The State That Lied to Its Citizens, And Now Wants to Take Their Guns

Published on March 2, 2026
Duration: 6:28

This video from Washington Gun Law, presented by William Kirk, details how Rhode Island's House Bill 8073 aims to remove grandfathering provisions for assault weapon bans. The legislation, effective July 1, 2026, with a dispossess deadline of December 31, 2026, could force gun owners to surrender previously legal firearms by adding the word 'possess' to existing statutes. The speaker emphasizes that this action represents a betrayal of trust by the state and highlights the potential impact on gun owners.

Quick Summary

Rhode Island's House Bill 8073 aims to remove grandfathering provisions for assault weapon bans, potentially forcing gun owners to surrender firearms by December 31, 2026. By adding the word 'possess' to existing statutes, the state could criminalize ownership of previously legal weapons, a move presented as a betrayal of public trust.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Grandfathering Provisions and State Laws
  2. 00:41Rhode Island Assault Weapon Ban Amendment (HB 8073)
  3. 02:16Impact of Rhode Island's Legislation on Gun Owners
  4. 03:44Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island Supreme Court Case

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rhode Island House Bill 8073?

Rhode Island House Bill 8073 is legislation that seeks to amend the state's assault weapon ban law. Its primary impact is the potential removal of grandfathering provisions, which could lead to the prohibition of possessing firearms that were previously legal.

When does Rhode Island's HB 8073 take effect and what is the deadline for compliance?

The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Gun owners in Rhode Island will have until December 31, 2026, to dispossess themselves of firearms prohibited by the amended law, excluding military and law enforcement personnel.

How can adding one word to a law affect gun ownership?

Adding the word 'possess' to statutes that previously banned commercial sale, offer for sale, or transfer of certain firearms can effectively criminalize ownership. This change can eliminate grandfathering provisions, forcing individuals to surrender firearms they legally owned.

What was the significance of the Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island case?

The Supreme Court's denial of the petition in Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island emboldened not only Rhode Island but other states to pursue stricter firearm legislation, including measures that could lead to the confiscation of previously legal firearms.

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