2026 Legislation
Current Status
As of February 3rd, 2026, all bills introduced so far have been referred to their respective Judiciary committees. No additional action has yet been taken.
For each bill, we have included a link to the bill text on the RI Legislature website. These buttons are color coded:
GREEN = We feel this is a good bill
RED = We feel this is a bad bill
ORANGE = We are Neutral on this bill
We will maintain this page as more bills are introduced or the status is updated. For a descriptive path of how a bill becomes a law in Rhode Island, click the button below.
House Bills
Bill Number: H7035
Sponsors: Introduced by: Rep. Boylan; Rep. Caldwell; Rep. Tanzi; Rep. Ajello; Rep. Knight; Rep. Batista; Rep. Dawson; Rep. Kazarian; Rep. Felix; Rep. McEntee
Bill Title: An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses — Weapons
Official Description: This act would prohibit the purchase of more than one firearm in a thirty (30) day period, with exemptions (law enforcement, inheritance, instruction, temporary rentals at ranges, and licensed collectors), and would take effect upon passage.
What Changes: Creates a new “1 gun per 30 days” limit covering pistols, rifles, and shotguns, and spells out a list of exemptions (for example: FFLs, government/law enforcement, certain court-ordered transfers, range rentals, and training-course use). Sets penalties that escalate from a misdemeanor for a first offense to a felony for later offenses.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: H7128
Sponsors: Introduced by: Rep. O’Brien; Rep. McEntee; Rep. Dawson; Rep. Noret; Rep. Roberts; Rep. Biah; Rep. Read; Rep. Corvese; Rep. Diaz; Rep. Hull
Bill Title: An Act Relating to Education — Maintenance of Order on Campus
Official Description: This act would mandate arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and would include campus police in the definition of “law enforcement officer” for the purposes of the law enforcement officers’ bill of rights, and would take effect upon passage.
What Changes: Changes the campus police statute so campus police at public higher-ed institutions can carry firearms when expressly authorized, and ties that authorization to training requirements. Also amends the law enforcement due-process framework so campus police are included in the “law enforcement officer” definition for those proceedings.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill number: H7133
Sponsors: J. Lombardi; Hull; Sanchez; Cruz; Stewart
Bill Title: Domestic Relations — Domestic Abuse Prevention
Official Description: This act would permit the family court to award custody of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint… [and] would take effect upon passage.
What Changes: H7133 sets requirements for firearm surrender procedures and restricting access to firearms for respondents while orders are active. It also sets related court process requirements around compliance and restoration, making it a domestic-violence firearm-restriction bill in practice
Current Status: Referred to House Judiciary
Bill Number: H7145
Sponsors: Introduced by: Rep. Fellela; Rep. Messier; Rep. Caldwell; Rep. Craven; Rep. Kazarian
Bill Title: An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses — Weapons
Official Description: This act would amend the heading of § 11-47-60.1 to include the words “Dillon’s Law,” and would take effect upon passage.
What Changes: Renames the statutory section heading for the safe-storage/unsafe-storage firearm law to add the label “Dillon’s Law.” It does not (in this filing) change the underlying safe-storage rules; it changes the heading language.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill number: H7546
Sponsors: Rep. Matthew Dawson.
Bill Title: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — ARREST (Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at DCYF).
Official Description: Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.
What Changes: This bill broadens the statutory peace officer definition to include specified DCYF roles. Because those roles are granted peace officer authority, it also affects related powers and duties in enforcement contexts.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to House Judiciary on 02/06/2026.
Bill number: H7553
Sponsors: Reps. Thomas Noret, David Place, Arthur Corvese, Michael Chippendale, Matthew Dawson, Robert Phillips, David Bennett, Jon Brien, Stephen Casey, Earl Read
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS (carry permit review/appeal process)
Official Description: 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.
What Changes: Establishes/clarifies how applicants can seek review and appeal when a carry permit/license decision is denied by the licensing authority or the attorney general.
Current Status: Referred to House Judiciary (introduced 02/06/2026).
Bill number: H7557
Sponsors: Representatives Donovan, Boylan, Speakman, Carson, Tanzi, Potter, Fogarty, Ajello, McGaw, and Casimiro.
Bill Title: RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — THE RHODE ISLAND FIREARM INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2026
Official Description: Establishes the Rhode Island firearm industry accountability act of 2026.
What Changes: Creates a new chapter in Title 23 (Health and Safety) called the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, with defined terms and regulatory framework language in the introduced text. It is positioned as an industry-accountability measure rather than a direct permit or possession bill.
