9-3-26 WLRGC Political Action
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Re: From the desk of RI House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS BEING TAKEN OVER BY COMMUNISTS
Two great American Presidents, one Democrat and one Republican, understood the danger of communist infiltration. John F. Kenndy warned that communist power advanced through infiltration and subversion, not always open invasion. Ronald Reagan later reminded the nation that “nothing is less free than pure communism”.
Both men understood that dangerous ideologies rarely seize institutions all at once. They move gradually. They adopt softer language. They exploit legitimate grievances. Then they transform organizations from within.
This is what is happening within the Democratic party right now.
For years, Republicans were accused of exaggeration whenever we warned that the Democrat Party was moving towards socialism. We were told the radicals were merely a loud fringe, that “democratic socialism” meant little more than generous social programs, and that no serious political movement wanted to dismantle capitalism or fundamentally reorder America.
That argument is no longer credible. The socialist movement is not standing outside the Democrat Party with protest signs. It is operating inside the party, contesting Democratic primaries, defeating established Democrats, capturing offices, and using Democratic ballot lines as a vehicle for power.
The Democratic Socialists of America built a national political operation that recruits candidates, organizes activists, and pushes the party left from within. Its strategy is obvious: organize intensely in low-turnout Democratic primaries, overwhelm complacent incumbents, and then rely on the overwhelming Democratic nature of the district to make September and November mere formalities. That is how a small but ideological movement captures a much larger political party.
And let’s not pretend this is some harmless campus debating society. The DSA agenda goes far beyond the traditional American safety net. Its platform calls for government-run healthcare, tuition-free public college, student-debt cancellation, universal rent control, social housing, paid leave, universal childcare, demilitarized police departments, and the abolition of cash bail and mandatory minimums.
The language is carefully softened: justice, equity, affordability, democracy. They have hijacked the modern political lexicon and repackaged radical government control as compassion. But the pattern is unmistakable. Declare nearly every human need an enforceable government right. Insist private enterprise is structurally incapable of meeting that need. Then transfer more property, capital, authority, and individual decision-making to the state.
Call it Communism, Marxism, Democratic Socialist, or Progressivism. The label matters less than the direction. These people are pushing Rhode Island and America away from liberty, private property, limited government, and the free enterprise system that made this nation the greatest on earth.
Rhode Island Democrats spent decades congratulating themselves for being a “big tent” party. That phrase once meant there was room for union families, working-class voters, small business owners, social liberals, social conservatives, and traditional Democrats who disagreed on individual issues but still shared a basic commitment to American institutions.
Today, that tent is becoming a one-way trap. Traditional Democrats are expected to accommodate the radicals, excuse their rhetoric, advance their legislation, and support their nominees. If the refuse they are branded DINOs, marginalized, and attacked from inside their own party. The radicals, meanwhile, openly organize to defeat traditional Democrats and replace them with candidates who satisfy an increasingly rigid ideological test.
This is not a big tent. It is a hostile takeover. Or, to use their preferred language, a revolution.
Rhode Island democratic leaders seem either too complacent or too frightened to confront the Progressive and DSA wing that has invaded their party. They keep treating it as another constituency to manage, even as it works to capture more seats, control more committees, and drag the entire party further left.
The establishment believes it can absorb the radicals, borrow their energy, and remain in control. That is the delusion. The ideological faction does not need to be more disciplined, more aggressive, and more willing to challenge incumbents than the comfortable establishment it intends to replace. The DSA is violating the very “code” that the RI Democratic Kingdom was built on. They don’t ask for, want, or need the support of the party in order to win. That dynamic, which once imbued the Democratic Party leaders with the ability to hand pick their successors has been disregarded by the Progressives. In-fact, it’s been weaponized by them to defeats stunned Democrats who are still too shocked to realize that their “code” has been discarded.
The best analogy is not a growing tent. It is a metastatic cancer attaching itself to a weak host. At first, the infection appears limited. The host convinces itself the problem is isolated. It adapts, compromises, and continues functioning. But the cancer does not compromise. It spreads. It consumes healthy tissue. Eventually, it takes control of the very systems that once restrained it.
That is what the Progressive and DSA movement is doing to the Democratic Party. And it is stunning to watch some of my Democratic Colleagues once described as moderate or conservative not only allow it to happen but make excuses for people who openly despise the American way of life. People who – when the time is right, will metaphorically slit the throats of those very same “moderate Democrats” who made excuses for them.
When even Chuck Schumer is not considered progressive enough, the shift should be obvious. Schumer is no conservative Democrat. He has been one of the most powerful liberal politicians in America for decades. Yet progressive activists treat him as an obstacle to be removed. When Chuck Schumer becomes the establishment moderate, the political measuring stick has moved dramatically.
We are watching the same movement here in Rhode Island. Representative David Morales entered the Rhode Island House with support from the Democratic Socialists of America. First elected in 2020, he is now running for Mayor of Providence.
For six years I have watched Morales stand during the Pledge of Allegiance in the House Chamber with his fist clenched while refusing to recite the pledge. That is his Constitutional right, and I will defend that right. But voters also have every right to judge what that gesture communicates from a man seeking executive authority over Rhode Island’s capital city. They should understand the sick, twisted ideologies behind that clenched fist. They should realize that refusal to honor the flag is a view into who they really are and what they believe.
This is not just a disagreement over manners or symbolism. Most Americans understand the Pledge of Allegiance as a basic expression of fidelity to the Country that protects our freedom to disagree. The socialist left increasingly threats traditional expressions of American patriotism as symbols of an unjust system that must be resisted, dismantled, or replaced. Then, when ordinary Americans still applaud patriotism, the radicals smear them as extremists or white supremacists.
That is how they erode institutions. Corrupt the language. Weaponize the terms. Turn ordinary people against the country that gave them more freedom and opportunity than any nation in history.
Morales is not an obscure protest candidate. He is a sitting state representative, an experienced political organizer, and a serious contender for Mayor. Providence voters could realistically place a DSA-aligned politician in charge of the city. And once again, the complaint from the radical left is that Mayor Brett Smiley is not progressive enough. That should stun everyone.
Rhode Island Democrats should stop pretending this is an isolated personality or a harmless faction within their coalition. Every time party leaders dismiss radical proposals as youthful enthusiasm, excuse contempt for American traditions as mere expression, reward socialist politicians with influence, or rally behind DSA-backed nominees in the name of party unity, they strengthen the movement working to replace them.
They tell themselves they are preserving the big tent. In reality, they are feeding the movement that is killing the host. Are they trying to fool themselves? Are they making excuses for their complacency? I don’t know – but the result will be the same.
For decades any Republican who warned about radical transformation of one of America’s major political parties would have been dismissed as paranoid, accused of McCarthyism, compared to the John Birch Society, or branded with whatever label was useful that week. Those labels became a substitute for honest examination. And the communists have used that tactic well.
Slap whatever label you will on me – I frankly don’t care. We are far beyond the point where intimidation and name-calling should end the discussion. This ideology is no longer hiding in obscure organizations or on the fringes of American politics. Its advocates are winning primaries, holding public office, controlling institutions, and advancing policies that would have been considered unthinkably radical only a generation ago.
It is time to call a spade a spade. Republicans should describe what is happening directly, accurately, and without apology. The objective is not merely to expand existing social programs. It is to fundamentally reorder the relationship between the citizen, private property, the economy, and the state.
Kennedy and Reagan understood that communist movements advance not only through open confrontation, but through infiltration, subversion, and the gradual capture of institutions.
The socialist left is telling exactly what it intends to do with power…it is high time we believed them.
Respectfully, House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale
9-2-26 WLRGC Political Action
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Re: RI Primary Election is Wednesday September 9, 2026
Please make the time to vote in the primary. It is so important! You can go onto the RI Board of Elections website to find your polling place if you don’t know it.
Note: For those of us who “disaffiliated” – You will need to decide if you are going to vote in the Democrat primary only or the Republican primary only. The purpose for voting in Dem primary was to unseat any Democrats who are anti 2A that we can. Also, we have the problem of a very scary Governor’s race.
For Governor: We have a situation where Helena Foulkes seems to be getting the most support. None of the Democrats for Governor are Pro 2A, but she has stated that she will push to add confiscation back into the Assault Weapons Ban and will confiscate firearms. She also has strong socialist views on everything. Voting against her in the Democrat primary is crucial.
We do have two Republican Candidates for Governor: Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino. Both are passionate about protecting our rights, pro 2A, improving our business climate, cutting regulations, taxes and making RI a more affordable State.
Lt. Governor:
John Loughlin, Republican
Ross McCurdy, Democrat (anyone voting in Democrat Primary – he is Pro 2A); Running against Sabina Matos -it would be nice to unseat Sabina Matos the incumbent.
For Representative in Congress (District 2): There are 2 Republican Candidates.
Victor Mellor: (Mr. Mellor probably has the strongest chance of beating Seth Magaziner). He has more financial support and already has contacts to work with in Washington.
Stephen Skoly: He doesn’t have a large “war chest” to win against Seth Magaziner.
Senator in Congress:
Ray McKay, Republican, Pro 2A looking to unseat Jack Reed
For those voting in Democrat primary there are 2 Dems running against Jack Reed – Connor Burbridge and Luis Munoz I don’t believe any are Pro 2A, but you can vote against Jack Reed.
General Treasurer: Republican Candidate
Micholas A. Credle: Pro 2A, Army veteran, runs a business in Rhode Island.
Attorney General: Joseph Solomon, Pro 2A Democrat. None of the other candidates are 2A supporters.
Secretary of State: Gregg Amore, incumbent – Democrat who is (anti 2A).
Running against him is Anthony Tamba, Democrat, challenger
For those voting in Democrat primary – would be good to unseat the anti 2A incumbent Gregg Amore.
Representatives in General Assembly:
Javier Santos, Democrat, Pro 2A District 09 Providence
Charlene Lima, Democrat, Pro 2A District 14 Providence, Cranston
Janie Segul, Democrat, District 22 Warwick, “preferred candidate”
Thomas Menec, Democrat, Pro 2A District 31 North Kingstown, Exeter
Kevin Hoyle, Democrat, Pro 2A District 32 North Kingstown
Leah Boisclair; Democrat, Pro 2A District 36 Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly, New Shoreham (running against anti 2A incumbent Tina Spears)
Brian Kennedy, Democrat, Pro 2A District 38 Westerly, Hopkinton, Incumbent)
Jon Brien, Independent, Pro 2A, District 49 Woonsocket, N. Smithfield - He has a Democrat challenger Veronicka Vegas, anti 2A Democrat
Paul Santucci; Republican, Incumbent Pro 2A District 53 Smithfield, Glocester – He has a Democrat challenger, Suzy Alba, anti 2A
James McLaughlin, Democrat, Pro 2A District 57 Cumberland, Central Falls
Mark Theroux, Democrat, District 61 Pawtucket (preferred candidate over the incumbent Leonela Felix) It would be good to unseat Leonela Felix.
Ronald Jarvais; Democrat, Pro 2A District 67 Barrington, Warren
Senators in General Assembly:
Mark Mesrobian, Democrat, preferred candidate District 36 Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, (trying to unseat anti 2A incumbent Alana DiMario)
7-11-26
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Re: VOTING
First: To all of our club members who are registered to vote and actually vote – Thank you!
I am writing to request your help in speaking to your family members, club members and anyone else you know in the 2A community to please register to vote and to vote in the upcoming primary and general election. If we could get the 2A community to vote, we could actually enact change in this State over time.
Dates of Upcoming Elections:
Statewide Primary: 9/9/26
Voter registration deadline (to vote in the primary): 8/10/26
Early voting period (for the primary): Begins 8/20/26
Statewide General Elections: 11/3/26
Voter registration deadline (to vote in the General Elections): 10/4/26
Early voting period (for General elections): Begins 10/14/26
You can easily register to vote or change your affiliation on the: Rhode Island Board of Elections website
You can click on Register to vote;
You can view or update your voter record;
You can change your affiliation or “disaffiliate”
You can see your elected officials;
You can find your polling place, etc.
FYI:
*Primaries are only held if necessary
**To vote in a party primary, you must “disaffiliate” from any party at least 30 days before the primary date.
“What type of Primary Election does the State of RI conduct?”
Rhode Island has a “semi-closed” party primary system. This means that you may only vote in your party’s primary election. However, if you are registered as “unaffiliated” voter, you may vote in the primary of any party you choose. You will remain an “unaffiliated” voter after voting in a particular party’s primary.
If you are affiliated with a particular party and wish to disaffiliate, you may do so by updating your voter registration at any time; The disaffiliation takes effect in 30 days, if you wish to vote in another party’s primary, you must disaffiliate at least 30 days before the primary date.
6/8/26
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Re: Rhode Island 2026 Legislation:
I have been in touch with my Representative at the State House to see if any of the 2026 (2A) Bills are moving forward before the Legislative session ends on June 30th. He told me that “nothing offensive outside of the “Suicide Notification Bill” for all ranges and gun clubs. This one is still being pushed forward.
