State Gun Laws

In Massachusetts, anyone who wants to buy or have a gun must get a firearm license first, before s/he can possess any firearm. Massachusetts state law says that a person is only eligible for a license to have or buy a gun if s/he:

• has not been convicted (or adjudicated a “youthful offender” or “delinquent child”) of any of the following either in Massachusetts or in another state:
  • a felony;
  • a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a jail or prison for more than two years;
  • a “violent crime” (defined here);
  • a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (defined here); or
  • any weapons offense or drug-related offense;
• has not been committed to a hospital/institution for mental illness, alcohol, or substance abuse (unless after five years from the date of the confinement, the applicant submits an affidavit of a licensed physician or clinical psychologist to say that the person’s condition is not one that should prevent firearm possession);
• is not subject to an order from the probate court appointing a guardian/conservator on his/her behalf due to lacking mental capacity;
• has not been committed to treatment by a court due to being a drug addict or alcoholic;
• is age 21 or older;
• is not an undocumented immigrant, an “alien who does not maintain lawful permanent residency,” or was a citizen of the United States but has renounced that citizenship;
• is not currently subject to an order for suspension and surrender of firearms license as part of a temporary or ex parte abuse prevention order;
• is not subject to a final abuse prevention order issued in Massachusetts or another state;
• is not currently subject to an extreme risk protection order issued by Massachusetts or another state;
• is not currently subject to a temporary or permanent harassment prevention order issued by Massachusetts or a similar order issued by another state;
• has not been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions;
• is not a fugitive from justice; and
• is not subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.¹

¹ Mass. Gen. Laws 140 § 131(d)