AI was utilized in the writing of this article.
Jimmy Dean
February 1, 2024
Boston – The Senate’s proposal to intensify already stringent gun laws is expected to gain approval this week and could potentially be enacted into law by the end of the current legislative session.
Senate Leader Karen Spilka conceded that “An Act to Sensibly Address Firearm Violence through Effective Reform” — also known as the SAFER Act — despite sharing similar objectives, is a significantly different piece of legislation than the “An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws” which was approved by the House in October.
“That’s almost every bill that we take up, you know? That’s the legislative process,” she stated.
Nevertheless, she anticipates that the Senate’s version of the bill will likely gain approval from the upper chamber when lawmakers deliberate on it this Thursday and subsequently proceed to a joint conference committee where discrepancies between the House and Senate versions will be reconciled.
“I believe it’s a very robust bill and it will significantly enhance safety in our commonwealth. We already have strong gun safety laws in place; this will further improve upon them and enhance safety for all our residents. So, we’ll pass it, we’ll meet with the House, and I’m hopeful we can get something to the governor’s desk before the session concludes,” she said.
Gun rights organizations have expressed dissatisfaction with the Senate’s attempt to limit their Second Amendment rights, a sentiment that was also echoed when the House passed their bill. Jim Wallace, the Executive Director of the Gun Owners Action League, argued that the bill fails to address any of the issues that its proponents claim they aim to resolve.
“Like the House bill, there is absolutely nothing in this bill to address crime and mental illness. The Senate’s proposal would grant excessive authority to create unlimited regulations and empower the Attorney General to use the proposed laws in a punitive manner even against individuals outside of the 2A community,” Wallace stated.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr informed the Herald that “nothing is predetermined” regarding the gun bill, despite the Senate Leader’s confidence in its eventual passage into law.
Tarr agreed with the need for the state to address emerging firearms technologies, such as untraceable firearms and so-called Glock switches. However, he expressed concern over certain aspects of the bill, such as its apparent lack of a “grandfather clause” to protect current owners of potentially banned guns. He fears these elements could overshadow important discussions that should be taking place.
“The unfortunate situation we find ourselves in is that there would be unanimity, or near unanimity, for common sense reforms that make sense,” he said. “Those things are being put at risk by other elements that are outside the parameters of what could be a solid bipartisan agreement.”
The Senate will convene for a formal session and deliberate on the bill at 11 a.m. on Thursday.