The Rhode Island Chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement applauding Governor Daniel J. McKee for signing into law two important gun safety bills that were passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly earlier this month. S 0416 / H 5386 will prohibit straw purchasing, which is when individuals purchase guns for those who are legally prohibited from obtaining one themselves, while S 0073 / H 5386 will prohibit concealed weapons from being carried on the grounds of any K-12 school. The bills were part of Attorney General Peter Neronha’s package of gun safety bills aimed at comprehensively preventing gun violence in Rhode Island. Moms Demand Action drove dozens of calls and 4,836 emails to state lawmakers in support of the bills.
“Comprehensive gun safety measures are integral in the fight against gun violence in our state,” said Anne Geertman, a volunteer with the Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action. “These bills are a significant step toward creating safer communities for our children and our loved ones. We are grateful to Rhode Island’s gun safety champions for prioritizing gun violence prevention — including Governor McKee, Attorney General Neronha, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Speaker Joe Shekarchi, House Majority Whip Katie Kazarian, Senator Josh Miller, and Representative Jason Knight.”
About the Bills:
- S 0416 / H 5386 prohibits purchasing or otherwise obtaining a firearm on behalf of someone they know, or reasonably should know, is legally prohibited from having it under federal or state law. The bill also prohibits transferring any firearm under any circumstances to a prohibited person.
- S 0073 / H 5386 ensures that concealed carry permit holders are prohibited from bringing guns into K-12 schools. This bill also clarifies other exceptions currently in the law so that only current and certain former law enforcement officers and dedicated security officers are permitted to have guns in schools.
Rhode Island Moms Demand Action volunteers look forward to continuing their advocacy for key priority bills that were not acted upon by the General Assembly this session, including H 5554 / S 0414, which would prohibit the sale and possession of high-capacity magazines.
More than 100 people are shot and killed or wounded in Rhode Island every year. Gun violence costs Rhode Island $299.3 million each year, of which $14.6 million is paid by taxpayers.
