After Passing Lifesaving Secure Storage Law Last Session, Rhode Island Lawmakers Head Back to the Legislature With an Opportunity to Build on Their Progress

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Ahead of the Rhode Island legislature returning for the 2025 legislative session, the Rhode Island chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety's grassroots network, released the following statements. Last legislative session, lawmakers enacted a lifesaving measure strengthening their secure storage law. This legislative session, gun safety advocates are urging them to enact a prohibition on assault weapons.

"We have been at the statehouse year after year advocating for stronger gun safety measures in Rhode Island, and we're ready to continue the work this year," said Tony Morettini, a volunteer with the Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Never before has the work of our state lawmakers been more important, and we're prepared to fight alongside our gun sense champions to achieve the safer future we know is possible."

"Young activists like me continue to prove that when we rise up and demand our voices be heard, we can make a difference," said Caleb Schultz, a volunteer leader with Brown University Students Demand Action chapter. "My generation is more inspired than ever to build on the momentum created last year because we'll stop at nothing to make sure Rhode Island-and the rest of our country-can live free from the fear of gun violence."

Last year, Rhode Island lawmakers enacted a secure storage law, expanding and strengthening the existing law that requires all gun owners securely store their guns when not in use, either in a locked container or with a safety device that prevents unauthorized access. In addition, the updated law also requires gun dealers to both post signs and give information to people who purchase guns about secure storage, suicide prevention, and Rhode Island's gun safety laws; it also requires school districts to give similar information to students and their families.

This year, gun safety advocates will be urging lawmakers to enact a prohibition on assault weapons. Nine other states and D.C. have laws prohibiting assault weapons, including the nearby states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. AR-15s and other assault weapons are the tool of choice by gunmen in many mass shootings.

In an average year, 52 people die by guns in Rhode Island and another 119 are wounded by guns. 61 percent of gun deaths are by firearm suicide in Rhode Island. Gun violence costs Rhode Island $752.1 million each year, of which $15.8 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Rhode Island is available here.