PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island has moved one step closer to banning assault weapons.

The House Judiciary Committee approved the ban in a 12-6 vote, setting up for a floor vote later this week.

Fully automatic weapons, like machine guns, are already illegal in the state.

The Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 would impact the purchase, sale and possession of semi-automatic shotguns, rifles and pistols that meet specific features outlined in the act.

Rhode Islanders who have an assault-style weapon before July 1, 2026 will be able to legally keep them.

Owners can register their gun for a certificate of possession, but it’s no longer mandatory if the ban goes into law.

Both sides of the gun debate are chiming in about the passage.

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence sa

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