By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit anyone, except on-duty law enforcement officers, from carrying a firearm in any state or local government-owned building, polling place or demonstration. The measure imposes up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to a 2-year prison sentence on violators and allows law enforcement officers to arrest, without a warrant, anyone who violates this law.

Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on the passage of her proposal.

Supporters say the bill will make government buildings, polling places and demonstrations safer and reduce the number of deaths and injuries from guns.

Opponents say the bill would violate their Second Amendment right to bear arms.