Live Fire: Public Testimony
What might make sense on the surface… often fails Common Sense when it comes time to implement. Keep an open mind and you will discover, all is not what it seems.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2025, and Wednesday June 4, 2025, The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in Massachusetts held public hearings for the purposes of gathering comments, ideas, and information concerning the live fire component of the Basic Safety Firearms Course required by the new firearms law, An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024. Specifically, Section 152 of the Act requires the Secretary of Public Safety and Security to “study and report to the legislature on recommendations to ensure the effective implementation of live fire training required pursuant to section 131P of chapter 140 of the General Laws.
Attached is the Written Testimony that The Civil Rights Coalition provided: It is our goal that every person in Massachusetts understands the issue and the problems. If we stand together and repeal this law, it will protect the lives and safety of all Massachusetts Residents.
Testimony of The Civil Rights Coalition Opposing Live Fire Requirement
Official Public Hearing Notice issued by EOPPS
According to the most recent available data, among approximately 600,000 licensed firearm owners in Massachusetts, the number of unintentional self-inflicted firearm injuries or deaths remains almost ZERO, showing the current process, without “Live Fire” works:
- 2022: 1 incident (Source: CDC / MA Department of Public Health – below)
- 2021: 0 incidents
- 2020: 1 incident
- 2019: 1 incident
These figures underscore the consistent and exceptional safety record of law-abiding, licensed gun owners in the Commonwealth.
This requirement does nothing to prevent or deter violent crime. It is merely another bureaucratic requirement to create administrative hurdles and red tape for individuals seeking to exercise their 2nd amendment rights.
The Civil Rights Coalition respectfully requests that:
EOPSS permanently suspends the live fire training mandate due to constitutional, civil rights violations and practical barriers. The Live Fire mandate fails Bruen’s historical test and violates equal protection.
All official Massachusetts Data clearly shows that “Live Fire” will have zero effect on unintentional self-injury and other since there have only been 3 cases in the past 4 years.
The Legislature must amend Chapter 135 to include all of the below:
- The State must Fund and construct free public firing ranges across the Commonwealth, especially in underserved areas.
- Establish hardship waivers for those with medical, financial, or transportation barriers ensuring no citizen is denied their rights.
- Recognize prior training, military service, or law enforcement experience as fulfilling requirements.
- Provide a tax credit of $250 to every one seeking a license to offset out of pocket costs
Chapter 135’s live fire requirement is a constitutional affront, denying Massachusetts residents their Second Amendment protections based on wealth, geography, and race. It punishes the poor, discriminates against the marginalized, and dismantles the very community-based infrastructure that currently fosters safety, education, and compliance.
If this law is enforced as written, thousands of lawful citizens will lose access to their rights—and dozens of instructors, like Nolan Howard, will lose their livelihoods.
