Governor McKee has revealed a bill that will outright ban the sale of assault weapons in the state. The Governor says that he is ready to sign the bill – authored by State Representative Jason Knight and State Senator Joshua Miller.
The Governor said that there was no question that once he signs the measure the entire state will become safer. Once signed Rhode Island would become the tenth state in the nation, along with Connecticut and Massachusetts that would anyone under the age of 21 from buying a weapon and prohibit the open carry of any loaded rifle or shotgun in public.
“I want to say this loud and clear: Rhode Island is ready for an assault weapons ban to help keep our communities safe. And as Governor, I’m ready to sign that bill into law,” said Governor McKee. “I am grateful to have a strong team standing behind this bill. I thank our sponsor’s Representative Knight and Senator Miller as well as all of our general officers, Moms Demand, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence and so many other community leaders and advocates. Let’s get it done.”
“Rhode Island has made great strides on gun safety over the last few years, from the ban of straw purchases to raising the legal age to purchase weapons and ammo, but there’s still more to be done. It’s time for us to join our neighboring states and ban the sale of assault-style firearms,” said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. “We cannot wait for tragedy to spur us to action; let’s get the ban passed into law this year and stop the sale of dangerous weapons in our state immediately.”
The legislation would ban the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of the bill would be “grandfathered” subject to certain registration provisions. Violators would be subject to up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000 and forfeiture of the weapon.
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