Lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on 18 gun-control measures. Critics and gun control advocates thronged the Statehouse in the hours before the House Judiciary Committee took up bills, aimed at reducing access to firearms
Dozens of gun-rights activists filled the Statehouse halls in yellow t-shirts bearing the slogan “gun control doesn’t work.” Most had similar concerns, saying the measures would infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
Jennifer Olivelli of Cranston said she believes gun-control laws will create more violence, by limiting gun access for law-abiding citizens.
“Criminals don’t follow laws,” said Olivelli. “If they’re out there committing murder they’re going to have illegal magazines. And the victims are the ones who are going to suffer, because the victim is going to comply with the magazine capacity and it might cost the victim his life.”
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering bills banning high-capacity magazines, requiring universal background checks, and raising age restrictions for certain firearms.
Supporters say the measures will help reduce gun violence.
“To me, this gun-safety stuff, is just such a no-brainer,” said gun-control supporter Jesse Kingston of Providence. “And we need all the support we can get. Never touched a gun, I admit. I’m not in favor of guns. They scare me. So I’m not experienced with guns, and I don’t really feel the need to be.”
Rhode Island lawmakers have been swift to move on gun control in the wake of several high-profile shootings including one at a high school in Parkland, Florida.
The Rhode Island House has already passed legislation banning bump-stocks, and creating a red-flag policy, which would allow the court-ordered removal of guns from individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others. Both measures still have to clear the state Senate.