Current Status: Introduced; referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H7593
Sponsors:Rep. Chippendale, Rep. Nardone, Rep. Fellela, Rep. Quattrocchi, Rep. J. Brien, Rep. Fascia, Rep. Solomon.
Bill Title:TAXATION — SALES AND USE TAXES — LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (exempts firearm safety equipment/storage devices from sales tax).
Official Description: Exempts from sales tax firearm safety equipment and storage devices, including gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks, and biometric locks.
What Changes:This bill removes Rhode Island sales and use tax on a defined set of firearm safety and secure-storage products. In practice, it lowers the out-of-pocket cost of locks and safes, which may encourage safer firearm storage purchases.
Current Status: Introduced; referred to House Finance.
Bill number: H7636
Sponsors: Reps. Boylan, Caldwell, Casimiro, Dawson, Craven, Read, Batista, Felix, Ajello, and Knight
Bill Title: RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — SUICIDE PREVENTION — VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT
Official Description: Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.
What Changes: Establishes AG-administered temporary/indefinite voluntary restriction lists; blocks firearm purchase/possession while listed; suspends concealed carry permit during listing with reinstatement rules; sets removal timelines; makes records confidential/destroyed after removal; and adds penalties for possession/attempted purchase while listed.
Current Status: Referred to House Judiciary
Bill number: H7650
Sponsors: Reps. Charlene Lima, Deborah Fellela, David Place, Arthur Corvese, Samuel Azzinaro, Brian Kennedy, David Bennett, John Edwards, Robert Phillips, Stephen Casey
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS (stun gun carry/penalties)
Official Description: Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun; imposes criminal penalties for selling or transferring a stun gun to someone under eighteen.
What Changes: Would allow licensed/ permitted adults to carry a stun gun and establishes criminal penalties for unlawful sale/transfer to minors.
Current Status: Referred to House Judiciary
Bill number: H7753
Sponsors: Rep. Earl Read; Rep. Michael Chippendale; Rep. Paul Santucci; Rep. Thomas Noret; Rep. Patricia Serpa; Rep. Tina Spears; Rep. William O’Brien; Rep. Richard Fascia; Rep. Arthur Corvese; Rep. Deborah Fellela.
Bill Title: CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.
What Changes: Creates/clarifies a felony offense for disarming (or attempting to disarm) covered law-enforcement personnel and for removing specified communication devices.
Current Status: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H7754
Sponsors: Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, Rep. Arthur Handy, Rep. Susan Donovan, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, Rep. Justine Caldwell, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, Rep. Maryann Shallcross Smith, Rep. Katherine Kazarian, Rep. Terri-Denise Cortvriend, Rep. Lauren Carson
Bill Title: CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: Deletes the provision permitting out-of-state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states; also makes a minor typographical correction.
What Changes: Tightens eligibility pathway for non-resident concealed-carry permitting by removing reciprocity-style qualifying language currently in statute. Also disallows RI residents from applying in a town in which they do not live or work if they hold an out of state permit.
Current Status: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H7755
Sponsors: Boylan, Tanzi, Dawson, Craven, Caldwell, Read, Batista, Stewart, Felix, Knight.
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS (Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act).
Official Description: Requires changes to firearm-purchase/possession qualification process, including a basic firearm safety training requirement for most applicants, with listed exemptions.
What Changes: This bill adds prerequisites to lawful firearm purchasing/possession by requiring an applicant-facing safety training component and related process steps. In practice, it raises the front-end compliance burden for purchasers while carving out exceptions for certain public-safety/military groups.
Current Status: Referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8067
Sponsors: Rep. Jenni Azanero Furtado, Rep. Jennifer Boylan, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, Rep. Susan Donovan, Rep. Karen Alzate, Rep. Julie Casimiro, Rep. Justine Caldwell, Rep. Mary Messier, Rep. Jennifer Stewart, and Rep. Brandon Potter.
Bill Title: Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Official Description: Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
What Changes: Would bar people with prior felony convictions from buying or possessing firearms under Rhode Island law.
Current Status: Introduced on 02/27/2026 and referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8068
Sponsors: Rep. Boylan, Rep. Tanzi, Rep. Furtado, Rep. Ajello, Rep. Caldwell, Rep. Knight, Rep. Dawson, Rep. Diaz.
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS.
Official Description: This act would specify that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
What Changes: This bill narrows and clarifies the rule on firearm possession by minors by making under-18 possession unlawful except in the statute’s listed supervised or activity-based exceptions. In practice, it strengthens the baseline prohibition language for minors while preserving specific carveouts like supervised range or hunting contexts.
Current Status: Introduced 02/27/2026; referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8069
Sponsors: Rep. Susan Donovan, Rep. Jennifer Boylan, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, Rep. Karen Alzate, Rep. June Speakman, Rep. Terri-Denise Cortvriend, Rep. Julie Casimiro, Rep. Cherie Cruz, Rep. Jenni Azanero Furtado, Rep. Brandon Potter.
Bill Title: CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS.
Official Description: Requires shooting ranges to post signs in any area in which shooting occurs that contain the following language: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text ‘HOME’ to 741741”.
What Changes: This bill would require Rhode Island shooting ranges to place a suicide-prevention/crisis-warning notice in shooting areas. It does not ban or expand firearm possession directly, but it adds a new operational requirement for ranges tied to mental health outreach.
Current Status: Introduced 02/27/2026; referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8070
Sponsors: Rep. Hopkins, Rep. Casimiro, Rep. Casey, Rep. Noret, Rep. J. Brien, Rep. Place.
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS.
Official Description: The bill amends the “weapons other than firearms prohibited” statute to provide that any student, professor, or other employee of any public or private college or university may carry, possess, and control a stun-gun or pepper spray for purposes of self-defense.
What Changes: This bill creates a specific self-defense exception for college and university students and employees to possess stun guns or pepper spray on campus. It changes the current prohibited-weapons framework by carving out a higher-education campus allowance for those devices.
Current Status: Introduced 02/27/2026; referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8071
Sponsors: Rep. Caldwell, Rep. Potter, Rep. Boylan, Rep. Knight, Rep. Carson, Rep. McEntee, Rep. McGaw, Rep. Voas, Rep. Casimiro, and Rep. Furtado.
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS.
Official Description: This act would prohibit the sale or transfer of ammunition unless the purchaser successfully undergoes a background check.
What Changes: This bill would require a background check before most ammunition sales or transfers and would also bar ammunition possession by people already prohibited from possessing firearms. It adds penalties for unlawful possession and for sellers or transferors who violate the new ammunition-check requirements.
Current Status: Introduced 02/27/2026; referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8072
Sponsors: Rep. Stephen Casey, Rep. Michael Chippendale, Rep. Marie Hopkins, Rep. Jon Brien, Rep. Gregory Costantino, Rep. Arthur Corvese, Rep. William O’Brien, Rep. Matthew Dawson, Rep. Earl Read, Rep. Nathan Biah.
Bill Title: CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS.
Official Description: Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.
What Changes: This bill would legalize adult purchase of stun guns or electronic dart guns while barring sales to minors. It also adds or clarifies criminal penalties when those devices are used during a crime or against a police officer.
Current Status: Introduced in the 2026 regular session.
Bill number: H8073
Sponsors: Rep. Tanzi, Rep. Boylan, Rep. Alzate, Rep. Stewart, Rep. Kislak, Rep. Handy, Rep. Ajello, Rep. Giraldo, Rep. Edwards, and Rep. Morales.
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — UNLAWFUL SALE OF PROHIBITED FIREARMS.
Official Description: This act would restrict the possession of prohibited firearms.
What Changes: This bill expands the current prohibited-firearms statute from manufacturing, sale, transfer, and purchase to also explicitly ban possession. It keeps limited exceptions for certain pre-July 1, 2026 owners, federally licensed dealers, and law enforcement entities.
Current Status: Introduced 02/27/2026; referred to House Judiciary.
Bill number: H8075
Sponsors: Reps. Caldwell, Potter, Boylan, Knight, Carson, McEntee, McGaw, Casimiro, Furtado, Ajello
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE — LIABILITY INSURANCE
Official Description: Requires any individual who owns a firearm to obtain and continuously maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering damages from negligent acts involving the firearm; exempts active-duty law enforcement and active-duty military.
What Changes: Creates a new firearm-owner insurance mandate, treats a firearm as “owned” until loss/theft is reported, requires proof to be kept with stored/transported firearms and shown during lawful law-enforcement encounters, and ties noncompliance to revocation language in the bill text.
Current Status: Date Introduced: 02/27/2026; Referred To: House Judiciary
Bill number: H8434.
Sponsors: Representatives O’Brien, Dawson, Craven, Noret, Read, Phillips, Azzinaro, Solomon, Casey, and Corvese.
