Three gun-related bills are expected to win approval in the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
A bill to limit magazine capacity to 10 rounds, sponsored by Rep. Justine Caldwell (D-East Greenwich), has languished in the General Assembly for years. Now, it’s one of the three bills slated for a Judiciary Committee vote.
The other two bills would make it illegal to possess a rifle or shotgun in public, except for hunting, and raise the age to buy guns and ammunition from 18 to 21. The respective sponsors are Reps. Leonela Felix (D-Pawtucket) and Teresa Tanzi (D-South Kingstown).
The vote by the Judiciary Committee does not include bills requiring the storage of guns at home when not in use and a ban on new sales of what some call assault weapons.
Legislative leaders do not traditionally schedule bills for a committee vote unless they are likely to win approval. At the same time, some supporters have cited a need to closely follow the legislation through the process, to guard against changes that might weaken the measures.
The three bills are posted for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote next Tuesday.
The issue of gun violence has taken on more urgency for some lawmakers after a wave of recent mass shootings.
Supporters of added restrictions say they will lessen the risk of violence. Opponents say the changes are misplaced and unlikely to make a difference.
This story has been updated.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. Sign up here for his free weekly RI politics newsletter.
