Gun Control: MA Just Banned All Semi-Autos Overnight

Published on July 26, 2016
Duration: 7:32

Massachusetts has enacted a significant ban on semi-automatic rifles and certain pistols capable of accepting detachable magazines, as announced by Attorney General Mora Healey. This ban, implemented via an enforcement notice without legislative consultation, redefines "assault weapons" using similarity and interchangeability tests. Ownership of previously legal firearms now technically places individuals in a felon category, though immediate prosecution is unlikely for existing owners. The move has sparked significant backlash from gun owners, with legislative efforts underway to curb the Attorney General's authority.

Quick Summary

Massachusetts Attorney General Mora Healey has banned semi-automatic rifles and certain pistols capable of accepting detachable magazines. The ban redefines "assault weapons" using similarity and interchangeability tests, making ownership of previously legal firearms a felony, though existing owners are unlikely to face prosecution. The move was implemented without legislative consultation.

Chapters

  1. 00:05MA Semi-Auto Ban Overview
  2. 00:39MA Existing Assault Weapon Ban
  3. 01:08Healey's Enforcement Notice Details
  4. 01:35No Public Hearings; Legislators Unaware
  5. 01:57Unclear What Has Been Banned
  6. 02:21Copycat Assault Weapon Ban
  7. 03:14Similarity and Interchangeability Test
  8. 03:50Almost All Semiautomatic Weapons Banned?
  9. 04:24Gun Owner Rally at Statehouse
  10. 04:41Proposed Legislation to Limit Healey's Power
  11. 05:11Gun Owners' Action League and NRA
  12. 05:59Illegal to Own Previously Legal Guns
  13. 06:35Owner Confesses to Illegal Weapons?
  14. 06:45MA Registration and No Confiscation

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Massachusetts Attorney General Mora Healey ban?

Massachusetts Attorney General Mora Healey banned all semi-automatic rifles and certain pistols capable of accepting a detachable magazine. This ban was implemented via an enforcement notice targeting firearms defined as "assault weapons."

How are "assault weapons" defined under the new Massachusetts ban?

The ban uses similarity and interchangeability tests. A firearm is considered an "assault weapon" if it has the same firing ability or operating system as a previously banned weapon, or if any of its parts are interchangeable with those of previously banned weapons.

What are the legal consequences for owning banned firearms in Massachusetts?

Ownership of firearms now classified as banned assault weapons in Massachusetts is considered a felony. However, individuals who legally owned these firearms before the ban took effect are not expected to be prosecuted.

Was the Massachusetts semi-auto ban implemented with legislative approval?

No, the ban was implemented through an enforcement notice by Attorney General Mora Healey without public hearings or consultation with legislators, leading to surprise and criticism from lawmakers.

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