GOAL Files Bill to Prevent Gun Confiscations During a State of Emergency

In response to the reckless action taken by government officials during the Katrina aftermath, Gun Owners Action League has recently filed legislation to ensure that the lawfully owned firearms cannot be confiscated during a state of emergency.

Senator Richard T. Moore, a long time friend of the lawful gun owners of Massachusetts, filed the bill on behalf of GOAL. The lead sponsor of the this bill is significant due to the fact that Senator Moore served as the Associate Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the Clinton administration in 1994 - '95.

The bill entitled “An Act Prohibiting the Confiscation of Lawfully Owned Firearms During a State of Emergency” would establish a new law that prevents government officials and/or law enforcement from confiscating lawful property and provides serious penalties for any violations.

“It is unconscionable that our government would even consider taking away our last means of self defense in a time of crisis.” said Jim Wallace GOAL Executive Director, “During a state of emergency, like that of the Katrina disaster, our lawfully owned firearms are our only means of protecting our families, our homes and our neighbors against a criminal element that would likely be running free.”

An Act Prohibiting the Confiscation of Lawfully Owned Firearms During a State of Emergency

Section 1. Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws shall be amended by adding the following section;

Section 129E. Prohibiting the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms.

No law enforcement officer, person acting as a law enforcement officer, or other public official shall confiscate or attempt to confiscate any lawfully carried or lawfully owned firearm, rifle or shotgun in this state during a declared state of emergency.

Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of not less than $500 nor more than $5,000 for each firearm, rifle or shotgun confiscated or by imprisonment in a state prison for not more than ten years or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than two and one-half years.