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how the ballot question works, what a YES and NO vote means, who is on each side, and what happens if the law is repealed.
Legislation
Who: All Massachusetts voters and firearms ownersAction: Comply with Chapter 135 as currently written. The law remains in full effect until and unless repealed by voters on November 3, 2026.●Reviewed May 15, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Hunters, sporting goods dealers, ammunition manufacturers, and wildlife management agencies in Massachusetts●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Firearm owners, license holders, dealers, taxpayers, and law enforcement personnel across Massachusetts●Reviewed Jun 3, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Firearm owners, collectors, dealers, and anyone affected by weapons classification under Massachusetts law●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: License to Carry (LTC) applicants, firearm dealers, handgun buyers, and local licensing authorities●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Licensed firearm owners, prospective gun buyers, and civil liberties advocates in Massachusetts●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: All firearm owners, dealers, and license holders in Massachusetts affected by the 2024 Chapter 135 reforms●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Individuals with prior violent firearm convictions, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the criminal justice system●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Private campus law enforcement officers at Massachusetts colleges and universities●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
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.
Legislation
Who: Antique firearm collectors, dealers in antique weapons, law enforcement officers, and museums with firearms collections●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Senate Bill 1688 would exempt retired law enforcement officers who hold a valid federal LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) Qualification Card from standard civilian firearm purchase restrictions in Massachusetts.
Legislation
Who: Retired law enforcement officers with valid LEOSA certification seeking to purchase firearms in Massachusetts●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Senate Bill 397 would promote safe firearm storage education and student well-being by integrating storage safety awareness into school programming. The bill passed committee favorably and has been referred to Senate Ways and Means.
Legislation
Who: Public school students, parents, school administrators, and educators across Massachusetts●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026