Proposed Rhode Island Firearm Legislation
2013 Session2014 Session2015 Session2016 Session2017 Session2018 Session2019 Session2020 Session2021 Session2022 Session2023 Session2024 Session
Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Rhode Island has a limited carry over of legislation between sessions
Title: Prohibits the operation of an outdoor gun range within one mile or closer of any kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) schools.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Prohibits the operation of an outdoor gun range within one mile or closer of any kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) schools.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: February 27, 2024
Title: Exempts full-time members of the capitol police from the seven (7) day waiting period and other requirements for purchasing concealable firearms or rifles and shotguns.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Exempts full-time members of the capitol police from the seven (7) day waiting period and other requirements for purchasing concealable firearms or rifles and shotguns.
Last Action: Referred to Senate Judiciary
Last Action Date: May 29, 2024
Title: Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.
Last Action: Referred to Senate Judiciary
Last Action Date: May 29, 2024
Title: Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULT WEAPONS - Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Requires purchasers of firearms, to take and pass a basic firearm safety test and requires the firearm test administered by DEM be updated every two years, as deemed appropriate and repeals § 11-47-35.2.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Requires purchasers of firearms, to take and pass a basic firearm safety test and requires the firearm test administered by DEM be updated every two years, as deemed appropriate and repeals § 11-47-35.2.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage
Last Action: Signed by Governor
Last Action Date: June 13, 2024
Title: Expands firearm rights to recognize out of state carry permits, authorizes weapons carried during emergency evacuation and establishes an appeal process for permit denied.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS -- CONCEALED CARRY REFORM - Expands firearm rights to recognize out of state carry permits, authorizes weapons carried during emergency evacuation and establishes an appeal process for permit denied.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.
Last Action: Signed by Governor
Last Action Date: June 25, 2024
Title: Punishes as felony act of unlawfully discharging a firearm or incendiary or explosive substance or device with the intent to hit or fire into any unoccupied dwelling, building, other structure or ship, automobile or other conveyance.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Punishes as felony act of unlawfully discharging a firearm or incendiary or explosive substance or device with the intent to hit or fire into any unoccupied dwelling, building, other structure or ship, automobile or other conveyance.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Exempts certain U.S. employees from having to obtain state licenses to carry a visible or concealed pistol or revolver.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Exempts certain U.S. employees from having to obtain state licenses to carry a visible or concealed pistol or revolver.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 13, 2024
Title: Permits the family court to disclose criminal records of juvenile offenders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the purposes of background check conducted when an individual attempts to purchase a firearm.
Description: COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- FAMILY COURT - Permits the family court to disclose criminal records of juvenile offenders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the purposes of background check conducted when an individual attempts to purchase a firearm.
Last Action: Referred to Senate Judiciary
Last Action Date: May 29, 2024
Title: Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Allows reciprocal concealed carry permits from out of state to be valid in Rhode Island, which is either authorized by the attorney general or subject to other reciprocal restrictions.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Allows reciprocal concealed carry permits from out of state to be valid in Rhode Island, which is either authorized by the attorney general or subject to other reciprocal restrictions.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Permits Rhode Island residents, 21 years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Permits Rhode Island residents, 21 years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.
Description: COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION - Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Limits the governor to one thirty (30) day renewal of a declaration of emergency without a joint resolution of the general assembly.
Description: MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - Limits the governor to one thirty (30) day renewal of a declaration of emergency without a joint resolution of the general assembly.
Last Action: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
Last Action Date: January 12, 2024
Title: Allows an individual to lawfully possess a device that would silence the sound of a natural report of a rifle or shotgun to hunt game, as long as the host rifle or shotgun is allowed.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Allows an individual to lawfully possess a device that would silence the sound of a natural report of a rifle or shotgun to hunt game, as long as the host rifle or shotgun is allowed.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage.
Last Action: Signed by Governor
Last Action Date: June 13, 2024
Title: Prohibits the sale or possession of firearm silencers unless the person complies with federal law in the sale, possession and use.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Prohibits the sale or possession of firearm silencers unless the person complies with federal law in the sale, possession and use.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Requires purchasers of firearms, to take and pass a basic firearm safety test and requires the firearm test administered by DEM be updated every two years, as deemed appropriate and repeals § 11-47-35.2.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Requires purchasers of firearms, to take and pass a basic firearm safety test and requires the firearm test administered by DEM be updated every two years, as deemed appropriate and repeals § 11-47-35.2.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Exempts from the sales and use tax the sale of firearm safety equipment and related products.
Description: TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION - Exempts from the sales and use tax the sale of firearm safety equipment and related products.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: May 30, 2024
Title: Prohibits any city or town or licensing authority from charging more than forty dollars ($40.00) for any license or permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Prohibits any city or town or licensing authority from charging more than forty dollars ($40.00) for any license or permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULT WEAPONS - Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Replaces state marshals with capitol police as to those law enforcement officers being exempt from certain firearm restrictions.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Replaces state marshals with capitol police as to those law enforcement officers being exempt from certain firearm restrictions.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Increases sentences for carrying a firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm and requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole or probation.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Increases sentences for carrying a firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm and requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole or probation.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
Last Action: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Last Action Date: March 12, 2024
Title: Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.
Description: CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS - Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.
Last Action: Signed by Governor
Last Action Date: June 25, 2024