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — SENTENCING ENHANCEMENT FOR FIREARM RELATED OFFENSES — NYNY’S LAW.
Official Description: This act would provide for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.
What Changes: Creates a new consecutive 5-year sentencing enhancement for certain firearm-related offenses resulting in death, including use of a ghost gun, stolen firearm, modified semi-automatic weapon, large-capacity feeding device, prohibited firearm, firearm possession by prohibited persons or certain noncitizens, use of a firearm during a felony, or a drive-by shooting.
Current Status: Introduced on April 10, 2026 and referred to House Judiciary.
Senate Bills
Bill Number: S2053
Sponsors: Senators Appollonio, Tikoian, Ciccone, de la Cruz, Paolino, Famiglietti, Patalano, LaMountain, Thompson, Dimitri
Bill Title: RELATING TO EDUCATION — MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS
Official Description: This act would mandate arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and would include campus police in the definition of “law enforcement officer” for the purposes of the “law enforcement officers’ bill of rights”.
What Changes: It requires public college and university campus police to be armed (subject to training requirements and deadlines in the bill text). It also updates related definitions so campus police are treated as “law enforcement officers” for certain legal protections and processes.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2056
Sponsors: Senators Euer, Valverde, Quezada, Kallman, Lauria, Vargas, Acosta, Mack, Pearson, Zurier
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would disqualify individuals with prior felony convictions or nolo contendere pleas from purchasing or possessing a firearm. It would also prevent the sentencing judge from suspending the first two (2) years of any sentence under limited circumstances.
What Changes: It tightens firearm disqualification rules for people with felony convictions or nolo contendere pleas as laid out in the amended section. It also restricts sentence suspension for parts of the penalties under specified circumstances in the statute.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2086
Sponsors: Senators Paolino, E Morgan, Rogers, de la Cruz, Ciccone, Tikoian, Kallman, Lauria, Murray, Urso
Bill Title: RELATING TO TAXATION — SALES AND USE TAXES — LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
Official Description: This act would exempt from sales tax the sale of firearms and ammunition and firearms safety devices, and related services. This act would take effect upon passage.
What Changes: It adds firearms, ammunition, safety devices, and certain related services to the list of items exempt from Rhode Island sales and use tax. If enacted, the exemption applies upon passage.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Senate Finance
Bill Number: S2144
Sponsors: Senator Matthew L. LaMountain
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT
Official Description: This act would permit the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and would give the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.
What Changes: It changes domestic violence case requirements around batterers intervention programs by letting the court set required hours. It also gives the court discretion over whether the defendant must personally pay program costs.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2153
Sponsors: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, E Morgan, Paolino
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would allow the attorney general to enter into agreements with other states to recognize a concealed handgun permit as valid. This act would authorize the State of Rhode Island to recognize and honor a concealed weapon permit from out of state provided the license holder meets specified conditions, and would also recognize certain out-of-state law enforcement credentials for concealed carry in Rhode Island.
What Changes: It expands recognition of out-of-state concealed carry permits, including a framework for reciprocity and conditions like verification access and identification requirements. It also clarifies concealed carry treatment for active-duty out-of-state law enforcement with appropriate credentials.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2155
Sponsors:Senators Rogers, Paolino, de la Cruz, E Morgan
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would permit Rhode Island residents, twenty-one (21) years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit, subject to meeting four (4) conditions: (1) not prohibited from possessing a firearm; (2) possess a certificate of qualification of shooting proficiency; (3) have a safety certificate recognized by DEM; and (4) possess governmental photo identification.
What Changes: It creates a permitless concealed carry pathway for Rhode Island residents age 21+ if they meet the bill’s listed qualification, safety-certificate, and ID requirements. It keeps certain weapon and device prohibitions and penalties in place as reflected in the amended statutory text.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2163
Sponsors:Senators de la Cruz, Ciccone, Burke, Dimitri, Appollonio, LaMountain, Rogers
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would provide the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general, including a reconsideration meeting and an appeal to superior court for a trial de novo, and would generally keep related records nonpublic unless the applicant requests an open hearing.
What Changes: It sets up a structured reconsideration and appeal process when a concealed carry permit or license is denied, including deadlines and procedures for meetings and court review. It also defines confidentiality rules for records and proceedings unless the applicant opts into a public hearing.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2164
Sponsors: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, E Morgan, Paolino
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would define suitable person for purposes of possessing and having a concealed carry pistol permit, would establish reasons for applying for a concealed carry permit for both in-state and out-of-state residents, would establish what information is required on applications for concealed carry permits, establish an appeal process when an application is denied and provide that records relating to concealed carry permits and appeals are not a public record.
