Massachusetts voters reject repeal of 2024 firearm regulations
Ballot Question 9 passes, preserving rules on ghost guns, red flag orders, and mandatory registration for all gun owners.
By Layla Fontaine ·
Massachusetts voters have kept the state's 2024 firearm regulations in place after approving Ballot Question 9. The measure rejects a repeal effort driven by gun rights advocates who sought to remove the law's provisions. According to the Associated Press, the 'yes' vote secured the legislation's continued enforcement. Governor Maura Healey had previously labeled the statute the state's most significant gun safety legislation in a decade when she signed it two years ago.
The law implements a comprehensive set of rules regarding licensing, training, and data collection. A key provision required all Massachusetts gun owners to register their firearms with the state, a deadline that passed just last week. The legislation also bans guns from polling places and makes it a crime to carry weapons inside government buildings. Additionally, it expands 'red flag' laws by allowing healthcare workers and school administrators to petition courts to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed threats to themselves or others.
The statute broadens the definition of an assault-style firearm and regulates devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into automatic ones. It marks the state's first crackdown on ghost guns, which are homemade firearms built from kits or 3D printouts. These untraceable weapons now require a serial number. Permit applicants must also complete updated safety courses that include live-fire training, safe storage instruction, and suicide prevention education.
Ruth Zakarin, chair of the Yes on 9 for a Safe Massachusetts campaign, said the victory belongs to the people of Massachusetts. She noted that voters said a resounding yes to protecting the legislation and keeping communities safe from gun violence. The 'yes' campaign received backing from Governor Healey, state and federal lawmakers, and several labor unions. Gun rights groups, firearms stores, firing ranges, and local gun clubs supported the 'no' side of the campaign.
Supporters argued the law maintains safety in a state with one of the lowest gun death rates in the country. In 2024, more than half of all firearm deaths were suicides, according to CDC data. Opponents contended the law is confusing, damages hunting traditions, and places an undue enforcement burden on local police departments. They used a signature campaign to place the repeal measure on this year's ballot.
All regulations under the law remain in effect following the vote. Gun rights advocates have also challenged the statute in court, claiming it violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms. These lawsuits are ongoing, and the courts could issue a decision that differs from the voters' choice.
