By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Lawmakers in Tennessee and Rhode Island are reportedly considering gun control legislation this week at the same time President Joe Biden has renewed his call for Congress to act on proposals including safe storage and so-called “universal background checks,” which are invariably on the gun control wish list.
According to Republic World, after chastising Republicans for attending the National Rifle Association’s annual convention over the weekend in Indianapolis, Biden stated, “It is within Congress’ power to require safe storage of firearms, require background checks for all gun sales, eliminate gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines – and this should happen without delay.”
There is considerable symbolism in the fact that liberal state lawmakers are pushing as much gun control as they can as the NRA gathered for their annual meetings and exhibits.
In Nashville, WZTV is reporting, “There has been a slew of gun control legislation introduced at the Tennessee State Capitol since the mass shooting at The Covenant School.” The station says a Republican House bill has been introduced that will allow “teachers, principals and school staff” to be armed on school grounds, provided they complete 40 hours of training with local law enforcement “at their own expense.” They must also pass a background check and mental health evaluation, the report noted.
Moms Demand Action reportedly is opposed to the proposal, asserting that it would result in “more guns; less training,” which does not appear to be the case, according to the WZTV report.
Another bill would lower the age for an “enhanced lifetime and concealed handgun carry permit” to age 18. It is currently 21 years.
In Rhode Island, WPRI News reported that guns would be center stage Monday when the House Judiciary Committee holds hearings “on more than 24 bills concerning gun control.” One of those bills calls for a ban on so-called “assault weapons.” It is similar to proposed bans in other states, prohibiting the sale, manufacture and transfer of modern semiautomatic rifles.
Last year, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation banning so-called “large capacity magazines” and raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm or ammunition from 18 to 21.
Meanwhile, in Washington State, lawmakers were wrestling with the House refusal to accept two amendments to House Bill 1240—the “assault weapons” ban—adopted by the Senate and sent back to the House for concurrence. Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson want that ban passed before the Legislature adjourns April 23.
