By Bob Katzen

This bill would prohibit police, other law enforcement officers and other government officials from confiscating any lawfully owned firearm, rifle, shotgun, machinegun or ammunition.

A civil fine of between $500 and $5,000 or up to a 2.5 year prison sentence would be imposed for each confiscated weapon. The legislation does not prohibit the confiscation of a firearm from any person who has been placed under arrest, is the subject of a protection order or has had their firearm identification card or license to carry revoked or suspended.

“I filed this legislation to provide lawful Massachusetts gun owners an extra guarantee of their Second Amendment rights,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “This bill would make it unlawful for police or other government officials acting on behalf of the commonwealth to seize legally owned weapons in the event that a state of emergency is declared in the commonwealth.”