FYI: Since “Blue States” eventually seem to follow suit with each other as far as negative 2A Bills – Here’s just a “heads-up” to what the State of Connecticut has done.
“Connecticut has just banned the Glock. Not the Glock switch. The Glock.
They sold this as a law against “Glock switches,” but those are already Federally prohibited. The real trick is the language: Connecticut’s law targets semi-automatic handguns with cruciform trigger bar that can allegedly be converted with a common tool.
That’s not describing a switch. That’s describing the internal design of Glock and Glock style pistols.
So instead of banning the illegal device criminals are already using, they banned the legal handgun that millions of Americans own and that police departments across the country carry every day.
California already passed a version of this. Maryland did too. Now Connecticut is joining the same playbook.
They can’t just say, “We’re banning one of the most popular handguns in America,” so they redefine it, dress it up in machine gun language, and hope nobody reads past the headline.
That’s the real danger. Because once they can redefine a Glock out of existence, the only question is, which gun they redefine next.”
From what I’ve read this takes effect October 1, 2026. People who already own these handguns are legally permitted to keep them. You can read the full text of the legislation via the Connecticut General Assembly website.
5-26-26
|
VOTER REGISTRATION AND DISAFFILIATION WORKSHOP |
|
You are invited to attend a special Voter Registration & Disaffiliation Workshop hosted by Leah Boisclair for State Representative District 36 (Block Island, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly), alongside Glenn Valentine of RI Gun Rights and hosted by the Bradford Sportsmen’s Club. |
|
TOPICS TO BE COVERED: |
|
• How disaffiliation works |
|
This is a great opportunity to get informed, meet fellow supporters, and help build momentum heading into primary season. |
|
EVENT DETAILS |
|
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026 |
|
Location: |
|
Food will be provided. |
|
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY! |
|
Everyone who attends will be entered for a chance to win part of a 500 round 9mm ammunition giveaway. |
|
We hope to see you there! |
|
For questions, contact: |
|
5-10-26
Political Action 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Note: the webmaster has created a new email address for political action. We’ve been having issues with emails going to everyone’s spam accounts or being undeliverable. Our “Political Action” email was given a poor rating with email providers such as Yahoo, Verizon, Cox – therefore emails were seen as spam. I’m hoping this change will be effective in getting our emails to members.
‘THE GAVEL CHANGED HANDS, THE MACHINE DID NOT”
Providence – Rhode Island did not just get a new Speaker of the House. It got a warning. Joe Shekarchi stepped away from the most powerful seat in the General Assembly to pursue a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Within hours, Chris Blazejewski, his longtime majority leader and expected successor, had the gavel. The public did not choose him for that job; the House Machine did. That is the first problem.
The speaker of the Rhode Island House is not just legislator with a larger office. The speaker controls the flow of power in the chamber. Bills live or die based on whether leadership wants them to move. Committees, calendars, floor votes, budget fights, and political pressure all run through that office.
Now that office belongs to Blazejewski, a Providence Democrat widely viewed as further left of Shekarchi. Supporters may celebrate that as progress. Rhode Islanders who are tired of one-party rule, rising costs, soft accountability, and an increasingly aggressive State House should see something else.
They should see a more progressive speaker inheriting the same centralized power structure that already gives ordinary voters too little influence over what happens on Smith Hill. This is not simply a personality change. It is a power change.
Shekarchi was no conservative. His House advanced major housing legislation, gun control, social policy, and large spending priorities. But Blazejewski comes in with a more openly progressive brand and a political base that expects movement. That means the House is likely to become more aggressive, not more restrained. For Rhode Island that is dangerous.
A more progressive House under a more centralized speaker means fewer guardrails on legislation that affects families, taxpayers, gun owners, landlords, small businesses, local governments, and parents.
It means bad bills move faster. It means controversial ideas may get softened in public language while advancing through the same insider process behind the scenes.
The concern is not only that Blazejewski is further left than Shekarchi. The concern for Rhode Island just handed the most powerful legislative office in the state to a further left leader without any meaningful debate over what that means.
That is how Rhode Island works too often. Power shifts inside the building first. The public hears about it after the votes are already lined up. The timing makes it worse.
The former speaker is now seeking a seat on the state’s highest court. His longtime deputy now controls the House. Even if every step is technically legal, the message to the public is poisonous. The same political class that dominates the lawmaking process is now reshuffling itself across the branches of government. Rhode Island does not need more insider succession. It needs more accountability.
Blazejewski’s rise should not be treated as a routine leadership story. It should be treated as a test of whether voters, media, and lawmakers are willing to question how much power one office should hold, how quietly that power can be transferred, and what happens when that power moves further left. The gavel changed hands. The machine did not.
5-10-26
Political Action 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Note: the webmaster has created a new email address for political action. We’ve been having issues with emails going to everyone’s spam accounts or being undeliverable. Our “Political Action” email was given a poor rating with email providers such as Yahoo, Verizon, Cox – therefore emails were seen as spam. I’m hoping this change will be effective in getting our emails to members.
FYI:
1. We have 5 more weeks of the legislative session. Since Joe Shekarchi stepped away from the Speaker position to pursue a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. We now have Chris Blazejewski with the gavel as House Speaker. He is even further left of Shekarchi. This is not good news for 2A supporters.
2. Stay in touch with our Rhode Island Gun Shops – I have heard that if you don’t have a carry license, the last day to purchase a firearm is June 22nd.
3. I have heard that the DOJ Civil Rights Division under Harmeet Dhillon is watching what the State of Rhode Island is doing with our 2A rights. I as well as other Rhode Islanders have been calling or writing their office. I have never reached a representative but have left messages regarding what is happening here in our state.
4. At this time the Department of Justice, with the appointment of Robert Cekada, ATF Chief – begins rolling back Federal Gun Rules and are focusing on a plan to eliminate or revise more than 30 firearm related rules. Many imposed by the Biden Administration. Hopefully, they can take their focus off law-abiding citizens and focus on criminals with firearms.
5. The Justice Department is Suing Colorado for Un-Constitutional Weapons Ban of Standard Capacity Firearms Magazines. The DOJ has also sued the City of Denver for Un-Constitutional Weapons Bans. Alleging that the city bans certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles. So called Assault Weapons.
Let’s hope these suits are just the beginning – and States like Rhode Island and Virginia are also on their radar.
You may submit a complaint to the new Civil Rights Second Amendment Section (regarding your right to keep and bear arms being infringed), submit your complaint through:
Justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section
4-28-26
Political Action 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
Since my last email on 4/15/26 regarding the Senate Hearing of 4/14/26 and the fact that they decided to hold the bills for further study. I have been sending emails and calling the State House to inquire if anything is going on with the bills or if anyone is aware of upcoming hearing dates.
On the House side: I was informed that “At this time it is unclear as to what is happening. While not really in the public widely, the expectation is that the Speaker will be handing over the gavel shortly. So, any arrangements that have been made with Shekarchi, will be essentially null and void when a new Speaker is chosen.”
No idea what this will mean for 2A advocates – depending on who becomes the next Speaker.
On the Senate side: “They haven’t heard anything yet. Probably will hear something in a few weeks.” Of course, they only have to give us 48 hours’ notice.
4-15-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
STATE HOUSE - SENATE HEARING ON GUN BILLS
Held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- All the gun bills have been held for further study.
At this time. Who knows what these people are planning. Please continue to keep in touch with your Representative and Senator.
4-13-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
4-11-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
STATE HOUSE - SENATE HEARING ON GUN BILLS
As always. we have very little notice of the Hearing:
Your presence matters, be respectful but firm, bring family and friends, carpool
Arrive at 2:00 if you can.
NOTICE OF MEETING
DATE: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
TIME: Rise of the Senate
PLACE: Room 313 - State House
Senate Bill No. 2153
BY Rogers, de la Cruz, E Morgan, Paolino, Raptakis
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3357/1} (Allows attorney general to enter into agreements with other states to recognize a concealed handgun permit as valid and authorizes RI to recognize and honor a concealed weapon permit from out of state with certain requirements.)
01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2155
BY Rogers, Paolino, de la Cruz, E Morgan, Raptakis
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3361/1} (Permits Rhode Island residents, 21 years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit.)
01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2163
BY de la Cruz, Ciccone, Burke, Dimitri, Appollonio, LaMountain, Rogers
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3327/1} (Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.)
01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2164
BY Rogers, de la Cruz, E Morgan, Paolino, Raptakis
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3348/1} (Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.)
01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2277
BY Rogers, Paolino, de la Cruz, Appollonio, Famiglietti, Tikoian, Ciccone, Raptakis, Patalano, Dimitri
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3293/1} (Defines suitable person for purposes of concealed carry pistol permit establishes reasons and information needed for applying for the permit, an appeal process and provides that records are not public records.)
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2283
BY de la Cruz, Rogers, Patalano, Dimitri, E Morgan, Paolino
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION {LC3342/1} (Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.)
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2285
BY Raptakis, Famiglietti, Appollonio, Burke, Rogers, Patalano, Thompson, Dimitri, Tikoian, Felag
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3461/1} (Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.)
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2295
BY McKenney, LaMountain, Bissaillon, Lawson, DiPalma
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3634/1} (Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.)
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2306
BY Rogers, E Morgan, de la Cruz, Paolino, Dimitri, Raptakis
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3353/1} (Permits possession or use of device that muffles sound on any firearm longer than 17†in length and permits the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license.)
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2314
BY Raptakis, Famiglietti, Appollonio, Tikoian, Burke, Felag, Thompson, Patalano, Ciccone, Dimitri
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- LARGE CAPACITY FEEDING DEVICE BAN OF 2022 {LC3454/1} (Makes a first offense of possessing a large capacity feeding device a misdemeanor and subsequent offenses felonies.)
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2395
BY Thompson, Dimitri, Burke, Ciccone, Famiglietti, Tikoian, Appollonio, Patalano, Raptakis, Paolino
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC4248/1} (Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.)
01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2611
BY Lauria, DiMario, LaMountain, McKenney, Mack, Ujifusa, Valverde, Euer, Acosta, Bissaillon
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY --THE RHODE ISLAND FIREARM INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2026 {LC4652/1} (Establishes the Rhode Island firearm industry accountability act of 2026.)
02/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2710
BY Mack, Lauria, Valverde, Kallman, McKenney, DiMario, Euer, Zurier, Ujifusa
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNLAWFUL SALE OF PROHIBITED FIREARMS {LC5538/1} (Restricts the possession of prohibited firearms.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2726
BY McKenney, Bissaillon, Britto, Gu, Zurier, DiPalma, Murray, Euer
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS -- RESPONSIBLE FIREARM PURCHASING ACT {LC5094/1} (Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2958
BY DiPalma, Lauria, DiMario, LaMountain
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5507/1} (Requires shooting ranges to post signs in any area in which shooting occurs that contain the following language: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “HOME†to 741741.)
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 2971
BY Valverde, Lauria, Kallman, Acosta, Ujifusa, Euer, DiMario, Urso, Murray
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT {LC4796/1} (Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.)
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 3108
(Attorney General)
BY DiPalma
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS {LC5641/1} (Allows a law enforcement agency to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.)
03/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Senate Bill No. 3110
(Attorney General)
BY Bissaillon, Quezada, McKenney
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5639/1} (Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.)
03/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
TESTIMONY SUBMITTAL
*Written Testimony must be submitted prior to 3:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in order for it to be provided to the members of the committee at the hearing and to be included in the meeting records.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Written testimony sent to the Senate and House is posted to this website. Do not submit any information that you do not want available to the public. Once written testimony is posted to the General Assembly website, submitted documents may be viewable via internet search engines.
TELEVISION AND LIVESTREAM INFORMATION
The meeting will be televised by Capitol Television on: Cox Communications, channels 15 and 61 for high definition; i3Broadband (Formerly Full Channel) on 15; and Verizon, on channel 34. Senate committee hearings may also air on Channel 75 for Cox Subscribers. Livestreaming is available at https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv
Adriana Carlucci
Committee Clerk
401-222-2381
POSTED: FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026, 4:00 PM
4-9-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
Note: Send any replies to this email to:
State House – House Judiciary Hearings:
Last night all the gun bills were held for further study. They may come up later, but none were pushed forward. For now!
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
“This is our first ALL HANDS-ON DECK event!!! Gun Bills are scheduled in the House for next Wednesday - April 8, 2026. Be at the State House starting at 1 p.m. – get there when you can. It will be a long day.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
NOTICE OF MEETING
DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: House Lounge – State House
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE PRO AND ANTI GUN BILLS –
GO ONTO: RI Gun Rights website
Also the change.org Petition has 7,700 signatures that will be delivered to the State House in regard to H8073
4-3-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
Here is a follow up from the Change.org Petition on the:
“Repeal Rhode Island House Bill H8073”
Per Alexandra, at Change.org: “their team works to connect petition starters and supporters with the public officials who have the power to act on the issues you care about.”
She spoke with the staff in the Office of the House speaker Joseph Shekarchi regarding this petition. They shared that the best next step for constituents is to reach out directly to the bill’s sponsor, Representative Teresa Tanzi, as her office is the most appropriate place to engage on this legislation.
