If enacted, the bill would amend Chapter 140 of the General Laws to establish the voluntary do-not-sell firearms list under the jurisdiction of the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. The list would be maintained and updated by this department, and personal information about individuals applying to be added or removed from the list would be protected from public disclosure. Only specific authorities, such as licensing authorities and law enforcement, would have access to this information, ensuring privacy while facilitating the enforcement of the firearm prohibition.
Summary
Bill S1714, introduced by Senator Robyn K. Kennedy, seeks to create a voluntary do-not-sell firearms list in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The proposed legislation would allow individuals, 18 years of age and older, to voluntarily register their names on this list. Once registered, individuals would be prohibited from purchasing, renting, leasing, borrowing, possessing, or carrying firearms. This initiative aims to enhance public safety by providing a mechanism for individuals who wish to restrict their access to firearms for personal reasons.
Contention
There may be notable points of contention surrounding Bill S1714, particularly regarding issues of civil liberties and the Second Amendment. Opponents may argue that even a voluntary registration could complicate rights surrounding firearms ownership and may invoke concerns around stigmatization for those who choose to enroll in the list. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, may argue that it creates an important safety measure for individuals who feel unsafe with firearms access. The balance between public safety and individual rights is likely to be a significant topic of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.