Advocacy groups for the Second Amendment are gearing up to challenge a recent bill in Rhode Island that gives owners of modern semi-automatic firearms a six-month deadline to comply. Introduced by State Senator Tiara Mack and eight co-sponsors, this legislation aims to further the state’s ban on “assault weapons” by prohibiting the possession of such firearms. According to the bill, those who own these prohibited weapons must sell them to a licensed dealer or transfer them to an out-of-state resident who is legally allowed to possess them by December 31. Many Second Amendment advocates believe this infringes on their rights.
A spokesperson for the National Rifle Association (NRA) remarked that this kind of legislation is quite troubling in terms of Second Amendment rights. The bill has yet to progress from the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee. While Mack didn’t respond to requests for comments, her campaign site advocates for various regulations targeting gun ownership. Chris Stone from Gun Owners of America pointed out that this bill essentially criminalizes those who legally own firearms covered by the ban.
The NRA’s representative also claimed the ban poses a dilemma for gun owners, who would have to either sell their firearms at a significant loss or risk destruction. “Many of these firearms hold sentimental value, often passed down through generations,” the NRA spokesperson noted.
On the other side of the debate, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) insists that a ban on possession is essential for safety. They emphasized that while Rhode Island became the 11th state to restrict certain military-style weapons in 2025, gaps remain, particularly regarding some assault-style pistols and shotguns, which complicates enforcement and allows dangerous weapons to remain in circulation.
Mack articulated her stance, saying most gun ownership is for self-defense, but she believes weapons that can fire multiple rounds per second have no defensive purpose. She supports a ban that would prevent sales of these types, alongside high-capacity magazines. Interestingly, Mack claimed she doesn’t advocate for stripping guns from residents but her bill would mandate that firearm owners sell to federally licensed dealers, reflecting a tension in her statements.
The NRA has plans to contest another similar bill awaiting passage in Virginia and will challenge the Rhode Island bill if it becomes law. NRA-ILA Executive Director John Comerford expressed concern that Rhode Island’s efforts represent a dangerous trend towards firearm confiscation nationwide, turning lawful gun owners into criminals virtually overnight.
Historically, while several states have enacted laws restricting “assault weapons,” no state has gone as far as calling for outright confiscation, a suggestion made by some Democratic candidates during the 2020 primary. The debate echoes international examples, such as Canada’s recent measures to restrict firearm ownership by banning specific weapon types and introducing a “buyback” program.
In Rhode Island’s current legislative landscape, Democrats hold a strong majority in both legislative chambers. Stone criticized the law for undermining prior legal possession rights, effectively turning harmless gun owners into felons if they do not comply with its provisions.
Various Second Amendment advocates are preparing legal challenges if the bill passes, with Taylor Rhodes from the National Gun Rights Association calling it a countdown to confiscation and accusing its proponents of hostility towards gun rights.
Rose raised concerns that lawmakers expect gun owners to surrender their rights quietly, treating them like criminals for possessing previously legal firearms. The Firearms Policy Coalition has previously fought against restrictions on Second Amendment rights and views this bill as a significant threat. They plan to take strong action should the measure become law.
