The Virgin Islands Senate is set to vote on Bill No. 36-0144, a controversial proposal aiming to ban assault weapons, including AR-15 and AK-47 models, in a bid to enhance public safety. This measure, which follows an alarming rise in gun violence involving military-style rifles, mandates a $1,000 registration fee for current owners, alongside strict storage regulations and restrictions on public carry.
Sponsored by Sen. Clifford Joseph, the bill has garnered support from law enforcement officials who cite an increase in encounters with powerful weapons, including carbines and ghost guns. Critics, however, argue that the bill imposes excessive regulations on lawful gun owners, potentially infringing on rights while failing to address the root causes of gun violence. As the Senate’s Rules Committee prepares to discuss the measure, the stakes are high for both gun control advocates and opponents on these tropical islands.
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