Lawmakers in the Rhode Island House have passed a ban on assault weapons.
The measure passed by a vote of 43 to 28 after the addition of an amendment specifying the kinds of weapons to be banned and removing a requirement to register weapons that are lawfully possessed when the ban would take effect.
Representative Jason Knight sponsored the bill, saying the goal is to end the proliferation of powerful weapons that enable mass shooters to kill as many victims as possible.
Opponents to the measure say it retracts gun rights for legal gun owners, and won't do anything to save lives.
The measure will now move to a state Senate committee for consideration.
Senate President Valarie Lawson says she supports the measure but has not committed to a time frame for passage.
(Photo: Rhode Island House of Representatives)