Legislative Agenda 2021
It’s About Public Safety
While the gun lobby likes to say that these laws would only take away rights from “law-abiding citizens,” the fact is that increasing the accountability of gun owners to safely store their firearms, enforcing stricter rules to reduce straw purchases, and decreasing the number of highly-lethal firearms enhances the safety of all Rhode Islanders.
Magazine Capacity
House Bill 5554 – Sponsored by Rep. Caldwell
Senate Bill 414 – Sponsored by Rep. Goldin
71.5% of Rhode Islanders Support Limited Magazine Capacity to 10 Rounds
The weapon of choice for mass shooters and cop killers, limiting magazines to 10 rounds provides a chance to escape or fight back. RI should join with our neighbors and other like-minded states that regulate the capacity of ammunition magazines.
Assault Weapons
House Bill 5556 – Sponsored by Rep. Caldwell
Senate Bill 415 – Sponsored by Sen. Miller
70.5% of Rhode Islanders Support a Ban on Military-Style Assault Weaons
Today’s assault weapons inflict battlefield injuries – no surprise, since the AR-15 was developed for the military and was field tested in Vietnam in 1962; reports indicated that “the very high-velocity AR-15 projectiles” had caused amputation of limbs, massive body wounds, and decapitations.
School Safety
House Bill 5555 – Sponsored by Rep. Kazarian
Senate Bill 73 – Sponsored by Sen. Ruggerio
43 States Prohibit Concealed Carry in K-12 Public Schools
Why? Because mishaps by “certified” individuals happens with alarming frequency.
Straw Buyers
House Bill 5386 – Sponsored by Rep. Knight
Senate Bill 416 – Sponsored by Sen. Miller
Cracking Down on Gun Trafficking
To help prevent incidents like the two that occured in Rhode Island in the summer of 2020:
- The theft of more than 80 guns from a home in RI last summer, which lead to a gun trafficking scheme involving two from RI.
- Five Rhode Islanders, two who should have failed a NICS check due to previous violent crimes, conspired to buy guys from D&L Shooting Supplies in Warwick and sell them to prohibited persons; two people have already been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Safe Storage
House Bill 5553 – Sponsored by Rep. Caldwell
Senate Bill 406 – Sponsored by Sen. Seveney
Decreasing the Risk of Tragedy
Reduces suicide, unintentional discharges, and theft by limiting accessibility for unauthorized users. Learn more about the safe firearm storage bill …
Permit Reform
Senate Bill 129 – Sponsored by Sen. Coyne
House Bill 6146 – Sponsored by Rep. Knight
Streamlining the Process
- Consolidates the authority to issue concealed carry permits with the Office of the Attorney General
- Requires local police departments cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General
Help Fight the Pro-Gun Lobby at the State House
Fact-Based Policies
These legislative goals are based on documentary evidence and recent studies that show these measures reduce gun violence; in addition, public health experts and law enforcement officials in Rhode Island and throughout the country have voiced their support for these reforms to help keep our communities safer.
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