Rhode Island General Assembly Faces Critical Decision on Assault-Style Weapons Ban
PROVIDENCE — As Rhode Island’s General Assembly approaches the end of its legislative session, significant lobbying is intensifying around two competing proposals to ban assault-style weapons. David Hogg, a Parkland shooting survivor and prominent gun safety advocate, has publicly endorsed the House version of the bill, which passed on June 5. Hogg insists that both the sale and possession of assault weapons must be banned to ensure public safety, arguing that the Senate’s proposal, which omits possession prohibitions, is inadequate.
Hogg’s advocacy underscores the urgency of this issue. He emphasized to the 23 senators who co-sponsored the original bill that they should support the House version to safeguard communities effectively. “Safety in our communities will only come with both,” he stated.
While Hogg aligns with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, which champions the House bill as the only local advocacy effort, the Senate version has also gained momentum. Everytown for Gun Safety has expressed support for the Senate’s modified legislation, viewing it as a significant advancement in reducing access to dangerous firearms, despite being less comprehensive than the House proposal.
Backing the Senate bill is the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, which conducted a poll revealing that 64% of voters are in favor of banning military-style assault weapons. AFL-CIO leadership praised the Senate’s initiative, urging swift passage of the bill.
Friday’s session will mark a pivotal moment, with the Senate version at the forefront of the agenda. The outcome could define Rhode Island’s stance on gun safety and public safety for years to come.
For more updates on this developing story, follow Edward Fitzpatrick at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com.
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