Since he was a freshman representative, State Rep. Rady Mom has put forward a bill to make shooting at a dwelling a defined crime with punishments under state law. Now, that bill is a signature away from becoming a reality.

On Thursday, July 18, the House of Representatives passed “An Act modernizing firearms laws” which included language from “An Act to prohibit gunfire directed at dwelling houses.” The bill has been filed by Mom in each of his five terms. This term, the same measure was also filed in the Senate by State Sen. Ed Kennedy.

Mom said he first filed the bill following a series of shootings at houses in Lowell. He said District Attorney Marion Ryan and police officers made it clear to him they needed this legislation to make these incidents easier to prosecute, as no such law had existed.

As the House moved to enact the final bill negotiated by a conference committee, consisting of members from both chambers, Mom spoke from the floor about those conversations and ones he has had with victims of these crimes.

“As I have advocated for this legislation these past five terms, I have continued to hear from the families who have been impacted by these incidents. It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of how they have been traumatized, in the place where they should feel safest,” Mom continued. “My continued advocacy on this legislation is as much about the families as it is for supporting our law enforcement professionals.”

Mom added that as a father of four children, he has found himself worrying about what would happen if gunfire were to strike his home.

He used the speech to condemn not only shootings at dwellings, but broader acts of violence.

“Lawlessness and random acts of violence must never be allowed to become normalized. In the 21st Century, in America, there is no reason for this to be happening. We are all human and we all deserve to be safe, especially in our homes,” Mom said.

Now, individuals who intentionally shoot at a dwelling or building will be subject to two-and-a-half to five years in state prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

While the comprehensive gun legislation was negotiated by a conference committee with members of both chambers, Mom worked with House leadership to ensure support for the provisions in the final version of the bill.

“Speaker Ron Mariano, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, House Judiciary Chair Michael Day, and all of House leadership understands the importance of protecting our citizens. I am incredibly grateful for their efforts to include this provision in the final version of the bill,” Mom said.

Having passed both chambers, the bill will now require the signature of Gov. Maura Healey.