Preventing Gun Violence and Enhancing Firearm Safety

Signed legislation into law in 2025 that bans the sale of certain military-style assault weapons in Rhode Island. This bill is the latest piece of gun safety legislation Governor McKee and the General Assembly have worked together to sign to keep communities safer and limit these weapons in Rhode Island.
Signed into law the Safe Storage of Firearms legislation, requiring that all firearms be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper- resistant mechanical lock or other safety device properly engaged to render the firearm inoperable.
Banned high-capacity gun magazines, prohibiting the possession or sale of any feeding device capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously into a semi-automatic firearm.

Raised the legal age to purchase firearms or ammunition in Rhode Island from 18 to 21, with exceptions for police, state marshals or correctional officers, and active-duty military or National Guard members.
Prohibited the open carry of loaded rifles and shotguns on any public roadway and changed the definitions of “rifle” and “shotgun” to be consistent with federal law.
Partnered with organizations such as the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action to address gun safety as a crucial public health issue.

Ensure that Rhode Islanders at our public institutions of higher education — especially college students, faculty, and staff — feel safe and supported in their learning environments through strengthened campus safety planning and coordination.
In light of the tragic shooting at Brown University, convene leaders from all Rhode Island colleges and universities (public and private) to review and enhance security procedures in light of today’s realities, with a focus on prevention, preparedness, and rapid response.
Coordinate mental-health service providers statewide to ensure that anyone affected by the tragedy — including students, families, faculty, staff, and first responders — has timely access to counseling, crisis support, and long-term care.