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.
On April 3, 2026, the First Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction against Maine's 72-hour firearm-delivery waiting period after concluding that the law was likely constitutional. The ruling addressed preliminary relief, not a final merits judgment.
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how the ballot question works, what a YES and NO vote means, who is on each side, and what happens if the law is repealed.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 Massachusetts House firearms bills accompanied study order H.5322 on April 23, 2026. The official histories do not show enactment of the proposed changes.
House bills H.2618 and H.2716 proposed repealing Chapter 135 but accompanied study order H.5322 on April 23, 2026. Chapter 135 remains in effect.
Senate Bill 1282 would require release revocation and detention after a clear-and-convincing-evidence finding that a person on release committed specified firearm or violent offenses. It does not create a new sentence enhancement.
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 narrow the antique-firearm exclusion when the owner or possessor is subject to specified protective, surrender, harassment-prevention, or extreme-risk orders. It does not create police detainment procedures.
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