Council adopts brief resolution opposing state bills H5436 and S359 "as written"

The Richmond Town Council voted June 17 to adopt a narrowly worded resolution stating the council “does not support House Bill 5436 and Senate Bill 359 as written.” The original, longer resolution presented at the meeting referenced the Rhode Island constitution and described the bills as attempting to effect constitutional change without following the state constitutional amendment process; after council discussion members amended the resolution to a simpler statement of opposition to the bills’ current text.

The bills, described by speakers and the drafted resolution as the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025, have generated public comment from both opponents and supporters. Several residents spoke at the meeting: Kristen Chambers urged the council to reject the proposed resolution and instead support the assault-weapons ban and suggested the council instead adopt a recognition for Gun Violence Awareness Month; Garrett Stoner and Jordan Carlson spoke in favor of restricting assault weapons. Public commenters pointed to different legal and policy views about whether the bills are constitutional, whether their definitions are sufficiently precise, and whether local councils should weigh in.

Councilors said they were split on the merits of the substantive policy but agreed to adopt a concise statement opposing the bills as drafted and urged constituents to contact state representatives. The amended motion passed by roll-call vote: Councilor Dinsmore — yes; Councilor Madnick — yes; Councilor Reynolds — yes; Councilor Wilcox — yes.

The council directed the town clerk to forward the adopted resolution to the governor, the Rhode Island attorney general, the lieutenant governor, members of the General Assembly, and town councils in other municipalities, per the resolution text.