Governor McKee Signs Bill Banning the Sale of Assault Weapons
Published on Thursday, June 26, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, Governor Dan McKee signed legislation that bans the sale of certain military-style weapons in Rhode Island. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton). Representative Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) sponsored companion legislation in the House.
The Governor was joined for the signing by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, General Treasurer James Diossa, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Valarie Lawson, Representative Knight, Senator DiPalma, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action Angela Ferrell-Zabala, and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence Melissa Carden.
“Today, we’re delivering progress on the work to keep our children, families, and communities safe from gun violence,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This law builds on the important momentum we’ve created over the last few years and is a testament to the dedication of our advocates, legislators, and many Rhode Islanders who stood up for a safer state.”
The law (2025-S 0359A) bans the manufacture, purchase, sale, or transfer of military-style weapons, including certain types of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. The law allows lawful owners to possess these firearms and allows lawful owners to sell their firearms to federally licensed dealers or individuals outside of the state who can lawfully possess them. Violations are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and firearm forfeiture. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
“With this law on the books, families can rest easier knowing that we’ve slowed the spread of dangerous weapons of war throughout our communities. This was made possible by thousands of everyday Rhode Islanders making their voices heard and by the diligent work of our legislators to find common ground on a thorny issue,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “Today is a great day for Rhode Island.”
“Today, as this bill is signed into law, we continue to strengthen Rhode Island’s commitment to reducing the risks of gun violence in our state,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many advocates, lawmakers, community leaders, and fellow Rhode Islanders who have dedicated their efforts to minimizing the presence of assault weapons in our communities, and whose support of this bill supports a safer future for ourselves, our children, and our neighbors.”
“Gun violence has impacted every community in some way, and as the former Mayor of Central Falls, I’ve seen its devastating effects firsthand,” said Treasurer James A. Diossa. “The enactment of this legislation marks a critical step toward protecting our children and ensuring safer futures for all Rhode Islanders. While the work isn’t over, today symbolizes real progress in the fight to end this crisis.”
The ban is the latest piece of gun safety legislation Governor McKee has signed into law. Others include: a ban on large-capacity gun magazines, requiring the safe storage of firearms, raising the legal age to purchase firearms or ammunition from 18 to 21, and prohibiting the open carry of any loaded rifle or shotgun in public.
“I’m very proud of the common-sense gun control legislation sponsored by Representative Jason Knight that the House passed on June 5 to limit the number of military-style assault weapons in our state. However, in the State House, the art of compromise is essential in order to get good things done. The House has recognized what is achievable at the present moment for the greater good of our state, and we have passed the revised legislation. Most Rhode Islanders want to protect the state from the specter of gun violence, and this legislation gets us closer to accomplishing that goal," said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).
“The bill signed into law today has been years in the making, and it is the product of many months of hard work. It represents the most significant gun safety legislation to ever come before us in the General Assembly, and together, we have taken a powerful step to keep weapons of war off our streets and make our communities safer. I want to thank everyone who took part in the process and made this legislation possible," said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).
“This bill is the result of many, many years of advocacy, work, and collaboration. Polls show that almost two-thirds of Rhode Islanders support banning assault-style weapons in our state. We all know the impact they’ve had in our country; they are the weapons that have been used in the most lethal mass shootings carried out in the United States,” said Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Tiverton, Newport), the sponsor of the legislation (2025-S 0359A). “This bill will end the proliferation of these weapons in our state and, as the experience in other states with similar bans has shown, will result in significantly fewer of them as time goes on.”
“I’m pleased that my colleagues in the General Assembly have supported a bill that, when combined with existing federal law, turns off the spigot of AR-style weapons in Rhode Island and will diminish their numbers as well as gun violence in our state. This bill is the culmination of immense effort on the part of so many people over the years, and it is the last remaining major recommendation of the gun-safety working group formed after the mass shooting in Parkland, Fla. These are the weapons of choice for mass shooters because they can inflict maximum death and injury in very little time, and we shouldn’t wait for a large-scale tragedy to prohibit their sale in our state," said Representative Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren), who sponsored companion legislation (2025-H 5436A) in the House.
"We’re deeply grateful to Governor McKee for signing this lifesaving bill into law,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “This milestone reflects more than a decade of tireless advocacy, grassroots organizing, and a shared commitment to protecting Rhode Island communities from gun violence. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when volunteers, lawmakers, and survivors work together to put public safety first.”
“We are so thankful to Governor McKee for kicking off this legislative session prioritizing the assault weapons ban by including it in his budget – while that ultimately wasn’t the path taken, it highlighted this issue and spurred on the action we saw in the General Assembly. The ultimate ban on sales of these weapons is a big achievement and represents forward momentum and progress. We are committed to continuing to work together to make RI the safest state in the country," said Melissa Carden, Executive Director of RICAGV.