Yesterday the Massachusetts Senate introduced S. 2572, An act to sensibly address firearm violence through effective reform—the SAFER Act. With the goal to update the Commonwealth’s firearm laws, this bill is a comprehensive package focused on gun safety through addressing community violence, the mitigation of gun violence, enhanced accountability, and oversight tools for illegal gun activity.
S. 2572 includes a portion of a bill I filed, S. 1019 An Act Improving Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors – which will align Chapter 258E Harassment Orders for victims of sexual assault, stalking, abuse, and/or harassment with 209A Protective Orders. Courts will be compelled to require the surrender of firearms by individuals who pose an immediate threat. Currently, state law does not permit a court to order an individual to surrender their firearms if they are subject to a Harassment Order. By closing this gap in law, we can better protect survivors of abuse who are not in or have a past domestic partnership or immediate familial relationship with their perpetrator and remove a threat of immediate danger.
Additionally, an amendment I filed passed with unanimous consent. The creation of a voluntary Do Not Sell list will allow individuals to voluntarily and confidentially suspend their ability to purchase and possess firearms. We must take the necessary steps to provide a safety net for those at risk of harming themselves or others.
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