With a hearing scheduled on April 8th, they emphasized that now is an important time for constituents to share their perspective directly.
You can contact Representative Tanzi here:
Email:
Phone: 401-222-2447
Address: State House, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903
Shekarchi’s staff noted that direct outreach from constituents is the most effective way to ensure your voice is heard ahead of the upcoming hearing.
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
“This is our first ALL HANDS-ON DECK event!!! Gun Bills are scheduled in the House for next Wednesday - April 8, 2026. Be at the State House starting at 1 p.m. – get there when you can. It will be a long day.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
NOTICE OF MEETING
DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: House Lounge – State House
SCHEDULED FOR HEARING AND/OR CONSIDERATION
House Bill No. 7035
BY Boylan, Caldwell, Tanzi, Ajello, Knight, Batista, Dawson, Kazarian, Felix, McEntee
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3615/1}
(Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.)
01/09/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7553
BY Noret, Place, Corvese, Chippendale, Dawson, Phillips, Bennett, J. Brien, Casey, Read
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC3892/1}
(Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.)
02/06/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7557
BY Donovan, Boylan, Speakman, Carson, Tanzi, Potter, Fogarty, Ajello, McGaw, Casimiro
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY --THE RHODE ISLAND
FIREARM INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2026 {LC4651/1} (Establishes the
Rhode Island firearm industry accountability act of 2026.)
02/06/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7636
BY Boylan, Caldwell, Casimiro, Dawson, Craven, Read, Batista, Felix, Ajello, Knight
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SUICIDE
PREVENTION--VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT {LC4974/1} (Creates
process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list
restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for
violations.)
02/11/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7647
BY McEntee, Spears, Craven, Casimiro, Bennett, Fogarty, Caldwell
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN - PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT -- JUVENILE RECORDS
(Allows access to juvenile criminal records in order to conduct firearm background checks.)
02/11/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7650
BY Lima, Fellela, Place, Corvese, Azzinaro, Kennedy, Bennett, Edwards, Phillips, Casey
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5081/1}
(Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun. It would impose criminal penalties for a person to sell or transfer a stun gun to a person under the age of eighteen (18).)
02/11/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
House Bill No. 7753
BY Read, Chippendale, Santucci, Noret, Serpa, Spears, O'Brien, Fascia, Corvese, Fellela
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISARMING A PEACE OFFICER {LC5246/1} (Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.)
02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
03/20/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
03/22/2026 Committee postponed at request of sponsor
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7754
BY Fogarty, Handy, Donovan, McEntee, Caldwell, Tanzi, Kazarian, Cortvriend, Carson
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5025/1}(Deletes the provision permitting out of state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states. It also corrects a minor typographical error.)
02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7755
BY Boylan, Tanzi, Dawson, Craven, Caldwell, Read, Batista, Stewart, Felix, Knight
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS -
RESPONSIBLE FIREARM PURCHASING ACT {LC4448/1} (Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.)
02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8067
(Attorney General)
BY Furtado, Boylan, Tanzi, Donovan, Alzate, Casimiro, Caldwell, Messier, Stewart, Potter
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5626/1} (Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8068 (Attorney General)
BY Boylan, Tanzi, Furtado, Ajello, Caldwell, Knight, Dawson, Diaz
AGENDA: HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5625/1}
(Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8069
BY Donovan, Boylan, Tanzi, Alzate, Speakman, Cortvriend, Casimiro, Cruz, Furtado, Potter
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5207/1} (Requires shooting ranges to post signs in any area in which shooting occurs that contain the following language: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “HOME†to 741741†.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8070
BY Hopkins, Casimiro, Casey, Noret, J. Brien, Place
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5454/1}
(Makes it permissible for any student, professor, or other employee of any public or private college or university, to carry, possess and have in their custody, possession and/or under their control, a stun-gun or pepper spray for purposes of self-defense.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8071
BY Caldwell, Potter, Boylan, Knight, Carson, McEntee, McGaw, Voas, Casimiro, Furtado
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5712/1}
(Prohibits the sale or transfer of ammunition unless the purchaser successfully undergoes a background check.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8072
BY Casey, Chippendale, Hopkins, J. Brien, Costantino, Corvese, O'Brien, Dawson, Read, Biah
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS {LC5748/1}
(Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8073
BY Tanzi, Boylan, Alzate, Stewart, Kislak, Handy, Ajello, Giraldo
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNLAWFUL SALE OF PROHIBITED FIREARMS {LC5614/1} (Restricts the possession of prohibited firearms.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8075
BY Caldwell, Potter, Boylan, Knight, Carson, McEntee, McGaw, Casimiro, Furtado, Ajello
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE
{LC5713/1} (Requires individuals who own firearms to obtain and continuously maintain a policy of liability insurance in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 dollars and exempts active duty law enforcement and military from this requirement.)
AGENDA: HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 8081
(Attorney General)
BY McEntee, Caldwell, Dawson, Spears, O'Brien, Edwards
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS {LC5627/1} (Allows a law enforcement agency to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.)
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
04/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
FOR INFORMATION ON TESTIMONY IN HOUSE COMMITTEES / FOR HOUSE COMMITTEE DOCUMENTS (you must go on-line to access)
TELEVISION AND LIVESTREAM INFORMATION
The meeting will be televised by Capitol Television on: Cox Communications, channels 15 and 61 for high definition; i3Broadband (Formerly Full Channel) on 15; and Verizon, on channel 34. Livestreaming is available at
https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv
ACCOMMODATIONS
The General Assembly strives to make the legislative process accessible to all. Anyone needing an accommodation to attend or testify at a legislative hearing, please contact Stacy Custer at
Roberta DiMezza
Committee Clerk
401-222-2258
4-1-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
FROM: “RI GUN RIGHTS”
|
||||||||||
|
4-1-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
I spoke with Senator Gordon Rogers recently and he gave me a little bit of insight as to what we are dealing with as far as the Democrats pushing these anti 2A bills.
He said the key to our future is getting gun club members/gun owners to vote. He said we have tens of thousands of gun club members in the State and if we all voted we have the numbers and we could enact change. We could vote out anti 2A politicians.
We need to vote in all the Primaries as well as General elections.
Note: Primary elections are important: when more voters participate in a primary election, it helps ensure that the candidates in the general election are more representative of the people.
He told me that the Democrats that are against us don’t care when we tell them they are violating the Constitution – they don’t care about the Constitution. They only care about power.
Democrats tell him, Jessica de la Cruz and other Pro 2A advocates at the State House that they will keep pushing these anti-gun bills because “We know your people don’t vote!”
“for instance - if we could get gun owners in the Warwick area to vote against Senator Mark McKenney that would send a message across the bow to all of them. This would be a huge wake up call to the libs. We need to vote out many, but this would send a message.”
We are in this position today – because gun owners don’t vote and anti-gun people do!
3/31/26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
Rhode Island’s Gun Package Is Not About Crime. It Is About Disarmament.
PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island lawmakers keep selling this year’s gun bills as public safety measures. But when the package is examined as a whole, the real pattern becomes obvious. This is not a focused effort to stop violent criminals. It is a legislative strategy to create new gun crimes, expand the number of prohibited persons, force the surrender of lawfully owned firearms, and steadily reduce private gun ownership in the state. The end state, you ask? Total disarmament, one way or another.
Rhode Island is not facing the kind of violent crime crisis politicians use to justify this agenda. In 2024, Rhode Island’s violent crime rate was about 154 per 100,000 people. That is far below the rates in California, Texas, and New York, the very kinds of states whose firearms policies are constantly held up as models. California was at 486, Texas at 389, and New York at 380. Rhode Island is already far safer than those states by that measure. The claim that Rhode Island must copy them in order to become safer does not hold up.
The deeper problem is that this year’s bills are not aimed at criminals using guns in robberies, shootings, or other violent acts. They are aimed at people who are lawfully buying, lawfully owning, or lawfully possessing firearms under current law. H7035 would limit firearm purchases to one in a thirty-day period, turning an otherwise lawful purchase into a criminal offense. H8071 would impose background checks on ammunition purchases and transfers, expanding regulation into another area of ordinary lawful conduct. H8067 and S2056 broaden the prohibited person framework by making firearm possession unlawful for more categories of people based on legal status. H8073 goes further by criminalizing possession of newly prohibited firearms and pairing that offense with forfeiture. H8069 layers new mandates onto shooting ranges through signage, supervision, and training requirements.
That is the real mechanism of the package. These bills do not need to catch a violent felon in the act in order to produce more gun crime cases. They create new classes of gun crime by changing the law underneath ordinary citizens. Conduct that is lawful today can become a crime tomorrow. A person who does not closely follow legislative changes can suddenly find himself exposed to criminal charges, loss of rights, confiscation of property, and permanent prohibited status based not on a violent act, but on a new legal classification. This is not rhetoric. It has already happened with the magazine capacity law in 2022 with hundreds of charges filed for that “crime” alone in the two plus years since it has taken effect.
That is why the package should be understood as attrition-based disarmament. Lawmakers do not need one sweeping bill that seizes every firearm at once. They can reach the same end in stages. Limit what people can buy. Expand what people cannot possess. Create new prohibitions. Force forfeiture when those new prohibitions are violated. Once a person is convicted, that conviction can then be used to strip future gun rights as well. Fewer people can lawfully own firearms. Fewer firearms remain in lawful circulation. More people are converted into prohibited persons. The machinery moves in one direction.
Even the safe storage politics follow the same pattern. H7145 does not meaningfully solve a new criminal problem. It renames the existing safe storage law as “Dillon’s Law,” wrapping an already enacted statute in emotional branding that makes future criticism or repeal more difficult. That is not serious crime policy. It is political insulation for a law that punishes owners for storage violations while doing nothing to increase penalties on the person who actually steals or misuses the gun.
The defenders of this package want the public to believe these bills are aimed at criminals. The bill texts tell a different story. This agenda is centered on status offenses, possessory offenses, purchase restrictions, forfeiture, and compliance mandates. It is about converting ordinary Rhode Islanders into offenders by legal redefinition and then using those violations to justify the removal of their firearms and the permanent destruction of their rights.
Rhode Island does not need to imitate states with much higher violent crime in order to become more like them. It should reject a policy agenda that treats lawful ownership as the problem and legal gun owners as the target. This is not a serious anti-crime package. It is a serious anti-gun package. And the end result is exactly what the structure of the bills suggests: fewer lawful gun owners, fewer lawfully owned guns, and more crimes that exist only because politicians created them. In other words: total disarmament, one step at a time.
3-18-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
THE FOLLOWING IS A REPLY TO A CLUB MEMBER’S LETTER: FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE CORVESE, (D) DISTRICT 55- PROVIDENCE
Warning - HE IS ALWAYS BLUNT
Dear Mr. _____________
First, you can "demand" all you want—the Rhode Island House of Representatives will make its legislative decisions based on due consideration and deliberation over time, not hollow cries of "demand." "Demand" carries no weight when the Left states it, and it carries no weight here.
Second, the National Association of Gun Rights is irrelevant to the milieu that is Rhode Island government and politics.
Having said that, let us address your concerns.
While I almost never respond to emails from residents in other Representative districts ( you are NOT my constituent) other than my own, I believe the importance of the subject matter before us deserves a response.
I am in complete agreement with the beliefs and opinions you have written in your email to me, and, as a strong believer and defender of the Second Amendment, I will be working against, and voting against, the bill.
Also—and I hesitate to say this—I do not believe (in solely my own personal opinion) this bill has any reasonable chance of passage, due to the fact the unfortunate Gun Control bill that passed last year (which I voted against) was the product of hours and hours of intense discussion, writing and rewriting, and negotiation. The final product is THE final product.
For now.
However, those elements in society and government that want to continue to chip away at your Second Amendment rights, and would like to eliminate ALL guns, will continue to work hourly, daily, using every conceivable political and governmental angle and opportunity to achieve their goal. THAT is why I hesitate to give you my opinion the bill will not pass. You, and the legion of men and women like you, who believe in this country and believe in the sanctity of the Second Amendment must NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN. You, and those like-minded, must continue to talk, discuss, plan, organize, in order to make your opposition known to this bill, and those like it, bills that will do NOTHING to curtail gun violence but serve only to strip law-abiding citizens and gun owners of their Constitutional Second Amendment rights!
To make sure bills like this never become law.
In addition, you should find a way to ORGANIZE with the hundreds of other concerned citizens who are sending these emails out against House Bill 8073 and be more concerned with opposing and defeating House Bills 7035 ; 7755 ; 8068 ; 8071; and 8075.
Sincerely,
Arthur J. Corvese
State Representative, District 55
3-16-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
ARTICLE FROM RI GUN RIGHTS:
Alerts | Legislation Update
H8073: Rhode Island Moves Toward Confiscation of Legally Owned Firearms
By
RIGR Admin
March 16, 2026
For years Rhode Island anti-gun politicians repeated the same line.
“We are not trying to take your guns.”
House Bill H8073 (link to read the bill) shows exactly how empty that promise was.
What This Bill Does
The 2025 law banned future sales of certain firearms.
