By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment to clarify that certain guns legally bought prior to 2016 are “legacy” weapons, and can still be legally held, though this new Senate bill would make new purchases of such weapons illegal.

“The Senate’s intention, in codifying our existing assault weapons ban was to enshrine the current law without changing the status of any firearms that are currently legally owned in the commonwealth,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “This … amendment removes any ambiguity on that point, making absolutely clear that a firearm that is legally owned in Massachusetts today will still be legally owned when [this bill] becomes law.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes