Wayland May Limit Where Guns Can Be Carried: Town Meeting Article

WAYLAND, MA — Town Meeting this spring will consider an article that would limit where handguns, rifles, and other "dangerous weapons" can be carried in Wayland. The town already has a law on the books that limits where guns can be carried and used.

The proposed article would prevent people from carrying guns in town buildings and at town-sponsored events, including athletic events — unless they have permission from the Board of Selectmen. The restriction would not apply to police.

Although Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S., it's generally legal to carry a gun in public, as long as the gun owner has a license. There are state laws that prohibit carrying firearms at schools and universities, and carrying a loaded gun while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The current town code reads:

No person shall carry uncased or unholstered firearms or discharge explosives or firearms on public property without the prior written permission of the Board of Selectmen or on private property without the prior written permission of its owner. This section shall not apply to the lawful defense of life or property.

The proposed article would add another section that reads:

'[F]irearm' shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged. No person, not being a law enforcement officer and notwithstanding any license obtained by the person pursuant to Mass. State Law Chapter 140, shall carry on the person a firearm, loaded or unloaded, or other dangerous weapon in any building on town property, or to any town sponsored gathering, including athletic events, on town property without the written authorization of the Board of Selectmen.