Gun control, reform bills debated in R.I. Senate

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard impassioned testimony from supporters and critics of gun reform Tuesday, as the committee considered 11 bills addressing gun safety and access in the state. At the State House, the crowd of protesters wearing yellow in support of gun ownership far outnumbered those wearing red and orange in support of gun control. Most testimony focused on three of the eleven bills, which were sponsored by Governor Gina Raimondo and Attorney General Peter Neronha. One of these bills would ban assault weapon access, another would prohibit firearms within 300 feet of a school and the last would outlaw large capacity feeding devices. Companion House bills were heard two weeks ago, The Herald previously reported[1]. The Attorney General also sponsored four other bills that would regulate weapon use and possession — defining and limiting accessibility of guns undetectable by security devices, punishing individuals for failing to report stolen firearms, requiring secure storage of guns and preventing  firearms from being procured on behalf of someone prohibited from possession. The Committee also heard a bill that would grant the Attorney General’s office exclusive power to issue pistol and revolver carry permits, and another that calls for summarizing gun sales and transfers on a monthly basis. While ten of the bills discussed Tuesday are generally supported by advocates for gun control, the Committee also heard a bill supported by members of the National Rifle Association, which would legalize the possession of tasers for individuals over 18. Vice President of the Rhode Island Second Amendment Coalition Michael O’Neil spoke against several of the bills and in favor of the taser proposition. He criticized the suggestion of creating a registry of gun owners as a potential violation of state and federal laws prohibiting government firearm registration. Secretary of the Rhode Island Revolver and Rifle Association Brenda

Read more from our friends at the NRA...