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H 2620

An Act repealing red flag laws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Gaskey

Repeals the 2024 red flag law framework, including temporary firearm removal orders and new definitions, restoring the pre-2024 system for gun safety and crisis response.

Accompanied a study order, see H5322 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2620

Summary of Massachusetts H 2620: An Act Repealing Red Flag Laws

Overview

  • Bill: House Bill No. 2620 (H 2620)
  • Title: An Act repealing red flag laws
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025 (Rep. John R. Gaskey)
  • Purpose: To repeal the red flag laws enacted in 2024 and rescind related definitions and procedures established in that year.
  • Status and procedure: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on 2025-02-27. Senate concurred. The public hearing has been rescheduled multiple times and is set for 10/31/2025 in Gardner Auditorium with a virtual option.

What the bill would do

  • Repeal the 2024 red flag law framework, including temporary firearm removal orders and the accompanying procedural provisions.
  • Remove the definitions and petition mechanics created in 2024:
    • Repeal definitions for “Petition” and “Petitioner.”
    • Repeal definition for “Respondent.”
  • Remove cross-references and sections within relevant chapters of the Massachusetts General Laws that implemented red flag protections.

Key provisions (amendments and repeals)

  • Section 1: Repeals Section 19 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024.
  • Section 2: Amends Section 25 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 by striking the definitions for “Petition” and “Petitioner.”
  • Section 3: Amends Section 26 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 by striking the definition for “Respondent.”
  • Section 4: Repeals Chapter 140, Section 131R (as it appeared in 2022 edition).
  • Section 5: Repeals Sections 76–85 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024.
  • Section 6: Repeals Sections 131S–131Y of Chapter 140 (as it appeared in 2022 edition).

Affected parties and impact

  • Potentially affected: Gun owners, family members, household members, law enforcement, and the judiciary. The bill would eliminate the 2024 red flag process that allowed for temporary firearm removal based on petitions, and restore the pre-2024 framework by removing the new definitions and procedures.
  • Practical effect: The statewide red flag mechanism and its related processes would be removed from statute, potentially changing protections around firearm safety and crisis intervention.

Procedural timeline and actions

  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee; Senate concurred.
  • 2025-10-16 to 2025-10-31: Public hearing scheduled for 10/31/2025; multiple rescheduling notices indicate ongoing committee consideration and scheduling updates, including virtual hearing accommodations.

Related bills

  • HD 4261 (listed as replacing the current measure): Related or companion filing that addresses similar policy questions surrounding red flag laws.

Notes

  • This bill is explicitly titled to repeal red flag laws enacted in 2024, reversing the changes made by that act and removing the associated definitions and procedures from statute.

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

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