MA S1216

Amends Section 15A of Chapter 265 of the General Laws by adding a new subsection (e) creating enhanced penalties for firearm assaults on law enforcement and public safety personnel

Establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in state prison, with potential for any term of years, for discharging a firearm with intent to harm covered officers

Covers firearms including large capacity weapons, rifles, shotguns, sawed-off shotguns, and machine guns as defined in existing state law (Chapter 140, Section 121)

Protected personnel include police officers, special police officers, state and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, Department of Correction employees, sheriff's department employees, and jail/house of correction staff performing official duties

Similar legislation was filed in the previous session (Senate No. 1088 of 2023-2024)