Bill
S 1691
A targeted date change updates when civil-rights restrictions related to firearms apply, shifting the temporal scope from July 20, 2016 to August 1, 2024.
Note on discrepancies
- The bill text filed for S.1691 in the Massachusetts Senate concerns a narrow amendment described below and refers to civil‑rights restrictions relative to firearms. The title you provided (extending Otsego County sales/use tax authorization) does not match the bill text. This summary is based on the bill text and legislative docket information supplied.
Purpose and intent
- The bill makes a single, targeted amendment to prior Massachusetts legislation (Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024) to update a referenced date in law. Its stated intent is to “clarify civil rights restrictions,” specifically by changing a date used in subsection (f) of section 16 of that 2024 Act.
Key provision (substantive change)
- Amends subsection (f) of section 16 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 by striking the date “July 20, 2016” and inserting “August 1, 2024.”
- No other language or provisions are added, removed, or altered in the text provided.
Practical effect and who is affected
- This is a technical/date‑reference amendment. Its substantive effect depends entirely on how subsection (f) of section 16 in Chapter 135 (2024) used the original 2016 date:
- If that date operated as an effective date, look‑back trigger, or cutoff for applying civil‑rights restrictions related to firearms, changing it to August 1, 2024 will shift the temporal scope of those restrictions accordingly.
- Affected parties may include individuals subject to firearms‑related civil‑rights restrictions, courts and administrative agencies that interpret or enforce those restrictions, and legal counsel advising impacted individuals.
- Because the bill text does not reproduce section 16(f) itself, one must consult Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 to determine exact operational consequences.
Procedural and timeline details
- Docket filed: January 17, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 2581). Presented by Senator Ryan C. Fattman.
- Legislative actions show movement through committee and both chambers in 2025.
- Passed Senate: May 27, 2025. Passed House/Assembly: June 17, 2025.
- Delivered to Governor: August 4, 2025. Signed into law as Chapter 258: August 7, 2025.
- Status: SIGNED — Chapter 258 (effective according to the chapter’s stated effective date provisions).
Recommendation
- To assess the exact legal and practical impact, read subsection (f) of section 16 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (the provision whose date is being changed). If you want, I can retrieve that provision and explain precisely how changing the date alters rights, obligations, or eligibility under the 2024 Act.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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