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H 2598

An Act relative to accurate firearms records

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David DeCoste

The bill requires periodic audits to remove deceased or nonresidents from the firearms registry and an annual owner verification list to confirm accuracy.

Accompanied a study order, see H5322 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2598

Summary: Bill H. 2598 — An Act Relative to Accurate Firearms Records

Overview

H. 2598, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. David F. DeCoste, seeks to improve the accuracy and upkeep of firearms registration records in Massachusetts. The bill assigns new data-management duties to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to periodically audit the firearms registry and to provide firearm owners with an annual verification list. The bill is currently moving through the Public Safety and Homeland Security process, with a hearing rescheduled for October 31, 2025.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 – Audits of firearms registration records

    • The EOPSS must develop and implement a system to audit firearm registration records on a periodic basis.
    • Purpose: identify and remove from the registry individuals who are deceased or no longer residents of the Commonwealth.

  • Section 2 – Annual owner verification list

    • The EOPSS must develop a system to generate and send an annual list of registered firearms to their owners.
    • The list must include: firearm serial number, the registered owner’s information, and other relevant registration details.
    • Requirement for owners: review the list and provide a response confirming the accuracy of the information.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Firearm owners, whose registration records would be audited and who would receive annual verification lists.
  • Registrants and Records: Individuals who are deceased or no longer residents would be removed from the registry through the audit process (per Section 1).
  • Government/Agency: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) would implement the auditing and annual-verification systems.
  • Public Safety Stakeholders: Law enforcement and other agencies involved in firearms regulation and recordkeeping may be affected by changes in processes and data handling.

Administration, Implementation, and Timeline

  • Agency responsible: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).
  • Process: Development and deployment of (a) periodic audit system for registry cleanliness, and (b) annual owner-verification list system.
  • Notifications to the Public: Owners are required to respond to the annual list to confirm accuracy.
  • Legislative status and action:
    • Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (Feb 27, 2025).
    • Senate concurrence occurred on Feb 27, 2025.
    • Hearing scheduled (and repeatedly rescheduled) for October 31, 2025, with updates to times and virtual attendance options.
  • Session context: Part of the 194th General Court (2025-2026).

Related Bills

  • HD 4139: This bill is related and is listed as “replaces,” indicating it may supersede or be substituted by House Docket 4139.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Accuracy and Public Safety: Likely improves the accuracy of firearms records by removing deceased/nonresident individuals and ensuring current ownership data is up to date.
  • Administrative Burden: Annual verification could require significant effort from gun owners and administrative resources for EOPSS to generate and mail/deliver lists.
  • Privacy and Data Handling: Involves sensitive personal data (owner information, firearm details); considerations around data security, access, and privacy safeguards are implied but not detailed in the text provided.
  • Compliance Consequences: The text specifies the review and response requirement but does not outline penalties or remedies for nonresponse; such details would appear in the full statutory language or implementing regulations.

Conclusion

H. 2598 proposes a two-pronged approach to firearm-record accuracy: periodic audits to remove ineligible registrations and an annual owner verification process. If enacted, it would place new data-management obligations on EOPSS and create ongoing, owner-facing verification requirements intended to keep the Massachusetts firearms registry accurate and up to date. The bill is currently advancing through committee review with a scheduled hearing on October 31, 2025.

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

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