Ciccone Receives Ethics Commission Approval to Debate Firearm Legislation
Providence, RI – In an advisory opinion released by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ciccone has been cleared to participate in discussions and voting on proposed firearm legislation. The commission stated that Ciccone is affected by the legislation similarly to other federal firearms license holders, thus qualifying for a class exception under ethics rules.
The ruling specifies that Ciccone should step back from deliberations if his involvement influences a more limited group of firearms license holders. While the commission recognizes Ciccone’s limited income from firearm sales, advisory opinions have sparked a debate over the ethics surrounding the role of legislative leaders.
Commissioner Christopher P. Callahan voted against the opinion, expressing concerns regarding Ciccone’s higher influence as a majority leader compared to a standard senator. Callahan emphasized that the small size of federal firearm license holders could substantially affect their industry, urging more cautious oversight.
Critics, including John M. Marion of Common Cause Rhode Island, expressed surprise at the commission’s discussion depth but lamented the lack of focus on how legislative leaders can shape legislation beyond mere voting.
Ciccone, previously the chairman of the Labor Committee, has historically opposed certain gun bills, including bans on assault-style weapons. He recently declined to co-sponsor such proposed legislation, deeming it unconstitutional due to a controversial gun registry component.
The fate of an assault-style weapons ban proposed by Senator Louis P. DiPalma rests on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s evaluations amid a delicate balance of support and opposition. Ciccone has not committed to advancing the bill, indicating he prefers to assess potential amendments before making a decision.
As the legislative session progresses, Ciccone’s actions and decisions will be closely monitored.
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