Number 18. October 4, 1974

Number 18. October 4, 1974 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonwealth State House Boston. Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: In a letter dated September 9, 1974, you have asked me whether the following question is one of public policy in accordance with G. L. c. 53, § 19: "Shall the Senator from this District be instructed to vote for the passage of a bill which would prohibit the private ownership of handguns except for collectors, licensed pistol clubs, and security personnel?" It is my opinion that the question is an "important public question" in which "every citizen of the Commonwealth has an interest" and is therefore a question of "public policy" within the meaning of G. L. c. 53, § 19, see Op. Atty. Gen. 1970/71-9; see also 1939 Op. Atty. Gen., p. 99. 1955 Op. Atty. Gen., p. 51. Consequently, the question may prop- erly be included on the election ballot in the Senatorial District which you have mentioned, namely, the 3rd Middlesex and Norfolk. 60 P.D. 12 You have requested further that I supply your office with a suitable statement of the question for presentation upon the ballot. It is my opin- ion that the question should be printed on the ballot in the following form: "Shall the Senator from this District be instructed to vote for the passage of a bill which would prohibit the private ownership of handguns within the Commonwealth except for collectors, licensed pistol clubs, and security personnel?" Very truly yours, ROBERT H. QUINN Attorney General Number 18A. October 23, 1974 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonwealth State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: Due to a clerical error, this Department inadvertently failed to con- sider a word contained in the ballot question which was certified in Op. Att'y Gen'l 74/75-18. As submitted, the question read: "Shall the Senator from this District be instructed to vote for the passage of a bill which would prohibit the private ownership of handguns except for collectors, licensed pistol clubs, police and security personnel?" The question should appear on the ballot in the following form: "Shall the Senator from this District be instructed to vote for the passage of a bill which would prohibit the private ownership of handguns within the Commonwealth except for collectors, licensed pistol clubs, police and security person- nel?" Very truly yours, WALTER H. MAYO, HI Assistant Attorney General Chief, Administrative Division P.D. 12 61