gun legislation

The House Judiciary Committee voted to approve what may be some of the only gun legislation this session.

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, is one of three federal databases that federally licensed gun sellers check before selling anyone a gun.  

Right now the state does not submit any information to NICS.  The bill voted on by the House Judiciary Committee would allow the state’s District Court to report to NICS anyone who has been deemed a danger to themselves or others after a mental health hearing.

A bill allowing states to charge sales tax for online shopping (passed/failed) in the senate. Rhode Island senator Jack Reed supported the bill, and he sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio’s Scott MacKay to talk about a variety of issues including the impact online sales have on Rhode Island’s economy.

State officials plan to roll out a package of bills Tuesday in an attempt to reduce gun-related violence. Lawmakers and law enforcement officials have been discussing the issue since January.

Rhode Island is among the states considering more stringent gun laws after the school shooting last year in Newtown, Connecticut. The local response will come in a package of nine bills. The proposals are expected to include such topics as background checks, weapons sales, and mental health.

Today on Smith Hill, a lobbyist with the National Rifle Association and a captain in the Rhode Island State Police are meeting with lawmakers for an informal session. They are coming at the request of Woonsocket Democrat Representative Lisa Badelli-Hunt. She says lawmakers need more information if they’re going to intelligently consider gun legislation this session.

Rhode Island Public Radio political analyst Scott MacKay joins afternoon host Dave Fallon to discuss the meeting and what it means for gun control measures in the state.