Governor-elect Patrick has been working with 15 policy "working groups" over the last month to come up with specific recommendations on ways to "improve" the Commonwealth.
Of interest to NES is this report (PDF) on Public Safety. Specifically, their recommendation on Gun Violence are as follows:
It's interesting that the recommendations include working with the Brady Bunch and Stop Hangun Violence but no input would be sought from the NRA or GOAL. Also frightening is the recommendation to "identify those areas where, through legislation or improved practices, the state can enhance public safety by improving its registration and recordkeeping of firearms ownership and sales." It goes without saying that this will have no bearing on illegal guns, but only further inconvenience law-abiding gun owners.
Of interest to NES is this report (PDF) on Public Safety. Specifically, their recommendation on Gun Violence are as follows:
Gun Violence
Gun violence is increasing in Massachusetts, not only in Boston but also in smaller cities in the Commonwealth. Guns have been streaming into Massachusetts from other states and are now easily obtained by those whose primary purpose is to use a gun to commit a crime. The proliferation of handguns that end up in the hands of criminals is a national problem that needs a national solution. However, Massachusetts has been a leader among states which have the will to address these handgun issues. Massachusetts should continue to lead the way in improving public safety with rational and efficient gun laws that adapt to the changing conditions of gun crimes, gun trafficking and illegal gun sales. At the same time, we can do more to target gun traffickers and trace the flow of illegal guns.
Recommendations
- Develop a statewide approach to improving gun registration practices and reducing illegal gun sales through EOPS by designating a Gun Project Coordinator. The Gun Project Coordinator would also assist the Governor and the Secretary in leading statewide and interstate efforts to reduce the flow of illegal firearms.
- Coordinate a regional gun summit meeting with governors and law enforcement officials of neighboring states and federal agencies to emphasize enforcement of current laws and encourage joint initiatives to reduce illegal gun sales and trafficking.
- Work with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino in his collaboration with a group of urban mayors who are leading a national campaign to develop and advance legislation that supports crime-fighting initiatives and gun violence prevention.
- Undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s current laws, regulations and practices involving the sale of firearms. Reform current laws and practices where needed to regulate private, unlicensed sellers of guns at gun shows and expand background checks for those who buy guns at gun shows and from private dealers.
- Identify those areas where, through legislation or improved practices, the state can enhance public safety by improving its registration and recordkeeping of firearms ownership and sales.
- Assist local police departments in their efforts to work with the state and local authorities in tracing illegal firearms.
- Consider the creation of additional gun courts.
- Explore with gun manufacturers, particularly those manufacturing or doing extensive business in Massachusetts, what public/private initiatives might lead to fewer illegal sales and fewer handguns used in criminal conduct.
- Work closely with the Brady Campaign to End Handgun Violence to advance its current national legislative priority and limit gun buyers to purchasing one firearm a month and 12 in a year.
- Work closely with Stop Handgun Violence on its local, state, and interstate initiatives to reduce the number of guns and the number of gun crimes in Massachusetts.
It's interesting that the recommendations include working with the Brady Bunch and Stop Hangun Violence but no input would be sought from the NRA or GOAL. Also frightening is the recommendation to "identify those areas where, through legislation or improved practices, the state can enhance public safety by improving its registration and recordkeeping of firearms ownership and sales." It goes without saying that this will have no bearing on illegal guns, but only further inconvenience law-abiding gun owners.