Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 131E[1] governed conditions under which Massachusetts residents could purchase firearms from dealers or private sellers. This section was entirely repealed by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024[2], Section 59, effective October 2, 2024.
Pre-Repeal Substance
Section 131E required presentment of a valid FID, LTC, or proof of exempt status for rifle and shotgun purchases (age 18 or older for standard, 21 or older for large capacity). For handgun purchases, it required an LTC or FID plus a permit to purchase under Section 131A (age 21 or older). Bona fide collectors with federal licenses could purchase curio and relic firearms.
Pre-Repeal Straw Purchase Penalty
A person using an LTC or FID to purchase a firearm for the unlawful use of another, or for resale to or giving to an unlicensed person, faced:
- Fine of $1,000 to $50,000
- Imprisonment of 2.5 to 10 years in state prison, or both
- Mandatory immediate license revocation
- 2-year bar on re-licensing
Where the Substance Went
The content of Section 131E was redistributed across multiple sections:
- Section 121F: New centralized licensing process, eligibility, denied procedures, and fees
- Section 128A: Private transfers (significantly expanded)
- Sections 129B and 131: Updated purchase conditions
- Section 121B: Electronic registration for all transactions
Referendum Status
The repeal is subject to the November 2026 referendum. A successful repeal vote would restore Section 131E in full.
Sources
[1] Massachusetts Legislature. MGL Chapter 140, Section 131E
Chapter 140, Section 131E
Related
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 131K: Approved Safety and Locking Devices
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 131P: Basic Firearms Safety Certificate
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders: Sections 131R through 131Y
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 121A: Ballistics Identification
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 121B: Electronic Firearms Registration
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 121E: Public Firearms Data Dashboard