H8073 makes possession of those same firearms illegal.
Sell it, move it out of state, or become a felon.
Introduced on February 27, 2026 and now sitting in the House Judiciary Committee, the bill expands the 2025 gun ban and targets firearms that Rhode Islanders already legally own.
The Key Change
The 2025 law restricted the manufacture, sale, transfer, and purchase of firearms the state labeled as “prohibited firearms.” During that debate legislators removed the confiscation provision and allowed firearms that were owned before the law went into effect to remain legal through so-called grandfathering.
Now it’s back.
H8073 adds one word to the law: “possession.“
The statute would now prohibit anyone from manufacturing, selling, transferring, possessing, or purchasing a prohibited firearm.
That single change turns a ban on future sales into a ban on ownership.
Rhode Islanders who legally purchased these firearms could now become felons for simply keeping their justly acquired private property.
Forced Disposal
The bill gives current owners a short window to get rid of their firearms.
Anyone who already possesses one would have until December 31, 2026 to:
sell it to a federally licensed dealer, or
transfer it to someone outside Rhode Island who can legally possess it
After that deadline, possession becomes a felony.
In plain terms the state is ordering citizens to sell their property, move it out of state, or become a criminal.
That is de facto confiscation.
Criminal Penalties
What could not pass last year as confiscation is now being pushed through by redefining possession as a crime.
Violating this law carries serious consequences.
Someone convicted under the statute could face:
up to 10 years in prison
fines up to $10,000
permanent forfeiture of the firearm
That means a Rhode Island resident who followed every law when purchasing their firearm could still be arrested, prosecuted, and ultimately thrown into a cage for refusing to give it up.
Gun owners were told their firearms would be grandfathered. Now the same lawmakers are trying to turn those owners into felons.
What Happens Next
House Bill H8073 is currently before the House Judiciary Committee, which will decide whether the bill advances.
This stage of the process is where show up and apply public pressure.
Take Action (What you can do now)
Contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and tell them to oppose H8073.
Concerned citizens should:
all committee members
Send emails expressing their opposition
Share this information with other Rhode Islanders
House Judiciary Committee Members
Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee [D] — (401) 222-4435 —
Rep. Jason Knight [D] — (401) 222-4435 —
Rep. Matthew S. Dawson [D] — (401) 222-1725 —
Rep. Edith H. Ajello [D] — (401) 222-2296 —
Rep. Jose F. Batista [D] — (401) 222-1224 —
Rep. David A. Bennett [D] — (401) 222-2369 —
Rep. Justine A. Caldwell [D] — (401) 222-4263 —
Rep. Julie A. Casimiro [D] — (401) 222-4263 —
Rep. Arthur J. Corvese [D] — (401) 222-1591 —
Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr. [D] — (401) 222-2258 —
Rep. Cherie L. Cruz [D] — (401) 222-2447 —
Rep. Leonela Felix [D] — (401) 222-2447 —
Rep. Marie A. Hopkins [R] — (401) 222-2259 —
Rep. Thomas E. Noret [D] — (401) 222-4435 —
Rep. David J. Place [R] — (401) 222-2259 —
Join the RI Gun Rights Community!
If you are not already a member of the RI Gun Rights community, you need to join. This is how we avoid big tech censorship and stay connected when critical legislation like H8073 moves through the State House.
Our community allows Rhode Island gun owners to communicate directly, share information, organize, and mobilize without relying on social media platforms that routinely suppress pro-Second Amendment voices.
When major bills are introduced or hearings are scheduled, this is where alerts and updates will be posted first.
Join Now!
Subscribe to the RI Gun Rights Newsletter:
For updates, analysis, and action alerts continue following RI Gun Rights. We will notify supporters as soon as this bill is scheduled for a public hearing.
3-11-26 POLITICAL ACTION 2026
RE: CONNECTICUT IS REDEFINING FIREARM PARTS. RHODE ISLAND SHOULD PAY ATTENTION
PROVIDENCE – A bill moving in Connecticut offers Rhode Islanders a clear look at what the next phase of gun legislation can look like when lawmakers stop arguing about entire firearms and start redefining the parts.
Connecticut House Bill 5436 would expand the legal definition of a firearm so that it includes certain components on their own. The bill defines a major firearm component as the barrel, slide or cylinder, or frame or receiver, then treats those components as firearms under state law October 1, 2026. A public hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026.
This is not just a Connecticut issue. Rhode Island is already on the same pathway, just a few steps behind. Last year, Rhode Island House Bill 5436 was an assault weapons ban proposal. That bill is not the same as Connecticut’s, even though the number looks identical. Same number, different state, different year, different text.
This year Rhode Island House Bill 8073 proposes the next step: adding possession to the list of prohibited acts in Rhode Island’s prohibited firearms law. In other words what began as a restriction on new sales and transfers would become a direct criminal ban on keeping what you already own.
That is where the Connecticut bill becomes a warning for Rhode Island. If lawmakers ever import the same definition change here, they would not need to announce a headline ban on spare parts. By labeling barrels and slides as firearms, the state could attach existing transfer restrictions and possession penalties to items that are routinely swapped for repairs, upgrades, and normal customization.
The disruption is not theoretical. Barrels and slides are typically not treated as uniquely traceable items in the way frames and receivers are. Redefining them as firearms turn ordinary conduct into a legal question. Is it lawful to keep a spare slide for a carry pistol? Is it lawful to sell a factory barrel to a friend after an upgrade? Is it lawful to ship a slide to a gunsmith and have it returned? These are not edge cases. They are normal maintenance and common practices.
Rhode Islanders should understand the playbook before it arrives here. Supply bans come first. Possession bans come next. Then the parts and definitions follow, because a simple change in terminology can expand enforcement without relitigating the whole debate in public.
3-8-26 POLITICAL ACTION 2026
RE: “THE POSTER BILL IS HERE, AND IT IS WORSE THAN ADVERTISED”
Re: Suicide Prevention
PROVIDENCE – When this idea first surface on a closed-door meeting between gun control activists and progressive lawmakers, it sounded like the usual kind of political theatre: a gun range “safety” proposal built around suicide messaging, more symbolism than substance. Now that the bill is public, Rhode Islands can see that House Bill H8069 is worse than imagined. It goes much further than a simple sign on the wall.
This bill would require shooting ranges to post a warning in any area where shooting occurs telling people in distress to call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741. But that is only the beginning. H8069 would also require that any nonmember using a membership range be accompanied by a member or staff person, starting January 1, 2027, it would require range employees to complete Department of Health approved training on recognizing suicide warning signs and interacting with a person in crisis.
That is what makes the proposal worse than it first sounded. What was easy to dismiss as a poster bill is actually a broader operational mandate on lawful gun ranges, adding staffing, supervision, and training requirements under the banner of public safety.
If lawmakers were serious about suicide prevention, the real focus would be upstream, where crisis begin and where intervention can matter most: mental health care, crisis response, treatment access, and family support. Instead, this bill shifts responsibility onto shooting ranges, turning them into a last stop in a failed system and pretending that a sign, an escort requirement, and employee training amount to a real solution.
Worse, once that responsibility is shifted, the ranges will also be the first to be blamed if another incident occurs. That lets the state hide the real problem, a broken mental health system that waits until the point of crisis, then looks for someone else to hold responsible when the warning signs were missed long before a person ever walked onto a range.
H8069 is not serious prevention. It is a feel-good mandate dressed up as policy, and now that the text is public, the scope is clearer than ever.
3-8-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
RE: “A PAYWALL ON A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT”
PROVIDENCE – H8075 is not a public safety bill. It is a financial barrier aimed straight at the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right.
The bill would require every firearm owner to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance, keep proof of that coverage where firearms are stored or when they are transported, and produce that proof to police during a lawful encounter. If the owner fails to maintain the policy, the bill says their “registration, license and any other privilege” to own a firearm is revoked. That is not a narrow safety measure. That is a pay-to-keep scheme for a constitutional right.
And the goal is obvious. H8075 does not disarm violent criminals. It does not target gang members, armed robbers, or repeat offenders who already ignore the law. It targets the lawful owner first, because the lawful owner is the one who can be monitored, billed, burdened, and priced out.
For many ordinary Rhode Islanders, a new government mandated insurance requirement tied to firearm ownership would function exactly as intended: not as a technical rule, but as a cost barrier.
That is why this bill reads like the firearms version of a poll tax. The state does not have to ban the right outright if it can make exercising it expensive enough, inconvenient enough, and risky enough that normal people give up. A right that can only be exercised by those who can afford an ongoing government-imposed price tag is no longer being treated like a right at all.
This bill is also legally aggressive. In Heller, the Supreme Court rejected treating the Second Amendment as a second-class right subject to open-ended interest balancing, and in Bruen the Court again rejected the old means-end scrutiny framework that lower courts had used to uphold all manner of gun restrictions. H8075 invites exactly that kind of boundary-pushing by attaching a recurring financial condition to mere ownership itself. It is an attempt to test how far lawmakers can go in turning a protected liberty into a regulated subscription.
And then comes the insult on top of the burden: active-duty law enforcement and active-duty military are exempt. Ordinary citizens get the mandate. Government actors do not. The message could not be clearer. The political class and its preferred categories can be trusted, but the average Rhode Islander must pay for permission.
Even the drafting is a mess. H8075 threatens revocation of a firearm “registration,” yet the bill does not create a registration system of its own. That is what happens when lawmakers are more interested in pushing the next restriction than in writing careful coherent law.
H8075 should be seen for what it is: a bill designed to push constitutional limits and price people out of exercising a fundamental right. It is not serious public safety policy. It is economic discrimination dressed up as regulation.
#rememberthesonsofliberty
3-6-26
Pg. 1 of 6
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
RE: NEW LEGISLATION SIMPLIFIED / change.org Petition
Shane Gravel prepared this document as a follow up to my 3/2/26 document:
Here’s a bullet point checklist so you understand exactly what’s being presented!
FIRST, what the law is going to entail
SECOND, listed after the law review, what is a prohibited firearm
#1 . RI House Bill H8073 — Quick Bullet-Point Checklist
Core change
• ⬜ Expands existing law to ban possession of “prohibited firearms”, not just sale/manufacture.
New criminal prohibition
• ⬜ Makes it illegal to manufacture prohibited firearms.
• ⬜ Makes it illegal to sell or offer to sell prohibited firearms.
• ⬜ Makes it illegal to transfer prohibited firearms.
• ⬜ Makes it illegal to purchase prohibited firearms.
• ⬜ Makes it illegal to possess prohibited firearms (major change).
Penalties
• ⬜ Up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both.
• ⬜ Firearm subject to forfeiture/confiscation if convicted.
What current owners would be allowed to do
• ⬜ If someone already legally owns a prohibited firearm before July 1, 2026:
• They may sell or transfer it to a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL).
• Or sell/transfer it to someone outside Rhode Island who can legally own it.
• ⬜ These transfers must occur by December 31, 2026.
Dealer exceptions
• ⬜ FFL dealers can transfer prohibited firearms:
• To another FFL dealer
• To law enforcement agencies
• To individuals outside Rhode Island who can legally possess them.
Law enforcement exception
• ⬜ Law enforcement agencies can import, purchase, possess, and transfer prohibited firearms for official use.
Effective date
• ⬜ Takes effect immediately upon passage of the act.
___________________________________________________________________
#2. Definition of a “Prohibited Firearm” simplified “One-Sentence Rule”
firearm is considered prohibited in these bills if it is:
* A semi-automatic rifle, shotgun, or pistol with certain military-style features OR high-capacity fixed magazines.
