Bill > H2175

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to clarify regulations surrounding the sale of firearms. It exempts rules and regulations concerning weapons, their manufacture, and their sale from certain provisions of Chapter 93A, which generally governs unfair or deceptive business practices, and repeals any previously existing rules that did not adhere to this exemption. The bill also replaces Section 123 of Chapter 140, which details the conditions for firearm licenses, by specifying that licensees must display their license, submit records of all sales, rentals, and leases electronically to the commissioner of the department of criminal justice information services, ensure all firearms are unloaded upon delivery, and not sell or transfer weapons to minors or individuals without a valid permit. Furthermore, it mandates that permits to purchase firearms be collected and endorsed upon sale, and that machine gun sales be recorded and reported. The updated section also requires gunsmiths to keep records of repairs and servicing, mandates record-keeping for rifle and shotgun sales, and requires licensees to verify the validity and lawful ownership of any firearm identification card, license to carry firearms, or permit to purchase before any sale. Additionally, licensees must post a warning about the lawful storage of firearms, maintain a permanent place of business for all transactions and record-keeping, and report any lost or stolen firearms immediately. The bill also prohibits the sale of certain firearms prone to rapid firing or explosion to purchasers in the Commonwealth unless they are primarily firearm wholesalers whose terms prohibit resale to retailers or consumers within the Commonwealth. Finally, it outlines procedures for remote sales, including the requirement for in-person presentation of necessary permits, and allows for inspections of licensee premises and records, with penalties for violations including license suspension or revocation, while also permitting sales at gun shows or collectors' club meetings provided all other provisions and federal laws are met.