Rhode Island’s assault weapon ban offers a peek into why such laws are difficult to pass
July 3, 2025
It took 10 years, but Rhode Island politicians finally found a way to ban the sale, manufacturing and distribution of certain assault weapons. The Democratic supermajority did it through a compromise that says firearms owners that have the weapons can keep them but purchasing them will become more difficult starting next year. This distinction makes Rhode Island less restrictive than similar laws in other states. Currently, only Washington state has a similar law. Some advocates have applauded the measure, but others say they will continue working to pass a ban on possession too.
