Former State Treasurer; Democratic Challenger MA Governor
Increase penalties for felon handgun possession
In the 1990s, gun violence was reduced in Massachusetts, in part due to successful prosecutions under tough, federal gun laws. Massachusetts should toughen its felon-in-possession law. O'Brien will work to increase the penalty for possession of a firearm
by a person previously convicted of committing a felony. She proposes to increase the penalty to a 5- year minimum prison sentence, demonstrating that Massachusetts is serious about keeping guns out of the hands of convicted felons.
Increase gun safety regulations but maintain hunters' rights
O'Brien supports gun control laws that ensure the public's safety, including gun licensing and registration requirements, background checks on purchasers & mandating locked storage of guns or installation of trigger locks. As a legislator, she supported
the assault weapons ban in Boston & started legislation to ensure that local police are notified of convictions so they may revoke any firearms permits held by felons. She supports the rights of hunters and sportsmen to legally own and use their guns.
Shannon is a strong advocate of gun control. During her time in the Legislature, she supported the assault weapons ban in Boston and filed legislation to ensure that local law enforcement officials are notified of convictions
so they may revoke any firearms permits held by felons. Shannon supports the gun law legislation passed in Massachusetts, giving the state the most comprehensive gun laws in the nation.
Source: Campaign web site, ShannonObrien.com, "Issue Briefs"
Feb 16, 2002
