Safe Storage Bill passed as Rhode Island observes Gun Violence Awareness Day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

The Safe Storage Bill secured passaged last night from the Senate, and will now head to Governor Dan McKee’s desk for signature.

The legislation will allow all gun owners to securely store their guns when not in use, either in a safe container or with a safety device to prevent authorized access.

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence is advocating for gun violence awareness by promoting “Wear Orange Weekend.”

“We are grateful to the Senate and House leadership, the bill sponsors Senator Lauria and Representative Caldwell, Governor McKee, Lt. Governor Matos, Attorney General Neronha, Secretary of State Amore, Treasurer Diossa and all of our coalition partners and volunteers for their steadfast support in advocating for this legislation and thereby saving Rhode Islanders from preventable gun violence,” said RICAGV Executive Director Melissa Carden in a statement.

In 2013, Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago.

Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others.

Thousands of people wear the color orange to honor Hadiya and the more than 43,000 Americans who are killed with guns and approximately 76,000 more who are shot and wounded every year.