The Massachusetts House and Senate are now both on record in favor of legislation creating a judicial process designed to temporarily take guns away from dangerous individuals.
The state Senate approved its version of the bill Thursday afternoon on a voice vote.
It will be up to branch leaders now to come up with a consensus bill that resolves, among other things, state regulation of stun guns.
The bill gained momentum amid deadly school shootings. While opponents warned it infringes on run rights, supporters said its passage is needed to safeguard lives.
Sen. Sonia Chang Diaz, prior to the vote on the bill, urged colleagues to consider policy responses to address the steady drumbeat of gun violence affecting young people in urban areas, naming Dorchester, Roxbury, Springfield and Holyoke. She said stronger laws are needed to address illegal guns.
This report was originally published by State House News Service.