Report: Mass. Needs To Tighten Up Gun Laws

BOSTON (AP) — A task force examining the state's gun laws says Massachusetts should require background checks for most private firearms sales, increase penalties for failing to report lost or stolen guns and tighten regulations on rifle ownership.

The panel created by House Speaker Robert DeLeo in the aftermath of the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., released its report on Monday.

The task force calls for a more consistent and uniform approach to firearms licensing and training requirements, tax credits for the purchase of gun safes, and two-way communication from schools to municipal police for use in emergencies.

The report also urges the state to join a federal program by transmitting information about people who might unsuitable to own a gun because of substance abuse or mental illness.

DeLeo hopes to use the report craft a gun bill.