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SD 420

An Act permitting the manufacture and sale of sling shots

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 1 co-sponsor

Repeals the sling shot prohibition and the club exemption, allowing manufacture and sale, affecting manufacturers, retailers, and buyers with other laws still applying.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 420

Summary: Senate Bill 420 (An Act permitting the manufacture and sale of sling shots)

Overview

  • Bill number: SD 420
  • Title: An Act permitting the manufacture and sale of sling shots
  • Status: House concurred
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Committee action: Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (2025-02-27)
  • Legislative context: Filed in the 194th General Court (2025-2026). Similar matter previously considered (House No. 2323, 2023-2024).

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to remove existing prohibitions on the manufacture and sale of sling shots by amending the state General Laws. By striking specific language that currently references sling shots and a related exemption, the measure aims to eliminate the prohibition and any special exemption that permitted manufacturing or selling sling shots to clubs or associations for sporting events.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 12 of Chapter 269 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition).
  • Primary changes:
    • Strikes the words “sling shot” from line 6 of the statute.
    • Strikes the clause that permitted sling shots to be manufactured and sold to clubs or associations conducting sporting events where such sling shots are used.
  • Resulting effect: The explicit prohibition and the exemption for clubs/associations are removed, which, in practical terms, would permit the manufacture and sale of sling shots under the statute (subject to other applicable laws and regulations not altered by this bill).

Who is affected

  • Manufacturers and retailers of sling shots: Potentially permitted to manufacture and sell sling shots in Massachusetts.
  • Consumers and buyers: May gain lawful access to sling shots, depending on other applicable laws (e.g., general weapon, consumer safety, age restrictions) not specified within this bill.
  • Clubs/associations: The existing exemption for sporting events would be removed, eliminating a potential path for sale to such groups under that exemption.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: February 27, 2025.
  • Initial action: Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security (2025-02-27).
  • Floor action: House concurred (as of 2025-02-27), indicating agreement between House and Senate versions or alignment on the measure’s language and intent.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public safety implications: By repealing the prohibition and exemption, the bill shifts policy toward allowing manufacture and sale of sling shots. This could raise considerations about safety standards, handling requirements, and enforcement under other weapon and consumer safety statutes.
  • Regulatory framework: The bill does not specify new licensing, safety standards, or age restrictions for sling shots. Additional regulations or enforcement measures would likely be addressed in related statutes or future amendments.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive change in the statute and its immediate implications based on the bill text provided.

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

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