Close Gun Loophole

City Councilor and Mayoral candidate Bud L. Williams called for the"closing of the loophole" in the Bartley-Fox gun law of 1974 which exempts certain offenders from receiving a mandatory sentence for possession of a firearm.The sponsors of the legislation were David Bartley, former Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and retired Judge J. John Fox.Councilor Williams, following up on a crime prevention initiative released lastweek, stated:"It is time to close the loophole in the law which essentially gives some of those convicted of firearm possession to a get out of jail free pass." "there are too many guns on the streets of Springfield and closing this loophole will play a major role in reducing violence and sending violators to prison" Councilor Williams stated.The Bartley-Fox law allows for an exemption of the mandatory sentence provision. In calling for repeal of thatspecific subsection, Councilor Williams stated: "a violation of this law must result in a mandatory sentence. It is time we sent a message to criminals that there are no exceptions to the law. If you possess a gun and are charged by police you will face prison time - without exception."Councilor Williams served for 32 years as a Probation Officer and began his service in the Springfield District Court the year of implementation of Bartley-Fox. Councilor Williams stated: “This law has been on the books for the past 35 years. It has been an effective law enforcement tool. However, given the proliferation of guns on our streets, it is time to reexamine the law and make necessary changes for the protection of our citizens.”Regarding this legislative proposal, hearings will be scheduled with the City Council’s State and Federal Legislation Committee to solicit the support of the city’s legislative delegation.Councilor Williams stated “we need our state legislative delegation to assist in our crime prevention effort. This legislation will be a key component of my plan to reduce the level of crime and violence in the city.”