“Massachusetts became the first state to enact a ban on bump stocks following the mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival,” foxnews.com reports. “Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito signed the bill Friday in her capacity as acting governor because Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is on vacation in California.” The bill’s penalties are beyond harsh . . .
“The provision passed by the legislature allows for excessive punishment including life imprisonment,” The Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts (GOAL) warned ahead of Polito’s signature, “with a minimum sentence of 18 months, for the mere possession of these accessories.”
The ban — tucked away in a “mini” appropriations bill — gives Bay Staters 90 days to get rid of their bump fire stocks. Not sell. Eliminate. “The legislation was passed leaving no pathway to legal ownership. It also makes it illegal for owners of these items to legally sell them,” GOAL points out. Fifth Amendment that.
Meanwhile, the bill’s supporters are busy using the immediate aftermath of its passage to trumpet the benefits of banning a device which has been used in precisely no crimes in their state.
Democratic state Rep. David Linsky, one of the first in Massachusetts to call for outlawing the devices, said it would make the state safer while respecting the rights of gun owners.
“I am proud of my colleagues in the Legislature for continuing Massachusetts’ reputation as having among the safest and most effective gun laws in the nation,” he said.
That’s one way of looking at it . . .