H 1656 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to the reckless discharge of firearms

This bill makes it a crime to intentionally or recklessly discharge certain firearms - such as rifles, shotguns, machine guns, or large-capacity weapons - when there's a risk of serious injury to others. It directly affects individuals who fire these weapons without considering the danger to people nearby. The law imposes penalties of up to 5 years in state prison or 2.5 years in a house of correction for violating this provision. The key change is creating a specific criminal offense for reckless firearm discharges that create a "substantial risk" of serious harm.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors