Policy Problem:
The possession of firearms in the United States is a topical debate, and has been for many years. It is a national policy problem as gun crime seems to be on the increase, with many citizens believing that laws on gun control should be tightened. Rhode Island’s gun possession laws are similar to those in many of the other States. There is no requirement for an adult to have a license in order to possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. It is against the law for a minor (someone under the age of 18) to possess and use any firearm or ammunition. However, there is an exception to this law: if the minor has a firearm permit, and is located in an approved rifle camp, and is accompanied by a qualified adult, they are legally allowed to possess and use any firearm. In March 2016, Rhode Island officials discussed a review of the state’s gun laws. There has been much campaigning on both sides of the argument, and it looks as though laws may change in 2017. The policy surrounding gun possession needs addressing as people of the state become increasingly worried about terrorism, school shootings, and general gun crime. Incidents all over the states have highlighted the need for gun policy to be taken more seriously.
Comparative Analysis, State.
I will be comparing Rhode Island to Texas and New York. While RI is a rural state, NY is an urban one, and TX is historically rural but is becoming more urban. This difference will provide an interesting starting point for comparison about gun possession policies. The three states differ in their political leanings. RI and NY are both democratic states, whereas TX is republican. This may also prove interesting in analyzing why the states have different policies on gun possession. There are many differences between these three states, and I selected NY and TX deliberately to create a contrast, while still leaving enough similarities to be able to sensibly compare.
Comparative Analysis, Policy.
The political cultures of the three states is relevant to their stances on gun possession. Texas is similar to Rhode Island in that an adult does not require a license to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun. However, certain restrictions are in place. For example, a person who has been convicted of a felony related to their family or home is not allowed to possess a one of these firearms. Interestingly, Texas allows minors to possess rifles, shotguns and handguns; this is significantly different to Rhode Island’s ban on minors possessing such firearms.
New York differs from my home state and from Texas, in that while it does not require a license for certain firearms, it does require a license for others. A person is not required to have a license for the possession of a rifle or shotgun, providing the rifle’s barrel is more than sixteen inches long, and the shotgun’s barrel is more than eighteen inches long. For the possession of handguns, a license is required.
The policy outcomes for each state seems to have been affected primarily by political climate, judicial systems and whether they are rural or urban states.
Policy Recommendation
Like every state, my home state of Rhode Island has its own set of laws and policies regarding the possession of firearms. While an adult does not require a license to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun, minors are banned from possessing firearms, except in specific circumstances. This differs from Texas and New York, where there are no laws against minors possessing these firearms. While I believe that Rhode Island should be more like New York regarding firearms license requirements, it seems obvious that my home state has the most effective policy regarding minors possessing firearms. I would recommend that RI tighten up gun possession laws so that adults have to have a license in order to possess a firearm, and that there are stringent checks on the individual before this license is granted.
Support of Policy Recommendation
Based on the recent uproar (March 2016) concerning changes to gun control policies, I predict that the public of RI will display a mixed response to my policy changes. However, as a recently voted Democratic state, I think the majority will be in support of tougher restrictions on gun possession policies. People of RI are worried about gun violence and most will welcome the new policy.
