Council adopts simplified resolution opposing current forms of state assault-weapons bills

The Richmond Town Council voted June 17 to adopt a council resolution stating it does not support Rhode Island House Bill 5436 and Senate Bill 359 in their current forms.

Councilors discussed the content and legal framing of a proposed resolution brought by a resident; several members and public speakers—pro- and anti-ban—offered views during council discussion and public comment. Councilor Reynolds and Councilor Madnick said they opposed aspects of the bills’ drafting and recommended simplifying the town’s statement. After debate, the council amended the proposed resolution to a single clear line: Richmond Town Council does not support H 5436 and S 359 “as written.” The amended motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote among present councilors. The council directed that the resolution be sent to the governor, the attorney general, the lieutenant governor, members of the General Assembly, and town councils across the state as proposed in the original draft.

Public commenters included residents who urged support for the bills for public-safety reasons and others who argued the bills were poorly written and could criminalize otherwise lawful firearms. Several speakers urged the council instead to pass a proclamation recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The council’s adopted resolution expressed only opposition to the specific bills as drafted and did not take broader policy positions beyond that scope.