Rhode Island Passes Revised Assault Weapons Ban

Categories: Rhode Island Breaking NewsRhode Island News

Members of the Rhode Island General Assembly debate gun control measures.

News Summary

The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved a revised version of the assault weapons ban known as the ‘Unlawful Sale of Prohibited Firearms Act.’ Despite concerns from gun control advocates who deem it a diluted measure, the legislation prohibits the sale and manufacturing of certain semiautomatic rifles while allowing possession of existing firearms. Critics argue it undermines public safety, while supporters see it as incremental progress. The law introduces penalties for violations, underscoring the ongoing debate over gun control measures in the state.

Rhode Island Lawmakers Approve Revised Assault Weapons Ban

The Rhode Island General Assembly has passed a revised assault weapons ban titled the “Unlawful Sale of Prohibited Firearms Act”, despite criticism from gun control advocates who view the legislation as a diluted version of a comprehensive ban. The final vote in the Senate tallied at 25-11 in favor, while the House approved it with a vote of 43-28.

Legislation Details

The newly enacted law prohibits the sale and manufacturing of certain semiautomatic rifles; however, it permits individuals to possess firearms that fall under these restrictions. Unlike the original proposal, which included stricter guidelines, this version does not impose a registration requirement for firearms owned prior to the bill’s passage. Critics argue that this loophole undermines the law’s potential effectiveness and adherence to Second Amendment rights.

In addition, the legislature has established penalties for violations of the new law. Individuals found in breach could face up to 10 years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

Gun control advocates, including leadership from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, expressed significant disappointment with the outcome, labeling it as the “weakest assault weapons ban in the country.” They criticized the lack of collaboration with gun safety experts and the Attorney General’s office during the bill’s development, arguing that proper input could have led to more robust legislation. Leaders of the coalition have voiced plans to continue pursuing a comprehensive assault weapons ban in future legislative sessions.

Political Perspectives

Supporters of the revised bill, including Governor Dan McKee, praised its passage as an essential step toward enhancing community safety against gun violence. Despite acknowledging the limitations of the legislation, advocates noted that having some regulatory measure is preferable to having no restrictions at all, emphasizing the notion of incremental progress.

On the other side of the debate, several Republican lawmakers, including the Senate Minority Leader, voiced their opposition to the bill, describing it as ineffective and unconstitutional. They contend that the legislation operates on flawed assumptions regarding the characteristics of the firearms involved and fails to address the primary problem of criminal behavior.

Implications for Rhode Island Residents

This new legislation aims to limit Rhode Islanders’ ability to purchase assault weapons from neighboring states where such sales are legal. However, critics assert that the implementation of this law may not have a meaningful impact on public safety or criminal activity. The absence of a registration mandate for grandfathered weapons raises concerns about the law’s overall efficacy in regulating firearm possession properly.

Background Context

The original assault weapons ban proposal was significantly altered after discussions in the General Assembly, leading to marked differences between the initial and final versions of the bill. Legislative attempts to tighten gun control measures in Rhode Island have faced ongoing challenges and opposition from various groups, making the passage of this revised act notable, albeit controversial.

As discussions around gun control continue, stakeholders from both sides of the debate remain resolute in shaping future legislation that addresses their respective concerns. The ongoing discourse over the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights is likely to dominate the political landscape as lawmakers prepare for upcoming sessions.