Councilors seek state law change to restore 24-hour drug-free zones near schools and parks

Councilors on Sept. 15 introduced a resolution asking the Massachusetts Legislature to amend Mass. Gen. Laws chapter 94C, subsection 32J to restore broader controlled-substance proximity protections for schools, parks and playgrounds. Sponsors said they drafted simpler, more enforceable local language after hearing accounts of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia near playgrounds and school property.

Councilor Santanello, a sponsor, said the proposed local ordinance removes "weasel words" from the state framework and sets a uniform 500-foot zone and a 24-hour prohibition for drug possession near protected locations. Ken Shea, speaking for the law department, described the Springfield draft as clearer and easier to interpret than the current statute because it avoids multiple distance rules and time windows that can complicate enforcement.

Why it matters: Sponsors and other councilors said fentanyl and other substances are appearing near parks and schoolyards, posing a public-safety risk to children and residents. Council members said the current statute's various distance and time thresholds create enforcement gaps.

What happened at the meeting - Sponsors said school staff and neighborhood leaders reported needles and drug packets near school grounds and parks. - Ken Shea (law department) testified the Springfield draft applies a uniform 500-foot buffer and a 24-hour standard for possession that simplifies enforcement. - Council members asked the administration to coordinate with the school superintendent and invited public input.

Formal action - Motion: Refer the resolution to a joint committee of Public Safety and Health & Human Services for hearings and stakeholder input. - Mover: Councilor Edwards; Second: Councilor Davila. Outcome: Motion passed and the matter was sent to committee.

Discussion highlights - Councilor Cliff Bruce said the change would protect children and families and called for further committee hearings to gather community input. - Councilor Govan asked whether alcohol should be included in the protections; sponsors said they would ask the law department to evaluate that question in committee.

Ending The council did not adopt the resolution as an ordinance at the Sept. 15 meeting. Sponsors asked the Public Safety and Health & Human Services committees to hold hearings, coordinate with schools, and return recommendations to the full council.