Lincoln council adopts resolution opposing proposed state gun restrictions

The Lincoln Town Council on March 18 adopted a resolution opposing proposed state-level gun regulations, including bills described by speakers as restrictions on “assault weapons” and certain storage and magazine rules. The council approved the resolution by voice vote after an amendment clarifying language in a ‘‘whereas’’ clause.

The resolution, introduced for immediate consideration and debated during the meeting, was presented by Councilman Pischette, who said the measure was intended to send a message to the town’s state representatives and senators. Pischette described the bill package at the State House as “another push to be an assault weapons” ban and argued the legislation would incorrectly categorize common semi-automatic firearms and create burdens for lawful owners and local governments. He said, “Every legislative session at the state house is an attempt to further take away our second amendment rights.”

The nut graf: the vote formalizes the council’s opposition and directs the town to forward the resolution to Lincoln’s state delegation, the governor and lieutenant governor. Dozens of residents wearing yellow shirts attended and many spoke during the public comment period in favor of the resolution; the council recorded the vote by voice and adopted the measure after a brief amendment.

Council debate emphasized two themes: constitutional and practical objections. Several council members cited the Rhode Island Constitution’s text on the right to bear arms when explaining their votes. Council members also raised operational concerns: one member noted the town’s police department lacks facilities to accept or store firearms and warned that a registration or turn-in program would impose a heavy, unfunded burden on municipal staff and taxpayers. “In order to accept these weapons and to secure them … is going to put an enormous task on our police department,” a council member said during the discussion.

Public commenters who addressed the council largely supported the measure. Salazar Rendo, a resident, thanked the council’s sponsor and said, “This is how it starts. It starts at a local level.” Doug Trotter, another resident, told the council he had contacted his state senator and representative and urged citizens to press the delegation. Judy Adley, who identified herself as a Lincoln resident, urged attendance at a State House hearing and handed out a packet of bills she characterized as anti-gun legislation. Don Haney, who said he has shot competitively for 20 years, criticized national advocacy groups and urged stronger turnout at State House hearings.

The council approved an amendment to the resolution adding the words “and that individuals” in a specific whereas clause and clarifying that persons who commit crimes with firearms should be prosecuted under existing law. The amended resolution was adopted by voice vote; the minutes record the motion, a second, and the chair’s announcement that “ayes have it.” The clerk was asked to forward the adopted resolution to Lincoln’s delegation and to other Rhode Island municipalities.

Background and next steps: the resolution is a formal statement of the council’s position and does not change local code. The council noted the resolution will be sent to the town’s state representatives and senators and encouraged residents to contact elected officials and attend State House hearings. The town clerk will include the adopted resolution in outgoing correspondence to the delegation.

Ending: Council members thanked the residents who attended and encouraged continued civic participation at upcoming State House hearings and local meetings.