Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, signed into law on July 25, 2024, modernizes firearm laws in Massachusetts in response to a Supreme Court ruling that limits state authority over gun safety measures. The legislation mandates that firearms safety courses include a live fire training component, enhancing public safety by addressing issues such as untraceable ghost guns and strengthening the Red Flag Law. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is responsible for studying the implementation of this requirement, ensuring it is accessible and affordable statewide. The bill also introduces new requirements for obtaining a License to Carry (LTC), mandating that applicants demonstrate handgun proficiency through live fire training with a Qualified LTC Instructor.

The bill emphasizes stakeholder engagement, highlighting the need for collaboration with shooting ranges and instructors to assess capacity and challenges in hosting training sessions. It addresses concerns regarding the potential cost burden of live fire training and the limited number of accessible ranges, recommending the development of minimum standards for training and exploring creative funding solutions. Additionally, the bill suggests establishing a documented list of ranges willing to work with certified instructors and encourages investigating alternative methods for meeting live fire requirements, such as using simulators. These recommendations aim to balance public safety goals with practical implementation considerations, ensuring the effective integration of the live fire training requirement while addressing the needs of all stakeholders involved in the licensing process.