Providence advisory committee discusses reviving gun-ammo tax proposal, youth program database and a dedicated office for violence prevention

A Providence City community advisory committee met without a quorum and discussed reviving a 2019 proposal to impose a tax on guns, ammunition and shooting ranges to create a steady funding stream for community violence intervention programs, along with plans for an AI-driven youth-programs directory and a push to establish a municipal office of violence prevention.

Committee members said state or national partners have expressed willingness to carry legislation if the city builds a supporting coalition and a program design that aligns with on-the-ground work. Participants cited recent action in other states as examples to study, discussed revenue estimates mentioned during the meeting, and pressed for next steps involving city and mayoral leadership.

The conversation opened with a proposal to “revitalize” a 2019 budget submission that would tax firearms, ammunition and shooting ranges to fund violence-prevention work. Committee members said representatives told the group they would be willing to sponsor the bill, but only if the city organized a clear advocacy alliance and designed the tax to fit program needs. Speakers noted that other jurisdictions have used mixed policy packages to win votes and funding—for example, participants referenced Connecticut and California as recent examples—but emphasized…