Curbs on ghost guns, a better ‘red flag’ law on owners can’t wait for next year

What politician doesn’t like a good photo-op with a gun reform advocate like former congresswoman Gabby Giffords — and in the middle of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, no less.

So last week’s photo-op of Massachusetts’ Senate president and House speaker with Giffords and their pledges of real change certainly raised the ante on passing a critical gun reform bill.

But that means getting it out of a legislative conference committee assigned to reconcile House and Senate versions of the bill and on to the floor for a vote before lawmakers wrap up formal sessions July 31.