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Rhode Island House Passes Assault Weapons Ban, Heads to Governor’s Desk
PROVIDENCE, R.I.-The Rhode Island House, controlled by Democrats, gave its approval Friday to a bill that would outlaw the sale and production of several semi-automatic rifles, often called
assault weapons.
The measure is now headed to Governor Dan Mckee, a Democrat who has voiced his support for such bans.
Rhode Island Poised to Join States with Assault Weapons Bans
If Governor Mckee signs the bill into law, Rhode Island will become the 11th state to have some kind of restriction on high-powered firearms. These types of weapons were previously banned at the
federal level and are frequently used in mass shootings across the country.
For over a decade, gun control advocates have pushed for an assault weapons ban in Rhode Island.
- Gun Control: Advocates have pushed for the ban for over a decade.
- Democratic Support: The bill passed in the Democratic-controlled House.
- Governor’s Stance: Governor Mckee supports assault weapons bans.
Key Aspects of the New Legislation
The approved bill focuses on the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons, not thier possession.Only Washington State has a similar law.
The law will also block residents from buying these weapons in other states like New Hampshire and bringing them back to rhode Island, due to federal regulations.
Currently, nine states, including New York and California, along with the District of Columbia, ban assault weapon possession.hawaii outlaws assault pistols.
Opposition and Concerns Regarding the Assault Weapons Ban
During Friday’s debates, critics of the proposed law claimed assault weapons bans do not effectively reduce mass shootings and only penalize law-abiding gun owners.
republican Senator Thomas Paolino stated, “This bill doesn’t go after criminals; it just puts the burden on law-abiding citizens.”
Even some gun control advocates like David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting, and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, have called the ban the “weakest assault
weapons ban in the country.”
Hogg explained, “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.”
Elisabeth Ryan, Policy Counsel at Everytown for Gun Safety, disputed claims that the proposed law is weak.
She said, “The weakest law is what Rhode Island has now, no ban on assault weapons. This would create a real, enforceable ban on the sale and manufacture of assault weapons, just like the law
already working in Washington state, getting them off the shelves of Rhode Island gun stores once and for all.”
The Second Amendment and Legal Challenges
Across the nation,gun rights groups have legally challenged assault weapons bans,asserting they violate the Second Amendment.
AR-15-style firearms are among the most popular rifles in the United States.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority may soon address this issue.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Supreme Court decisions, as they can substantially impact gun control laws.
Although the justices previously declined to here a challenge to Maryland’s assault weapons ban in early June, Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas openly disagreed with that
decision. Justice Brett Kavanaugh has also expressed skepticism about the constitutionality of these bans, suggesting the court will likely hear a related case soon.
Comparing State assault Weapon Bans
| State | Ban Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (Proposed) | Sale and Manufacturing | Does not ban possession. |
| Washington State | Sale and Manufacturing | Similar to Rhode Island’s proposed law. |
| New York | Possession | Covers major cities. |
| California | Possession | Covers major cities. |
| Hawaii | Assault Pistols | Specific ban on assault pistols. |
The Ongoing Debate Over Assault weapons Bans
The debate over assault weapons bans is a contentious issue in the United States, pitting gun control advocates against gun rights supporters.
Advocates argue that these bans reduce gun violence and mass shootings, while opponents claim they infringe upon Second Amendment rights and do not effectively deter crime.
Did You Know?: According to the Giffords Law Center, states with stricter gun laws tend to have lower rates of gun violence.
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The effectiveness of assault weapons bans remains a hotly debated topic, with studies offering conflicting conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Weapons Bans
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What exactly is an “assault weapon” under the proposed ban?
The bill defines specific semi-automatic rifles and other firearms that meet certain criteria as assault weapons, prohibiting their sale and manufacture.
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How does this Rhode Island assault weapons ban compare to other state laws?
It is indeed similar to Washington’s law, focusing on sales and manufacturing rather than possession, making it less extensive than bans in states like New York and California.
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Will the assault weapons ban affect gun owners who already possess these weapons?
No, the current bill only restricts future sales and manufacturing, not the possession of assault weapons acquired before the law takes effect.
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What are the potential legal challenges to the assault weapons ban?
Gun rights groups may challenge the ban under the Second amendment, arguing it infringes on the right to bear arms, similar to challenges in other states.
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How might the supreme Court’s stance on gun control influence the future of assault weapons bans?
Given recent comments from several justices, the Supreme Court may be inclined to hear cases challenging the constitutionality of such bans, potentially impacting gun control laws nationwide.