Massachusetts Gun Laws and How They Compare Nationally

In August, Gov. Deval Patrick signed a new bill that overhauled the gun laws in Massachusetts. The state already has some of the toughest gun legislation in the nation. Patrick said the new regulations will aid in curbing gun violence and protect the community.

Among the states sweeping changes are the creation of an online portal within the Executive Office of Public Safety, which allows for real-time background checks, stiffer penalties for weapon-based crimes, a tracking unit for the state police, and a requirement that Massachusetts join the National Instant Background Check System.

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“With the stroke of Governor Patrick’s pen today, Massachusetts is now a leader for the rest of the nation in passing common-sense gun reform while continuing to respect the Second Amendment rights we all value,” said Molly Malloy, Massachusetts chapter leader of Moms Demand Action, in a statement released by the group.

“The single most effective thing we can do to keep guns out of dangerous hands and reduce the number of Americans killed with guns every day is require criminal background checks on all sales to close the loophole that allows felons, domestic abusers, and the dangerously mentally ill to buy guns. Real leadership is what will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and we are grateful to have leaders on this issue taking action to protect our families in the commonwealth.”

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State laws require the following: a firearm ID in order to purchase a weapon, a license to own, and a permit or FID to carry.

According to the National Rifle Association of America's Institute for Legislative Action, Massachusetts is also one of the few states that does not recognize reciprocity. Though certain states allow Massachusetts gun permits within their borders, Massachusetts does not reciprocate.

The following states recognizes Massachusetts’ permits: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Vermont.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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