BOSTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement applauding House Judiciary Chairman Michael Day for introducing an omnibus gun violence prevention bill that will comprehensively update the Commonwealth’s strong firearm laws. The bill will take forward-thinking steps to ensure people carrying guns in public receive rigorous safety training, update Massachusetts’ assault weapons prohibition and ensure that it is enforced, prohibit ghost guns, keep guns out of sensitive public spaces including schools and government buildings, promote innovative and emerging gun safety technologies, and more.
“The Commonwealth has long been a national example of how strong gun safety laws work – today we renew our commitment in tackling gun violence at its core,” said Jennifer Robinson, a volunteer with the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action. “With firearms as the leading cause of death for children and teens, it is vital for our lawmakers to continue to pass measures that protect families across the Bay State. We are grateful to Chairman Michael Day, his staff and Speaker Mariano for their steadfast leadership and look forward to working with gun sense champions in the legislature as this bill continues throughout the legislative process.”
Today’s announcement comes after hundreds of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers gathered on Beacon Hill earlier in the session calling for stronger gun laws. This year, volunteers have also been working tirelessly to pass resolutions to require schools to send home information about secure firearm storage to improve school safety — passing over ten resolutions this year alone from Pittsfield to Cambridge.
In an average year in Massachusetts, 255 people die by guns and 557 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Massachusetts $3.5 billion each year, of which $85.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Massachusetts is available here.