Bill > H2597

This bill modifies existing laws to clarify and expand the definition of law enforcement officers in relation to firearm possession. Specifically, the bill updates three sections of law to consistently reference law enforcement officers as defined by multiple sources: the Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 6E, Section 1, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (18 U.S.C. sections 926B and 926C), and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. The changes broaden the exemptions for firearm possession to include not just current law enforcement officers, but also qualified retired law enforcement officers, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and federally licensed manufacturers selling or transferring firearms to other states or for export. Additionally, the bill maintains provisions that allow municipalities and state agencies to establish their own more restrictive policies regarding firearm possession in areas under their control. These modifications aim to provide a more comprehensive and consistent framework for defining who can possess firearms under law enforcement exemptions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2597