PA Bill Number: HB1233
Title: Providing for portable battery stewardship and establishing requirements for Battery Stewardship Plans; imposing duties on the Department of ...
Description: Providing for portable battery stewardship and establishing requirements for Battery Stewardship Plans; imposing duties on the Department of ...
Last Action: Removed from table
Last Action Date: Oct 29, 2025
How safe are "gun-free zones"? :: 07/24/2015
BOSTON (WWLP) – The statewide chapter of the National Rifle Association wants to look into the dangers of “gun-free zones” and whether people should be allowed to carry guns, knives or even pepper spray in these areas.
The bill was filed by Westfield Democrat John Velis. It would set up a state commission that would study “gun-free zones” where law-abiding citizens are prohibited from carrying a gun.
The bill was inspired by the recent shooting at two military facilities in Tennessee. Four U.S. Marines and a sailor were shot and killed. They weren’t allowed to carry a gun in self-defense.
These “gun-free zones” include churches, schools, hospitals and even the State House in Boston.
Supporters of the bill believe citizens should have the right to protect themselves. According to Jim Wallace of the Gun Owners Action League of MA, “It’s definitely a situation that could be taken advantage of and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen here in Massachusetts.”
Opponents of the bill believe the way to reduce gun violence is to pass tougher gun laws.