“Full Rule” Based on RI Assault Weapons Ban Act definitions used by H8073)
1. Semi-Automatic Rifles (Category 1)
A rifle becomes a prohibited firearm if it is:
⬜ Semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine over 10 rounds
OR
⬜ Semi-automatic rifle that can accept a detachable magazine AND has at least one of the following features:
• ⬜ Folding stock
• ⬜ Telescoping stock
• ⬜ Detachable stock
• ⬜ Pistol grip protruding below the action
• ⬜ Thumbhole stock
• ⬜ Bayonet mount
• ⬜ Flash suppressor
• ⬜ Threaded barrel designed to accept flash suppressor
• ⬜ Barrel shroud allowing support-hand grip
• ⬜ Grenade launcher mount
2. Semi-Automatic Shotguns
A shotgun becomes a prohibited firearm if it is:
⬜ Semi-automatic shotgun with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 6 rounds
OR
⬜ Semi-automatic shotgun capable of accepting a detachable magazine AND has one of the following:
• ⬜ Folding stock
• ⬜ Telescoping stock
• ⬜ Detachable stock
• ⬜ Pistol grip
• ⬜ Thumbhole stock or similar protruding grip
OR
⬜ Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder
3. Semi-Automatic Pistols
A pistol becomes a prohibited firearm if it is:
⬜ Semi-automatic pistol with fixed magazine capacity over 10 rounds
OR
⬜ Semi-automatic pistol capable of accepting a detachable magazine AND has one of the following:
• ⬜ Magazine located outside the pistol grip
• ⬜ Threaded barrel capable of accepting:
• suppressor
• barrel extender
• flash suppressor
• forward grip
• ⬜ Barrel shroud allowing two-hand forward grip
• ⬜ Unloaded weight 50 oz or more
• ⬜ Buffer tube / arm brace / shoulder-style rear extension
4. Belt-Fed Firearms
⬜ Any semi-automatic firearm capable of accepting a belt-fed ammunition feeding device
5. Modified Firearms
⬜ Any firearm modified to meet the assault-weapon definition
Examples:
• Modified rifle to add threaded barrel or flash suppressor
• Added pistol grip or folding stock
6. “Parts or Conversion Kits”
The law also includes constructive possession provisions:
⬜ A combination of parts from which a prohibited firearm could be assembled
Examples:
• Upper + lower + parts kit intended to build prohibited configuration
• Conversion kits turning a firearm into an assault-weapon configuration
7. Magazine / Feeding Device Definitions (Referenced)
Important supporting definitions in the bill:
Detachable Magazine
⬜ A magazine that can be removed without disassembling the firearm
Semi-Automatic
⬜ Fires one round per trigger pull and automatically chambers the next round
8. Explicit Exceptions
These are NOT considered prohibited firearms:
⬜ .22 caliber rimfire rifles with tubular magazines
⬜ Manually operated firearms, such as:
• Bolt-action rifles
• Pump shotguns
• Lever-action rifles
• Break-action firearms
⬜ Revolvers and most standard pistols without listed features
Important connection to H8073:
• H5436 / S0359A created the definition of “prohibited firearm.”
• H8073 expands enforcement by banning possession of those firearms, not just sale or transfer.
3-2-26
3/2/26 Pg. 1 of 2
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
RE: LAW MAKER’S CHANGE IN WORDING –
HOW TO MAKE LAW ABIDING CITIZEN’S FELON’S
THEY PROMISED IT WOULD NEVER END, AND THEY WERE RIGHT:
Providence – Last year, Rhode Island politicians told the public that their so-called assault weapons law was a reasonable line. It was sold as a restriction on future sales, not a direct criminal ban on mere possession. Now, before that law has even fully taken effect, H8073 and S2710 prove what critics warned from the start: it was never going to end there.
These two companion bills would take the current law and make it harsher in the most direct way possible. They add possession itself to the list of prohibited acts. That means Rhode Islanders who legally bought these firearms, obeyed the law, paid for their property, and kept it in good faith would now be told to get rid of it by the end of 2026 or face criminal punishment. That is not moderation. That is part of an ongoing pattern of anti-American behavior.
And it is an escalation being pushed by specific lawmakers who deserve to be named. In the House, H8073 was introduced by Teresa A. Tanzi, Jennifer Boylan, Karen Alzate, Jennifer A. Stewart, Rebecca Kislak, Arthur Handy, Edith H. Ajello, Joshua J. Giraldo, John G. Edwards, David Morales. In the Senate, S2710 was introduced by Senators Tiara T. Mack, Pamela J. Lauria, Bridget Valverde, Meghan E. Kallman, Mark McKenney, Alana M. DiMario, Victoria Gu, Dawn Euer, Samuel D. Zurier, Linda L. Ujifusa.
The most revealing part is not even the text. It is the pattern. Behind closed doors, advocates have already said the quiet part out loud: no one round of legislation does not get them everything they want, so they will keep working, keep adding, keep tightening, and keep wearing people down until a right becomes a privilege. That is not reform. That is attrition.
These bills are also legally vulnerable. In District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court said the Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes. In Caetano v. Massachusetts, the Court made clear that Constitutional protection is not limited to weapons that existed in 1791. That does not automatically decide how every court would rule on H8073 or S2710, but it does make one thing obvious: the sponsors are not operating on constitutional ground. They are testing how far the local judicial activist judges are willing to let them push.
The real scandal here. These lawmakers are not responding to some newly discovered loophole. They are reopening a bill they passed last year because the last restriction was not enough for them. It never is. First, they ban future sales. Then they move to possession. Then they shorten deadlines. Then they add penalties. Then they call the next demand reasonable too.
Rhode Islanders should treat H8073 and S2710 as a warning. The anti-American lawmakers behind these bills are not trying to draw a line in the sand. They are trying to move it, again and again, until lawful ownership itself becomes temporary, conditional, and disposable at the command of the state. That is not serious lawmaking. This is not even honest lawmaking. This is a campaign of erosion against a constitutional right, one that has already had Supreme Court rulings against these policies. And it deserves to be rejected just as forcefully as it is being forced upon us.
WLRG Political Action 3-2-26
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS:
Go on to: “WASHINGTON GUN LAW YOUTUBE”
The clip titled: “The State that lied to its Citizens, and now wants to take their guns”
2-17-26
2/17/26 Pg. 1 of 4
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
RE: PROPOSED BLUE CARD CHANGES
The following are (2) articles I have seen in the last week. The first one from last week prompted me to send emails out to Senators and Representatives requesting clarification on this “new” unknown Blue Card Bill as well as on the “Mag Bill” changes I posted previously. I received a text from one of the Reps. that he will give me a call to discuss. I’ve also left messages for the others (for when they are back in the office) to contact me.
New Bill Reigniting Firearm Rights Fight in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE — A week after secret behind closed doors meetings between legislators and gun control advocates over what opponents described as private strategy conversations around new gun legislation was leaked to our sources, action is taking place. House Bill H7755 is now officially filed in the Rhode Island General Assembly and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would revise the firearm purchase application process and require most people seeking to possess a firearm to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course, with exceptions for police and military personnel.
For supporters, the proposal is framed as a safety measure. For many current and prospective lawful gun owners, it is viewed as a rights burden that adds cost, time, and bureaucracy to an already regulated process. Opponents argue that if training access is uneven across communities, delays and practical barriers could prevent otherwise eligible residents from exercising a constitutional right in any practical sense.
The first people affected by H7755 are expected to be law abiding Rhode Islanders who are trying to follow the legal path to firearm ownership, especially first time buyers. If the bill requirements take effect as filed, the earliest burden will likely fall on residents who must locate an approved course, pay for it, and complete it before moving forward in the state process. Critics argue this does not target criminals at all, but instead adds process pressure for people with no disqualifying record who are trying to comply with the law.
The impact could be felt most sharply by lower income workers, single parents, and applicants with limited transportation or inflexible work hours. In practice, even modest new requirements can become major barriers when course seats are limited, travel is difficult, or documentation takes time to process. Opponents say that when access depends on money, time, and geography, a constitutional right can become easier to exercise for some communities than for others, creating unequal access under a single statewide rule.
If enacted broadly, the ripple effects would likely extend to current lawful owners and to the state training and compliance infrastructure, including instructors, ranges, and agencies processing paperwork. Capacity limits in any part of that system could create additional delays for people attempting to comply, while uncertainty over timelines and documentation could increase the risk of technical violations for otherwise lawful owners.
The constitutional fight is likely to be central, and this proposal is an infringement under the Second Amendment and under Article I, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. Any state policy conditioning lawful possession on mandatory prerequisites must survive serious scrutiny if it functions as a financial or logistical barrier for ordinary residents. Rights cannot depend on a process people cannot reasonably access.
H7755 also arrives in a policy environment where firearms measures can evolve during session, including through amendments and package negotiations. That is why civil liberties advocates are urging residents to track committee hearings closely, review final text line by line, and submit testimony early. Whether this bill advances or stalls, it is poised to become a benchmark in Rhode Island for where lawmakers and courts draw the line between public safety regulation and constitutional limits on government power.
FIRST ARTICLE:
“I already hold a Rhode Island blue card. I did what the state asked: I studied the law, passed the test, and accepted that if I wanted to buy a handgun here, there were rules to follow. That’s a deal a lot of gun‑owning Rhode Islanders have made in good faith.
Now we’re hearing about a new “Responsible Firearms Purchasing Act” being quietly pitched to activists as the next big gun‑control victory. From what’s been described, this isn’t a small tweak. It’s a fundamental rewrite of what it means to be allowed to buy a firearm in Rhode Island. Expanded training. Mandatory live‑fire. Ongoing recertification just to keep the practical ability to exercise a constitutional right.
Let’s be clear: most gun owners I know support reasonable safety measures. We already accept background checks, waiting periods, and the blue card exam. We teach our kids the rules, lock up our firearms, and understand that rights come with responsibility. The question is not whether we should have any rules. The question is whether the state can keep moving the goalposts until ordinary working people are effectively priced out of their Second Amendment rights altogether.
Turning the blue card into a permit‑to‑purchase system with recurring mandates doesn’t hit everyone the same. If you have money, a flexible job, and free weekends, you can probably absorb extra classes, live‑fire requirements, and periodic renewals. But if you’re a nurse working nights, a single parent juggling childcare, or a veteran on a fixed income, every new fee and every hour you have to carve out is another reason to just give up. A right you can only exercise after repeated, expensive hoops is not really a right for everyone. It becomes a privilege for the people who can afford it.
There’s also a basic fairness issue. Many of us took the test, earned the blue card, and were told it was good for life. Now, with no public text to review, we’re being told that deal might be torn up in private meetings before regular Rhode Islanders even see what’s in the bill. That’s not how you treat citizens who followed the rules. And it’s not how a healthy democracy should make major changes to any civil right, whether you care about the Second Amendment, speech, or voting.
You don’t have to be a Republican to see the problem here. Even if you never plan to buy a firearm, you should be uneasy with the idea that any right can be slowly transformed into something you have to keep “re‑earning” through fees, certifications, and government permission slips. Today it’s gun ownership. Tomorrow it could be another right you care about.
I’m a right‑leaning independent. I believe the Second Amendment means something, and I believe law‑abiding adults should not be priced or papered out of lawful ownership. I also believe in honest, transparent lawmaking and in safety rules that are clear, accessible, and applied equally. If legislators truly think the current blue card system needs improvement, they should release the full bill text, hold open forums across the state, and be prepared to grandfather existing cardholders or strictly limit new burdens so working‑class Rhode Islanders are not shut out.
Responsible gun ownership is already the norm in this state. What’s being discussed now isn’t about turning criminals into responsible people. It’s about making it harder, more expensive, and more conditional for the people who follow the law. That’s a conversation we should be having in the open, not in closed rooms. And it’s a bill every Rhode Islander Republican, Democrat, and independent should read for themselves before anyone dares to call it “responsible.”
#RhodeIslandPulse #RIPolitics #BlueCardDebate #RIGunRights #RightsAndResponsibility #LetRhodeIslandersBeHeard
2-8-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
GASPEE PROJECT VOTER REGISTRATION EVENTS
Recently released data from Vote4America indicates 10 million hunters and gun owners in the United States are not registered to vote. The figures, according to a New York Post article, “…show that if Republicans don’t address political apathy among their gun-owning base in key swing states, they’ll have far fewer voters in their arsenal to score victories this November.”
The verbiage in the above paragraph comes from an americanhunter.org article in Aug of 2024. This problem has not improved over the past 15mo. Though unsure of the exact percentage in RI, we know it is high! I simply ask, why do gun owners not care about their own rights let alone their families rights, let alone the constitutional rights of everyone?
We are encouraging ALL 2A non-voters to register to vote and inactive voters to start doing so this year. That is the biggest hope in this project. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Registered voters can get in on this as well!! If y'all want a chance to win the AR-15 signed by Gen Mike Flynn, all one needs to do is tough it out through the current snow, stop into any of these locations, and sign up for the Gaspee Project email/postal mail list for election information down the road for the midterms. While you're there, stock up on anything you need too!!!
BEGINNING ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7TH THROUGH THE END OF THE WEEK AT THE FOLLOWING GUN STORES: SURPLUS, DL, BIG BEAR AND THE RANGE RI. ALSO, I WAS TOLD - “UNBEKNOWST TO THE PUBLIC THEY WILL BE DOING ANOTHER ROUND WITH MORE GUNS TO WIN”.
Gaspee Project is working on contacting other gun shops to continue with this project.
2-8-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026
STAY INFORMED – SIGN UP WITH THE FOLLOWING:
1. The Gaspee Project: gaspeeproject.com
RI Gun Rights: rigunrights.com
. WE THE PEOPLE OF R.I. FOR 2A Preservation (Facebook)
R Rhode Island 2nd Amendment Coalition
Senator Jessica de la Cruz: https://www.jessicaforri.com
2-8-26
POLITICAL ACTION 2026 pg. 1 of 2
Article from: WE THE PEOPLE OF R.I. for 2A Preservation
RE: 2022 Ban
“Felony Too Harsh, So Try a Misdemeanor
Providence – When Rhode Island Lawmakers passed the Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban of 2022, they framed it as a public safety measure. What they got instead was a law that proved difficult to enforce in practice, especially against non-violent, purely possessory cases involving items that were legal when purchased. Now with Senate bill S2314, lawmakers appear to be taking the next step not to fix the law’s fairness problems, but to make sure it finally produces convictions.
