(Rhode Island) Gun Bills Clear Committee

[Robb]

Six months after the tragic events in Newtown and almost a year after the shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee has crossed the first hurdle to changing gun laws in the state.

At a committee hearing Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bills 455 Substitute A, 860 Substitute A and 862 Substitute A.

Bill 455 makes it illegal to possess a firearm with altered or obliterated manufacturer’s serial number. Bill 860 increases the penalty for committing a violent crime with a stolen fire arm. It would also form a Behavioral Health and Firearms Safety Task Force to review current laws and make recommendations on legislation addressing any connections between behavioral health concerns and firearm safety.

“The Connecticut incident brought to light how we need to better protect our children,” said Senator Michael McCaffrey (D-Warwick), chair of Senate Judiciary.

Read More: http://www.johnstonsunrise.net/stories/Gun-bills-clear-committee,83413?category_id=4&town_id=2&sub_type=stories

[BainsBane]

1. I am shocked that this isn't already illegal

When the clear purpose of altering serial numbers is to evade prosecution for criminal activities.

[Robb]

2. I believe it's sort of like melting pennies for copper.

It's illegal to melt pennies for copper, but it's not illegal to possess melted pennies. That sort of thing.

[BainsBane]

3. Ok, let me get this straight

It's illegal to possess a gun with an altered serial number, but if I want to alter serial numbers to sell guns to criminals, that's cool?

[Robb]

4. Other way around, currently.

It's illegal to alter the serial number, but legal to possess a gun with an altered serial number.

The new law would make possession illegal as well.

[BainsBane]

5. Let me guess

The NRA and our friends in Murder Inc. oppose it?