The Rhode Island House has moved quickly and taken action to pass three-gun bills. All three measures will move onto the Senate where leaders say they will be debated Tuesday.
The three-bill package includes a ban on large capacity gun magazines, those that would be able to hold more than ten rounds. Another would raise the age to buy either a gun or ammo to 21. A third would make it illegal to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in public. There is one exception included and that will be for hunters.
Lawmakers worked for five hours on the measure during an almost unheard-of Friday session.
In a tweet shortly after the vote, Governor McKee thanked the House for its action. He referred to the bills as “common sense safety measures.” He said that the state is another step closer to reaching his desk so he can sign it.
“We already prohibit people younger than 21 from buying handguns. But an 18-year-old — a person who might even still be a high school student — can buy the kind of semi-automatic rifle that is the weapon of choice for mass shooters. It doesn’t make any sense,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett). “Guns — all guns — are deadly weapons. It’s reasonable that someone who is not old enough to buy alcohol or tobacco should also be considered not old enough to buy a gun.”
Opponents of the measure say that the bill takes away gun rights.
The vote in favor of the measure in the House was 52-16.
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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