SB 2492 / HB 7688 Created a Red Flag Law That Empowers Rhode Islanders to Help Prevent Mass Shootings and Firearm Suicides
Rhode Island Became the Eighth State to Prohibit Bump Stocks After Las Vegas
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement marking the recent end of Rhode Island’s legislative session. This session, lawmakers passed bills to create a Red Flag Law and prohibit bump stocks.
The Red Flag legislation will empower families to work with law enforcement officers to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), a court order that temporarily restricts a person’s access to firearms when they pose a risk of using them to harm themselves or others. By creating ERPOs in Rhode Island, this bill will give families, in partnership with law enforcement, a new tool they can use when they recognize warning signs to temporarily remove guns from dangerous situations and help prevent mass shootings, firearm suicides and other acts of gun violence. The bump stock prohibition will help stop an end-run around federal law by prohibiting bump stocks and other dangerous devices that effectively convert semi-automatic firearms into machine guns.
STATEMENT FROM AMY HERLIHY, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“We are so proud of our lawmakers – the bills’ sponsors and leaders in both chambers – for championing crucial gun safety bills this session and of Gov. Raimondo for swiftly signing these bills into law. These new laws will help save lives and serve as a reminder that Rhode Island is emerging as a leader on gun sense in the Northeast and throughout the country.”