 removed the restriction against banks from lending money to a gun dealer who wished to use his inventory as collateral.
• Chapter 89 removed the restriction against gun dealers from selling long guns or ammunition to citizens from non-contiguous states
• Chapter 364 protects lawful hunters, fishermen and trappers from harassment. This legislation was filed jointly with the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council.
• Chapter 373 exempts shooting ranges from civil or criminal liability for noise pollution.3æ4This legislation was filed jointly with the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council.
• A resolve adopted by Massachusetts ? House of Representatives on June 8, 1991 at 2:16 PM memorialized the Congress to support the instant check as opposed to the so-called Brady bill.

1993

• Chapter 217 allows the use of mechanized releases when bowhunting.

1996

• Chapter 258, the Rivers Protection Act, helps protect the Commonwealth’s valuable natural resources.
• Chapter 15, The Open Space Bond Bill, provides for the purchase and protection of undeveloped land, which must remain open to hunting and fishing.
• Chapter 296 allowed the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to authorize the use of primitive firearms or shotguns with a rifle bore for hunting.
• Chapter 15, The Open Space Bond Bill, provides for the purchase and protection of undeveloped land, which must remain open to hunting and fishing.

1997

• Chapter 296 allowed the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to authorize the use of primitive firearms or shotguns with a rifle bore for hunting.

1998

• Chapter 91 declares the first week of October each year to be Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Week in the Commonwealth.
• Chapter 180, the Gun Control Act, contains 2 GOAL bills, one to standardize fees and one to create mandatory penalties for the misuse of a gun in a crime.
• Chapter 358 makes some corrections to typos in the Gun Control Act, such as the standard response time for an FID Card application and exemptions for veterans to possess rifles. With an emergency preamble, it actually took effect 24 hours before Chapter 180 did.

1999

• Chapter 1 exempts primitive firearms from storage requirements and exempts ammunition for these guns from licensing requirements.

2000

• Outside Section 92 of the budget exempts commercial gun safes and trigger lock devices from state sales tax, to take effect January 1, 2000

2002

• Chapter 152 extends range protection to clubs that must move their ranges to comply with state or local laws.

2003

• Founded the Massachusetts Conservation Alliance and successfully passed into law Chapter 101 which restores the Inland Fish and Game Fund.

2004

• Chapter 150 brought several much needed reforms. These included a review board for misdemeanor offenses, a 6 year License to Carry and Firearms Identification Card, a 90 day grace period, and more.

2005

• Governor Romney issued a proclamation declaring May 7, 2005 as “Right to Bear Arms Day”.
• Governor Romney suspended “administrative fees” to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund.
• Chapter 45 of 2005 allowed the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to access an additional $1,000,000 of the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund.
• EOPS passed 501 CMR 9.00 a regulation to provide free replacement licenses.
• Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2005 standardized loaded/unloaded muzzleloader.

2006

• Chapter 137 – The Hunter Education Bill
• An Act removing automatic qualification for certain licenses (see Senate, No. 469, amended). Approved by the Governor, July 6, 2006
• Chapter 177 An Act further regulating the use of target shooting weapons (see House, No. 4552, amended). Approved by the Governor, July 21, 2006 (Exempted target pistols from current laws.)
• GOAL succeeded in stopping the Attorney General’s effort to gut the Target Shooters bill through regulatory means. The AG tried to insist that any gun that was a target gun could not be a functional design equivalent of a non-target gun.

2007

• GOAL broadcasts information to members about the possible threat of Rail TrailsÓ being put in places that may hinder gun owners and sportsmen due to improved surfaces. There are laws about hunting near these trails and even crossing them with a firearm.
• On August 2, 2007 Governor Patrick signed Chapter 83 of the Acts of 2007 An Act Prohibiting Internet HuntingÓ into law. This bill banned the remote firing of a gun for hunting over the internet. Prior to the bill’s passage, GOAL was successful in working with the legislature to amend the bill. Our concern with the original language was that it might prohibit the use of new technology being developed that is designed to assist handicapped shooters discharge a firearm. We were successful in making it clear that the new law would only affect remote control devices.
• GOAL acquires two new web names to assist junior activities. The new websites are, www.juniorshooters.org and www.juniorhunters.org.
• GOAL worked to defeat a Boston home rule petition in the legislature that would have done away with the long standing exemption from criminal prosecution allowing a citizen to keep a firearm (handgun) in their home or place of business without a handgun license.
• GOAL files a Deceptive Weapons Devices bill in response to a shooting incident in New Bedford involving a police officer killing drug addict that was brandishing what turned out to be a pellet gun. While the bill was not passed into law it succeeded in stopping the call to ban pellet guns. S? GOAL worked with the NRA to provide an accurate document reflecting the record of Governor Mitt Romney in Massachusetts as he ran for President.
• GOAL worked to correct intimidating misinformation from the Worcester Chief of police who was insisting it was illegal for anyone not licensed to fire a gun at a range.
• GOAL succeeded in defeating an effort by the senate chair of Public Safety and Homeland Security to launch Chapter 180 II. A whole new edition of poor gun laws one of which was the intention to have state police randomly search the homes lawful gun owners.
• GOAL worked with the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee in an investigation into the firearm licensing system abuses including overcharging and only accepting cash payments.
• GOAL succeeded in removing two outside sections in the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget that would have removed the written notification to gun owners that their license was expiring. The sections would have limited notifications to electronic only thus concerning a great number of our older members.
• GOAL raised concerns on regulatory matters regarding Bonded WarehousesÓ where the private property of citizens was being confiscated by law enforcement and turned over to a private third party.

