State Rep. vows to fight move to weaken state gun laws

State Representative Jarrett Barrios this week vowed to oppose efforts to repeal the lifetime ban on gun ownership for people convicted of violent crimes, drug crimes and gun crimes.

“I’ll fight any measure that makes it easier for convicted criminals to get their hands on guns,” Rep. Barrios said. “Massachusetts has the strongest gun laws in the country, and I’ll oppose any measure that waters them down and puts our people at risk. Too many futures have been lost already.”

A bill introduced in the Massachusetts legislature would repeal the lifetime ban on gun ownership for people convicted of violent crimes, drug crimes and gun crimes. The measure was vigorously opposed by Senate President Tom Birmingham, who did not take up the bill. However, the bill could be reintroduced next year.

“While crime is rising, we cannot afford to retreat from our strong gun laws. We need an experienced legislator like Representative Barrios to fight this ill-considered measure,” said Jim Kessler, Policy Director of Americans for Gun Safety. “Jarrett Barrios understands that sensible gun safety measures mean safer communities and safer streets for our kids. We can trust him to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals.”

Rep. Barrios is a strong advocate of crime prevention and gun safety, and a supporter of the state’s gun laws, which are widely regarded as the strictest in the nation. As a State Representative, Rep. Barrios has backed strong gun-control bills, including measures to stop illegal arms trafficking and to reduce violent crime in Massachusetts.