As Election Day approaches, Massachusetts voters will be asked to decide Question 9, a statewide referendum on the Commonwealth’s 2024 firearms law, Chapter 135: An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws.
If you’re a firearm owner, hunter, competitive shooter, or someone considering obtaining a License to Carry (LTC), understanding what this ballot question is about is important. Here’s a straightforward overview of what Chapter 135 changed and what the referendum means for Massachusetts residents.
What is Chapter 135?
Chapter 135 is a comprehensive firearms law enacted in 2024 that updated several areas of Massachusetts firearms regulations. Among other provisions, it includes changes affecting:
- Firearm licensing and administrative procedures
- Firearm training requirements
- Definitions for certain firearm components
- Regulations involving unfinished frames and receivers (“ghost guns”)
- Certain restrictions related to assault-style firearms
- Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
- Storage and transportation provisions in some circumstances
The law touches many areas of firearms ownership, making it one of the most significant changes to Massachusetts firearm law in years.
Why is it on the ballot?
Opponents of Chapter 135 gathered enough signatures to place a referendum before voters.
Unlike many ballot questions, referendum questions ask voters whether an existing law should remain in effect.
For this reason:
- A YES vote keeps Chapter 135 in place.
- A NO vote repeals Chapter 135.
This wording often causes confusion because many people assume “yes” means changing the law, when in this case it means keeping the current law.
Why Lawful Gun Owners Support Repealing Chapter 135
Many lawful firearm owners understand that Chapter 135 places additional burdens on responsible citizens while doing little to deter individuals who intentionally violate existing laws.
Concerns commonly raised include:
- Additional complexity added to an already highly regulated licensing process.
- New definitions and regulatory requirements that many believe create confusion for otherwise law-abiding firearm owners.
- Expanded compliance requirements that increase the administrative burden on individuals who are already committed to following Massachusetts law.
- Higher barriers for new firearm owners, making it more difficult to understand and comply with the Commonwealth’s firearm regulations.
For many Massachusetts gun owners, the concern isn’t about opposing reasonable safety measures. It’s about ensuring that legislation is practical, clearly written, and focused on those who commit crimes rather than placing additional restrictions on individuals who already follow the law. We believe public safety is best served by enforcing existing laws against criminal activity while preserving the rights of responsible firearm owners.
Stay Informed
Firearm laws continue to evolve, and it’s important to rely on official information and trusted resources when evaluating changes.
As always, if you have questions about Massachusetts firearm ownership, safe firearm handling, or licensing, our team is here to help point you toward reliable information and educational resources.