Bill > H2864

This bill aims to clarify the legal definition of a "dangerous weapon" when it comes to offenses committed within a school zone, which refers to the area around educational facilities. Specifically, it proposes to amend existing law by adding a phrase to the definition of a dangerous weapon. The current law, as it appears in the 2008 Official Edition of Section 10 of Chapter 269 of the General Laws, will be updated to include that a "dangerous weapon" means "any other instrument reasonably believed to cause bodily harm," following the existing phrase "by whatever means." This addition intends to broaden the scope of what is considered a dangerous weapon in school zones, encompassing any item that someone might reasonably believe could inflict physical injury.