Governor Patrick files HB 3978

In April, Governor Patrick filed HB3978(becoming 3991).  Although the bill seeks to actively combat violent crime by increasing the penalties for crimes committed while using or in possession of a firearm, this bill also:

-  Limits Massachusetts citizens to one firearm or high-capacity magazine purchase per month.  That means that you can buy your new pistol this month and a 10+ round magazine for it next month.

- Eliminates private sales between FID or LTC holders. Every firearm sale in the state would have to take place via a dealer.

 

Please write your Representative, Senator, and the Governor's office and voice your opposition to this bill.

You may read the text of the bill, as well as the Governor's "rationale" for it here.

 

Why Massachusetts gun owners oppose the bill:

- The Governor's logic indicates that he thinks FID and LTC holders in Massachusetts are committing straw purchases.  Why not prosecute these alleged buyers for the existing crime instead of creating an entirely new crime?

- What evidence indicates that criminals are receiving guns from licensed gun owners in Massachusetts?  The Governor proposes to further restrict the rights and privileges of  law-abiding citizens without any proof that such restrictions will in any way be addressing the problem.

- The bill doesn't penalize 'bulk purchasers' or straw buyers.  The only penalties are for dealers that sell more than one gun a month to a buyer.  This bill isn't attacking a source of illegal guns or violent criminals, it's creating new 'crimes' and targets licensed business owners. 

- In the Governor's letter in support of his bill as well as speeches on the topic, he has made it clear that he thinks the lawful, licensed gun owners in this state are supplying guns to violent criminals and engaging in weapons trafficking.  Furthermore, he has attempted to quell opposition to his plan by declaring that all who object to this bill are "fear-mongering."

Let Governor Patrick know you oppose his attack on law-abiding citizens!

 

Governor Deval Patrick

Room 360

State House

Boston, MA  02113

 

617-725-4005

 

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