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
In the News
In case you missed it, our ED was a guest columnist in the Providence Journal on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Her “My Turn” feature follows: “This Valentine’s Day marks six years since the Parkland massacre
Gun control advocates are again pushing for a RI ‘assault weapon ban.’ Now, the AFL-CIO is helping.
PROVIDENCE – The battle began anew Thursday for an assault-weapons ban and safe-storage requirements for firearms, with organized labor taking a lead role in the 2024 election-year drive.
RICAGV launches secure storage and assault weapons ban legislation at “Valentines Not Violence” State House Event
The Rhode Island AFL-CIO, NEARI, Moms Demand Action and RICAGV today at the State House for a special launch.
It’s Thanksgiving eve and we are grateful for YOU!
It’s Thanksgiving and We Are Grateful for YOU! We know practicing gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity…
Thank You for Joining our Annual Celebration!
We are grateful to our supporters who attended our celebration at Save the Bay on October 17. A special shout out to volunteers Stan Dimock, Lynne Turnbull, Jim Worthington, Ramsey Davis and Lynn Hughes.
RICAGV Board Member attends White House event
RICAGV Board member Diana Garlington, special guest at the White House for the President’s announcement of the first ever federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Welcome Melissa Carden, RICAGV’s New Executive Director
The RICAGV Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the hiring of Melissa Carden as our new Executive Director.
Court strikes down challenge to RI’s concealed carry permit laws
AG Neronha says his office successfully defended constitutional challenge to RI concealed-carry permit laws.
The 2023 Legislative Session Ended with No Action on Gun Bills
Now that the 2023 session has ended with no action on gun violence…what’s next?
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.”
Please note, donations made online through our website are not tax deductible.