On March 26th, Rhode Island’s Judiciary Committee met to hear a long list of gun bills. Thanks to continued pressure, we were able to hold the line and delay a vote on ALL gun related bills in the Judiciary Committee, including the following:
HB 5443 – Allows individuals to voluntarily add themselves to a watchlist that would restrict their right to purchase or possess a firearm.
HB 5651 – Allows access to juvenile criminal records in order to conduct firearm background checks.
HB 5654 – Prevents local licensing authorities from granting concealed carry permits to out-of-state residents based on permits issued by other states.
HB 5889 – Allows law enforcement agencies to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.
HB 5890 – Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to possess a firearm.
HB 5436 – Imposes an “assault weapons” ban which would prohibit the future possession, purchase, sale, control, and manufacture of commonly owned firearms.
The official result of the Judiciary Committee’s March 26th meeting was that all bills would be held for further study. Simply put, the committee wants to delay making a decision on these bills. In this case, its due to Rhode Islanders’ massive grassroots support of the Second Amendment.
While there is a fair chance that these bills will die in committee, there is always a possibility they will be brought up again before the Legislature adjourns. We are asking that you remain vigilant and continue to show support for defending the Second Amendment in Rhode Island.
This week, we can score another victory by urging the House Finance Committee to pass HB 6014 on their April 10th meeting. This bill would create a sales and use tax exemption on the purchase of firearm safes and vaults and firearm safety equipment.
Reach out to your legislators using the form above to let them know we aren’t backing off about upholding the Second Amendment in Rhode Island.
