The Nation’s Smallest State Tries to Make a Big Splash With Gun Laws

NewsPolitics

It’s not too often that you hear a lot of news out of Rhode Island, but the nation’s smallest state is looking to make a big impact with their most recent legislation.

The gun control bills that are currently making their way through the State House include an outright ban on “assault” rifles, 3D-printed guns and any device that holds more than 10 rounds of ammunition. These sweeping bills would severely limit the rights of individuals in this state. If passed, they might be a call-to-arms for other states whose liberal agenda is at the forefront of the gun debate across the country.

One of the key supporters of the ban notes that it would not be a “complete ban” because individuals who already own their guns would be grandfathered in. The stated goal of the new laws is to reduce access for individuals to items that this group of misguided lawmakers thinks are dangerous items. Unfortunately, the Rhode Island anti-gun caucus has honed in on weapons that are primarily used in sporting events in the area, as well as hunting. Second Amendment supporters fire back, sharing the need for larger capacity rifles is due to competing on gun ranges.

Not only are Rhode Island House Democrats attempting to take away the rights of individuals to buy weapons, they are also attempting to deepen the penalties for people who fail to report a lost or stolen firearm. Let’s think this through — if your gun gets stolen or lost and you don’t report it, you could technically be in violation of the law? What about pursuing the criminals who actually stole the weapon? Apparently, that’s too much trouble for these lawmakers, as they’d prefer to legislate their days away going after unsuspecting Americans who are acting within their Second Amendment rights.

Even though these laws have failed to pass the Rhode Island House in the past, the fact that they are being revisited is enough to frustrate pro-gun advocates. One of the more controversial bills is one that criminalizes possession of a firearm by a minor except in very specific circumstances when they are under the supervision of an adult or guardian. Other proposed bills include:

Raising the legal age to purchase or sell a shotgun from 18 to 21
Makes it illegal to carry a rifle or shotgun in any conveyance or vehicle
Prohibits schools from offering incentives to teachers who offer to concealed carry
Increases age for purchase or possession of ammunition from 18 to 21
Creates a $5,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment sentence for individuals with a gun that holds more than 10 rounds of ammunition
Increases penalty for failure to report lost / stolen firearms to the proper authorities

Each of these laws is a step backwards for society, as we attempt to retain access to our Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

~ Ready to Fire NEws