Rhode Island Approves Assault Weapons Ban

News Summary

Rhode Island has approved new legislation banning the sale and manufacturing of many semi-automatic rifles, joining a trend among states to combat gun violence. The bill, supported by Governor Dan McKee, is modeled after similar laws in Washington and will take effect on July 1, 2026. While allowing current owners to keep their firearms, violations may result in severe penalties. Despite the progress, criticisms arise regarding its effectiveness and legal challenges are anticipated from gun rights advocates.

Rhode Island has taken a significant step towards gun control by approving legislation that bans the sale and manufacturing of many semi-automatic rifles commonly known as assault weapons. The bill passed on Friday and is now set to be signed into law by Democratic Governor Dan McKee, who has expressed his support for the measure on the social media platform X.

If enacted, Rhode Island will join ten other states that have implemented some form of prohibition on high-powered firearms that are often linked to mass shootings. Gun control advocates have been lobbying for such a ban in the state for over ten years, highlighting the ongoing concern about gun violence and public safety.

While the new legislation focuses on the regulation of the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons, it does not restrict the possession of these firearms. Under current federal law, residents are not permitted to purchase an assault weapon from states where such weapons are legal and transport them to Rhode Island if they are banned here.

The law, modeled closely after Washington state’s similar regulations, will become effective on July 1, 2026. It will specifically prohibit the sale of designated military-style semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns, while allowing current owners to keep their firearms. Those who violate the law may face serious repercussions, including up to ten years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, and forfeiture of any banned weapons.

Exemptions within the law include shotguns equipped with detachable magazines, pistol grips, and folding stocks, as well as most semi-automatic pistols. The final version of the law was passed with a vote of 25-11 in the Senate and 43-28 in the House, indicating a divided response among legislators. The approved legislation was a scaled-down version of earlier proposals that considered mandatory registration of existing assault weapons.

Despite the progress, critics argue that such bans are ineffective in reducing mass shootings and instead place unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens. Some lawmakers, particularly those from the Republican Party, have raised concerns about the law’s constitutionality, suggesting it may not withstand scrutiny from the Supreme Court. Nationally, similar assault weapon bans are facing legal challenges led by gun rights organizations that assert these measures violate the Second Amendment.

Gun control advocates remain divided on the impact of the new law. While some support it as a step towards stricter regulations, others view it as insufficient. A leading figure in the gun control movement labeled the measure “the weakest assault weapons ban in the country,” calling for more comprehensive gun reforms. Advocates are worried that potential loopholes could allow residents to purchase assault weapons from neighboring states where such sales remain legal.

Public opinion has appeared to favor stronger gun legislation, fueling ongoing advocacy efforts within Rhode Island. However, the passage of this law highlights the complexities lawmakers face in navigating political differences and public safety urgency in their quest for comprehensive reform. The debates surrounding gun control in Rhode Island underscore the challenges of reaching an agreement that effectively addresses concerns over gun violence while respecting constitutional rights.

As Rhode Island prepares to implement this law, the outcome may influence similar measures in other states and could potentially set a precedent in the ongoing national discussion regarding legislation aimed at combatting gun violence.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Rhode Island Current: Ban on Selling Assault-Style Weapons in R.I. Becomes Law
• Providence Journal: RI Assault Weapons Sale Ban Signed Into Law by Gov. McKee
• Turn to 10: McKee to Sign the Assault Weapons Bill Into Law June 12, 2025
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
• Google Search: Assault Weapons Ban