Fighting to Reduce Gun Violence in Rhode Island
Our coalition of more than 100 partner organizations includes over 120,000 Rhode Islanders united in the effort to reduce gun violence.
2019 Legislative Agenda
We’re working hard to pass common sense legislation to help keep Rhode Island citizens and law enforcement officers safer.
Safe Schools Act
Keeping kids and teachers safe by prohibiting guns on all school grounds with sensible exceptions.
No Large Capacity Mags
Making it harder for mass killers limiting ammunition magazines with more than 10 rounds.
Assault Weapon Regulation
Stepping in where the federal government has failed to regulate military-style assault weapons.
Gun Control IS Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Using Heller v. DC, six U.S. Courts of Appeal have REJECTED Second Amendment protection for state assault weapons and/or high capacity magazine bans, most recently in Massachusetts on April 26, 2019!
Rhode Islanders Are Not Fooled By Propaganda
The corporate gun lobby would have everyone believe that even the most sensible gun regulation represents a direct attack on the Second Amendment. Rhode Islanders know better, favoring gun violence reduction laws that are in line with academic and law enforcement recommendations and also respecting Second Amendment rights.
83% In Favor
Restricting guns on all elementary and secondary school grounds except by police, retired police, and resource officers.
Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) holders cannot be counted on to save lives and often put themselves and others in danger when they attempt to confront an active shooter.
- The large majority of CCP holders do not have specialized “shoot/don’t shoot” training
- Since 2007 at least 921 non-self defense gun deaths have been caused by CCP holders
75% in Favor
Banning high capacity magazines with more than 10 rounds (the weapon on choice for mass shootings).
Local, state and national law enforcement are strongly against high capacity magazines (HCM), citing increased shootings and deaths being committed by individuals using HCM.
In addition, most of the recent mass shootings used HCMs that allowed the firing hundreds of bullets in minutes, including:
- Las Vegas concert
- Orlando night club
- San Bernardino holiday party
- Sandy Hook Elementary School
Recent Gun Violence News, Politics, Incidents and Statistics
Safe School Advocates Face 2A Bullies with Song
Standing Up for Students and Teachers at the State House
Massachusetts Upholds Assault Weapons Ban
For the second time in almost exactly one year the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals rejects Second Amendment protection for assault-style weapons and high capacity magazines.
House Judiciary Committee Members 2019
RI House Judiciary Committee The first step to enacting sensible gun safety reforms in 2019. Enter your address to find your lawmakers. If your lawmakers have Co-Sponsored sensible gun bills, recognize their support with a "thank you" by email or social media, give...
Thanks for Signing!
Thanks for Signing! We can't do it without folks like you 🙂 RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
2018 Year in Review
Rhode Islanders across the state banded together for common-sense reforms.
Statement on Terror in Pittsburgh
Another massacre with an AR-15 at a synogogue in Pittsburgh.
2018 Election Goals Coming Together
Key partnerships are generating media attention and stirring voters.
RI’s Young Voices Videos Ask: Isn’t It Time for Common-Sense Gun Laws?
Four new videos by R.I. students working to change the narrative around gun violence prevention.
Congratulations to Our Endorsed Primary Winners!
An amazing night of celebration for true Democrats!
Statement on Loss of a Providence Student to Gun Violence
The second day of the school year ends with another young life cut tragically short.
RICAGV Gun Safety Endorsed Candidates
Gun safety reform champions for the 2018 primary and general election.
Warwick Resident Shot Through Front Door
The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident; it is unclear at this point if the victim and the shooter are acquainted.
Fighting to Reduce Gun Violence in RI
Join the fight for sensible gun safety reform – every dollar you give funds our efforts to keep up the pressure on lawmakers at the R.I. State House.
Call State House Leaders to Demand a Vote
Since 2013 expert-recommended gun safety bills have been stalled in committee, it is time to move them to the floor of the House and Senate for debate and up-or-down votes!
It only takes 5 minutes to leave 2 messages with office staff who are ready to quickly and efficiently document your support.
It is best to call Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9am until 8pm when office staff is present.
Voice messages can be left on weekends or evenings. See call scripts below 🙂
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio
401-222-6655
CALL SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [your name] and I live in [your city/town].
I am calling today to ask the President to move the following bills to the floor of the Senate for debate and up-or-down votes:
Safe Schools Act – S0636
Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban – S0637
Assault Weapon Ban – S0635
♦ OPTIONAL: My phone number is [your phone] if verification is needed. ♦
Thanks so much and have a good day.
Speaker Nicholas Mattiello
401-222-2466
CALL SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [your name] and I live in [your city/town].
I am calling today to ask the Speaker to move the following bills to the floor of the House for debate and up-or-down votes:
Safe Schools Act – H5762
Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban – H5739
Assault Weapon Ban – H5741
♦ OPTIONAL: My phone number is [your phone] if verification is needed. ♦
Thanks so much and have a good day.
Incidents are Skyrocketing
The dramatic increase in active shooter and mass shooting incidents (involving 4 or more victims), in addition to frequent and appalling concealed carry mishaps in schools, shows no signs of stopping.
Meanwhile, our leadership holds these bills back, despite broad EXPERT support throughout RI:
Gun Control IS Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Using Heller, SIX U.S. Courts of Appeal have REJECTED Second Amendment protection for state assault weapons and/or high capacity magazine bans, most recently in Massachusetts on April 26, 2019!
Legislative Agenda
No Concealed Carry in Schools
Keeping kids and teachers safe by prohibiting guns on all school grounds, with sensible exceptions.
No Large Capacity Mags
Making it harder for mass killers by limiting ammunition magazines to 10 rounds.
Assault Weapon Regulation
Banning certain military-style assault weapons, with sensible exclusions.
Rhode Islanders Overwhelmingly Support Gun Control
In a 2016 poll of registered R.I. voters, large majorities supported common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence.
83% Support No
Concealed Carry in K-12 Schools
75% Support Limiting
Magazines to 10 Rounds
60% Support Regulating
Assault-Style Military Weapons
Recent News About Gun Violence and Safety Reform in R.I. and the U.S.
Mass shootings by people with serious mental illness represent less than 1% of all yearly gun-related homicides.
Blaming mental health is a convenient diversion for NRA and other corporate lobbyists.
read moreSafe School Advocates Face 2A Bullies with Song
Standing Up for Students and Teachers at the State House
read moreResponding to the 2A Sanctuary City Resolutions
We’ve put together a few facts to help our supporters where their town councils are proposing to cherry-pick which gun laws they will enforce.
read morePlease note, donations made online through our website are not tax deductible.