Understanding MA's New Gun Safety Law

Speaker Bios

Carlos González, State Representative, 10th Hampden District and Chair of Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee

Elected to the House of Representatives in 2014, Representative Carlos González has emerged as a prominent advocate for civil and economic equity rights. His leadership is marked by a commitment to meaningful reform and community empowerment.

Throughout his tenure, Representative González has been a key proponent of criminal justice reform, including monumental legislation in 2018 to foster significant changes in the justice system. As the former Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus, he successfully guided several pivotal initiatives, including the Student Opportunity Act and groundbreaking police reform measures such as the POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) program.

His efforts have also extended to supporting first-time homeowners through the Homes Dream Program and advancing micro-businesses by ensuring their inclusion in statutory frameworks, which has unlocked funding opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs. Additionally, he has played a vital role in advocating for comprehensive gun reform legislation, addressing critical safety issues within the community and promoting Massachusetts’ nationwide leadership in firearm safety. 

Steven M. Kent, Deputy Chief, Springfield Police Department

A police officer for over 35 years, he began his career in Hampshire County in 1989 before joining the Springfield Police Department in 1992. Starting in the Narcotics Bureau in 1995, he spent over 20 years specializing in drug, gun, and gang investigations, rising through the ranks of Detective, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and including an assignment as a Task Force Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. He was promoted to Captain in 2017 and then to Deputy Chief in 2019. As Deputy Chief of Investigations, he now oversees all investigative units within the Springfield Police Department, as well as the Property and Court Divisions, managing approximately 125 detectives, officers, and supervisors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Western New England University and a Master of Science in Criminology from UMass. His service has been recognized with 10 Commendations and Letters of Recognition for bravery and/or outstanding performance of duty.

Katherine Mague, PhD, Senior Vice President, Quality, Development, Communications & Social Justice, Behavioral Health Network



Katherine Mague, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and a Senior Vice President at the Behavioral Health Network in Springfield. Trained with a specialty in child and family work through UMass Amherst, she completed her postdoctoral training at the Center for Multi-cultural Training in Psychology at Boston Medical Center, and at the Developmental Medicine Center of Boston Children’s Hospital before returning to the Springfield area to practice.

In her 25 years at BHN, Kathy has specialized in working with community partners to identify needs and create innovative solutions which promote behavioral health and wellbeing in our region. These solutions have included models of integrated behavioral health in schools, preschools, housing authorities and primary care practices, among others. Kathy has held many roles at BHN, including clinical and administrative, and is now responsible for overseeing BHN’s clinical quality, community relations and social justice efforts.