McKee Signs Magazine Limit, Age Restriction, More Gun Control Into Law

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee signed three gun control bills into law Tuesday, following the Uvalde, Texas, school massacre last month, which killed 19 students and two teachers.

The new laws limit magazine capacities to 10 rounds, raise the age from 18 to 21 to buy guns and ammunition, and bans the open carry of loaded shotguns and rifles in public.

"Here in Rhode Island, we're taking meaningful action to address the scourge of gun violence and keep our residents safe," McKee said in a statement. "As Governor, I am proud to sign a legislative package that will ban high-capacity magazines, raise the legal age to purchase firearms to 21 and prohibit the open carry of a rifle or shotgun in public — these measures can help saves lives. My deepest thanks go out to the legislative sponsors and the thousands of advocates who stepped up and got the work done."

People under the age of 21 are already prohibited from buying handguns in Rhode Island, but an 18-year-old was allowed to buy rifles and shotguns before the legislative package became law.

"It is well-settled science that teenage and post-teenage brains are still developing," said Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin. "It's common sense that we shouldn't be selling lethal weapons to people who we've decided are not old enough to buy cigarettes or beer."