RICAGV Press Release

Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence Applauds House Judiciary
Committee for Passage of Extreme Risk Protection Order

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 10, 2018

CONTACT: Kat Kerwin, Director of Communications

Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence Applauds House Judiciary Committee for Passage of Extreme Risk Protection Order

Providence, Rhode Island April 10, 2018 – Thanks to the House Judiciary Committee, Rhode Island is one step closer to enacting an important gun violence prevention measure that will make Rhode Island safer. The Extreme Risk Protection Order that passed by a 12-0 vote by the House Judiciary Committee today, along with a ban on “bump-stock” devices, will now move to the full House floor for a vote. If passed, the bill would allow law enforcement to go to a court to petition to remove firearms from persons deemed a danger to  themselves or others.

“We know that a firearm is a dangerous and lethal weapon.” Said RICAGV President Linda Finn. “The chance of fatality increases by 95% when one uses a firearm compared to another tool.”

While the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence applauds the House Judiciary Committee, it also maintains that this cannot be the only response to the overwhelming public outcry for live-saving gun violence prevention measures. The General Assembly must also pass additional legislation such as the Safe Schools Act, the Assault Weapon Ban, and High Capacity Magazine Ban in order to make Rhode Island safer from gun violence.