Weapons Bills Dominate House Judiciary Hearings this Week

Legislation dealing with weapons and criminal offenses are among the many bills scheduled for hearing this week before the House Committee on Judiciary.

The committee will meet Tuesday, April 14, in Room 101 of the State House, beginning at the Rise of the House (approximately 5 p.m.). Among the bills on the hearing calendar are:

2015-H 5119, by Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence), that limits persons convicted of certain domestic offenses from purchasing and owning firearms.

2015-H 5655, by Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, Narragansett, South Kingstown), that prohibits any individual convicted of domestic violence or subject to a restraining order from possessing a firearm.

2015-H 5872, by Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence), that prohibits any person convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving domestic violence from purchasing, owning, transporting, carrying or possessing a firearm.

Also scheduled to be heard on April 14 is 2015-H 5819, by Rep. Joseph S. Almeida (D-Dist. 12, Providence), creating the Comprehensive Community – Police Relationship Act of 2015 and requiring all police departments to submit annual reports to the Office of Highway Safety regarding racial disparities in traffic stops.

The committee will also meet Wednesday, April 15, in the House Lounge, beginning at the Rise of the House (approximately 5 p.m.). Among the bills on that day’s hearing agenda are:

2015-H 5123, by Representative Williams, requiring all minors in possession of a firearm, with or without a permit, to be in the presence of a parent or guardian or supervising adult at all times.

2015-H 5190, by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston), providing for automatic renewal of a gun permit or license.

2015-H 5368, by Rep. Stephen M. Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket), deleting unnecessary language with regard to the destruction of application records for the purchase of a rifle or shotgun.

2015-H 5861, by Rep. Edith H. Ajello (D-Dist. 1, Providence), repealing exemptions for issued permits from prohibition on school grounds.

2015-H 5868, by Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), criminalizing possession of a firearm by a minor, providing for limited exceptions while the minor is in the presence of a qualified adult or participating in certain competitive or ceremonial events.

2015-H 6017, by Rep. John M. Carnevale (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston), amending the application process for requesting a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon.