2 Gun Safety Bills Become Law In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two new pieces of gun safety legislation are now Rhode Island law. Gov. Dan McKee signed the bills Monday at a ceremony in the State House.

"We must do everything we can to end gun violence and make our communities safer," McKee said. "These pieces of legislation will make a difference by keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals, and keeping firearms off school property. I thank our general officers, legislators and gun safety advocates who have taken these important steps to ensure all Rhode Islanders can feel safe in their communities and their schools."

The first bill bans so-called "straw purchases," the practice of buying a gun on behalf of someone who cannot legally do so themselves. It also strengthens the penalties for lying on gun purchase applications and licenses.

"All sides of the gun debate should be able to agree that we do not want firearms in the hands of individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. That’s what this law is all about," said Sen. Joshua Miller, one of the bill's sponsors. "While straw purchasing is a federal crime, it is infrequently charged. Putting the crime in state statute enables the attorney general to bring state charges in state courts, and it strengthens the penalties for purchasing a firearm using false information."

Rep. Jason Knight, the House sponsor, called straw purchases "a pipeline through which dangerous criminals get the weapons they want to carry out more violence."

The second bill bans anyone from carrying a gun on school property, except for police officers, retired officer and anyone contracted to provide school security. Unloaded guns are also permitted as long as they are locked in a rack or container in a vehicle. The law applies to all private and public schools, as well as school buses.

"Guns do not belong in schools, and private citizens have no business bringing a gun on school property," Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said. "Carrying firearms in schools increases risk, not safety. There have been dozens of examples of mishandling and accidental discharge of firearms in schools across our nation. We are working hard to improve education in our state. The presence of firearms in schools is detrimental to a positive learning environment."

The legislation is named for former Senator Harold Metts, who pushed for its passage during his time as a lawmaker. On Monday he said he was "profoundly honored" to have the law named in his honoor and to have played a role in its passage.

"Our children and teachers will be safer and will feel more secure in school as a result of this law, and I am proud to have played a part in getting it on our books in Rhode Island," Metts said. "The state motto, ‘Hope,’ was present in the enactment of this law. Even at a time when politics are so polarized, Rhode Island was able to craft and pass common-sense legislation that benefits us all, and this spirit must continue."