PA Bill Number: SB315
Title: Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as ...
Description: Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applic ...
Last Action: Re-reported on concurrence, as amended
Last Action Date: Nov 11, 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.
