Rhode Island Joins Ranks of States Leading on Gun Violence Prevention
Red Flag Law Would Empower Rhode Islanders to Help Prevent Mass Shootings and Firearm Suicides
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today praised state lawmakers for passing SB 2492 out of the Rhode Island State Senate. The bill now goes to Governor Raimondo’s desk. This Red Flag legislation would empower families to work with law enforcement to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), a court order that would temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms when they pose a risk of using them to harm themselves or others. The Senate also passed SB 2292, a bill that would prohibit the possession of bump stocks, trigger cranks and other firearm conversion devices that effectively allow semi-automatic firearms to mimic the firing speeds of machine guns. The bills’ next stop is expected to be the governor’s desk.
In February, Gov. Raimondo signed an executive order that established a statewide Red Flag policy to ensure that law enforcement acts on tips received from family members when they see warning signs that a person is in crisis. But legislation is needed to ensure the state has a comprehensive Red Flag Law to help keep Rhode Islanders safe. Governor Raimondo has indicated support and is expected to sign the legislation into law.
STATEMENT FROM AMY HERLIHY, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“In the wake of yet another mass shooting, this time at Santa Fe High School, we are grateful that our lawmakers are more determined than ever to make Rhode Island a leader on gun sense. We are especially grateful for the efforts of Sen. Maryellen Goodwin and Senate leadership, as well as their colleagues Rep. Dennis Canario, Rep. Marcia Ranglin Vassell, and House leadership, who all led the way to pass Red Flag legislation. The passage of this Red Flag and bump stock legislation puts the public’s safety first. Red Flag laws and bump stock prohibitions save lives.”