Rhode Island Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Rhode Island House For Passing Ghost Gun Legislation

Current Loopholes Allow People Barred from Buying Guns to Access Untraceable, Unserialized Ghost Guns, Avoiding Background Checks and Undermining Law Enforcement

Rhode Island Senate Also Passed Legislation to Prohibit Ghost Guns

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed H7102, legislation to prohibit ghost guns. Legislation to prohibit these untraceable and undetectable firearms has now been passed by both the Rhode Island House and Senate this session.

“Firearms created using parts that aren’t marked with a serial number exploit a loophole in our gun laws that can have dangerous consequences,” said Deb Kelty, a volunteer with the Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action. “It’s great to see lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in both chambers work to get this vital legislation passed. Lives depend on it.”

Ghost guns are do-it-yourself firearms, often built using unfinished receivers and parts and kits that – as seen in a New York Times investigation – can be acquired without a background check. These unfinished receivers, as well as rapidly-advancing 3D-printing technology, make it easy for people who are legally prohibited from purchasing firearms to evade background check laws and build their own deadly weapons. Because these DIY firearms aren’t marked with serial numbers, they cannot be traced by law enforcement if they’re used to commit crimes. 3D-printing technology can also produce all-plastic firearms that are invisible to metal detectors.