Massachusetts leaders brace for NRA challenge to gun law: "Bring it on"

Massachusetts leaders say they're ready for any challenges the National Rifle Association might make to the gun reform law Gov. Maura Healey signed.

Why it matters: The new law is Massachusetts Democrats' attempt to crack down on untraceable, often homemade guns and bolster red flag laws after the 2022 Supreme Court ruling struck down New York's concealed carry restrictions.

Catch up fast: The NRA said last week it plans to challenge the legislation, calling it "egregious" and "freedom-restricting."

House Speaker Ron Mariano said at Tuesday's bill signing the NRA's threat to sue is a "real badge of honor."

• "Bring it on," said Rep. Michael Day, who led negotiations for the bill for the House.
• Healey said she's confident the law would "withstand any challenge that comes its way."

Zoom in: The new law bolsters ghost gun enforcement, expands laws that let a court take away someone's gun if they pose a threat to themself or others and bars people other than police from bringing guns to schools, polling stations and government buildings.

• Gun safety advocates have pushed for updates for nearly a decade, says Jennifer Robinson, managing director of grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention.
• Lawmakers reached a deal on this bill, filed in the wake of the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, after months of closed-door negotiations.

What we're watching: If (or when) the NRA files a legal challenge to the new law.

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