WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 217

An Act relative to the transparency of electronic weapons and devices

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Hendricks

The bill requires law enforcement and data contractors to report stun gun discharges within 24 hours, including time, duration, serial number, and official identity, to the AG.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 217

Summary: An Act relative to the transparency of electronic weapons and devices (HD 217)

Overview

This bill seeks to increase transparency and accountability around the use of electronic weapons (stun guns) by requiring rapid reporting of discharges by law enforcement and related entities. It would amend existing Massachusetts law to mandate data reporting on each stun gun discharge within 24 hours.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Section 131J of Chapter 140 (weapons laws) by adding a new paragraph establishing reporting requirements for stun gun discharges.
  • For law enforcement or public safety officials who discharge a stun gun:
    • Report data relative to the discharge, including:
    • Time of discharge
    • Duration of discharge
    • Serial number of the stun gun used
    • Identity of the official responsible for the discharge
    • Reports must be submitted within 24 hours to:
    • The commanding officer of the official
    • The Massachusetts Attorney General (AG)
  • For contractors whose business is to collect stun gun data for the Commonwealth:
    • Upon notice of a stun gun discharge, report the time, duration, and serial number of the stun gun used to the AG within 24 hours.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law enforcement and public safety officials who discharge stun guns.
  • Contractors that collect stun gun data for the Commonwealth.
  • The Attorney General as the designated recipient of the discharge data.
  • Agency commanding officers overseeing the involved official.

Timeline and Process

  • Reporting window: within 24 hours of each discharge.
  • The text provided does not specify an effective date; it would rely on passage and any standard implementation timelines.
  • Historical note: similar language appeared in a prior session (House No. 2341 of 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in stun gun data transparency.

Potential Impacts

  • Strengthens transparency and accountability by creating a centralized, timely data trail on stun gun discharges.
  • Facilitates oversight, investigations, and data analysis of use-of-electronic-weapons incidents.
  • Could impose administrative requirements on law enforcement agencies and data contractors, including data collection, verification, and reporting processes.
  • Privacy and data-security considerations for officers and individuals involved, depending on how data is stored and shared.

Status

  • The provided materials show the bill as filed (HD 217) with a House docket number and sponsor, but a current status is not specified in the excerpt. The introduced date appears inconsistent across sources; the core provisions remain focused on discharge reporting.

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

Sign in to ask a question.