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HD 4139

An Act relative to accurate firearms records

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

Requires EOPSS to audit firearm registrations and send owners an annual list for verification, removing deceased or non-residents and keeping records accurate.

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Bill Summary · HD 4139

Summary: An Act Relative to Accurate Firearms Records (HD 4139)

Overview

This Massachusetts bill, titled An Act relative to accurate firearms records, seeks to improve the accuracy and currency of the state’s firearms registration data. The provisions establish a formal system for auditing registration records and for notifying firearm owners about the status of registered firearms on an annual basis. The bill is included in the 2025-2026 General Court session (House Docket No. 4139). The text provided indicates the bill was filed January 17, 2025 (House No. 2598) by Representative David F. DeCoste and Mackenzie Slocumb; the status and subsequent actions are not specified in the excerpt.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 – Auditing of registration records

    • The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) must develop and implement a system to audit firearms registration records periodically.
    • Purpose: to identify and remove individuals who are deceased or no longer residents of the Commonwealth.

  • Section 2 – Annual ownership verification list

    • The EOPSS must create a system to generate and send an annual list of registered firearms to the registered owners.
    • The list must include: firearm serial number, the registered owner’s information, and any other relevant registration details.
    • Owners are required to review the list and confirm the accuracy of the information.

Affected Parties

  • State Agency/Entity: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), which would implement the auditing system and the annual verification process.
  • Firearm Owners: Individuals who hold registered firearms in Massachusetts would receive the annual list and must respond to confirm accuracy.
  • Registrations: All firearms currently listed in the state’s registration records would be subject to review and potential removal if owners are deceased or no longer residents.

Timeline and Process Considerations

  • Auditing: Conducted periodically; the bill does not specify exact frequency or criteria for “periodically.”
  • Annual Verification: An annual list must be generated and sent to owners; owners must reply to confirm accuracy.
  • Enforcement/Penalties: The text provided does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance or inaccuracies.

Potential Impacts and Practical Implications

  • Public Safety/Record Accuracy: Expected to improve the accuracy of firearm registration data by removing deceased individuals and updating residency status, potentially aiding enforcement and data reliability.
  • Administrative Burden: Introduces ongoing administrative tasks for EOPSS and annual obligations for firearm owners to review and confirm records.
  • Privacy and Data Handling: Involves the sharing of ownership and registration details with owners, raising considerations around data privacy and security.
  • Costs: Likely fiscal implications for implementing auditing systems and maintaining annual communications; the fiscal note is not provided in the excerpt.

Bottom Line

HD 4139 proposes a structured approach to ensure firearms registration records are accurate and up to date by (1) periodically auditing records to remove deceased or non-resident individuals and (2) requiring an annual verification process whereby owners review and confirm the accuracy of their registered firearm details. The bill would place specific responsibilities on the EOPSS and create a recurring, owner-facing communication cycle.

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

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