State of Rhode Island Archives: on Gun Control
Bob Flanders:
Security measures & dedicated first responder at schools
We live in a time of heightened security. There is some truth to the saying that "things aren't as they used to be." Not only do we need to improve educational outcomes, but we need to protect our classrooms: The classroom is a place of learning and we
need to keep our kids and teachers safe, while preparing our pupils for the next generation.We secure our courts, our airports, even our sports venues--we must secure our schools to ensure the safety of our children and our teachers.
To do so, we must:
- Invest in school infrastructure to modernize schools and strengthen security, ensuring schools have single points of entry and advanced security measures.
- Invest in
School Resource Offices (SROs), so that every school has a dedicated first responder who can take action to protect students and teachers in the event of emergencies.
Source: 2018 R.I. Senate campaign website FlandersForSenate.com
Nov 1, 2018
Carl Sheeler:
Supports safety locks, licensing, background checks, & more
Indicate which principles you support regarding guns. - Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
- Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
- Require
background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
- Require a license for gun possession.
- Sheeler adds, “Evidence of training by NRA or state approved agents in gun use and safety before issuance of first firearm to minor.”
Source: 2004 R.I. Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 7, 2004
Gina Raimondo:
Enact common-sense gun control measures
When there are shootings on our streets, businesses are less likely to put down roots and thrive. As governor, Gina will:- Enact common-sense gun control measures such as a ban on military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.
-
Improve our state's domestic violence response procedures to focus on reducing violence against women.
- Tackle human trafficking and enact stricter penalties on strip clubs and similar establishments.
Source: 2014 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website, GinaRaimondo.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mark Zaccaria:
Second Amendment guarantees individual right to own guns
Q: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?A: No.
Q: Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support a ban on assault rifles?
A: No.
Zaccaria adds, "We have plenty of laws in place on the subject of individual behavior. This is the proper province of criminal justice. We do not need any laws banning technologies.
We need to have faith in the ability of ordinary citizens to use the authority granted them by the US Constitution and to use it responsibly."
Source: R.I. Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Helena Foulkes:
Ban the sale of high-capacity magazines and assault weapons
Gun violence has taken far too many lives in Rhode Island and across the country. But Rhode Island's gun safety laws are significantly more lax than our neighboring states of Massachusetts and Connecticut. In addition to proposing investments in
mental health supports, Helena has publicly called for Rhode Island to ban the sale of high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. As governor, she will work with the General Assembly to pass common-sense legislation to keep our kids and families safe.
Source: 2022 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website HelenaFoulkes.com
Oct 3, 2022
Dan McKee:
I'm ready to sign a ban on sale of assault style weapons
We worked together to pass and sign common sense gun safety legislation. Our work in this area is not done--let's follow the lead of other states and send a bill to my
desk that bans the sale of assault style weapons. I'm ready to sign that bill into law.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the R.I. legislature
Jan 17, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026