Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the manufacturing and sale of certain assault style weapons in Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Defines “assault weapon” as any of the following (Sec. 1):

• A semi-automatic shotgun with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, or the ability to accept a detachable magazine;

• A semi-automatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and has one of the following:

• A folding, telescoping, or detachable stock; or

• A pistol grip, thumbhole stock, or any other feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip;

• Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder;

• A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds;

• A semi-automatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and has one of the following:

• A folding, telescoping, or detachable stock;

• A bayonet mount;

• A grenade launcher;

• A shroud attached to the barrel that allows the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burnt;

• A pistol grip or thumbhole stock; or

• A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor;

• A semi-automatic pistol that has a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds;

• A semi-automatic pistol that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and has at least one of the following:

• The capacity to accept an ammunition magazine at a location outside of the pistol grip;

• A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;

• A shroud attached to the barrel that allows the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burnt;

• An unloaded weight of 50 ounces or more; or

• A buffer tube, arm brace, or other part behind the grip that is designed to allow firing the weapon from the shoulder;

• A semi-automatic firearm that has the capacity to accept a belt ammunition feeding device;

• Any firearm that has been modified to be operable as an assault weapon based on the definition of this Section; or

• A combination of parts in the possession of one person from which an assault weapon based on the definition of this Section may be assembled.

• Prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, and possession of an assault weapon (Sec. 1).

• Establishes punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000 for violations of this Section (Sec. 1).

• Exempts individuals who already possess an assault weapon and who register it with their local police department, or surrender or render the assault weapon inoperable within one year of the effective date of this legislation (Sec. 1).

• Exempts law enforcement officers, active duty military members who possess an assault weapon as part of their official duty, and licensed firearms dealers who sell to law enforcement agencies (Sec. 1).

• Requires owners of a grandfathered, registered assault weapon to keep the weapon in secure storage when not in immediate possession, and authorizes the following allowances for possession (Sec. 1):

• While on a target range;

• While on the premises of a licensed shooting club;

• While attending an approved exhibition, display, or educational project related to firearms;

• While transporting the weapon to a licensed dealer for service, repair, or sale, or

• While transporting the weapon for lawful use.

Full Bill Text