Increase in gun licenses in Massachusetts

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts has seen a sharp climb in the issuance of gun licenses in recent years.

The Boston Globe reports that firearms permits statewide have climbed by more than one-third over the past five years.

In some communities, the number of permits has doubled during that period. The city of Boston has seen a 60 percent increase in the number of gun licenses.

Massachusetts has some of the nation's toughest gun laws, including a ban on some types of military-style assault weapons.

Local police departments are responsible for issuing firearms licenses to applicants who pass a background check and complete a certified safety course.

State Rep. David Linsky, a Natick Democrat, said some of the standards for issuing licenses may be too lax, and he's calling for a review.