MGL Chapter 140, Section 131L:
Firearms Storage Requirements

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 131L^[1] establishes mandatory storage requirements for all firearms in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts has some of the most stringent safe storage laws in the nation.

Storage Standard

Section 131L requires that all firearms be stored or kept in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device that renders the firearm inoperable by anyone other than the owner or lawfully authorized user. This requirement applies at all times when the firearm is not under the direct control of the owner or a lawfully authorized person.

Chapter 135 Tiered Penalties

Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024^[2] introduced a tiered penalty structure based on the type of weapon improperly stored and the consequences of the violation:

• Base violation (not a large capacity firearm or machine gun): a fine of $1,000 to $7,500, or imprisonment for up to 1.5 years, or both.
• Large capacity firearm, semiautomatic, or machine gun: a fine of $2,000 to $15,000, or imprisonment for 1.5 to 12 years, or both.
• Minor access (firearm other than a large capacity firearm or machine gun): a fine of $2,500 to $15,000, or imprisonment for 1.5 to 12 years, or both.
• Minor access (large capacity firearm, firearm, or machine gun): a fine of $10,000 to $20,000, or imprisonment for 4 to 15 years, or both.

Approved Locking Devices

The Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security publishes an annual list of approved safety devices under Section 131K. Only devices appearing on this list satisfy the storage requirements. Licensed dealers must provide an approved locking device or gun safe with every firearm sale.

Exceptions

The storage requirement does not apply to firearms under the direct control of the licensed owner. A firearm carried on the person or within immediate reach of a licensed individual is considered "under direct control" and need not be locked. The requirement applies when the firearm is left unattended, even within the owner's home.