The proposed "assault weapons" ban has passed the RI House, but not without fierce debate. Here's what happened, and what's next for the legislation.

New Senate President Valarie Lawson “strongly supports the assault weapons ban legislation” and “will continue working with her colleagues on the Judiciary Committee to try to win its passage,” a spokesman said.

The R.I. House greenlighted a controversial assault weapons ban Thursday, allowing the legislation to clear yet another major hurdle since the conversation first began more than a decade ago.