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HD 1406

An Act relative to creating uniform standards for section 12 and 15 license applications

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill standardizing firearm license issuance criteria statewide instead of allowing local police chief discretion, potentially expanding or restricting gun access depending on standards set.

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Bill Summary · HD 1406

Legislative bill overview

HD 1406 creates uniform statewide standards for firearm licensing applications under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Sections 12 and 15, which currently allow local police chiefs discretion in issuing licenses to carry firearms and firearm identification cards. The bill aims to establish consistent criteria and procedures across all municipalities rather than allowing each jurisdiction to set its own standards.

Why is this important

Firearm licensing in Massachusetts is currently highly fragmented, with approval rates and licensing practices varying dramatically by city and town. This creates significant disparities in citizens' ability to obtain licenses based on geography rather than law, and generates legal disputes over whether local discretion complies with state law. Uniform standards would either clarify what "good cause" means statewide or potentially expand access depending on how the standards are written.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety vs. access trade-off: Gun rights advocates view uniform standards as necessary for equal treatment; gun control advocates worry uniform standards could lower approval thresholds and increase firearm licensing across the state
  • Local control vs. statewide mandate: This pits municipal autonomy against consistency, as police chiefs and local officials currently exercise significant discretion
  • Definition of "good cause": The bill's success hinges on how strictly "good cause" is defined; a vague definition recreates current problems, while a narrow definition may face legal challenges

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

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