Before adjourning its 2008 Regular Session on Tuesday, June 24, the Rhode Island State Legislature passed House Bill 7657A.  HB7657A, introduced by State Representatives Peter Palumbo (D-16) and Richard Singleton (R-52), makes it possible to transport pistols and revolvers within the state as long as the ammunition is transported in a different location within the vehicle, not readily accessible from the passenger compartment.

Also, with your support, both the House and Senate versions of micro-stamping legislation failed to garner sufficient support to pass before the Legislature adjourned this session.  The "micro-stamping" proposals, House Bill 7834, sponsored by State Representatives Joseph Almeida (D-12), Edith Ajello (D-3), Anastasia Williams (D-9), Grace Diaz (D-11), and Joanne Giannini (D-7), and Senate Bill 2720, authored by State Senators Harold Metts (D-6), Juan Pichardo (D-2) and Paul Jabour (D-5) would have banned the sale of semi-automatic handguns not equipped with so-called "micro-stamping" technology.  Micro-stamping is an unproven technology that would require identifying marks to be etched into the firing pin and breech face of a firearm in such a manner that these marks are transferred to the cartridge case upon firing.  The technology can easily be defeated with common household tools, has no public safety value, and will add substantially to the cost of the firearm.

Thank you to all NRA members for contacting your State Legislators this session in support of all NRA-backed bills as well as your opposition to anti-gun and anti-hunting legislation.  Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org and your e-mail for updates throughout the year.