EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A hearing is set to be held at the State House this week on a proposal that would ban assault-style firearms in Rhode Island. While fully automatic weapons, such as machine guns, are already illegal in Rhode Island, the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 (H5436) aims to prohibit the purchase, sale, manufacturing, and possession of certain weapons, including semi-automatic shotguns, rifles and pistols. In the video above, Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan joined Patrick Little on 12 News This Morning to go in-depth about the proposed ban. RI gun shop owner warns new assault weapons bill could put him out of business MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories Globe RI on BostonGlobe.com » Globe RI & 12 News Partnership: WPRI 12 partners with The Boston Globe Rhode Island to deliver unmatched local news coverage MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less