SPRINGFIELD — Both state Sen. Adam Gomez and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez spoke about the gun legislation signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey as one of the most important achievements of the last legislative session.
The two Democratic members of the Springfield delegation recently appeared on “Government Matters” on Focus Springfield Television.
Gonzalez, who was the chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security on the House, called the bill as “landmark legislation.” He said both gun safety and Second Amendment rights were addressed by the bill. He added there was controversy about the provisions of the bill but those discussions centered on actions not contained in the bill, such as the confiscation of legally owned guns from residents as well as seizing certain types of guns. He emphasized the bill does not include any confiscations.
Owning an untraceable firearm in Massachusetts is now a felony though the new law, Gonzalez explained. “We really tackled ghost guns. That was a big issue,” he added.
Among the provisions, the bill establishes minimum times in jail for certain offenses, such as 2 ½ years for a reckless discharge of a firearm; 10 years minimum for a dealer selling guns to unlicensed buyers; two years for giving false information on a license application; 2½ years for possession of a firearm while under the influence; 2½ years for the possession of a forearm in a prohibited area; one year minimum for knowingly possessing an untraceable firearm; and five years minimum for transporting a firearm into Massachusetts for a criminal act.
Gonzalez said the bill does not affect the rights of any legal gunowner in Massachusetts established before the passage of the bills.
Gomez said the bill strengthens the ability of law enforcement to track and trace guns, which is essential.
Speaking of ghost guns, Gomez said, “We had to crack down in order to save lives.”
Gomez said another highlight of the last session was the emphasis on educations, specifically additional investments in free childcare as well as eliminating tuition for some students at the state’s community colleges.
Housing was also a highlight and Gomez cited the “landmark” housing legislation with a billion dollars of investment as an accomplishment of the session. Gonzalez noted the bill is designed to address home construction with the result of decreasing the cost of houses and increase the number of home owners.
Gomez pushed back slightly on media reports that characterized the Legislature in 2024 as not finishing its work. He explained that while the session ended July 31, the members of the General Court kept working on bills until literally the end of the year.
The HERO Act was another accomplishment, Gomez said, which gives additional benefits to the commonwealth’s veterans.
In 2025, both men will continue to work on the passage of a bill that would increase the wages of farm workers in the Bay State. Gomez said that monitoring the implementation of the state’s legislation on housing is also an activity of the next year.
Gomez added an upcoming bill of his would focus on the remarks of the Massachusetts sheriffs that they do not want their jails to be used as detention centers for illegal migrants being detained for deportation by federal agencies. The senator is also working on a bill that he called “the Homeless Bill of Rights,” as well as a bill that would continue to strengthen the funding of trade schools.
Gonzalez said he would focus on “bread and butter” issues such as food insecurity. He said the proposed tariffs discussed by the incoming Trump administration is going to have direct impact on the cost of food. He would also seek to support legislation on helping Massachusetts farmers, especially in light of potential rising imported food costs.
“Investing in food is critically important,” he added.
To watch the complete broadcast, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBE8PTPhISs.
