Bill
S 1670
Removes sling shots from prohibited weapons list in Massachusetts, allowing their manufacture and sale to the public.
Note on conflicting metadata
- The package of materials you provided includes inconsistent metadata (a title about “insurance coverage for lactation support services” and sponsor lists that appear to be federal legislators), but the actual bill text and docket describe a Massachusetts state bill (Senate No. 1670 / Senate Docket No. 420) concerning sling shots. This summary follows the bill text as filed in the Massachusetts General Court. Please verify the authoritative source (Massachusetts Legislature website) if you need a definitive record.
Purpose and intent
- The bill’s stated purpose is to remove sling shots from the scope of a Massachusetts criminal statute that currently treats them as prohibited weapons, thereby permitting their manufacture and sale in the Commonwealth.
Key provisions
- Amends Section 12 of Chapter 269 of the Massachusetts General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition) by:
- Striking the words “sling shot” from the list of items in line 6 (i.e., removing sling shots from the statutory prohibition).
- Striking the clause that previously allowed sling shots to be manufactured and sold solely to clubs or associations conducting sporting events where sling shots are used.
- Effectively, the two deletions remove sling shots from the prohibited-weapon list and eliminate the prior limited exception, which becomes unnecessary once the item is no longer prohibited.
Who would be affected
- Manufacturers and retailers: manufacturers and sellers in Massachusetts would be legally allowed to produce and sell sling shots to the general public (subject to other applicable laws, local ordinances, and federal law).
- Consumers: individuals would no longer face criminal exposure under Section 12 of Chapter 269 solely for possessing, manufacturing, or purchasing a sling shot.
- Law enforcement and prosecutors: will need to adjust enforcement practices and charging options for offenses previously tied to sling-shot possession or sale under Section 12.
- Sporting clubs/associations: the previous limited sales exception to clubs is removed as redundant.
Procedural status and timeline (as provided)
- Filed/introduced in the Massachusetts Senate: January 13, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 420; Senate No. 1670).
- Presented by Senator Peter J. Durant (petitioners also listed).
- Hearing scheduled (per the record you gave): May 7, 2025.
- Read twice and referred: May 8, 2025 — referred to Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (record shows multiple committee referrals including Public Safety and Homeland Security and Insurance; these entries appear inconsistent with a typical MA process and should be cross-checked).
- Print number assigned: 1670A (June 6, 2025).
Potential impacts and issues to watch
- Public safety: opponents may raise concerns about increased availability of sling shots and potential for misuse; proponents may argue for lawful sporting use and consumer access.
- Local regulation: municipalities may enact local restrictions or ordinances that limit possession/sale independent of state criminal law.
- Enforcement and legal interpretation: removal from the statutory list may still leave sling shots subject to other statutes (e.g., reckless use, assault) or civil regulation; courts may be asked to interpret legislative intent where relevant.
Recommendation
- Verify the bill text and current status on the official Massachusetts Legislature website (search “Senate No. 1670, 194th General Court”) to confirm the latest amendments, committee referrals, and votes, because the supplied metadata contains inconsistencies.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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