Governor Patrick Signs Gun Safety Legislation

By Michael Bednarsky

Gov. Deval Patrick signed H. 4376 on Wednesday. The legislation, referred to as “An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence,” seeks to curb the gun violence impacting families and neighborhoods across the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts is now compliant with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). New firearm crimes, such as assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, are in place. Existing firearm crimes, such as gun-related deaths, will be enhanced.

“Our communities and our families are safer when irresponsible gun sales and use are reduced,” Patrick said in a recent press release. “This legislation moves us in that direction.”

H. 4376 requires the Commonwealth’s courts to transmit all relevant mental health and substance abuse commitments, restraining orders, domestic violence convictions and guardianship appointments to the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) for firearms licensing.

The law also makes a felony conviction a lifetime disqualifier for all firearms licenses. Firearms dealers will be required to conduct Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks on employees.

As for school safety, chiefs of police and school superintendents are required to assign a resource officer to each school district, and schools must address mental health needs of students and staff.

”We have to work together to prevent gun violence in every city and town,” Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said in a statement. “I am optimistic that Boston will be provided with additional tools that can be used to curb urban violence and bring peace to our neighborhoods. Every single victim matters, and this legislation sends that message to those touched by senseless violence.”

Learn more about An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence here.