Gloucester Town Council votes to oppose 2025 gun control legislation

The Town of Glocester, Rhode Island, is taking a firm stand against proposed gun control legislation, with the town council unanimously passing a resolution opposing House Bill 5436 and Senate Bill 359. This decision comes in response to concerns raised during a recent council meeting, where residents voiced their apprehensions about the financial and legal implications of the proposed laws.

Corey Polo, a local resident, highlighted the potential burden on taxpayers, stating that the legislation could impose unfunded mandates on the town, requiring it to manage the storage and security of surrendered firearms. He emphasized that if citizens surrender their firearms, the town would bear the costs associated with their storage, which could lead to significant financial strain on local resources.

The council members echoed these concerns, with one member describing the proposed legislation as an overreach of government authority. They expressed that the issue at hand is not merely about gun rights but also about the broader implications for local governance and individual freedoms. The discussion underscored the belief that the proposed laws could infringe upon constitutional rights, particularly the Second Amendment.

Cassidy Greathouse, another resident, raised additional points regarding the potential legal conflicts that the legislation could create for local law enforcement, who would be tasked with enforcing a gun registry that contradicts existing state laws. This added layer of complexity could further strain police resources, which are already stretched thin.

In a show of solidarity, the council moved swiftly to adopt the resolution, reinforcing their commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of their constituents. The resolution articulates the town's position against the proposed gun control measures, asserting that existing laws are sufficient to address gun violence without imposing new restrictions that could criminalize law-abiding citizens.

As the council prepares to present their resolution at the state level, they aim to rally support from other municipalities in Rhode Island to push back against what they view as an infringement on individual rights. The outcome of this legislative battle could have lasting implications for gun ownership and local governance in the state.