2008

• GOAL successfully brought concerns to our members and the legislature about S.2406 An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals,Ó authorizes the establishment of an advisory committee that would work with the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to establish a list of toxic substances in Massachusetts. TURI had previously put out a false report on indoor lead ammunition that shattered its credibility.
• GOAL worked with environmental groups to pass the Environmental Bond Bill that brought millions of additional dollars to fish and game programs. We were also crucial in assuring that the presumption of opennessÓ was included in the bills language.
• GOAL successfully defeated the Governor’s efforts to drastically raise our firearm license fees through an appropriations bill. Sections 24 & 25 attacked lawfully licensed firearm dealers by proposing to increase their license fees from $100 for three years to $250. Then it would have added a $100 inspection fee in years two and three of the license. This would have turned a $100 three year dealer’s license into a $450 three year license. Section 26 would have increased a resident License to Carry fee from $100 for six years to $200 for six years. Section 27 would have increased a non-resident License to Carry fee from $100 for one year to $250 for one year.
• GOAL was successful in having the Massachusetts House of Representatives overwhelmingly pass a Resolution to recognize and acknowledge the June 26, 2008 Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling on the Second Amendment (Heller).
• GOAL successfully worked with the Massachusetts Inspector General’s Office to force the city of Cambridge to stop illegally overcharging citizens for a firearms license.
• GOAL succeeded in stopping an all-out push by the Governor to pass his “One Gun a Month Bill” now referred to as “The Governor’s Lawful Citizen’s Imprisonment Act”.
• GOAL Launched the new website www.MassGunLawReform.com was constructed for the purpose of providing the public with a mountain of conclusive evidence proving the need for REAL REFORM & REAL RESULTS.

2009

• GOAL worked with local sportsmen and other groups to defeat a proposal that would have put a rail trail through Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area. The MBWM is one of the biggest tracts of hunting land in northeast Massachusetts. The trail would have closed hundreds of acres to hunting.
• GOAL files new legislation “An Act Regarding Breaking and Entering of a Firearm Retailer, or Wholesaler.” This new bill seeks to send the message that lawful firearm retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers are off limits to criminals. The bill provides for a sentence of five to ten years in prison for simply breaking and entering without even stealing anything. It then goes on to punish those who do steal firearms and unlawfully distribute them for ten to twenty years in prison.
• GOAL successfully defeated a measure and study to place GPS tracking devices in firearms.
• GOAL successfully defeated a bill to criminalize the possession of a rifle, shotgun or handgun with an expired license. Currently under Massachusetts law, a citizen who is found to be in possession under an expired Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry (LTC) is exempt from the criminal penalties found in chapter 269 and is only subject to a civil fine.
• GOAL successfully defeated a bill to mandate the registering of gun shows. Gun shows being defined as one or more retailer.
• GOAL succeeded in stopping broad cuts to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife budget.
• GOAL defeated H.2202 “An Act to Close the Automatic Weapon Loophole” bill. The title notwithstanding the bill would have banned any mechanical action gun.
• GOAL joined forces with the Second Amendment Foundation, Attorney Alan Gura (of the Heller Case) and Attorney Ed George to file a friend of the court brief (Amicus Curiae) in the Runyan case. Commonwealth vs. Richard Runyan SJC-10480 (http://www.ma-appellatecourts.org/display_docket.php?dno=SJC-10480) a case that is going to appear before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court regarding a charge of unlawful storage of a rifle and a shotgun that originated in the Lowell District Court.
• GOAL succeeded in passing an amendment to S.2220, “An Act Reforming the Administrative Procedures Relative to Criminal Offender Record Information and Pre and Post Trial Supervised Release”. The original language would have allowed to hold someone as a dangerous person for mere possession of a large capacity magazine without a license.

