PROVIDENCE, RI - Governor Gina M. Raimondo applauds the Rhode Island General Assembly for passing bills that strengthen Rhode Island's gun laws. Both chambers passed legislation that is now on its way to the Governor's desk establishing a Red Flag law and a bill banning the purchase, use and ownership of bump stock devices. The Red Flag law will allow for guns to be taken from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
The bills are being transmitted to the Governor's desk this evening and Governor Raimondo plans to sign them both at a bill signing ceremony on the South Steps of the State House tomorrow morning.
"Our collective hearts break every time we read about or hear about lives lost to gun violence. Following the devastating shootings in Las Vegas, Parkland and most recently Santa Fe, we've been inspired by the leadership our students have shown over the last four months," said Governor Raimondo. "I applaud the General Assembly for standing with our kids, teachers, law enforcement and parents across the state by taking action to strengthen Rhode Island's gun laws. Their action to ban bump stocks and pass a red flag law will make Rhode Island a safer state."
A week after the shooting in Parkland, Florida, Governor Raimondo was the first governor in America to sign an executive order establishing a red flag policy. While signing that order, she called on the Legislature to take swift action to pass Red Flag legislation.
Governor Raimondo will sign both bills tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. on the south steps of the State House. She will be joined by Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, the bill sponsors, law enforcement leaders and gun safety advocates for the signing ceremony.
WHAT:State House Steps Bill Signing for Gun Safety Legislation
WHO:Governor Gina M. Raimondo, Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Members of the General Assembly, Law Enforcement Leaders, Gun Safety Advocates
WHERE:South Steps of the State House, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI (Rain location: State House Rotunda)
WHEN:TOMORROW, Friday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m.