Governor's Budget Item Alert

Gun Owners’ Action League is very concerned about two “Outside Sections” that appeared in the Governor’s FY 2008 budget proposal. In sections 31 and 32, the Governor proposes to do away with written notification for Firearms Identification Card and License to Carry expirations. These sections would remove the laws that require the state to notify licensed gun owners 90 days prior to their license expiring. The new language would only require the state to send an “electronic” notification if the licensee has provided the agency with an email address or other electronic means.

In a time where the state’s licensing system is in a near state of collapse, there is no excuse for this change. With a $100 fee for our licenses, the state should have more than enough resources to properly notify license holders that are facing an expiration date.

Please contact your local legislators and urge them not to approve this measure. Remind them that lawful gun owners are paying more than our fair share and should be given better service not lesser service.

Electronic FID Card Renewal Notices

SECTION 31.   Clause (9) of section 129B of chapter 140 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the third sentence and inserting in place thereof the following 2 sentences:- The executive director of the criminal history systems board shall send by a means of electronic communication to the holder of a firearm identification card a notice of the expiration of the card not less than 90 days before its expiration, and shall enclose with the notice information on how to renew the card. These notices shall only be sent to holders of a firearm identification card who have provided the executive director with an email address or means by which to receive notices electronically.

Electronic Firearms License Renewal Notices

SECTION 32.   Paragraph (l) of section 131 of said chapter 140, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following 2 sentences:- The executive director of the criminal history systems board shall send by a means of electronic communication to the holder of a license to carry a notice of the expiration of the card not less than 90 days before its expiration, and shall enclose with the notice information on how to renew the card. These notices shall only be sent to holders of a license to carry who have provided the executive director with an email address or means by which to receive notices electronically.