Rhode Island lawmakers consider several gun bills, including assault weapons ban
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday at the Rhode Island State House as lawmakers considered several gun bills, including an assault weapons ban.
The majority of people dressed in yellow T-shirts signifying their Second Amendment support and strong opposition to the proposed ban.
"Is our Second Amendment right to protect ourselves and our families and our loved ones," William Worthy, owner of Big Bear Hunting and Fishing, said. "Our industry brings $360 million to the bottom line, so where would you replace that?"
Worthy said if passed, he wouldn't be able to sell about 60% of his inventory, putting his business at risk.
For years Rhode Island lawmakers have been trying to pass a ban. but the bills haven't made it out of committee and to a full floor vote.
"We're hopeful that finally this year we'll do what every state around us has done already," Tony Morettini with Moms Demand Action said. "If this stops one person from being able to buy one of these weapons that maybe had something bad in mind, it's worth it, especially if that person was heading to my granddaughter's school."
This year could be different Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has signaled he's willing to consider it and Gov. Dan McKee even put it in his proposed budget.
Those opposed argue it's unconstitutional.
"The criminals are never going to obey these laws. You cannot legislate criminals. You cannot legislate morals," Brenda Jacob said. "I'm a gun owner. I've been a competitor my whole life, and I know all of the great things that this industry brings to Rhode Island as a competitor and a gun owner. So, I see all the good and that's why its so offensive that they try and twist this and every year were up here trying to defend our rights."
But supporters say as long as mass shootings continue, something needs to change.
"It's been too long of thoughts and prayers, and were here to see some real action," Elijah Pelton said.
While all the bills before the House Judiciary Committee will be held for further consideration as part of the standard procedure, gun owners did see at least a partial win.
One of their biggest complaints was that the original text of the assault weapons ban said they have to register all firearms it redefines as an assault weapon that they currently legally own.
In introducing the legislation Wednesday, sponsors said they're planning to change that so current legal owners of these firearms don't have to do anything if the ban is passed.