S1779 (2026): Assault Weapon and LCF Device Exemption for Private Campus Police

What the Bill Would Do

Senate Bill 1779 would amend G.L. c.140 Section 131M to create a specific exemption from Massachusetts' assault weapons ban and large capacity feeding device (LCFD) restrictions for private campus law enforcement officers^[1]. Under current law, Section 131M prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of assault weapons and LCFDs, but carves out exemptions for certain categories of law enforcement officers. Private campus police officers — those employed by private colleges and universities — are not currently included in those exemptions.

S1779 would fill that gap, ensuring that private campus law enforcement officers can possess assault weapons and large capacity feeding devices in the course of their duties, placing them on equal footing with the public-sector officers who already enjoy the exemption.

Current Status

S1779 was reported favorably by committee and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules on January 27, 2026^[2]. Like S1688 (the LEOSA purchase exemption bill), referral to Rules rather than Ways and Means suggests the bill does not carry significant state fiscal costs — the expense would primarily fall on private institutions themselves.

What to Watch

The bill is narrowly targeted at a specific gap in the existing law enforcement exemption framework. Watch for whether it specifies training or certification requirements that private campus officers must meet to qualify for the exemption, and whether it extends to off-duty possession or is limited to on-duty use. Also watch for whether it addresses reciprocity with local police departments and mutual aid agreements, which are critical for campus officers responding to incidents near campus boundaries.