COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 8, 2018
Senate Approves Extreme Risk Protection Order Legislation
BOSTON – This week, the Massachusetts Senate voted to engross H.4539, An Act Relative to Firearms. The legislation allows a judge to order the immediate suspension and surrender of any license to carry firearms from an at-risk person when petitioned by that person’s family or household member. Such an order is called an extreme risk protection order (ERPO). The bill is also known as the ‘red flag’ or ‘ERPO’ bill.
“I am proud of the gun control efforts in Massachusetts and the Senate’s action this week to pass this important piece of legislation,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely. “It is important to protect residents, as well as continue to reduce gun violence throughout the Commonwealth.”
“This legislation provides a framework for removing dangerous weapons from people who may harm themselves or others. It will reduce the risk of suicide and murder, and will encourage distressed people to seek the mental health treatment that they may need. But perhaps most importantly, this bill gives family members the tools and confidence to help their loved ones in extremely tense and emotional situations. I am very happy that the Senate has approved this legislation to make Massachusetts an even safer place to live,” said Senate President Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester).
The legislation supplements Massachusetts’ extensive common-sense gun control and public safety regulations which have led to the lowest rates of gun deaths in the nation. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in May. The legislation additionally amends the statute regulating stun guns.
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