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HD 4376

A communication from the Executive Office of the Trial Court (see Section 131Y of Chapter 140 of the General Laws) submitting the Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPO) report for calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts submits its 2024 report on firearm removal orders issued through extreme risk protective orders, documenting implementation of its "red flag" law.

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Bill Summary · HD 4376

Legislative bill overview

This bill is a procedural filing that submits the 2024 annual report on Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs) from Massachusetts's Trial Court Executive Office to the legislature. ERPOs, also known as "red flag" laws, are court orders that temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. The report documents the number of petitions filed, granted, denied, and other relevant statistics from the prior calendar year.

Why is this important

ERPO reports provide transparency and accountability for how states implement firearm removal policies—a significant public safety intervention that affects constitutional rights. The data helps legislators, advocates, and the public understand whether the law is being used as intended, identify implementation gaps, and inform future policy decisions. Massachusetts's reporting requirement ensures the judiciary provides regular oversight information on this contentious issue.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Critics argue ERPOs can restrict Second Amendment rights without sufficient procedural protections, and report data may reveal disparities in who faces these orders
  • Effectiveness questions: Stakeholders disagree on whether ERPO data demonstrates meaningful public safety improvements or represents an underutilized tool
  • Implementation barriers: The report may highlight challenges in how courts, law enforcement, and petitioners (healthcare providers, family members, police) actually use the law, revealing gaps between legislative intent and practice

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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