Chapter 284 of the Acts of 2014[1], titled "An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence," was signed August 13, 2014, by Governor Deval Patrick as an emergency law. It was described by the Boston Bar Association as the most significant amendment to Massachusetts firearms law until Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024[2]. It was a comprehensive reform touching criminal law, licensing, reporting, school safety, mental health, and consumer protection.
The Suitability Standard
The signature innovation of Chapter 284 was the suitability standard. For LTC (amending Section 131(d)): licensing authorities gained discretion to deny, suspend, or revoke based on "reliable and credible information" that the applicant "has exhibited or engaged in behavior that suggests that, if issued a license, the applicant or licensee may create a risk to public safety." For FID (amending Section 129B): a notably different and more protective judicial petition process, requiring the licensing authority to file a petition in district court, with a hearing within 90 days, a preponderance of evidence standard, and the court (not the police chief) making the decision.
LTC Changes
- Eliminated the Class A / Class B distinction, consolidating into a single LTC
- Added the suitability standard
- Expanded judicial review (90-day appeal window)
- Receipt and renewal provisions
- License format with Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone numbers
FID Modifications
- Expanded prohibited persons list (felony convictions as lifetime bar, misdemeanor domestic violence per 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33), dishonorable discharge, fugitive status, renounced citizenship)
- 5-year rehabilitation provision for lesser offenses
- Mental health disqualifiers with petition-for-relief process after 5 years
- Reduced expired-card penalty from $500 to $100
NICS Compliance
Required DCJIS to transmit disqualifying information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Courts committing individuals under Chapter 123 (mental health/substance abuse) must transmit nonclinical identifying information to DCJIS.
Private Sale Portal
Amended Section 128A to require private sales through a DCJIS "real time web portal," the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.
Enhanced Storage Penalties
Significantly increased the penalties under Section 131L for improper firearms storage, with graduated penalties based on weapon type and whether a minor could access the weapon.
Further Amended by Chapter 135
Many provisions originally created by Chapter 284 were substantially further amended by Chapter 135 of 2024, including: the Section 121 definitions, Sections 129B and 131 (licensing), Section 131K (safety devices), Section 131L (storage), Section 131M (assault weapons, now "assault-style firearms"), Section 131P (safety training), and the Gun Control Advisory Board (renamed "Firearms Control Advisory Board").