Governor Dan McKee is renewing his call for a ban on assault-style weapons.
McKee said in a statement yesterday, "We want to do everything we can to protect everyone in this state."
The governor's been a strong proponent of gun safety, announcing in his State of the State weeks ago that he's included the ban in his 2025 budget proposal.
“Gun safety remains a crucial public health issue here in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Governor McKee. “Together, we’ve made important progress in passing gun safety laws, but our work is not over. That is why I chose to include an assault weapons ban in my budget to help move this issue forward. For the safety of our communities—let’s finally get this done.”
The ban would prohibit the manufacture, purchase, sale, transfer, and possession of certain assault weapons including certain semi-automatic shotguns, rifles, and pistols. It also levies criminal penalties for anyone convicted of violating the ban; and provides exemptions to the ban for law enforcement agencies, federally licensed firearm dealers, and individuals who lawfully possess an assault weapon on the effective date of the ban.
The federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004 and has yet to be reauthorized by Congress. Currently, ten states have statutes that ban certain assault weapons.
Over the past several years, Governor McKee has proudly signed several key pieces of gun safety legislation into law including bills to: ban large-capacity gun magazines, require the safe storage of firearms, raise the legal age to purchase firearms or ammunition from 18 to 21, and prohibit the open carry of any loaded rifle or shotgun in public.
That would prohibit the purchase, sale, manufacture, and possession of assault-style guns, including semi-auto shotguns, rifles, and pistols, anywhere in the state.
(Photo: The Governor's Office)