Gun reform agreement by MA lawmakers could change where guns can be carried. What to know

State lawmakers have reached a compromise with a gun reform bill that will restrict firearm carrying in certain public places and limit the spread of "ghost guns" in Massachusetts.

The new bill, which has not yet been signed into law, covers a wide range of topics, like ghost guns, firearm licensing, dealer inspections, protected areas (places where carrying guns won't be allowed), the state's so-called red flag law and others.

For those not in the know, ghost guns are firearms that are assembled with parts either purchased separately or as part of a kit. These firearms are unlicensed and not serialized, rendering them untraceable.

Here's some of what's in the bill.

If this bill gets signed, where can you not carry a gun in Massachusetts?

The bill could make it onto Governor Maura Healey's desk very soon, if it hasn't already.

If this bill gets signed by Healey, the list of protected areas could expand to:

• schools
• polling places
• government buildings

Retired and current law enforcement officers would still be allowed to carry their firearms, and also cities and towns could choose to allow guns in their municipal buildings.

Massachusetts and the "red flag" law

Massachusetts does have a "red flag" law. This means a judge can suspend a person's access to firearms for up to one year if a family or household member or a police officer files a petition for an extreme risk protection order against that person who presents a threat of harm to self or other people.

This new bill would extend petitioning power to school administrators and licensed health care providers. It would also grant courts the ability to order the removal of firearms, licenses and permits after issuing a harassment prevention order to prevent abuse.

New implications for ghost guns in Massachusetts

This compromise version of the bill would require all firearms, up to and including separate parts like individual frames and receivers, to be labeled with a serial number. The prospective law would also create novel penalties for possession, manufacture and transfer of untraceable firearms.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.