After years of showing up at the Statehouse in huge numbers fighting against a drastic semi-auto ban, gun owners were rightfully upset when the Legislature finally pushed an amended version across the finish line to end the 2025 legislative session.
There were two competing versions of the ban. The Senate passed S.359A on a 25-11 vote earlier Friday. Later in the evening, the House reluctantly agreed to that Senate version and approved it 43-28. The previously passed House Bill, H.5436A, did not move. The key difference is that the bill which ultimately passed does not ban possession.
The bill now heads to Gov. Dan McKee for his signature. McKee has advocated for a so-called “Assault Weapon Ban” and is expected to sign the legislation. However, the Governor is running for re-election next year. This is your opportunity to let him know that you oppose this severe restriction on the Second Amendment, and you will not forget at election time.
Please use the Take Action button below to contact Gov. Dan McKee and let him know that you OPPOSE S.359A, and it should be vetoed.
S.359A bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, and purchase of a broad list of commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, based on cosmetic or ergonomic features. This includes firearms with folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels, shrouds, or fixed magazine capacities beyond specific limits. This bill makes it a felony offense—punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine—for any individual to manufacture, sell, transfer, or purchase such a firearm after the effective date. S.359A does not ban possession, and it would take effect July 1, 2026.
Stay tuned to your inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates on Second Amendment issues in Rhode Island and across the country.
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