Opposing sweeping changes to our state’s firearms licensing laws

In October the House considered a bill to make sweeping changes to our state’s firearms laws. After listening attentively to many constituent opinions, consulting experts on both sides, and attending more than seven hours of public hearing testimony for and against, I voted against this bill and spoke about it on the House floor (my first ever legislative address).

As you well know, I am a former Deputy Police Chief with 40 years of law enforcement experience. I am adamantly opposed to violent crime, and I strongly support making Massachusetts a safer place to live. However, after much research I do not believe this bill, as written, will do anything meaningful to make Massachusetts safer, but it will significantly take away the constitutionally-protected rights of responsible gun owners. I take special note that the bill was opposed – unanimously – by all 351 municipal police chiefs in this state, as well as all 100 university campus police chiefs. These officials are not only the ones responsible for gun licensing, but also on the front lines of enforcement. I think it’s profound that they all oppose this bill.

We need tougher enforcement in the courts, not more laws. We need to support our police and their mission. I stand with them, and the many, many constituents who contacted my office against this bill.