Massachusetts House Bill H2307

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 5/15/24

Caption

Relative to crime gun data reporting and analysis

Impact

If enacted, H2307 would amend Chapter 6A of the General Laws, ensuring that the biennial reports are essential for understanding firearm-related issues in Massachusetts. The reports are to be developed through collaboration between state authorities and a university or nonprofit organization. This aims to facilitate a more comprehensive overview of the challenges presented by firearms in crime, providing lawmakers with data that can inform future regulation and policy changes.

Summary

House Bill 2307, titled 'An Act relative to crime gun data reporting and analysis,' is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the collection and analysis of data related to firearms used in crimes within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill requires the development of a biennial report, which will analyze firearms trace data and non-identifying gun sales transaction data. This report will aim to provide significant statistics on firearms crimes, assess the effectiveness of current firearms regulations, and aggregate data sourced from firearms that have been confiscated due to criminal activity or used in suicides.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving public safety and accountability surrounding firearms use, there may be points of contention regarding privacy and data collection practices. Critics may argue that the collection of sales data and tracing information should be handled sensitively to protect individual privacy rights. Additionally, discussions around the effectiveness of current regulations could lead to debates regarding adjustments to state laws or the potential introduction of new legislation based upon data collected through this reporting process.