MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE APPROVES BUMP STOCK BAN

Boston — The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would outlaw devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to mimic fully automatic guns.

The House voted 151-3 in favor of legislation to ban so-called bump stocks, such as those used by the Las Vegas shooter.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has said he supports a ban.

The devices fit over the stock and grip of a semi-automatic rifle and allow the weapon to fire continuously.

State Rep. David Linsky, a Natick Democrat, filed legislation that would outlaw any devices that — when attached to a rifle, shotgun or firearm — increase the weapon’s rate of discharge.

Those who violate the measure would face up to 20 years in prison. The prohibition would take effect 180 days after becoming law.

The Las Vegas shooter had 12 weapons fitted with such devices.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo defended the decision to vote on the bill without holding public hearings first, saying Massachusetts has a long history of taking action to prevent gun violence.

“I think it’s important for us to take it up and take it up immediately,” the Winthrop Democrat said before the vote.

Lawmakers in the Massachusetts Senate also have said they would support a ban. The Senate is scheduled to meet in a formal session today.