Late Friday, June 20th, the Rhode Island State House approved S. 359 by a vote of 44-28 with 3 not voting to prohibit the “manufacture, sale, offer to sell so-called “assault weapons.”
Now, the bill heads to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he pledges to sign S. 359 into law, which would take effect on July 1, 2026.
One thing to keep in mind, the bill only applies to sale and manufacturing of so-called “assault weapons,” not possession — similar to Washington state.
This ban applies to semi-automatic shotguns with fixed magazines capable of holding more than six rounds, any shotgun with a revolving cylinder, and any semi-automatic pistol or rifle with a fixed magazine capable of holding more than ten rounds.
Additionally, it also renders any semi-automatic long gun that accepts detachable magazines illegal if it has an adjustable stock, a bayonet lug, pistol grip, grenade launcher, barrel shroud, thumbhole stock, threaded barrel, or can accept belt-fed ammunition.
Violators of the ban could face up to ten years in prison.
Rumors are already circulating that Democrats will come back next and try to expand the ban next legislative session.
The National Association for Gun Rights is already running emails and texts to encourage Gov. McKee veto the bill.
Read more at WCAX.com.
