Bill > H1656

This bill adds a new section (Section 15G) to Chapter 265 of Massachusetts General Laws that creates a criminal offense for recklessly discharging a firearm in a manner that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person. Under this proposed law, an individual who intentionally or recklessly fires a firearm (including large capacity weapons, rifles, shotguns, sawed-off shotguns, or machine guns) in a way that poses a significant risk of serious bodily harm can be punished by up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. The bill essentially establishes a specific criminal charge for reckless firearm discharge that focuses on the potential danger created by the act, regardless of whether an actual injury occurs, with the goal of deterring dangerous and irresponsible handling of firearms that could potentially harm others.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1656