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H 2589

An Act requiring licensed gun owners to submit a yearly affidavit

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts would require licensed gun owners to file yearly affidavits confirming firearm possession and ownership eligibility to maintain active licenses.

Accompanied a study order, see H5322 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2589

Legislative bill overview

H 2589 would require Massachusetts residents who hold active firearm licenses to submit a yearly affidavit affirming they still possess their licensed weapons and confirming their continued eligibility to own them. The bill creates an annual compliance and verification mechanism for the state's existing gun licensing system.

Why is this important

This proposal directly affects an estimated 1.5+ million licensed gun owners in Massachusetts and would establish new administrative requirements and costs for license renewal. It reflects ongoing policy debate about balancing public safety oversight with gun ownership rights, and could serve as a model for other states considering similar registration or verification systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and registration concerns: Critics argue annual affidavits function as a de facto gun registry, raising Second Amendment objections and privacy concerns about government tracking of firearm ownership
  • Administrative burden and cost: Gun owners would face recurring annual compliance obligations; unclear who bears costs for processing affidavits and enforcement of false statements
  • Enforcement questions: The bill's practical enforceability remains unclear—how violations are detected, what penalties apply for non-compliance, and whether false affidavits carry criminal liability

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

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