 |
|
6/20/2025
|
Senate Minority Caucus responds to General Assembly passage of assault weapons ban
|
STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly has approved legislation to prohibit the manufacture, purchase, sale, or transfer of certain firearms. Individuals in lawful possession of the covered firearms can continue to possess them. The bill, pending approval from the Governor, would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Senate Republicans put forth several floor amendments including guidance for transfer upon death of lawfully owned firearms, extension of the effective date of the legislation, and reporting requirements for the Attorney General’s office. All amendments were voted down.
“This legislation is a token gesture that undermines the rights of responsible Rhode Islanders while ignoring the clear protections laid out in the Second Amendment and does nothing to stop criminals. It is ineffective, unconstitutional, and based on false premises,” stated Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers (R-Dist. 21, Foster, Coventry, Scituate, West Greenwich).
“This bill is going to ban the future sale and transfer of firearms that thousands of Rhode Islanders already own and use—based on features like a folding stock or a pistol grip. These features don’t make a gun more dangerous—it makes it easier for someone to handle safely,” added Senator Thomas J. Paolino (R-Dist. 17, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield).
Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23 - North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester) concluded, “The firearms targeted by this bill are among the most commonly owned in the United States. The Supreme Court has affirmed in Heller and Bruen that banning arms “in common use” violates the Second Amendment. This bill invites future confiscation and legal uncertainty. Real public safety solutions—like enforcing existing laws, addressing mental health, and securing our schools—were ignored in favor of restricting responsible gun owners.”
For more information, contact:
Lee Ann Sennick, Director of Communications for the Senate Minority Office
Senate Minority Office
Providence, RI 02903
401-222-2708
|
|