Rhode Island’s Democratic-controlled House passed legislation Friday to ban the sale and manufacturing of many semiautomatic rifles commonly labeled as assault weapons. Gov. Dan McKee announced he plans to sign the bill, which would make Rhode Island the 11th state to adopt such a measure.
The bill does not prohibit possession of these firearms, mirroring Washington state’s law. It prevents residents from legally buying such weapons elsewhere and bringing them into Rhode Island.
Advocates, including Everytown for Gun Safety, praised the bill as a critical step, while critics like Rep. Michael Chippendale (R) and Sen. Thomas Paolino (R) called it unconstitutional and ineffective. Even gun control advocate David Hogg labeled it “the weakest assault weapons ban in the country,” urging a stronger ban that includes possession.
Legal challenges are likely, with several conservative Supreme Court justices signaling skepticism of similar laws. AR-15-style weapons remain among the most purchased rifles in the U.S.
Source(s)
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
