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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.
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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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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
“Larry has an opinion backed by facts…” Ummm… Larry is clearly NOT a scholar or what appears to be even the slightest educated, which is very well indicated by that statement and his “amazing” writing skills. In short, any rambling fool can post their OPINIONS and act in a irresponsible manner, all thanks to the internet. It’s people, like Larry, that seem to be ok with the wrong people having access to firearms. I guess his EMT certification is his credential to indicate his scholastic aptitude. I am definitely an advocate for gun ownership, but many have proved their lack of capacity and should not be allowed to possess a firearm. It seems Larry is ok with just anyone possessing a firearm. We just may as well form a line at the local gun pantry and hand them out to each person in line, regardless of their history or capacity.
Folks, you have to start suing the legislators PERSONALY for violating your Constitutional rights. Until you start hitting their pocketbooks, there isn’t going to be any change in their idiocy. Each person should file a lawsuit against every legislator that voted for these unconstitutional bills.
SCOTUS had the opportunity to reverse these onerous laws, one and all. But the they shirked their responsibility.
VOTE EVERY ONE THAT APPROVED THE LAW OUT OF OFFICE ! This can not stand, even the Supreme Court said that there can be REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS, NOT BANS ! And since they , Liberals, opened the door with Gay Marriage ruling by saying that since the Majority of the states accepted it, that the others had to as well, coupled with the Caetano V Massachusetts ruling that said that since 42 states allowed stun guns, that they were in common use and could not be banned, and Heller, Mcdonald and Bruen decisions that said it was an individual RIGHT to own. Well, i am willing to bet that every gun on that list is available in at least 40 states, then the other 2 Scotus cases should apply and kill the ban !
This will get overturned by a higher court quicker than pancakes at Waffle House.
As a life long Rhode Islander I can say that this isn’t about firearms at all. It’s about campaign contributions and elections. Little Rhody has been nearly a single party governed State for 80+years and need Progressive wins like this to maintain that. With a defunct and impotent State GOP and no lobbying representation, Rhode Islanders will continue to see infringements like this and more.
The only way to stop state legislators from drafting up horrific laws like this is to impose serious legal ramifications for doing so, otherwise there’s nothing stopping them from drafting new (nearly identical) legislation once the original law gets shot down in court which is what happened in New York.
Is it possible to sue the individual legislators who drafted the bill instead of suing the state? Are there criminal charges that could be filed due to civil rights violations? I’m highlighting my own ignorance of the law here but I’m trying to figure out if there’s more that can be done other than *hope* we get a win in court & *hope* bad politicians don’t abuse us more.
Nothing seems to work. Leftist politicians & activist judges just keep infringing on our freedom despite our Natural, inalienable rights being clearly delineated & acknowledged in our founding documents & subsequent Amendments, which SHOULD BE the highest legal precedent but somehow is repeatedly ignored, even in the courts.
i will bet dollars to ferrari’s that not one criminal will be fined!
Well considering some Felons in possession of fully automatic Glocks, with the “glock switches” in RI… had their crimes reduced to a misdemeanor(either terroristic threatening or public disturbance) you are probably 100% correct. Or what was it that DA/prosecutor in Chicago where hundreds of round were fired and people murdered… “mutual combat” so nobody got charged?
Heck no, it’s tough to prosecute politicians.