HD 948 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice

This bill creates new legal standards requiring firearm industry members (manufacturers, distributors, and sellers) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals or traffickers, and to avoid promoting illegal conversions or sales to minors. It directly affects these industry members by imposing new duties and provides gun violence victims harmed by industry violations a new civil legal pathway to seek compensation in court. Key provisions mandate companies to prevent sales to straw purchasers, prohibited persons, or those at high risk of harm, and to comply with existing consumer protection and safety laws. The law does not override federal restrictions but ensures victims and the Attorney General can pursue civil actions for industry misconduct under Massachusetts law.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor