Proposed Rhode Island Law Would Ban Guns From School Property

PROVIDENCE, RI — A proposed law would make the possession of a gun illegal on school grounds. If signed into law, only certain law enforcement officers could legally be armed.

The bill, introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, is named for Sen. Harold Metts, who has long championed similar measures.

"Guns do not belong in schools, and private citizens have no business bringing a gun on school property," Ruggerio said. "Citizens carrying firearms in schools increases risk, not safety. There have been dozens of examples of mishandling and accidental discharge of firearms in schools across our nation."

Under the bill, only peace officers, retired law enforcement officers or someone under contract as a school safety officer could legally have a gun on school grounds.

"We are working hard to improve education in our state," Ruggerio said. "The presence of firearms in schools is detrimental to a positive learning environment."

The legislation applies to all school property, including school buses and all property of elementary and secondary schools, both public and private. Exemptions are possible for firearm instruction or safety courses, government-sponsored military-related programs such as ROTC, interscholastic shooting or marksmanship events, military history and firearms collection courses and the use of blank guns used in theatrical or athletic events.