Rhode Island House Passes Sweeping Gun Reform Bills

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted Friday night to approve three gun control bills that now head to the state Senate.

The bills gained momentum following recent deadly shootings around the country, including the killing of 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association (RIPCA) offered its full support for the proposed House Bills before the vote Friday, saying the changes "are centered on preserving public safety." The group represents all the police chiefs in the state.

The three bills — H6614, H7457 and H7358 — would limit magazine capacity to 10 rounds, increase the legal purchase age for guns from 18 to 21 and ban the possession of a loaded shotgun or rifle in public.

All three bills were heavily debated Friday night, according to the Providence Journal. Critics attempted to attach exemptions to the laws, saying they would infringe upon the rights of Rhode Islanders.

But efforts to grandfather in any high-capacity magazines residents in the state already own were ultimately shot down. Instead, Rhode Islanders would have 180 days from the passage of H6614 to convert, sell or surrender them to police.

RIPCA President and Narragansett Chief of Police Sean Corrigan said the legislation "outlines common sense, reasonable measures" that would "help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all" Rhode Islanders.

The state Senate is set to vote on the bills this week.