In Response to Recent Horrific Gun Violence Across the Country, Rhode Island Senate Passes Three Critical Gun Safety Bills; Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud

Volunteers Have Pushed More Than a Thousand Calls and Emails to Lawmakers to Advocate for Gun Safety Legislation

The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement applauding the Rhode Island Senate for passing three important gun safety bills that would prohibit high capacity magazines (H 6614; Rep Caldwell – sponsored by Chairwoman Coyne in the Senate), prohibit the open carry of rifles and shotguns in public (S 2825; Leader McCaffrey), and raise the minimum age to purchase rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21 (S 2637; Whip Goodwin). The bills will now be sent to Governor Daniel McKee for his signature. 

“During this critical moment in the fight against gun violence, our leaders answered the call of their constituents and made clear that common sense gun safety legislation is a top priority,” said Jennifer Boylan, volunteer with the Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action. “These bills would take major steps to keep public spaces safe, keep high-capacity magazines out of our communities, and reduce access to guns for young people. We applaud President Ruggerio and Leader McCaffrey for their bold leadership in ensuring these bills were brought to the floor for a vote, and thank Chairwoman Coyne, Whip Goodwin, and all the other gun sense champions in the Senate for their tireless push to pass this legislation. We look forward to Governor McKee signing these bills into law.”
In an average year in Rhode Island, 46 people die by guns, and 135 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Rhode Island $299.3 million each year, of which $14.6 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Rhode Island is available here.