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HD 4389

An Act to repeal the ban on handgun ownership for adults age 18 through 20

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

Repeals Massachusetts handgun ban for 18-20 year-olds; allows 18+ to apply for FID/LTC and buy handguns under licensing and federal rules, with immediate effect.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 4389

Summary: House Bill HD 4389 – An Act to repeal the ban on handgun ownership for adults age 18 through 20

Basics

  • Bill number: HD 4389
  • Title: An Act to repeal the ban on handgun ownership for adults age 18 through 20
  • Status: Referred to the committee on House Rules
  • Introduced: March 24, 2025
  • Sponsor: Rep. John R. Gaskey (primary)
  • Classification: Proposed bill (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to align Massachusetts firearm laws with constitutional principles as reinforced by recent federal court rulings, including New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2002/2022) and related Fifth Circuit decisions, which found certain handgun purchase restrictions for adults aged 18–20 unconstitutional on Second Amendment grounds.
  • It argues maturation is 18 and critiques long-standing limitations on adult rights for 18–20-year-olds.

Key provisions

Section 1 – Purpose

  • States the act’s aim to bring state law into alignment with federal constitutional interpretations regarding handgun rights for 18–20-year-olds.

Section 2 – Amendments to Firearm Licensing Laws

  • (a) Replaces all instances of “21 years of age” with “18 years of age” in Chapter 140, §131.
  • (b) Amends Chapter 140, §129B to allow individuals 18+ to apply for a Firearm Identification (FID) card and for a License to Carry (LTC) under the same conditions as 21+.

Section 3 – Lawful Purchase and Possession

  • (a) Repeals restrictions on handgun purchases for individuals aged 18–20.
  • (b) Allows licensed firearm dealers to sell handguns to individuals 18+ who meet all other state and federal requirements.

Section 4 – Constitutional Compliance

  • States the act responds to Fifth Circuit findings regarding unconstitutionality of 18–20 handgun purchase bans under the Second Amendment.

Section 5 – Implementation and Effective Date

  • Takes effect immediately upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Persons aged 18–20: Would gain eligibility to purchase, possess, and own handguns, subject to standard licensing and federal requirements.
  • Individuals 18 and older: Already eligible; the act extends same licensing processes (FID/LTC) and sale eligibility under the same conditions as older adults.
  • Licensed firearm dealers: Authorized to sell handguns to 18+ under existing state/federal requirements.
  • Massachusetts licensing authorities: Agencies responsible for issuing FIDs and LTCs would implement the expanded eligibility.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee following its referral on March 24, 2025. If advanced, it would proceed through standard committee and floor processes before potential enactment. The act provides immediate effect upon passage, meaning licensing offices and dealers would need to adapt promptly.

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

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