Rhode Island Senate Passes Safe Gun Storage Bill

The legislation, aimed at reducing gun-related injuries and deaths among children, faces opposition citing Second Amendment concerns.

The Rhode Island Senate voted 28 to 7 in favor of a bill requiring the safe storage of firearms, a move aimed at curbing gun violence among children.
Senator Pamela J. Lauria highlighted that firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., with approximately 4,000 children shot and killed annually.
Opponents argue the bill infringes on Second Amendment rights and that most gun owners already practice safe storage.
The bill mandates firearms to be stored in a locked container or secured with a safety device when not in use, and expands penalties for violations.
The legislation now moves to the House, where a companion bill has been introduced, signaling a strong push for its passage this session.