Sen. Eldridge Testifies Before Joint Committee on Public Safety on Gun Safety Legislation
Bills filed by Eldridge would reduce access to banned guns and increase gun inspections
BOSTON — On November 28th, 2023, State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) testified before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security in favor of two gun safety bills he filed; S.1508, An Act to Strengthen Gun Control, and S.1509, An Act relative to 3D printed guns and ghost guns.
The Senator’s testimony centered around the theme of responsibility, both within the Commonwealth and at the national level. The U.S. has had over 600 mass shootings so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. At the local level, there are reported instances of licensed firearms dealers selling firearms to straw buyers with malicious intentions. Taken together, it is vital that the Commonwealth takes responsibility to strengthen gun safety measures at home in order to more effectively respond to this nation-wide crisis.
The first of the bills the Senator discussed, S.1508, would prohibit gun dealers from selling components of firearms that could be used to assemble banned assault weapons or untraceable guns, would centralize the inspection process of gun dealers in a single state agency, would solidify the suspension of gun licenses for those who have been issued a restraining order, and would outline a process for said individuals to regain possession.
The second of the bills the Senator discussed, S.1509, would close loopholes in current regulations regarding 3D printed guns and ghost guns to ensure that all guns can be traced back to a specific individual who has responsible ownership of their weapon.
“I’d like to thank Chair Timilty, Chair Gonzalez, and other members of the Joint Committee for hearing my testimony,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “Gun violence has to be a priority for the Commonwealth to address, and these two bills go a long way to closing loopholes and ensuring responsibility in our gun safety laws. I hope that the committee will report both S.1508 and S.1509 favorably.”
###
