OUR MISSION
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) is a coalition of organizations, activists, advocates, educators, legislators, and community members who address gun violence as an urgent public health issue. Since 2013, RICAGV has utilized the collective power of its membership and grassroots organizing methods to advance programs and policies that will reduce gun violence resulting in safer, healthier Rhode Island communities.
Gov. McKee Signed the Safe Storage Bill!
After years of your advocacy and organizing, Rhode Island now has one of the strongest secure storage laws in the country. It is the ninth gun safety bill passed in the state since RICAGV was founded in 2013. A special thanks to bill sponsors and gun safety champions Senator Pam Lauria and Representative Justine Caldwell!
This is a strengthened version of Rhode Island’s previous firearm storage law, and requires all gun owners to securely store their guns when not in use, either in a safe or a container or with a safety device to prevent unauthorized access. It includes a gun safety education component which requires gun dealers to both post signs and give information to people who purchase guns about secure storage, suicide prevention, and Rhode Island’s gun safety laws. It also requires school districts to give information to students and their families.
Lives will be saved!
SECURE STORAGE PASSES SENATE!
On March 19th the Senate voted 28-7 in favor of secure storage. We are grateful for all of our volunteers, survivors and partners who made this happen. We are one step closer to a safer Rhode Island.
Now to the House!
Read all about it in our News Section.
Help us fight the pro-gun lobby at the State House!
Every dollar you give goes toward helping prevent gun violence in RI!
Highlights from the Blog
Anticipating Broad Support at House Judiciary Hearing
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 19, 2021CONTACT: Linda Finn, Executive Director Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence Anticipates Broad Support at House Judiciary Hearing Providence, Rhode Island (March 19, 2021) -- The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun...
2021 Judiciary Committee Testimony
Finn Testimony, March 18, 2021 Alexander-Smith Testimony, March 18, 2021 RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence, March 18, 2021
Caldwell and Kazarian Rock the House for Gun Safety Reform
Dozens of co-signers on common-sense gun safety reform bills.
30 House Reps Have NOT Signed-On to Gun Safety Reforms
Take action now to let them know you support common-sense legislation to prevent gun violence in Rhode Island.
Pro-Gun Scare Tactics Lead to Surge in RI Gun Sales and Gun Violence
RI gun safety advocates have been dealing with increasingly aggressive rhetoric and tactics for years.
87% Increase in Gun Deaths in RI – 2020 v. 2019
Gun injuries also increase 25%
111% Increase in RI Firearm Background Checks in 2020
COVID-19 panic buying a big part of the surge.
RI Lawmakers Drop the Ball During Statewide Surge in Gun Sales and Gun Violence
RI public safety officials and the general public are in favor of reforms that are languishing at the State House.
Are the Stars Aligning for Common-Sense Gun Safety Legislation?
New leadership signals openness to popular gun safety reforms.
Three Gun Safety Laws Signed in 2022!
Governor Dan McKee signed key reforms into law:
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Limiting magazines to 10 rounds
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Raising the age to buy long guns and ammunition from 18 to 21
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Prohibiting loaded long guns in public
Gun Safety Reform is Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
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