State lawmakers in Providence passed legislation last week to increase the reporting in Rhode Island of individuals who are already prohibited from owning a firearm. The Ocean State is one of a few states that do not report any mental health records to NICS. The House unanimously approved House Bill 7939 early last week. The Senate Judiciary Committee also amended and approved its companion legislation to match the House Bill. Senate Bill 2774 will now go to the Senate floor for its consideration. State legislators are hoping to wrap up their 2014 session as early as this Friday.
H.7939A, sponsored by state Representatives Deborah Ruggiero (D-74), Linda Finn (D-72), Mike Chippendale (R-40), Elaine Coderre (D-60), and Robert Craven (D-32), would require an adjudication or involuntary commitment before someone’s firearm rights are suspended. This legislation also provides a rights restoration process and sets up a board to handle that process. This bill was the product of the Joint Behavioral Health and Firearms Safety Task Force that was created by state legislation approved last session.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.
More Like This From Around The NRA
