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H 1650

An Act to stop mass shootings

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

Prohibits domestically manufacturing assault weapons or large capacity feeding devices in Massachusetts, with fines and potential imprisonment, exempting licensed makers for sale t

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1650

Summary: H 1650 — An Act to Stop Mass Shootings

Overview

H 1650 is a Massachusetts bill introduced on February 27, 2025, titled “An Act to stop mass shootings.” The bill proposes to add a new provision to Chapter 269 of the General Laws that would prohibit the manufacture (in whole or in part) of assault weapons and large capacity feeding devices within the Commonwealth. The measure is currently listed for a hearing on May 6, 2025.

Core Purpose

  • To reduce the potential for mass shootings by prohibiting the domestic manufacture of assault weapons and large capacity feeding devices, thereby limiting the availability of these firearms and components in Massachusetts.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new Section 20 to Chapter 269: No person shall manufacture or cause to be manufactured, partially or completely, any assault weapon or large capacity feeding device as defined in Section 121 of Chapter 140.
  • Scope of prohibition: Applies to activities within the Commonwealth.
  • Authorized exemptions: The prohibition does not apply to weapons or devices manufactured by a licensed manufacturer solely for the lawful sale to:
    • An authorized law enforcement or military agency of Massachusetts, another state, the United States, or a foreign government approved by the U.S. State Department.
  • Penalties for violations:
    • A fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $1,000,000.
    • Imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than ten years.
    • Or both fine and imprisonment.

Definitions and References

  • The section relies on definitions of “assault weapon” and “large capacity feeding device” as defined in Section 121 of Chapter 140 (Massachusetts General Laws).
  • The bill is a modification to existing gun safety law, with explicit reference to manufacturing activities rather than possession or sale.

Who is Affected

  • Individuals or entities within Massachusetts who manufacture assault weapons or large capacity feeding devices.
  • Licensed manufacturers are affected only insofar as the exemption permits manufacturing for sale to specified government or law enforcement entities.
  • Law enforcement and military agencies may be recipients of allowed weapons or devices.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Judiciary Committee (The Judiciary).
  • Cross-chamber action: Senate concurred on the bill (per docket notes).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for May 6, 2025, in Room A-2; initial time window 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, with later docket updates indicating 1:00 PM–5:00 PM.
  • House docket: HD 3228 is listed as related/replacing content for this bill.

Related Bills

  • HD 3228 (replaces) — Indicates a related or successor filing within the same legislative cycle.

Potential Impact

  • Could substantially restrict the domestic manufacture of assault weapons and large capacity feeding devices in Massachusetts.
  • May influence supply chains and manufacturer compliance, with enforcement through substantial fines and potential imprisonment.
  • Exemption preserves manufacturing for government and authorized sale to federal, state, or foreign governments as approved, clarifying the scope for licensed manufacturers.

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

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