MASS Act
Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced
Summary
A federally funded state firearms licensing system would tie gun purchases, ownership, and dealer activity to public-safety standards, extensive background checks, and safety training. The bill would fund state programs, require data sharing and reporting, set storage rules, and add a family-driven extreme risk protection order process.
Show full summary
- Families and households: First-time buyers would need safety training and ongoing suitability checks. Licenses would impose safe-storage rules and let family members petition for emergency risk orders.
- Dealers and ammunition sellers: Dealers who sell a minimum quantity of firearms or ammunition would need licenses, criminal-history checks, and must report sales, rentals, and ammo transactions to state authorities. A separate ammunition dealer license can be treated the same if states adopt equivalent rules.
- States and enforcement: States would receive federal grants to set up and maintain licensing programs. Administrative costs are capped at 2 percent and unspent grant money must be returned. Licensing decisions must include judicial review and strict anti-discrimination safeguards.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Federal grants to fund state licensing
If enacted, the Assistant Attorney General would give grants to States to start or keep firearms-licensing systems. Grants would run for three fiscal years. States must apply and file yearly reports. The agency may use up to 2% of funds for admin. Unused grant money must be returned. Appropriations are authorized as "such sums as may be necessary."
New dealer license and reporting rules
If enacted, people or businesses who sell, rent, or lease more than a State-set number of guns would need a dealer license. States may not set the trigger above 10 firearms per year. Dealers must check buyers' licenses and report all gun and ammunition sales, rentals, and leases to State authorities. States may require a permanent business place, sales records, inventory inspections, and employee background checks.
New state licensing, checks, and ERPO rules
If enacted, States would pick local licensing officials and set rules to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke firearms licenses. First-time applicants would need safety training and licensing authorities would run background checks and suitability reviews. States would set family-petition rules for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) and processes to surrender or transfer guns after orders. States must also set who is "prohibited," using factors like criminal history, hospital commitments, age, protection orders, and other relevant facts. License actions could not be based on race or similar traits, and people could seek timely court review.
New rules for licensed gun owners
If enacted, licensed gun owners would have to report lost or stolen firearms or ammo to State authorities within a reasonable time. You would not be allowed to use your license to buy a gun or ammo for someone else's unlawful use or to resell to an unlicensed person. You would have to keep firearms in a locked container or use a tamper-resistant lock, unless you are carrying the firearm or it is under your control.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 6/24/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov