Bill · H.R. 4111· House(119-HR-4111)
MASS Act
- Introduced
- 6/24/2025
- Last activity
- 6/24/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Ayanna Pressley
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The MASS Act provides grants to States to encourage the implementation and maintenance of firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements. Under this bill, States would establish standards for prohibited individuals based on factors like criminal history, mental health, and age. The legislation requires individuals to hold a firearms license during the entire period of ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition. It also mandates that specific individuals, such as those with certain protection orders, must surrender their firearms. Additionally, the bill establishes licensing requirements for firearms dealers and mandates safety training for first-time applicants.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+7
The bill significantly strengthens gun control through mandatory licensing, background checks, and extreme risk protection orders.
Would women be better off under this?+3
The bill includes provisions for protection orders which can be used to protect individuals from domestic violence.
Would children be better off under this?+2
Increased firearm regulation and mandatory storage may improve child safety.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Would gun owners be better off under this?-7
Gun owners face significantly increased licensing requirements, safety training, storage mandates, and potential loss of property.
Does this protect the right to own guns?-6
The bill introduces significant new regulatory burdens and licensing requirements for firearm ownership and sale.
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Small-scale sellers face significant new costs and regulatory requirements for licensing and business location.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Public Safety Standards: States are encouraged to define "suitable" individuals as those who do not create a risk to public safety, potentially preventing high-risk individuals from obtaining licenses (Section 2(a)(5)).
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Standardized Background Checks: The bill requires a "thorough background check" for license applications, which may include Federal and State checks and interviews (Section 2(a)(6), Section 2(c)(2)(D)(i)).
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Protection for Vulnerable Individuals: States must establish processes where family members can petition for "extreme risk protection orders" if they fear an individual is a danger to themselves or others (Section 2(c)(2)(K)(i)).
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Safety Training: First-time firearms license applicants would be required to complete safety training (Section 2(c)(2)(E)).
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Secure Storage Requirements: The bill requires that firearms be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or safety device to render them inoperable by unauthorized users (Section 2(c)(2)(V)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Regulatory Burdens on Individuals: Individuals must obtain a firearms license at the time of purchase, rental, or lease, and must maintain it for the entire period of ownership or possession (Section 2(c)(2)(A)).
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Mandatory Surrender of Property: Individuals subject to extreme risk protection orders or domestic violence protection orders are required to surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition in their possession (Section 2(c)(2)(L)(ii)).
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Mandatory Licensing for Small-Scale Sellers: Individuals or businesses that sell or lease a minimum number of firearms (a number set by the State, not to exceed 10 per year) must obtain a firearms dealer license (Section 2(c)(2)(B)).
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Strict Business Requirements for Dealers: Firearms dealer licensees may be required to maintain a permanent place of business that is not a residence (Section 2(c)(2)(B)(ii)(I)(aa)).
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New Storage Mandates: It is considered unlawful to store or keep a firearm unless it is secured in a locked container or with a specific safety device (Section 2(c)(2)(V)(i)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+3Good For Children+2Good For Gun Owners-7Good For Business Owners-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Due Process-2Increase States Rights-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Small Business Support-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+7Improves Second Amendment Protections-6Improves Policing Reform-1
- 6/24/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.