On Friday, the Democratic National Capitol in Rhode Island passed legislation banning the sale and manufacture of various semi-automatic rifles, typically referred to as assault weapons.
This measure is now on the desk of Democratic Governor Dan McKee, who indicated via a post on social platform X that he intends to sign it into law.
If signed, Rhode Island will join the ranks of ten other states that have some form of prohibition on these firearms, which have been associated with many of the nation’s tragic mass shootings.
Supporters of gun control in Rhode Island have advocated for over a decade to impose restrictions on assault weapons.
Despite being a democratic stronghold, lawmakers in the smallest state have historically hesitated regarding the necessity and legality of such restrictions.
The bill specifically targets the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons, but does not prohibit ownership.
Washington is the only other state with similar laws.
Residents looking to buy assault weapons from neighboring New Hampshire or other sources will face barriers as well.
Federal regulations prevent individuals from traveling to another state to purchase firearms that are banned in their home state.
Nine states, along with Washington D.C., have laws banning the possession of assault weapons, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles, with Hawaii having a ban on assault pistols.
During discussions on the floor, Democrat Rebecca Kislack framed the ban as a progressive step forward amid surrounding states.
“It’s disappointing that we haven’t made more progress. We should do more,” she said, emphasizing the importance of taking action.
However, critics of the legislation contend it won’t significantly reduce mass shootings and will primarily affect law-abiding gun owners.
“This bill doesn’t go after criminals; it merely adds restrictions on lawful citizens,” stated Republican Senator Thomas Paolino.
Republican Representative Michael Chippendale, a minority leader, predicted that should the law be enacted, it might ultimately face constitutional challenges in court.
“We’re throwing resources into this effort,” he remarked.
Opposition also came from David Hogg, a gun control advocate and Parkland shooting survivor, who referred to the proposed ban as “the weakest assault weapons ban in the nation.”
Hogg stated, “People in Rhode Island deserve a strong bill that not only prohibits sales but also bans possession. That combination is essential for public safety.”
In response to claims of a weak law, Elizabeth Ryan, a policy advisor for Everytown for Gun Safety, defended the proposal.
“The current laws in Rhode Island are the weakest; there is no existing ban on assault weapons,” she argued. “This legislation represents a crucial measure that will probably lead to reduced sales and production of these firearms, similar to what’s been achieved in Washington.”
Nationally, bans on assault weapons have faced litigation from gun rights organizations claiming violations of the Second Amendment, with AR-15-style rifles being among the best-selling firearms in the country.
With a conservative majority in the Supreme Court, potential legal challenges loom on the horizon.
In early June, the court declined to review Maryland’s challenge against an offensive weapons ban, although conservative justices like Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas expressed their concerns.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh also voiced skepticism regarding the constitutionality of such bans, suggesting the court may confront this issue in the upcoming term.
