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Gun‑safety advocates press committee to restrict in‑state manufacture of assault‑style rifles
Summary
Advocates told the Joint Committee on the Judiciary that limiting manufacture of semiautomatic assault‑style rifles in Massachusetts would reduce the export of these weapons to other states and argued the state should follow models in New York, New Jersey and California.
Gun‑violence prevention groups and advocates testified in favor of House Bill 16‑50, which would regulate manufacture of certain semiautomatic, assault‑style rifles in Massachusetts. Witnesses said limiting in‑state manufacturing would help prevent export of those weapons to states with weaker restrictions.
Matthew Nugent of the Massachusetts Coalition for Gun Violence Prevention told the committee that “dangerous semiautomatic assault‑style rifles sadly account for 85 percent of tragic gun deaths from mass shootings across the country,” and urged lawmakers to adopt manufacturing restrictions similar to laws in New York, New Jersey and California. John Rosenthal of Stop Handgun Violence urged the committee to continue Massachusetts’ leadership on gun laws, arguing enhanced manufacturing restrictions would reduce nationwide harm from weapons made in the state.
Witnesses also asked lawmakers to consider companion proposals increasing penalties for illegal sale and possession (H 18‑37) and for reckless discharge of firearms (H 16‑56). Lawmakers asked questions but took no formal action at the hearing; chairs invited follow‑up materials and written testimony.
