PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A hotly contested firearm bill will be the center of a House Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday afternoon. The committee is hearing multiple bills starting at 2 p.m., including the so-called assault weapons ban supported by Gov. Dan McKee. Currently, fully automa tic weapons like machine guns are already illegal in the state. The bill, named "The Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban," bans the purchasing, selling or manufacturing of various semiautomatic weapons. READ MORE: What guns are included in Gov. McKee’s ‘assault weapons ban’? If the bill becomes law, which would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, current owners of these types of guns would have one year to register them and get "a certificate of possession." The lead sponsor of the bill is state Rep. Jason Knight, D-Barrington. State Sen. Lou DiPalma, D-Middletown, has introduced a Senate version. As with previous hearings on gun-related legislation, supporters and opponents of the bills are expected to pack the State House and testify. Those in favor of this bill typically wear orange shirts, while people against it don yellow shirts. "We're expecting thousands of people to come today to voice their opinion against the assault weapons ban," Rhode Island Rifle and Revolver Association's Brenda Jacobs told 12 News. "The biggest thing that I want everybody to know is this is not just an assault weapon ban. It is an all weapons ban." A line was seen forming out of the State House just after 2 p.m. Locally, the town of Lincoln passed a resolution earlier this month opposing the ban. In 2019, Burrillville declared itself a "2nd Amendment sanctuary town." Meanwhile, McKee said to 12 News he believes that "the state overall supports gun safety legislation." The ban was included in McKee's budget proposal this year, however, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi is unsure if there would be enough legislative support for that approach. "Now it's in the hands of the General Assembly, and we'll wait and see what happens," McKee said. WATCH: Where does the proposed statewide assault weapons ban stand? In years past, the bill has stalled due to Senate President Dominick Ruggerio opposing it at the state level, previously saying it should be done federally. However, Ruggerio, who has received high ratings from the National Rifle Association, signaled in a December interview with the Boston Globe he could have a change of heart. The bill was held for further study, which is a common procedure, and its fate is to be determined. 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