WORCESTER, Mass. - By signing an emergency preamble, Gov. Maura Healey has immediately implemented a gun reform law.

It would've taken effect on Oct. 23.

This move blocks an effort by opponents trying to suspend the gun law for two more years.

The law bans ghost guns, strengthens a statute to keep guns away from people who are a danger to themselves or others and invests in violence prevention programs.

Both the governor and lieutenant governor said it's important these measures go into effect without delay.

"Puts us in a much better position to be able to help be a partner in keeping cities and towns throughout the commonwealth really safe," Healey said. "One of the key reasons to do it now is to give cities and state officials times to implement these important new rules and regulations. We want to make sure that they’re well versed on day one to be able to hit the ground running and keep community safe. It's an important issue. The legislature passed this bill. They are representatives of the people; we have a representative democracy. One of the reasons Massachusetts has such a low homicide rate is because we have rules and regulations intent on keeping people safe.”

Opponents are gathering signatures to put a question on the 2026 ballot to repeal it.

The Gun Owners Action League said they've already started to draft a complaint to go before a federal court.

The group will ask the court to place an injunction on enforcement of the law.