The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island, leaving in place the state’s 2022 ban on large-capacity ammunition magazines. The decision marks a significant victory for gun safety advocates and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who defended the law in court.
“My Office has always fought to ensure that we have common-sense gun laws on the books to keep Rhode Islanders safe, and today’s Supreme Court decision allows us to continue that mission without interruption,” Neronha said in a statement.
Rhode Island’s law prohibits the possession of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Residents who owned such devices were given six months to either modify, surrender, transfer, or sell them. Four gun owners and a firearms retailer sued, claiming the law violated the Second and Fifth Amendments. Lower courts upheld the law, and the justices’ refusal to review the case effectively ends the legal challenge.
The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled the law likely passes constitutional scrutiny, emphasizing its alignment with public safety goals. Critics, however, argued the ban infringes on fundamental rights and improperly confiscates legally acquired property.
In defending the law, the state highlighted how limiting magazine capacity can slow shooters during violent attacks, potentially saving lives.
Neronha cited the over 300 cases his office charged last year involving illegal high-capacity magazines as proof the law is working. “As the Rhode Island General Assembly prepares to vote on the assault weapons ban, it is my hope that this decision inspires our leadership to act boldly. One life lost to gun violence is one too many,” he said.
Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch indicated they would have heard the case, but the court ultimately issued a one-line order denying review.
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