By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Senate late Thursday approved three bills that had been part of the General Assembly leadership's gun control package.
Among them was legislation increasing the criminal penalties for carrying a stolen firearm while committing a violent crime from 10 years in prison to 15.
The Senate also approved a bill outlawing possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers.
Another bill ratified created a special legislative study commission to review the state's gun and mental health laws.
The commission is to report back to the governor and Assembly leaders by Jan. 30, 2014.