Acushnet, Charlton and Dudley Lead the Way by Opting Out of Chapter 135's Municipal Buildings Ban
- The Civil Rights Coaltion
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
The Civil Rights Coalition proudly congratulates the towns of Acushnet, Charlton, and Dudley for becoming the latest Massachusetts communities to successfully vote to exempt their municipal administrative buildings from the concealed carry prohibition created by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024.
While Chapter 135 significantly expanded the list of "prohibited areas" where licensed citizens may not lawfully carry a firearm, the Legislature also included a provision allowing municipalities to opt out.
Specifically, Section 124 of Chapter 135, which created Chapter 269, Section 10(k)(2)(i), provides that municipal administrative buildings are generally designated as "prohibited areas." However, the law also states: "...provided further that a municipality may vote pursuant to section 4 of chapter 4 to exclude its administrative buildings from being a 'prohibited area.'"
That language gives every city and town in Massachusetts the opportunity to determine, through its own local legislative process, whether municipal administrative buildings should remain subject to the state's concealed carry prohibition.
The successful votes in Acushnet, Charlton, and Dudley demonstrate that local communities can take advantage of this provision and preserve local decision-making. These towns recognized that decisions affecting their municipal buildings should be made by residents who best understand the needs of their communities.
Their actions also serve as a model for other municipalities across the Commonwealth that are considering whether to exercise the same authority provided under Chapter 135.
The Civil Rights Coalition applauds the elected officials, volunteers, and citizens who worked diligently to educate their neighbors, place these articles before their town meetings, and secure successful votes. Grassroots engagement continues to demonstrate that informed citizens can make a meaningful difference at the local level.
Interested in Bringing an Opt-Out Article to Your Town?
Every municipality is encouraged to evaluate whether exercising this local option is right for its community. If your town is interested in learning more about the opt-out process, obtaining sample warrant articles, preparing presentations, or organizing support for your local town meeting, we are happy to help.
Please contact:
Kerrie Ann Auclair
Director of Women's Advocacy, The Civil Rights Coalition
Remember to VOTE NO on November 3, 2026 to FULLY repeal Chapter 135!
Grassroots movements change history. Together, we gathered nearly 100,000 signatures in just over five weeks to place this question before the voters; proving that dedicated citizens can make a difference. Now, let's finish what we started.
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