North Kingstown hearing draws residents for and against state assault-weapons ban; council motion not advanced

Dozens of residents filled the People’s House of North Kingstown on April 28 for a public hearing on a proposed town resolution opposing House Bill H5436, the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025.

The proposal, described by supporters as a “Second Amendment resolution,” drew extended public comment both defending and criticizing the measure. Supporters framed the resolution as protection for lawful gun owners; opponents said the council should leave state-level decisions to the General Assembly and instead focus on measures that protect children and schools.

Resident Mike Barner, who identified himself as living at 144 Metola Drive, said he supported the resolution because the bill “infringes on constitutional rights” and that “responsible gun owners should not be penalized for the actions of two individuals.” Nadine Swanson, 540 Sewell Street, urged the council to “stand firmly in support of a Second Amendment resolution,” calling the bill a threat to lawful owners.

Other speakers pressed contrary views. Kathleen Lane, chapter lead for Moms Demand Action in Rhode Island and a school employee, urged the council to oppose the local resolution and support the state bills, saying the legislation is an attempt “to protect its children and residents” and stressing that “guns are the leading cause of death for children.” School staff and parents described worries about school safety; Kim Gilbert, who works in the public schools, said classroom security measures can be overcome by “very powerful weapons” and expressed fear for students’ safety.

Several residents, including Douglas Sheehan, a registered nurse and licensed mental health counselor, said they were concerned that legislative focus should be on school protection and mental-health supports rather than bans. Other speakers, including Larry Mandel and Nolene Thompson, said they supported an assault-weapons ban at the state level and urged North Kingstown not to oppose the bills.

Council discussion followed the public hearing. A motion to adopt a resolution opposing H5436 and related state proposals was made during the meeting but was not seconded. After attempts to secure a second, the council did not advance the motion and the item was not adopted or rejected on the record.

Council members said the town council’s role differs from that of state legislators. Councilmember McCoy (identified in the meeting as “Mr. McCoy”) and others said state legislation belongs to the Rhode Island General Assembly and that residents should take testimony to their state representatives and senators. Several council members also noted the council has higher-priority municipal business on its agenda that evening, including budget and bond items.

The public hearing included references to specific legislation: House Bill H5436 and Senate Bill S359, described in testimony as the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025. Testimony also cited the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution. One speaker referenced Rhode Island General Laws 11-47-41 in arguing that mandatory registration or lists of privately owned firearms are restricted by state law.

Because the motion to adopt the proposed local resolution did not receive a second, the council did not take a formal vote on whether to oppose the state bills. Several council members urged residents to continue engagement with legislators at the State House, where the state-level bills remain under consideration.

The meeting proceeded to other agenda items after a short recess; the council did not record a formal action on the proposed Second Amendment resolution.