McKee to propose assault weapons ban as part of FY2026 budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Governor Dan McKee will make his pitch to ban assault weapons in Rhode Island Tuesday.

Governor McKee recently announced he added the assault weapons ban to the 2026 fiscal year budget.

That move drew criticism from Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, who said quote “legislation is crafted and debated by the general assembly.”

Governor McKee responded, by telling ABC6, the ban was added as a “financial piece.”

McKee said in part that the ban would eliminate “the tax on the safe storage purchases for the guns.”

At 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, McKee will join state officials and advocates, including Rep. Jason Knight and Senator Louis DiPalma, who plan to introduce legislation to coincide with the budget plan.