Why It Matters: Massachusetts voters’ decision not to repeal Chapter 135 means that the Commonwealth’s sweeping 2024 firearm law will remain in effect. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) remains concerned that the law could create additional barriers to hunting and recreational shooting participation and, in turn, could affect the conservation funding and economic benefits supported by sportsmen and women.
Highlights:
- Massachusetts voted yes on Question 9, leaving Chapter 135 in place.
- CSF remains concerned about the law’s potential to create additional barriers and costs for hunters and recreational shooters.
- Sportsmen and women play a critical role in funding wildlife conservation and supporting local economies throughout Massachusetts.
- CSF will continue working with the Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and conservation partners to protect the traditions of the state’s sportsmen and women.
On November 3, Massachusetts voters voted to retain Chapter 135, the Commonwealth’s sweeping 2024 firearm law, rather than repeal it through Question 9. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is disappointed by the outcome, as the law will remain in effect with provisions that, as noted previously by CSF, could significantly impact hunting and recreational shooting opportunities.
Chapter 135 includes changes affecting firearm licensing, training, testing, and eligibility to possess certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. CSF is concerned that these requirements could create additional barriers for hunters and recreational shooters, including increased costs for individuals whose existing firearms may no longer comply with the law.
Policies that make participation in hunting and recreational shooting more difficult or costly can have implications beyond individual sportsmen and women. Hunters and recreational shooters are critical contributors through the American System of Conservation Funding, providing funding for wildlife management, habitat conservation, and public access through hunting and fishing license revenues and excise taxes on qualifying equipment (including firearms and ammunition).
Hunting also provides economic benefits to communities throughout Massachusetts. Nonresident hunters contribute to local economies through expenditures on lodging, food, fuel, and other goods and services. Maintaining opportunities for participation in hunting and recreational shooting therefore benefits not only sportsmen and women, but also wildlife conservation and communities across the Commonwealth.
Although Massachusetts voters did not repeal Chapter 135, CSF remains committed to ensuring that the voices of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers are represented in policy discussions affecting their outdoor traditions and contributions to conservation. CSF extends its appreciation to the leadership of the Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and to the many in-state and national partners who collaborated throughout this effort to protect sportsmen and women’s access and opportunities in the Bay State. CSF will continue working alongside the Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, conservation partners, and sportsmen and women to advance policies that support hunting, recreational shooting, wildlife management, and conservation throughout the Commonwealth.