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6/5/2025
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Media Advisory: House of Representatives to vote on assault weapons ban today
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 STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote this afternoon on legislation to prohibit assault weapons in Rhode Island.
The vote will take place during the House session scheduled today, Thursday June 4, at 4 p.m. in the House chamber on the second floor of the State House.
The legislation (2025-H 5436A) sponsored by Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) would prohibit the manufacture, purchase, sale, transfer and possession of certain assault weapons including certain types of semi-automatic shotguns, rifles and pistols. It also levies criminal penalties for anyone convicted of violating the ban. It provides exemptions for current and retired law enforcement officers; active-duty members of the armed forces, National Guard or reserves; federally licensed firearm dealers; and individuals who lawfully possess an assault weapon when the ban takes effect on July 1, 2026.
The legislation passed the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday on a 12-6 vote, and 40 of the House’s 75 members are cosponsoring it.
Should the bill pass the House, it would then go to the Senate, where Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Tiverton, Newport) is sponsoring its Senate companion (2025-S 0359).
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 447-2655
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