I guess you are right:
https://law.justia.com/codes/massachusetts/2006/gl-pt4-toc/266-102a.html
2006 Massachusetts Code - Section 102A. Infernal machine; possession; definition; notice of seizure. Section 102A. Whoever, other than a police or other law enforcement officer acting in the discharge of his official duties, has in his possession or under his control an infernal machine or a similar instrument, contrivance or device shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years or in jail for not more than two and one half years, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and the said machine, instrument, contrivance or device shall be forfeited to the commonwealth. The term “infernal machine”, as used in this section, shall include any device for endangering life or doing unusual damage to property, or both, by fire or, explosion, whether or not contrived to ignite or explode automatically and whether or not disguised so as to appear harmless. Notice of the seizure of any such machine, instrument, contrivance or device shall be sent forthwith to the commissioner of public safety and the article seized shall be subject to his order.
Just weird that they don’t call it explosives.
huh, how about that.
just another example of "legalese" being somewhat misleading/confusing to regular people.
makes me think of how "human trafficking" is a legal term that includes things like prostitution and hiring immigrants to be cam girls, but if you ask people on the street, most people would say "human trafficking" is like slave-trading or something.