Under the 2022 ban, there was no grandfather clause. Lawful owners were told after the fact that they had to permanently modify their property, remove it from the state, sell it, or surrender it. Failure to act turned otherwise law-abiding residents into criminals overnight. In real courtrooms, that translated into felony charges for conduct that involved no violence, no threats, and no criminal intent.
That approach ran into resistance. According to outcome data released by the Attorney General’s office, the overwhelming majority of magazine capacity cases did not end in felony convictions. Charges were frequently dropped or resolved through nolo contendere pleas. Whether out of prosecutorial discretion, judicial discomfort, or simple recognition that the punishment did not fit the conduct, the system hesitated to brand nonviolent residents as felons over possession alone.
S2314 reads like a response to that failure. Instead of reconsidering the underlying ban or adding meaningful protections for people caught in the transition, the bill lowers the first offense to a misdemeanor while preserving felony exposure for subsequent charges. The message is hard to miss: if the felony was too heavy to stick, offer a lighter hook that is more likely to land. This is not mercy. It is a strategy.
By reframing the first offense as a misdemeanor, the state makes it easier to extract guilty pleas, harder for defendants to justify fighting the charge, and more comfortable for courts to impose punishment. What might have once ended in a
Page 2 of 2
dismissal can now end in a conviction and a permanent record, even though the underlying conduct has not changed.
All of this is happening while the 2022 law itself remains under constitutional challenge. Instead of waiting for clarity from the courts, lawmakers are doubling down, refining enforcement mechanics to ensure more people are swept up in the system before the legality of the ban is even settled.
The human cost will not fall on violent offenders. It will fall on ordinary Rhode Islanders who bought legal property, missed a deadline, or simply were not aware that the laws had changed. People who pose no threat to anyone will face criminal records because lawmakers were dissatisfied with how often prosecutors or judges declined to ruin lives over possession alone.
S2314 does not make the law fairer. It makes it stickier. And that should worry anyone who believes laws should punish actual wrongdoing, not retroactively criminalize ordinary people and then adjust the penalties until convictions become convenient.
#rememberthesonsofliberty
10/1/25
POLITICAL ACTION
VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT AT WLRGC
TO: WLRGC MEMBERS, YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
We are holding a voter registration event on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Club during the Civil War Reenactment event that is happening over the weekend. The event will start at 9:30 am.
This is to provide an easy and comfortable way for our club members their families and friends to come to the club and register to vote.
It is important for all of us to participate in the political process. Voting is one important way to have your voice heard by voting for candidates you believe in and/or voting against incumbents who you feel are not serving us.
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action
10/1/25
9/24/25
POLITICAL ACTION
MASSACHUSETTS REGISTRATION & SERIALIZATION SYSTEMS
September 24, 2025
TO: WLRGC MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS and NON-RESIDENTS (who enter the state of MA for hunting, competition, carrying, or any use other than traveling through:
There is information in regard to the Massachusetts web-based systems for Registration and Serialization mandates. Per GOAL they should be on-line sometime in October 2025.
When the systems come on-line that will set the compliance timeline in motion. The critical time-line under Chapter 135 Sections 157 & 158 is that both registration and serialization compliance is mandated one year after the systems have been established and activated.
Registration
This includes frames, receivers, and unfinished frames or receivers.
WARNING: This system, just like the current system, will allow you to register firearms that you cannot legally possess in Massachusetts.
Question: Do I have to register firearms I already have?
Answer: According to the November 14, 2024 Guidance Letter from the Commonwealth 8a- If you have already registered your firearms on the current transaction portal, you will not have to re-register them when the new system goes live.
Question: Do I have to register all guns?
Answer: The only exemption is for "Antique Firearms" (see definition below).
Chapter 140, Section 121B: “All firearms possessed, manufactured or assembled in the commonwealth shall be registered in accordance with this section.”
One year after the online registration system is available, all firearm registrations shall be completed at the time of firearm import, purchase, acquisition, manufacture or assembly according to the following timelines:
New residents have 60 days to register their firearms with the Commonwealth.
Retailers, gunsmiths, distributors or manufacturers have 7 days to register inventory once the firearms have been acquired.
An heir or “devisee” through the distribution of an estate has 60 days to comply.
If a firearm is manufactured or assembled as a privately made firearm it must be registered within 7 days.
It is very important to note the new definition of “Firearm” now includes
Frames or receivers
Unfinished frames or receivers. (See definition below)
Non-residents
All non-residents must register their firearm/s prior to entering the state for hunting, competition, carrying, or any use other than traveling through.
Commentary:
There are many questions as to whether the current MIRCs system will be used to fulfill these mandates. There has been no official word from the state on this matter. It is unclear how non-residents will comply or even be warned.
Serialization
This includes frames, receivers, and unfinished frames or receivers.
Chapter 140, Section 121C: All firearms shall have a serial number in accordance with the requirements of this section within one year after the online serialization system is available:
Serial Number Standards:
Shall be conspicuously engraved, cast or otherwise permanently embedded.
Have a unique serial number on the frame or receiver.
Shall be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or removed.
Shall be engraved, cast or otherwise permanently embedded to a depth of not less than .003 inches.
The print size not less than 1/16 inch.
If the firearm (including frames and receivers) are made from non-metallic materials, they are required to have a metal plate permanently embedded.
Compliance timelines once initiated:
New residents moving into the Commonwealth have 7 days to comply.
Firearms acquired by heirs or "devisees" through distribution of an estate have 60 days to comply.
Retailers, gunsmiths, distributors or manufacturers must comply within 7 days of import or acquisition.
Exemptions for serialization:
Being delivered to law enforcement for the sole purpose of their destruction.
Possessed by common carriers and their employees and agents while performing the regular and ordinary transport of firearms.
Firearms possessed by individuals lawfully traveling through the Commonwealth in the care and custody of a nonresident owner. Must be stored in accordance with sections 131C and 131L.
That are the property of the government of the United States.
Produced by federally licensed manufacturers not for sale in the Commonwealth.
Manufactured prior to October 22, 1968.
Antique Firearms (Definition below) This exemption is not spelled out in the law. The only way to find it is through the definition of "firearm" which excludes "antique firearms".
Serial Number Requests:
The state is to establish the serial number request system.
Definitions & References:
Draft Registration Regs:
https://irp.cdn-website.com/7a261750/files/uploaded/DRAFT_Registration_Regs.-_501_CMR_19.00.pdf
Draft Serialization Regs:
https://irp.cdn-website.com/7a261750/files/uploaded/DRAFT_Serialization_Regs.-_501_CMR_20.00.pdf
Chapter 135, Section 157. … all firearms shall be registered in accordance with this act and not later than 1 year after said electronic firearms registration system is completed and publicly available.
Chapter 135, Section 158. … that all firearms shall be serialized in accordance with this act and not later than 1 year after said serial number request system is completed and publicly available.
“Antique firearm”, any firearm or replica thereof manufactured in or prior to the year 1899 if such firearm: (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; provided, that “antique firearm” shall include any muzzle loading rifle, shotgun or pistol that is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and that cannot use fixed ammunition, unless the firearm: (a) incorporates a firearm frame or receiver; (b) is converted into a muzzle loading firearm; or (c) is a muzzle loading firearm that can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.
“Firearm”, a stun gun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, large capacity firearm, assault-style firearm and machine gun, loaded or unloaded, which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a shot or bullet; the frame or receiver of any such firearm or the unfinished frame or receiver of any such firearm; provided, however, that “firearm” shall not include any antique firearm or permanently inoperable firearm.
“Serialization”, the process of conspicuously engraving, casting or otherwise permanently embedding a unique serial number on a firearm frame or receiver; provided, that the serial number shall be placed in a manner not susceptible to being readily obliterated, altered or removed and shall be engraved, cast or otherwise permanently embedded to a depth of not less than .003 inches and in a print size not less than 1/16 inch; and provided further, that serialization of firearms, frames and receivers made from non-metallic materials shall be accomplished by using a metal plate permanently embedded in the material of the frame or receiver.
“Unfinished frame or receiver”, a forging, casting, printing, extrusion, machined body or similar item that: (i) has reached a stage in manufacture when it may readily be completed or assembled to function as a frame or receiver; or (ii) is marketed or sold to the public to become or be used as the frame or receiver of a functional firearm once completed or assembled; provided, however, that “unfinished frame or receiver” shall not include a component designed and intended for use in an antique firearm.
“Untraceable firearm”, a firearm that has not been serialized or a firearm whose serial or other identification number has been removed, defaced, altered, obliterated or mutilated in any manner
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action
7/2/2025 State of Rhode Island "Prohibited Firearms Bill" - renamed from Assault Weapons Ban 2025
To: WLRGC Members
The following is a message from Senator Jessica de La Cruz. As you know she and the other Republican Senators and Representatives did work hard for us; unfortunately, we don't have enough of them in the State House.
From Jessica: "In 1776, ordinary people did extraordinary things. They crossed frozen rivers, fought uphill battles, and risked everything - not for power, but for principle.
We may not be fighting a revolution; but make no mistake: we are in a fight to protect our Constitution. Bad laws are passing. Bureaucracy is growing. Freedoms are being chipped away one session at a time.
That's why I need your help.
To stay in this fight - and to help elect other principled conservatives in Rhode Island - I want to raise at least $17,760.00 in the next few days. We've already raised $8,154, which means we're nearly halfway there.
Your investment will help fund:
Direct voter outreach (mail, door-knocking, digital)
Support for like-minded candidates who will protect your rights
A ground game ready to push back against overreach.
I'm committed to standing firm for our Constitution, just as the patriots of 1776 did. But they didn't stand alone - with your support, we will rise to meet this moment.
Please give $17.76, $177.60, or even $1,776.00 if you're ready to lead the charge.
https://secure.winred.com/friends-of-jessica-de-la-cruz/1776
The last night of session, the Speaker of the House echoed the sentiment "come back next year" - not to fix what's broken, but to push even further on the same failed policies: higher spending, more regulation, and the erosion of your constitutional rights. They're not done - and we can't afford to be either.
This is our line in the sand. Help me hold it." Please donate
For Liberty,
Jessica de la Cruz
Minority Leader/RI Senate/District 23
P.S. Like William Prescott said at Bunker Hill - "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." We must be disciplined, strategic, and bold. with your help, we will be.
6/22/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 22, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS:
A message from Senator Jessica de la Cruz: Make sure you read last paragraph re: Speaker Joe Shekarchi and see news clip!
|
6/21/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 21, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS:
Senator Elaine J. Morgan comments on the Assault Weapons Ban
“Last night (Friday, June 20th) the General Assembly passed legislation 75% of Rhode Islanders disapprove of prohibiting the manufacture, purchase, sale or transfer of specific firearms.
Individuals in lawful possession of covered firearms may continue to possess them. Pending the Governor’s approval, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026. We Senate Republicans proposed several floor amendments, including guidance for transferring lawfully owned firearms upon death, extending the effective date, and statistic reporting requirements for the Attorney Generals office. All amendments were rejected. This legislation undermines the rights of responsible Rhode Islanders, ignores Second Amendment protections and fails to address criminal activity. It is ineffective, unconstitutional, and based on flawed premises. This bill will ban the future sale and transfer of firearms already owned and used by thousands of Rhode Islanders, based on features like folding stocks or pistol grips. These features do not increase a gun’s danger; they enhance safe handling. The targeted firearms are among the most commonly owned in the United States. The Supreme Court has affirmed in Heller vs. Bruen that banning commonly used arms violates the Second Amendment.
This bill invites future confiscation and legal uncertainty. Real public safety solutions, such as enforcing existing laws, addressing mental health, and securing schools, were overlooked in favor of restricting responsible gun owners. What needs to be done is follow the laws on the books and prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”
By Senator Elaine J. Morgan
Here is a quote from Margaret Thatcher (which Senator Morgan has on her profile page)
“When the State does everything for you, it will soon take everything from you”
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/21/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 21, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS:
Rhode Island House Minority Leader Chippendale comments on the Assault Weapons Ban.
Michael Chippendale offers the following statement in regard to the Assault Weapons Ban legislation:
“The passage of the amended Assault Weapons Ban marks a dark day for constitutional governance in Rhode Island. What was once presented as a public safety measure has now been fully unmasked as nothing more than a political trophy – an opportunistic maneuver by a handful of ambitious politicians desperate to elevate their public profiles and position themselves for higher office.
These are the very same lawmakers who, just weeks ago, decried administrative pay increases of $80,000 as irresponsible during a time of budget crisis. And yet, with full knowledge that this bill will trigger immediate and expensive legal challenges they voted to expose our already strained state budget to the guaranteed costs of defending an unconstitutional law in court. The price tag? Hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of taxpayer dollars. Their hypocrisy is staggering.
Let’s call it what it is: political theater, funded by the citizens of Rhode Island. These politicians are not standing on principle – they are using this bill as a weapon in their own political campaigns. Whether it’s an attempt to deny the Governor a policy victory or to bolster their own bid for Attorney General, their actions are driven not by public safety, but by personal ambition.
