2025 Massachusetts Firearms Laws and Key Changes and Compliance Tips

2025 Massachusetts Firearms Laws and Key Changes and Compliance Tips

In 2024, Massachusetts enacted significant updates to its firearm laws, aiming to enhance public safety and address emerging challenges in gun regulation. These changes, effective immediately upon signing, have introduced new requirements and restrictions that firearm owners and prospective licensees must understand to ensure compliance.

Key Changes in the 2024 Firearm Legislation:

  1. Regulation of Ghost Guns:
    • The new law criminalizes the possession, sale, or manufacture of unserialized and untraceable firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns.” This includes weapons assembled from kits or produced using 3D printing technology. Owners of such firearms are now required to serialize and register them with the state. (mass.gov)
  2. Ban on Rapid-Fire Devices:
    • The legislation prohibits devices that increase a firearm’s rate of fire, such as bump stocks and trigger cranks. Possession of these devices is now a criminal offense in Massachusetts. (mass.gov)
  3. Mandatory Live-Fire Training:
    • Prospective firearm license applicants are now required to complete live-fire training as part of the licensing process. This measure ensures that individuals demonstrate practical firearm handling skills before obtaining a license. (mass.gov)
  4. Strengthening of Red Flag Laws:
    • The state’s “red flag” law has been expanded, allowing law enforcement and certain officials to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. This expansion aims to prevent potential acts of violence by intervening proactively. (mass.gov)
  5. Age Restriction for Semi-Automatic Firearms:
    • The minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles and shotguns has been raised to 21. This aligns with existing age requirements for handgun purchases and is intended to enhance public safety. (studentsdemandaction.org)

Compliance Tips for Firearm Owners in 2025:

  • Stay Informed:
    • Regularly review updates from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to stay abreast of any further changes or clarifications to firearm regulations.
  • Ensure Proper Licensing:
    • Verify that all firearm licenses are current and comply with the new training requirements. If you are applying for a new license, ensure completion of the mandated live-fire training.
  • Register Firearms:
    • If you possess any previously unserialized firearms, take immediate steps to serialize and register them with state authorities to avoid legal penalties.
  • Dispose of Prohibited Devices:
    • Safely surrender any banned rapid-fire devices to local law enforcement agencies. Retaining possession of these devices is now illegal and subject to criminal charges.
  • Understand Red Flag Provisions:
    • Familiarize yourself with the expanded red flag laws, especially if you are a family member or associate of someone who may be at risk, to understand the procedures for petitioning for firearm removal.

By adhering to these updated regulations and compliance measures, firearm owners in Massachusetts can contribute to a safer community while ensuring their rights and responsibilities are maintained under the law.