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Council votes to draft resolution opposing proposed 2025 Rhode Island gun-control legislation
Summary
Councilor Toronto introduced a memorandum and motion; after public comments the council voted to prepare a resolution opposing the 2025 Rhode Island gun-control bill and authorized staff to draft a resolution similar to ones adopted by other towns.
The Town of Middletown council agreed to prepare a municipal resolution opposing proposed 2025 Rhode Island gun-control legislation.
What happened Councilor Toronto placed a memorandum on the docket asking the council to consider a resolution opposing the state-level 2025 gun-control bill. After discussion and public comment both in favor of and opposed to the proposed state legislation, the council voted to direct staff to draft a Middletown resolution similar to ones adopted by other municipalities (examples cited: Burrillville and Tiverton). The council motion to prepare the resolution passed by voice vote (Aye).
Public comments Members of the public and local organizations addressed the council. Some speakers representing local shooting clubs emphasized firearm safety and questioned the definition and practicality of regulating so-called "assault weapons," arguing the proposed bill would penalize lawful owners. Other commenters and council members reiterated safety and mental-health concerns and the desire to balance public safety with lawful ownership; the transcript records both positions and a request that community safety remain central to any policy decisions.
Procedure and next steps The council’s action at the meeting was to request staff prepare a draft resolution; no final municipal resolution was presented or adopted that evening. Councilors indicated they would consider a draft modeled on other municipalities’ language and then vote on a resolution at a future meeting following distribution and review.