Worse still is the blatant disregard for the Constitution. These elected officials – who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution – have shredded that oath for the sake of a headline and a talking point. They know this bill flies in the face of the Second Amendment and recent Supreme Court precedent in Heller vs. Bruen. They know it targets law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to disarm criminals. And they know it will fail in court. Yet they voted for it anyway.
This legislation is nothing more than an insult to the law-abiding firearm owners in Rhode Island. It criminalizes the continued lawful purchase of firearms that are legal, stored safely, and used responsibly. It also undermines our eligibility for vital federal conservation funds, jeopardizing public land maintenance and our outdoor recreation economy. It will harm Rhode Island businesses, cost us jobs, and decrease revenue- all in the name of political ambition. And just as the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban – it will not stop a single crime, as criminals simply don’t follow the laws of our state and nation. To believe this ban will have any different result is naïve at best and dishonest at worst.
Let’s also not forget the deceptive tactics employed to manufacture support for this bill. National groups like Everytown deliberately manipulated our public input process, misleading both the public and this legislative body. Their email campaigns were engineered to trick gun rights supporters into submitting pro-ban messages. These dishonest tactics further erode any credibility the supporters of this bill claim to have.
The truth is evident: this legislation is legally vulnerable, fiscally irresponsible, economically damaging, and wildly unpopular with the people of Rhode Island. Opposition at the State House outnumbered supporters by an overwhelming margin. The public testimony was clear. The emails to legislators have been unmistakable.
What just passed was not a thoughtful policy – it was a campaign stunt. And the people of Rhode Island will be the ones who pay the price.
I remain committed to protecting the constitutional rights of Rhode Islanders and will oppose every attempt to erode them in the name of political ambition.”
By: Michael Chippendale
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/21/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 21, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS:
Well, we lost our 2nd Amendment Constitutional rights last night. The bill (S0359-Sub A) passed in the Senate and moved over to the House where it passed 43-28. We know the Governor will sign it into law.
The red shirts left the gallery early in the evening probably to have a celebratory dinner. While the rest of us had to sit and suffer in the hot airless gallery to find out that the majority of our Senators and Representatives do not believe in their oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the United States or the Rhode Island Constitution.
My heart breaks not just for us club members but for all our friends who own gun shops or are employed in the firearms industry in our State. These politicians do not even care about the tremendous tax deficit this state will face once this is signed into law.
The following are the Representatives who supported us and tried to uphold the Constitution:
Azzinaro Marszalkowski Serpa
Baginski Nardone Solomon
Bennett Newberry
Casey Noret
Chippendale O’Brien
Corvese Paplauskas
Constantino Perez
Cotter Phillips
Fascia Place
Fellela Quattrocchi
Hopkins Read
Kennedy Roberts
Lima Santucci
For everyone who has been at the State House, sent letters and made phone calls I Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/20/25
There is still time to call and email Senators this morning and early afternoon. If anyone is available to attend the hearing/vote today - Thank you.
6/19/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 19, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS: ANYONE WHO CAN ATTEND ON FRIDAY –
June 20, 2025 - PLEASE DO SO.
The Senate Judiciary Committee met yesterday and the AWB (S0359 Sub) was voted out of Committee. It will go to the full Senate on Friday, June 20, 2025. It will be heard and voted on tomorrow. If it passes tomorrow, it will go back to the House. This is very concerning since the House passed the “original” bill.
As we thought Senator Burke no longer supports the 2A community. One of our club members sent Senator Burke an email yesterday morning and Senator Burke replied to him in the early afternoon before the hearing and he wrote that “he plans to vote No”! He wrote back to his constituent and blatantly lied and what or who changed his vote!
Senator Ciccone who we thought was on our side also voted against us. Which is quite stunning since he holds an FFL.
Please make calls and send emails to your Senators today.
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6/18/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 18, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS: WE NEED YOU TODAY!
WE NEED TO SHOW UP IN LARGE NUMBERS. DON’T SIT THIS ONE OUT; WE ALL NEED TO FIGHT TO RETAIN OUR 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS………..
The Senate Judiciary Committee will be meeting at 3:30 today to hear the AWB bill. If it passes out of committee it will then be sent to the full Senate for a vote (probably Friday June 20, 2025), and we don’t have the numbers on our side if this happens. We need to show up today. You can still send emails and make phone calls. Please arrive any time that you can. Anyone who arrives early, please try to get seats in the chamber on the side facing the Senators.
We need everyone to attend. Please carpool and bring family and friends. If they pass this and become even more emboldened “what’s next on their anti 2A agenda?”
I will try to get my usual spot on the left side of the stairway leading up to the Rotunda, so stop by and sign in for work hours. (if I can’t get that spot, just look around the Rotunda for the Wallum Lake sign).
|
|||
|
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/18/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 18, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS: WE NEED YOU TODAY!
Last night I read a posting from Korey Paul that said:
“Rumor has it, Senator Burke from West Warwick is going to be voting on a watered down version of the AWB this week while in committee. If voted out of committee with his help it will proceed to the floor for a full vote. Then it has the votes to pass! So, make sure to call him and email today – before the committee meets”.
Especially any club members from West Warwick.
Senator Burke: District 9 West Warwick
Phone: 401-374-4721
Email:
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/16/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 16, 2025
TO WLRGC MEMBERS:
The Senate Judiciary Committee has set a date for hearing the AWB bill. It will be on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. If it passes out of committee it will then be sent to the full Senate for a vote and we don’t have the numbers on our side if this happens. We need to show up on Wednesday and send emails and make phone calls tonight and tomorrow.
We need everyone to attend. Please carpool and bring family and friends. If they pass this and become even more emboldened “what’s next on their anti 2A agenda?”
I will try to get my usual spot on the left side of the stairway leading up to the Rotunda, so stop by and sign in for work hours. (if I can’t get that spot, just look around the Rotunda for the Wallum Lake sign).
|
|||
|
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/16/25
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Donate here: 
6/16/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6/14/25
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN 2025
June 14, 2025
TO ALL WLRGC MEMBERS:
Last Thursday at the State House Senator Pam Lauria tried to move the AWB from Senate Judiciary to Senate Finance “because they will have the votes to pass it there”. Luckily Senators Gordon Rogers and Jessica de la Cruz objected immediately and the Senate President upheld their objection.
Para Bellum Provisions sent out a heads up: They stated that the Senate schedule for next week is Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday according to Senator Tikoian at the close of session last week.
In hearing from Mike D. at Federated he would like to have all our club members at the State House on Tuesday to demand a vote in Senate Judiciary to put this bad bill down for good.
He heard they are also writing new bills; “without registration and with no penalties (allow possession but prohibit sale and manufacture).” He feels that once those bills get to the floor, all of the negative things and much more will pass in the Senate Judiciary. We need to tell them “No more gun bills and to vote against the budget until this is done.”
As soon as hear anything on Monday, I will send out an eblast.
The following is from Jessica de la Cruz:
|
|
|
Thank you. Maureen Fontneau / Political Action
6/11/25
RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN ACT OF 2025
Eblast - June 11, 2025
All WLRGC Members:
When checking the State House calendar today, it appears that Senate Judiciary will be meeting tomorrow, but there was nothing listed regarding the AWB. In trying to reach anyone for information on when the Senate Judiciary will be hearing/voting on the Assault Weapons Ban; both Jessica de la Cruz and Glen Valentine got in touch with me and provided me with the following information:
Per Jessica: “One of the Democrats was out and she felt that the Dems were unsure if they had enough votes to move forward on Thursday (tomorrow).” She hopes that they don’t pull any funny business and do immediate consideration of the bill tomorrow.”
Glen mentioned that right now “it’s a mixed bag. They don’t have the votes to get it out of committee and promises have been made to both sides. We just don’t know what those promises were. He is guessing that there will be a vote next week, if at all. If they know they don’t have the votes they could just let it die and not have a hearing.” But we just don’t know. “
So, in the meantime, please follow the instructions that Jessica gave us a couple of weeks ago. As follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action Committee
6-11-25
6/9/25
RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN ACT OF 2025
All WLRGC Members:
Jessica de la Cruz has been kind enough to keep in touch with me regarding the Senate Judiciary Hearing. As of this afternoon there is NOTHING on the schedule for Thursday, June 12th.
She will let me know as soon as the hearing is scheduled.
In the meantime, please follow the instructions that she has given us.
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action Committee
6-9-25
6/7/25
**CORRECTION**
DATE CHANGE – SENATE JUDICIARY HEARING
THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025
RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN ACT OF 2025
JUNE 5, 2025 HOUSE VOTE
All WLRGC Members: This is a correction to my email of Friday, June 6, 2025. I apologize for the confusion.
I will make calls again on Monday to reconfirm details and let you know if anything changes as soon as possible. Late yesterday I was told that they need to work on the State Budget.
As you know last Thursday, June 5th the full House voted. Of course they voted for the Assault Weapons Ban. The vote was taken around 9:30 that evening. Mike Dennen of Federated said it got a little loud and out of control. Not on our side on the opposing side.
Now it will proceed to the Senate Judiciary Committee most likely on:
THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025. If it passes then it will go for a full Senate vote.
We need everyone to participate on Thursday. We need to stop them on Thursday! Please continue to email and call your Senators but we need actual bodies wearing yellow at the State House. The last few weeks the turnout has been terrible and they see this. They want to wear us down; it makes it easier for them to take our rights away.
This is it, we need to show our opposition. We need everyone to attend. So many of our club members leave this fight up to the few of us who always attend. I hear the complaints about driving into Providence and the parking, I understand. But this is our future/your children and your grandchildren’s future, our club’s future, our friends who own gun shops future! Also, just think of the tax implication/burden that we will face once gun shops are slowly put out of business. They contribute billions of dollars in tax revenue. Who do you think will have to make up this deficit. We the people who live in this State!
This is about their power and control and by sitting back and doing nothing we make it a piece of cake for them. They thrive on this. They are fully supported by wealthy donors both in our State and from outside our State. We don’t have much in support, so all we can do is Show Up!
If anyone has vans and are willing to drive other club members to the State House that would be great, or plan on carpooling with friends and family, do whatever you can – we need you there. If you were going to a Red Sox game, you would deal with parking issues. Well, this isn’t enjoyable, I know, but this is imperative.
For your information, we were informed by a Senator that the Senate President, Valerie Lawson is throwing a bash at the Crown Plaza in Warwick on Monday night and the red shirts are all invited! She is making sure she rewards all her paid protester anti 2A supporters for their hard work in taking our Constitutional rights away. Pretty rich, a politician who places their hand on the Bible and pledges to uphold the Constitution, celebrates in tearing it down.
Also, I was so upset with the Supreme Court with their decision to post pone hearing the Rhode Island and Maryland cases. But I was informed that this may work in our favor because there are some flaws in how these cases are written and the Court knows that there are other cases that haven’t been fully adjudicated in lower Courts. Perhaps they won’t let us down?
Thank you to the (6) Wallum Club members who stopped by to sign the attendance sheet yesterday.
Your attendance is really appreciated.
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action Committee
6-7-25
6/6/25
Information for our Massachusetts Club Members/or any member who travels with firearms into Massachusetts:
Kindly provided by Ed McCarthy:
|
|||||||||||||
|
6/4/25
|
|
|
|
|
6/4/25
RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN ACT OF 2025
JUNE 3, 2025 HEARING VOTING RESULTS
All WLRGC Members:
The House Judiciary voted on the modified version of H5436 yesterday. Results were twelve to six. It will now move to Thursday, June 5, 2025 where the full House will vote.
Here are the 12 who supported the Ban:
Speaker Shekarchi
Rep Craven
Rep Hagan McEntee
Rep Knight
Rep Ajello
Rep Battista
Rep Caldwell
Rep Casimiro
Rep Cruz
Rep Dawson
Rep Felix
Rep Blazejewski
Here are the 6 that opposed the Ban:
Rep Bennett
Rep Corvese
Rep Hopkins
Rep Noret
Rep Place
Rep Chippendale
Please call/email your state representatives and let them know you oppose this legislation.
Thank you to the (4) Wallum Club members who stopped by to sign the attendance sheet yesterday.
Your attendance is really appreciated.
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action Committee
6-4-25
6/3/25
RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN ACT OF 2025
HEARINGS: TODAY - TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025
3:00 P.M. Please Attend
All WLRGC Members:
I just viewed an article by Steve Straub regarding the Supreme Court and their decision on the Maryland AR-15 Ban and the Rhode Island High-Capacity Magazine Ban.
“A split Supreme Court declined to take up major gun rights cases, letting stand state -level bans on popular rifles and magazines, raising serious concerns for Second Amendment defenders. With key Trump-appointed justices refusing to act, this decision signals potential for sweeping new bans nationwide.”
Key Facts:
-The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to Maryland’s ban on semi-automatic rifles and Rhode Island’s high-capacity magazine ban.
- Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented, Justice Kavanaugh called Maryland’s ruling “questionable.”
- Justice Roberts and Justice Barrett likely voted to reject the appeals but gave no public comment.
- Maryland’s law was upheld by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in a 10-5 decision.
- Rhode Island’s law banning magazines over 10 rounds was upheld by the 1st Circuit.
