Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Impact
If passed, the bill would impose significant restrictions on firearms ownership in Rhode Island, marking a substantial shift in state law towards tighter gun control. Existing owners of assault weapons would have one year from the bill's effective date to register their firearms. The registration process would involve a background check and a modest fee, which aims to maintain a detailed record of legally owned assault weapons, thereby enhancing law enforcement capabilities. Current owners opting not to register their weapons would risk criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Summary
Bill S2653, also known as the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban of 2024, aims to prohibit the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons within the state. The legislation defines 'assault weapons' comprehensively, including various types of semi-automatic firearms characterized by specific features such as the ability to accept detachable magazines and other tactical modifications. This act would create a new chapter in the criminal offenses code focused on these weapons, articulating the conditions under which they may or may not be possessed and introducing a registration scheme for those owned prior to the bill's enactment.
Contention
The proposed legislation has sparked discussions among lawmakers, with advocates arguing it is a necessary step toward reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety. Critics contend that such legislation infringes on the rights of firearm owners and could be seen as an overreach of state power. Some legislators have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing the ban and the potential for civil unrest stemming from discontent among firearm enthusiasts. Furthermore, the 'grandfather clause' which allows current owners to keep their weapons as long as they register them has been a point of compromise but also contention among differing political factions.
Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.