Gun law repeal advocates plan next push after Question 9

Voters retain Chapter 135

Massachusetts voters rejected an effort to repeal Chapter 135 during the Nov. 3, 2026, midterm election. Two-thirds of voters who answered Question 9 selected “Yes,” meaning the state’s 2024 gun law remains in effect.

Gov. Maura Healey signed the law on July 25, 2024. It requires homemade firearms, including guns made from kits or 3D printers, to have serial numbers and be registered with the state in the same way as commercially manufactured firearms.

The law also expands who may seek an extreme risk protection order to include school administrators and health care providers. It broadens the state’s definition of assault weapons, prohibits devices including Glock switches and bump stocks, and bars licensed firearm carriers from most government buildings, polling locations and courts.

Advocates prepare to continue challenges

Second Amendment advocates said the referendum result would not end their effort against the law. The Civil Rights Coalition argues that Chapter 135 places unconstitutional restrictions on gun owners and creates additional ways for them to face prosecution.

Toby Leary, the coalition’s chairman, said the state already had a relatively low rate of gun-related deaths before Chapter 135 took effect. Supporters of the law contend that its requirements strengthen public safety and are part of Massachusetts’ broader gun-violence prevention policies.

Healey described the measure at its signing as a response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. An emergency preamble issued by Healey made Chapter 135 effective immediately and delayed the referendum process. The law now remains in force while opponents pursue constitutional challenges.