Amore Bill Makes 'Straw Purchase' of a Gun a Crime for First Time

A bill that puts more teeth into existing RI gun laws in Rhode Island while making a "straw purchase" of a weapon for someone who would fail a criminal background check a crime gets a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee today, May 1.

The legislation was introduced by East Providence Rep. Gregg Amore as part of a nine-bill package in conjunction with the governor and attorney general.

Amore’s bill increases penalties for gun statutes already on the books and makes straw purchasing of a weapon for someone who cannot pass a BCI check a crime for the first time.

"That's the heart of the bill," said Amore. "That doesn't exist right now."

Amore said the bill grew out of some early-session meetings with other legislators and law enforcement officials.

“This bill embodies common sense proposals that I think should have broad support among law-abiding citizens who want to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” Amore said. “Gun-related crimes are among the most serious offenses we see in this state and in the country, and we want to spread the word that Rhode Island will not tolerate this kind of violence anymore.

“I want word to travel to the streets of Providence, East Providence and every community that committing a violent crime using a gun will not result in a light sentence,” said Amore, an East Providence High School teacher. “It may not stop every violent act from occurring, but it is our responsibility as a government to strive for the best protection we can provide to the general public.”

"This bill will improve safety and save lives," he said. "This is a way to keep guns out of the hands of criminals."

The legislation (2013-H 5994) includes the following proposed changes to the state’s gun laws:

• Provides that anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense cannot purchase, own, carry transport or have in their possession a firearm and increases penalties for that violation;
• Increases penalties for individuals convicted of stealing a firearm;
• Provides that if a firearm is sold, transferred, given or conveyed to a minor and that firearm is used in a crime of violence, the individual who provided the firearm to a minor will be subject to an additional penalty;
• Adds a new section to the law to ban straw purchasing. It provide that no person, entity or dealer shall sell, loan or transfer a firearm to any person whom they know or have cause to believe is not the actual purchaser; and
• Increases penalties for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, who filed the legislation, said,   “As a community, we must address the issue of gun violence on our streets.  This legislation gives police, prosecutors and the courts the tools we need to effectively charge, prosecute and sentence those who illegally possess and use firearms.” 

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear the legislation at the rise of the House -- approximately 4:45 p.m. -- in Room 313 of the State House. 

A Senate companion bill (2013-H 0864) has been introduced by Sen. Joshua Miller of Cranston.