Massachusetts State Senate Puts Forward Civilian Disarmament Bill
Jose Nino
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The Massachusetts State Senate recently introduced the “SAFER Act” (S2572) which forces Massachusetts residents to obtain a license to manufacture firearms prior to building a gun using a 3D printer. In addition this bill would codify the state’s prohibition on so-called “assault weapons” to align with the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law. Said law makes the majority of semi-automatic long guns illegal to manufacture, sell, and transfer. A new civil cause of action would be set up to allow individuals to file lawsuits against gun manufacturers and sellers over “the marketing of unlawful firearm sales to minors.”
Some of the new “gun-free zones” created by S2572 would be government administration buildings. Similarly, local municipalities would have the power to opt out of the prohibition and allow legal carry if they so choose.
On top of that, the legislation broadens the state’s current “red flag” red flag gun confiscation orders to grant a health care provider the power to file an red flag gun confiscation petition against any client they’ve seen within the past six months, while also preventing any individual subject to a red flag gun confiscation order from acquiring a license to carry while the confiscation order is in effect. The bill defines “health care providers” as entities who can file an red flag gun confiscation petition include “licensed physicians, licensed physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse practitioners, certified clinical nurse specialists, certified psychiatric clinical nurse specialists, licensed psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, licensed independent clinical social worker or licensed certified social worker” per a report by Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms.
The bill also creates a new criminal penalty for “firing a weapon directly at a dwelling or a building in use.” Any individual who engages in this act could be punished by up to 2.5 to 5 years in prison.
Massachusetts is an anti-gun bastion. According to Guns & Ammo magazine’s best states for gun owners rankings, Massachusetts is ranked in 47th place. This is a state where gun rights simply go to die.
At this point, gun owners in this state should turn to the courts or use conservative cities and counties to nullify unconstitutional gun control laws at the state level.
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