An Act relative to possession of a dangerous weapon

This bill amends Massachusetts law to increase penalties for individuals in correctional facilities who possess dangerous weapons. It defines a dangerous weapon broadly to include any object, whether store-bought or homemade, that is designed or intended for use as a weapon. The legislation mandates that anyone in custody at a jail, prison, or detention center found with such an item faces up to 10 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in the house of correction, a fine of up to $5,000, or a combination of these punishments. The new penalties apply to violations committed after the law takes effect and are served in addition to any existing sentences the person is already serving.