Massachusetts Senate Passes 'Extreme Risk' Gun Legislation On Voice Vote

The House and Senate are now both on record in favor of legislation creating a judicial process designed to temporarily take guns away from dangerous individuals.

The Senate approved its version of the bill Thursday afternoon on a voice vote and it will be up to branch leaders now to come up with a consensus bill that resolves, among other things, state regulation of stun guns.

The bill gained momentum amid deadly school shootings and while opponents warned it infringes on run rights, supporters said its passage is needed to safeguard lives.

Sen. Sonia Chang Diaz, prior to the vote on the bill, urged colleagues to consider policy responses to address the steady drumbeat of gun violence affecting young people in urban areas, naming Dorchester, Roxbury, Springfield and Holyoke. She said stronger laws are needed to address illegal guns.