Malden Council Passes Rules For Toy Guns

MALDEN, MA - The Malden city council recently voted in new rules for toy guns in the city.

According to the new ordinance, all toy or replica guns and firearms carried or used in public must have a permanent orange tip that distinguishes it from a real weapon. Any replicas without the bright-colored markers can be confiscated by police and held for 24 hours before being picked up by owners, or parents if the item was taken from a minor.

A second incident triggers a $50 fine and allows police to permanently take the unmarked replica. The new rules do not apply to antique guns and replica firearms used for parades and ceremonies.

Councilors Barbara Murphy, Jadeane Sica, Ryan O'Malley and David D'Arcangelo voted against the ordinance. O'Malley said he was concerned the new ordinance puts the "onus on the child to know what type of toy they have."