Rhode Island bill banning ‘assault weapon’ sales heads to Democratic governor’s desk – Washington Examiner
The Rhode island House of Representatives has passed a bill that bans the sale and manufacturing of certain semiautomatic rifles, ofen referred to as assault weapons.This legislation is expected to be signed into law by Governor Dan McKee,positioning Rhode Island alongside ten other states with similar restrictions on high-powered firearms. While the law does not affect the possession of these rifles, it prevents residents from purchasing them in neighboring states where such sales are legal, in accordance with federal regulations.
Supporters of the bill, including Governor McKee, argue that it is a necessary step to enhance community safety and address gun violence. Though,opponents,including some Republican lawmakers and gun rights advocates,criticize the measure as ineffective and burdensome on law-abiding citizens,suggesting it will not significantly reduce mass shootings. Additionally, some gun control advocates feel the legislation is inadequate, as it does not prohibit possession. Critics such as David Hogg, a notable gun control activist, labeled the bill as “the weakest assault weapons ban in the country,” highlighting a desire for more comprehensive gun safety laws.
Rhode Island bill banning ‘assault weapon’ sales heads to Democratic governor’s desk
Rhode Island’s Democratic-controlled state House passed legislation late Friday that would ban the sale and manufacturing of certain semiautomatic rifles, commonly referred to as assault weapons.
The Ocean State will join 10 other states across the country that have some sort of prohibition on high-powered firearms once Gov. Dan McKee (D-RI) signs the bill into law.
McKee posted on X Friday night that he was proud that the legislature “took an important step forward in protecting our communities from gun violence.”
“I thank the General Assembly and the many advocates for their tireless work, and I hope they’ll join me when I sign this bill into law,” McKee wrote. “As Governor, I’m committed to working with our partners on common sense gun safety measures to keep our communities safe.”
The legislation does not apply to the possession of semiautomatic rifles but rather only the sale and manufacturing of this type of weaponry. Washington state is the only other jurisdiction with a similar type of prohibition.
Federal law prohibits traveling to a different state to purchase a weapon and returning with it to a state where that type of gun is banned. Accordingly, Rhode Islanders cannot go to nearby New Hampshire or any other state to purchase a banned semiautomatic rifle.
Second Amendment advocates argue that bans on semiautomatic rifles do little to nothing to curb mass shootings.
Republican state Sen. Thomas Paolinio said in a statement that the bill “doesn’t go after criminals, it just puts the burden on law-abiding citizens.”
State House minority leader Republican Rep. Michael Chippendale predicted during House debates that the federal Supreme Court would eventually deem the law unconstitutional when presented with legal challenges after its passage.
Gun control advocates also opposed the legislation, believing it did not go far enough.
During floor debates on the legislation, Democratic Rep. Rebecca Kislak said she was “gravely disappointed” that the legislature was “not doing more” on the issue.
“Given the opportunity to do this or nothing, I am voting to do something,” said Kislak in support of the legislation.
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David Hogg, a leading Democrat influencer who survived the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, called the Rhode Island ban the “weakest assault weapons ban in the country.”
“I know that Rhode Islanders deserve a strong bill that not only bans the sale, but also the possession of assault weapons. It is this combination that equals public safety,” Hogg said in a statement after the bill passed.
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