Rhode Island lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session by passing a significantly altered version of a semi-automatic firearms ban.
Despite years of opposition from gun owners who repeatedly packed the Statehouse, the bill crossed the finish line with votes in both chambers on Friday.
The Senate’s version, S.359A, advanced on a 25-11 vote. The House, after initial hesitation, agreed to adopt the Senate’s version rather than move forward with its own earlier proposal.
That decision sent the bill directly to Governor Dan McKee, who has supported similar legislation in the past and is expected to sign it into law.
The newly passed measure bans the sale, manufacture, transfer, and purchase of a broad range of semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns. It’s mostly based on cosmetic features such as pistol grips, folding stocks, and threaded barrels.
Unlike the earlier House version, the final bill does not ban possession of existing firearms that meet the definition.
The law includes felony penalties of up to 10 years in prison. And $10,000 in fines for those who violate its terms. It is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Gun rights groups including the NRA criticized the legislation as a major threat to lawful ownership of commonly used firearms.
Local coverage by NBC 10 WJAR confirmed the Senate Judiciary Committee’s changes reduced the scope of the ban, removing some firearms used for hunting and sport.
Even so, some gun control advocates expressed frustration with what they viewed as a watered-down bill.
Though the Rhode Island gun ban doesn’t go as far as originally proposed, there’s no doubt that this is still a serious infringement. Rhode Islanders need to stay politically engaged as the 2026 election season approaches.
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