Hmmm... I'll bet this will have the full backing and support of the MA Chiefs of Police Association....
Not....
http://www.goal.org/news/katrinabill.htm
In other developments, GOAL also filed a bill that would punish criminal who use a fake gun or BB gun during the commission of a crime...
Snipped for brevity. A lot more info here...
http://www.goal.org/news/NewBedford.htm
Not....
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
http://www.goal.org/news/katrinabill.htm
In other developments, GOAL also filed a bill that would punish criminal who use a fake gun or BB gun during the commission of a crime...
GOAL Files Deceptive Device Bill in Response to New Bedford Incident
In response to the shooting incident in New Bedford involving a police officer and a drug addict, Gun Owners Action League has taken a proactive step to assist law enforcement. On January 10, 2007 State Representative John Quinn (9th Bristol) filed, on behalf of GOAL, a bill that would punish criminals who commit crimes with devices that intend to convey the presence of a firearm.
The bill, "An Act Relative to Deceptive Weapon Devices" would provide law enforcement and the courts a tool that would punish those who are committing crimes with fake or look alike guns by allowing the courts to convict them as if they are armed.
"This bill is a proactive measure that will hopefully discourage criminals from pretending to have firearms in an attempt to intimidate victims and cause problems for police in emergency situations." said Jim Wallace GOAL Executive Director, "No police officer should have to make the split second decision as to whether a criminal is holding a real gun or a fake gun. Secondly, no criminal should get away without being charged and convicted as being armed when they certainly intended everyone to believe they were."
As a further note to this case, GOAL understands that the officer involved in the shooting was cleared of any wrong doing.
Bill Language:
SECTION 1. Section 121 of Chapter 140 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following definition:-
“Deceptive Weapon Device” Any device or item used in the commission of a crime that is intended to convey the presence of a weapon, as defined in this section, to a potential victim or law enforcement officer. Such devices or items shall include, but not be limited to, common air guns, toy guns, or substances carved or fashioned to resemble a weapon.
SECTION 2. Chapter 265 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting a new section:-
Section 45. Crimes committed with a deceptive weapon device
Any person who is in possession of a deceptive weapon device as defined in Section 121 of Chapter 140 of the General Laws, during the commission of a violent crime as defined in Section 121 of Chapter 140 of the General Laws shall be deemed to be armed and shall be punishable by penalties set forth in this Chapter.
Snipped for brevity. A lot more info here...
http://www.goal.org/news/NewBedford.htm