Law banning ghost guns and guns in schools was implemented by Massachusetts Governor Healey

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey implemented parts of a gun reform bill Wednesday, blocking opponents' attempt to delay it.

A spokeswoman for Healey said she would sign an emergency preamble to the law so it could take effect immediately. Typically, laws take effect 90 days after they are signed. This law was passed in July and would have taken effect on October 23rd.

The law bans ghost guns, expands the state's red flag regulations and bans guns in some public places such as schools and polling stations.

Opponents tried to collect enough signatures to delay the bill so that it would become a ballot question in 2026. Healey said she disagreed with that.

“This is about making sure we are ready to go in terms of implementation,” Healey said Wednesday. “The system is there, it is a democracy. When you go to your legislature, you can advocate for policy and legislation, and that’s how the system works.”

The bill was original introduced last October, the day after a woman became pregnant hit by a stray bullet in Holyoke, leaving her injured and her baby dead.

“This gun safety law bans ghost guns, strengthens the Extreme Risk Protection Order regime to prevent guns from ending up in the hands of people who pose a danger to themselves or others, and invests in violence prevention programs. It is important that these measures come into force without delay,” Healey said in a statement.