SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Maura Healey will put the state's new wide-ranging gun reform law into effect on Wednesday to block opponents from suspending it. Local lawmakers hold ‘Yes on 4’ press conference A spokesperson for the governor said Healey will sign an emergency preamble on Wednesday for the law that she initially signed on July 25th, putting it into effect immediately rather than later this month. Opponents criticized Healey's decision and said an immediate start to some of the restrictions could put gun shops out of business. The gun reform bill cracks down on ghost guns, which are currently untraceable by law enforcement and are used in many violent crimes in the western part of the state. This new legislation looks to substantially cut down crime rates with these guns. Supporters view the measure as a way to further strengthen the state's already extensive gun laws, noting that Massachusetts has one of the lowest rates of firearms violence in the country. Opponents must now file more than 37,000 signatures by October 9th to put a referendum on the 2026 ballot. If the governor declares a law an emergency law, it cannot be suspended as part of a referendum campaign, essentially nullifying any petitions. Local News Headlines Average dates of first frost continues to get later Entire GLX shut down as feds investigate derailment How to celebrate National Popcorn Poppin’ Month Dozens of homeless pets impacted by Hurricane Helene brought to Massachusetts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.