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Massachusetts Attorney General Bans Sale of “Copycat” Rifles

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Wednesday that she will enforce a ban on the sale of what she called "copycat" assault-style weapons, effective immediately.

July 21, 2016

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Wednesday that she will enforce a ban on the sale of what she called "copycat" assault-style weapons, effective immediately.

"Gun manufacturers have manufactured these weapons as legal versions of prohibited guns," Healey said. "These weapons are illegal. They are copies or duplicates of banned weapons, and they cannot be bought or sold in Massachusetts."

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"The gun industry doesn't get to decide what's compliant (with state law)," Healey said. "We do."

Gun owners, however, said they had no notice of Healey's interpretation of the law and were still unsure of what would be included.

Advocates for the gun industry warn that Healey's ban is likely to face a legal challenge.

 

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