2010

• The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (MSJC) handed down a decision that unlicensed possession of a firearm is not a predicate offense for holding a person under the dangerousness clause in 58A, COMMONWEALTH vs. Thomas YOUNG (SJC-10147). As a result legislation was filed to allow people to be held as dangerous simply because they were not properly licensed and GOAL was able to defeat the effort.
• GOAL succeeded in working with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to lift the long standing regulations banning the use of break open style muzzleloaders during the primitive arms deer season.

2011

• GOAL files bill, “An Act Relative to Youth Hunting Programs”. The legislation would allow youths at age 14 to apply for an FID card and to reduce a junior FID card fee from $100 to $25. GOAL succeeded in getting the fee part of the legislation accomplished through a budgetary process.
• GOAL succeeded in defeating legislation that would have potentially mandated GPS locating devices in firearms.
• GOAL defeated legislation that would have limited licensed firearm retailers to 15 gun sales per year.
• GOAL defeated legislation that would have defined any mechanical action gun as an Assault Weapon and then banning them.
• GOAL defeated legislation that would have mandated gun owners that store more than 5 firearms, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, or any combination of such would be required to store them in a vault. Gun Owners with 10 or more firearms, rifles, etc. would have had to notify the Chief of Police in writing of such possession of firearms and disclose the location of their storage.
• GOAL alerted its members and the public concerning the misinformation provided in a Public Safety memo that was sent out regarding so-called assault weapons.

2012 Info coming soon

2013 Info coming soon

2014:

GOAL took a leadership role in protecting rights at the town level, assisting citizens in Northborough, Wayland, Swampscott and Westford who had their rights threatened by local proposals brought to town meeting by anti rights activists. GOAL also took part in amending what became Chapter 284 of the Acts of 2014. Below are the positive changes we were able to make to the Commonwealth’s gun laws.

Juniors:

• Critical training language correction for juniors, this now allows trainers to officially provide firearms to junior shooters and hunters with parental consent.
• Juniors are now able to apply for their FID card a year early (age 14) and receive their card at 15. This change will hopefully prevent junior hunters from missing a season while waiting for their application to be processed.

Pepper Spray:

• Persons over the age of 18 will no longer need an FID card to purchase pepper spray. This measure applies to residents and non-residents.
• 15-17 year olds can still possess, but must have an FID card

LTC:

• The Class B License will be eliminated over the next six years. As people with these licenses go through their next renewal process they will be replaced with only one License to Carry. (LTC).
• Chiefs now have to put specific reasons for denials in writing.
• The new law also places the burden of proof on the licensing authority to prove someone “unsuitable”.
• For the first time gun owners can officially appeal an LTC restriction in District Court.

Both licenses:

• The term “prohibited person” is now being used for both licenses (FID/LTC). This change in the language provides a much-needed change in framework around who is prohibited.
• The 90-day grace period – license renewal issue was fixed. Gun owners will now receive a receipt upon renewal, which makes the license valid for all lawful purposes (This will not change any restrictions on a license, it merely means you can do anything you would normally be able to do with your specific license.) until the new license is renewed or denied.

Mental Health:

• Language was added protecting people who voluntary seek mental health help. This prevents them from being listed as a prohibited person.
• This also gives protection to people who voluntarily seek help for drug and alcohol abuse issues.

Olympic-style Handguns:

• There will be exemptions for the dealer transfer of Olympic-style handguns in the Commonwealth. This will be accomplished by creating another roster of approved Olympic style handguns. The vast majority of these guns were previously not legal to transfer by licensed dealers in the Commonwealth.

Curios and Relic Collectors:

• 01 FFL’s will be legally transfer C&R handguns and firearms to licensed C&R dealers. (03 FFL)

Online portal:

• The new law will create an “online portal” for face-to-face transfers. This was done to preserve private sales. Until the portal is established, private sales may continue as before.

Confiscation:

• We added language-providing protection of property for firearms owners. Now, if firearms are confiscated, the licensing authority is required, at that time, to inform the person in writing of their ability to transfer their firearms to an independent licensed individual.

Lost & Stolen Firearms:

• GOAL added language so that a person who, in good faith, reports lost or stolen firearms will have protection, so that the licensing authority cannot consider them a prohibited person for the first instance.

Military Personnel:

• There is now an extended time period an active duty military member has to become licensed once returning to the Commonwealth. The previous law only gave 90 days, it has been increased to 180 days.
• Active duty military members are now exempt from having to take the gun safety training classes previously mandated in order to acquire a license.

Fines:

• Fines for possession of guns with an expired license were reduced from $500 to $100.

National Instant Check System:

• Massachusetts will now fully comply with the requirements of The NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007.
• GOAL was able to remove the extraneous language that would have included information not required by the federal law.

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