Legislative updates, court decisions, and regulatory changes affecting Massachusetts firearms law.
Granata v. Campbell is a First Circuit appeal challenging the Massachusetts Approved Firearms Roster and 940 CMR 16.00 regulations. The U.S. DOJ filed an amicus brief January 28, 2026 urging reversal, reversing the prior administration's position. Oral argument held April 4, 2026. Fully briefed as of April 16, 2026; decision pending.
A unanimous First Circuit panel held on April 3, 2026 in Beckwith v. Frey that the Second Amendment does not protect the right to acquire firearms, upholding Maine's 72-hour waiting period. The ruling is binding precedent in Massachusetts and directly impacts the Hanlon and Granata challenges to Chapter 135.
On November 3, 2026, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to keep or repeal Chapter 135, the comprehensive firearms reform law. This article explains how the ballot question works, what a YES and NO vote means, who is on each side, and what happens if the law is repealed.
Two House bills address ammunition used for hunting in Massachusetts: H1047 would require nonlead ammunition for taking wildlife, and H1075 would reform rules on shotgun ammunition for hunting. Both had hearings in October 2025.
A roundup of additional firearms-related bills active in the 194th General Court that have not yet advanced past committee. These bills cover topics from annual affidavits and do-not-sell lists to the Civilian Marksmanship Program, law enforcement definitions, tax incentives for safe storage, and excise taxes on guns and ammunition.
Four House bills filed in the 194th General Court would amend Massachusetts firearms definitions and features-based classifications, addressing curios and relics, semiautomatic weapons, and general firearms features. All had hearings in October 2025.
Three House bills seek to reform various aspects of Massachusetts' firearms licensing system under Chapter 140, addressing concealed carry fairness, licensing equity, and restrictions on lawful handgun sales. All had hearings in October 2025.
Six House bills filed in the 194th General Court seek to protect or expand Second Amendment and civil rights related to firearms ownership in Massachusetts. All had hearings in October 2025 and remain in committee.
Two House bills filed in the 194th General Court — H2618 and H2716 — would repeal all or part of Chapter 135, the sweeping firearms reform law Massachusetts enacted in 2024. Both bills had hearings in October 2025 and remain alive in committee.
Senate Bill 1282 would strengthen penalties for repeat violent firearm offenders in Massachusetts. The committee reporting date has been extended to April 2, 2026, indicating active consideration.
Senate Bill 1779 would create a specific exemption from Massachusetts' assault weapons ban and large capacity feeding device restrictions for private campus law enforcement officers.
Senate Bill 1775 would establish procedures for the detainment and handling of antique firearms by law enforcement, addressing a gap in Massachusetts law that has caused confusion since the 2024 Chapter 135 reforms. The bill passed committee favorably and has been referred to Senate Ways and Means.
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