An article written by Cam Edwards states: “Justice Thomas “Respectfully” Torches Decision to Kick Gun Ban Case Down the Road”
Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s statement about the Supreme Court’s decision to deny cert to a challenge to Maryland’s ban on so-called assault weapons made sure to note that it doesn’t mean the Court believes the Fourth Circuit got it right in upholding the ban, but that ignores the fact that the denial means that lawful gun owners (and those who would like to purchase and possess AR-15’s in states where they’re banned) are harmed by holding off for another term or two before taking up the issue.
Justice Clarence Thomas, at least, recognized that uncomfortable truth in his written dissent to denial or cert; arguing that “the question is of critical importance to tens of millions of law-abiding AR-15 owners throughout the country”. Yet the Court has “avoided deciding it for a full decade.” Waiting another term or two makes no sense, writes Thomas, given that “lower courts in the jurisdictions that ban AR-15s appear bent on distorting this Court’s Second Amendment precedents.”
In a blistering (yet respectful) dissent, Thomas points out the fundamental errors made by the Fourth Circuit in upholding Maryland’s ban on commonly-owned semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. First he argues that the appellate court improperly placed the burden on proving the law unconstitutional on the plaintiffs, when it was actually up to the state of Maryland to prove that the ban fits within the national tradition of gun ownership.
Thomas says the Fourth Circuit also screwed up when it asserted that AR-15s aren’t protected by the Second Amendment because they’re “dangerous and unusual weapons”.
The Fourth Circuit separately erred in determining that AR-15s fall within the historic exception for dangerous and unusual weapons. “A weapon may not be banned” under this principle “unless it is both dangerous and unusual.” Caetano, 577 U.S., at 417 (opinion of ALITO, J.).
Weapons “in common use” today for self-defense” are fully protected. Bruen, 597 U.S., at 32 (quoting Heller, 554 U.S. at 627). The Fourth Circuit nevertheless eschewed any inquiry into the commonality of AR-15s and the purposes for which they are used, which it dismissed as an ill-conceived popularity test.” 111 F. 4th at 460. Instead, the court performed its own independent investigation of AR-15s “utility for self defense, ”examining their “military origin”, “firepower”, and “muzzle velocity,” among other issues, Id., at 454-459.
Our Constitution allows the American people-not the government- to decide which weapons are useful for self-defense. “A constitutional guarantee subject to future judges’ assessments of its usefulness is no constitutional guarantee at all.” Heller, 554 U.S., at 634. In line with that principle, and with the tradition of prohibiting only dangerous and unusual weapons, we have never relied on our own assessment of how useful and arm is for self-defense before deeming it protected. In Heller, we found handguns protected because that “class of ‘arms’ … is overwhelmingly chosen by American society for th(e) lawful purpose of “self-defense”. Id., at 628. In Caetano, we recognized that stun guns were protected arms solely because they were not “unusual,” without addressing the state court’s holding that stun guns were “dangerous per se at common law.” 577 U.S. at 412; accord, id., at 5417 (opinion of ALITO, J.); Bruen, 597 U.S. at 28. And, in Bruen, we again found “handguns” protected solely because they are “in common use” today for self-defense,” without inquiring whether they are in fact useful for that purpose. Id., at 32.
My quibble with Thomas’ dissent is that he and his colleagues haven’t found that the Second Amendment only protects those arms that are in common use for self-defense, but instead for all “lawful purposes”. Self-defense is one lawful purpose, and perhaps even at the core of our right to keep and bear arms, but it’s not the only lawful activity in which AR-15 or other semi-automatic long guns are used or are useful.
Still, that’s a minor issue in what is otherwise a stellar repudiation of the decision to kick this can down the road. Thomas concludes his dissent by noting that, based on the Court’s decision in VanDerStok, the Justices have opened the door for the federal government to begin treating semi-automatic rifles as machine guns; something gun control activists have been pushing for several years now.
· Recently amended regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provide that a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act includes objects that “may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to” a working firearm 27CFRS478.11 (2023). In VanDerStok, this Court refused to hold that definition unlawful, reasoning that an “artifact noun” - that is, a “word for a thing created by humans”- may refer to unfinished objects,” and thus that weapon parts kits are as regulable as the firearms they might eventually become. 604 U.S., at __(slip op., at 10). But, “every single AR-15 can be converted to a machinegun using cheap, flimsy pieces of metal-including coat hangers.” Id. At __ (THOMAS, J., dissenting) (slip op., at 13) (quoting VanDerStok vs. Garland, 86 F. 4th 179, 208 (CA5 2023) (Oldham, J. concurring)). Thus, on the Court’s logic., it seems that ATF could at any time declare AR-15s to be machineguns prohibited by federal law. 604 U.S., at __ (opinion of THOMAS, J.) (slip op., at 13) (citing 26 U.S. C. SS5861, 5871). Until we resolve whether the Second Amendment forecloses that possibility, law-abiding AR-15 owners must rely on the goodwill of a federal agency to retain their means of self-defense. That is “no constitutional guarantee at all.” Heller, 554 U.S., at 634. I respectfully dissent.
Based on Thomas’ dissent and Kavanaugh’s statement (which also notes that Justices Alito and Gorsuch would have granted cert), it’s pretty clear that there are four votes to overturn “assault weapon” bans and declare them unconstitutional. Kavanaugh’s statement sounds like there’s room to persuade either Chief Justice John Roberts or Justice Amy Comey Barrett to do the same, but it’s going to take some time and effort.
As Thomas makes clear, this shouldn’t be a difficult question, and the decision to let these bans remain in place for at least another term or two will do untold damage to the Second Amendment rights of millions of Americans subjected to these prohibitions. The Supreme Court has said that the Second Amendment isn’t a second-class right, but by denying cert in Snope that’s exactly how they’re treating the right to possess some of the most popular and common arms in the country. “
The timing of this decision by the Supreme Court couldn’t be worse for our fight here in Rhode Island. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t show up and continue to fight. Unfortunately, the anti-gun politicians will feel emboldened by this and they need to see a mass of yellow shirts, 2nd Amendment defenders at the State House.
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action Committee
6-2-25
6/2/25
|
||||||
|
6/1/25
RHODE ISLAND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN ACT OF 2025
HEARINGS: TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025
3:00 P.M.
All WLRGC Members:
THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO SHOW UP AT THE STATE HOUSE, SEND EMAILS AND MAKE PHONE CALLS TO LET OUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES KNOW THAT WE OPPOSE THE ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN AND OTHER ANTI FIREARM LEGISLATION.
I am writing once again to request that our club members, their families and friends wear yellow and come to the State House on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. If it is possible for you to arrive before 3:00 p.m. that would be great. The Assault Weapons bill H5436 and H5436A and other anti-firearms bills will be heard at 3:00 p.m.
Please carpool to make it easier for parking. One of members suggested we get a bus, but the cost is prohibitive and we haven’t had a good turn out from our club at previous hearings.
Please contact either by phone or email – Your Senators and Representatives; also continue to call Speaker Shekarchi’s office at 401-222-2447 as well.
Senate Judiciary Committee Members:
Senator Ana B. Quezada,
Senator Andrew Dimitri,
Senator Dawn Euer,
Senator Jacob E. Bissaillon,
Senator John P. Burke,
Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis,
Senator Mark McKenney,
Senator Matthew LaMountain,
Senator Thomas J. Paolino,
Senator Todd Patalano,
Senate President: Valerie J. Lawson
Senate Majority Whip: Frank A. Ciccone III
Senate Minority Whip: Gordon E. Rogers
You may also submit your emails or copy of your testimony to:
Adriana Carlucci, Committee Clerk, Ph. 401-222-2381
At:
Please look for me or my husband Tom at the State House to sign-in on the Wallum attendance sheet. We will try to get our usual place on the left-hand side of the marble stairway leading up to the Rotunda. Look for the green and white Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club sign.
Thank you.
Maureen Fontneau
Political Action Committee
6-1-25
5/31/25
|
|
|
|
|
5/20/25
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
332 Atwood Ave, Cranston, RI
9–10 AM
May 24, 2025
5/13/25
|
|||||||
|
5/12/25
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
5/12/25
POLITICAL ACTION ALERT 5-12-25
MAY 14TH HEARING
SENATE JUDICIARY, RI STATE HOUSE, ROOM 313
2:00 PM HEARING - PLEASE GET THERE EARLY IF YOU CAN -
WE NEED PEOPLE TO ARRIVE AT NOON
1. It looks like we will have a rainy day on Wednesday – please don’t let this stop you from going to the State House. We need everyone to be there. Those of you who never participate – it is time that you do.
2. We are asked that after we arrive - you fill out the forms at the tables before the stairway to the rotunda – then everyone should proceed to Rm. 313. They don’t want us all congregating in the rotunda chatting – we need to fill the seats in the Senate. The red shirts always work to keep us from getting seats – they are paid protestors and that’s their job to take our rights. Don’t let them take all the seats too. Senators need to see yellow shirts looking down at them.
3. With the election of a Senate President who is even less supportive of the Second Amendment, we need to step up our efforts this Wednesday. The anti-gun lobby is confident they can push through. We must show up in force to ensure that doesn’t happen.
4. We currently have the votes on the committee, but a weak turnout could cause them to fold under pressure. Let’s not let that happen.
5. I know everyone is tired of fighting for our 2nd Amendment rights, but we live in a socialist state and we have to keep fighting. If they keep winning and we don’t fight them, what will we lose next?
6. Please bring your family, friends and neighbors. Look for me – I try to sit on the stairway leading up to the rotunda. Sign in – I need your name and membership number to give to Lisa for work hours.
7. Please register to vote! Register as Unaffiliated – to help us vote out as many anti-gun people as possible. We are in this position now because citizens haven’t taken an interest in who governs us and over the years, we have allowed our state to be run by people who do not believe in the Constitution. Even if they take an oath to uphold it.
Thank you
Maureen Fontneau/Political Action 5-12-25
POLITICAL ACTION ALERT 5-12-25
SAMPLE LETTERS OR TALKING POINTS FOR MAY 14TH HEARING
SENATE JUDICIARY, RI STATE HOUSE, ROOM 313
2:00 PM HEARING - PLEASE GET THERE EARLY IF YOU CAN -
WE NEED PEOPLE TO ARRIVE AT NOON
Senator Jessica de la Cruz will be hosting a press conference at 1:00 pm in the State House Library. There will be a range of speakers addressing the broad impact of the so-called assault weapons ban. Including:
- A constitutional analysis from Attorney Tim Lachance
- Insight on the economic and business consequences from Will Worthy, and
- Remarks from Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers, Jessica de la Cruz and others.
You may want to take information from different sample letters to make your own. There are previous samples on-line under our club’s political action icon. Also, sample facts such as tax deficits we are facing and how detrimental the closing of firearm related businesses/tax base will hurt our economy, how fee’s we pay in the shooting/hunting community support DEM, wildlife, hiking trails, etc. Also, the fact that clubs like ours who have charities: we support youth sports, disabled citizens, food drives, etc.
1st sample:
Dear Senator ________: (also send a letter to your representative)
The RI Governor’s proposed “Assault Weapons Ban” (S-359 and H5439) actually bans almost every single civilian-owned firearm in Rhode Island.
It also forces anyone who currently has a firearm to register it with the government, which violates current state law.
Don’t be fooled by the “assault weapons ban”. It’s actually a backdoor ban on legally owned firearms in our state and violates the privacy of every firearm owner in Rhode Island.
It’s unconstitutional, unlawful and a violation of the freedom and liberty that our founders fought for. Please oppose this bill.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your city of town of residence
2nd sample:
Dear Senator ________: (and Representative)
The so-called “Assault Weapons Ban” proposed in bills S359 and H5439 doesn’t ban military grade weapons since those are already illegal. This would effectively outlaw almost every firearm in Rhode Island – a measure that is blatantly unconstitutional, as affirmed by the Heller and Bruen Supreme Court decisions. The intent behind this legislation is clear: to undermine our constitutional rights through a backdoor ban of firearms and a repeal of the Second Amendment. It also violates current state law by requiring law-abiding citizens to register their firearms with the state government. This is a gross violation of Rhode islanders’ privacy, constitutional rights, and RI state law. It is blatantly unlawful.
Please oppose this bill.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your city or town of residence
3rd sample:
I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose S359 and H5439, the so-called “Assault Weapons Ban”, scheduled for hearing in the Senate judiciary Committee on Wednesday, May 14th.
This sweeping legislation would ban countless commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, including a wide variety of rifles and even shotguns with fixed magazines that hold more than six rounds – such as those used for goose hunting. Labeling these firearms as “assault weapons” is both misleading and dangerous, as it targets law-abiding citizens rather than addressing actual criminal activity.
There is no evidence that these types of firearms are used to commit crimes in Rhode Island. In fact, rifles of any kind are rarely used in criminal acts across the state. This bill will not improve public safety – it will only infringe on the constitutional rights of responsible gun owners.
Please vote NO on S359 and stand up for the Second Amendment rights of your constituents.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your city or town of residence