What Changes: It overhauls multiple parts of Rhode Island’s concealed carry framework by defining “suitable person,” expanding/clarifying application requirements, and setting standards and procedures for approvals and denials. It also creates or tightens confidentiality around permit and appeal records.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2277
Sponsors:Senators Rogers, Paolino, de la Cruz, Appollonio, Famiglietti, Tikoian, Ciccone, Raptakis, Patalano, Dimitri
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would define suitable person for purposes of possessing and having a concealed carry pistol permit, would establish reasons for applying for a concealed carry permit for both in-state and out-of-state residents, would establish what information is required on applications for concealed carry permits, establish an appeal process when an application is denied and provide that records relating to concealed carry permits and appeals are not a public record.
What Changes: It changes the concealed carry permitting system by setting new definitions, applicant criteria, and documentation requirements. It also specifies an appeals pathway and limits public access to permit and appeal records.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2283
Sponsors: Senators de la Cruz, Rogers, Patalano, Dimitri, E Morgan, Paolino
Bill Title: RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE — PROCEDURE GENERALLY — CAUSES OF ACTION
Official Description: This act would provide 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, allowing recovery of damages tied to conduct occurring on that property.
What Changes: It creates a new civil liability theory aimed at property owners/entities that post firearm-prohibited notices (with stated exceptions) if a licensed/authorized gun owner is harmed and claims the harm could have been avoided if they could carry there. It also sets a three-year limitations period and proof elements a plaintiff must establish.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2285
Sponsors: Senators Raptakis, Famiglietti, Appollonio, Burke, Rogers, Patalano, Thompson, Dimitri, Tikoian, Felag
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would increase the sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm and would require that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole or probation. Penalties would increase for second and subsequent offenses.
What Changes: It increases mandatory penalties for using a stolen firearm in a violent crime and for knowingly possessing a stolen firearm. It also expands no-parole/no-probation minimums, with stronger escalation for repeat offenses.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2292
Sponsors: Senators DiPalma, LaMountain, Burke, Tikoian, McKenney, Paolino, Raptakis, Euer
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — DISARMING A PEACE OFFICER
Official Description: This act would make it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.
What Changes: It creates a new felony offense for knowingly trying to take a firearm, weapon, or certain devices (including communication equipment) from a peace officer or designated investigator during official duties. It sets a mandatory imprisonment range as stated in the bill text.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2295
Sponsors: Senators McKenney, LaMountain, Bissaillon, Lawson, DiPalma
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would prohibit the purchase of more than one firearm in a thirty (30) day period, with exemptions including law enforcement, inheritance, participation in courses of instruction, temporary rentals at gun ranges and licensed collectors.
What Changes: It establishes a one-gun-per-30-days limit for most buyers, while carving out multiple listed exemptions. It sets misdemeanor penalties for a first offense and felony penalties for subsequent offenses.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2306
Sponsors: Senators Rogers, E Morgan, de la Cruz, Paolino, Dimitri, Raptakis
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: This act would permit the possession or use of a muffler, silencer or other device on any firearm longer than seventeen inches (17”) in length and would permit the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license at the time of use. It also states that no other city or state agency may enact any rule or regulation affecting the right to use such a device.
What Changes: It relaxes state restrictions on suppressors/silencers for firearms over a specified length, and authorizes their use for hunting if the person is properly licensed. It also preempts local/state agencies from creating rules that would mandate or otherwise regulate that right as described in the bill.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Number: S2314
Sponsors:Senators Raptakis, Famiglietti, Appollonio, Tikoian, Burke, Felag, Thompson, Patalano, Ciccone, Dimitri
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — LARGE CAPACITY FEEDING DEVICE BAN OF 2022
Official Description: This act would make a first offense of possessing a large capacity feeding device a misdemeanor and subsequent offenses felonies.
What Changes: It changes the penalty structure for illegal possession of a “large capacity feeding device” by making the first conviction a misdemeanor and later convictions felonies. It leaves the underlying prohibition and listed exemptions/conditions in the existing chapter, while revising the punishment tiers.
Current Status: Introduced, Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill number: S2395
Sponsors: Thompson; Dimitri; Burke; Ciccone; Famiglietti; Tikoian; Appollonio; Patalano; Raptakis; Paolino
Bill Title: Criminal Offenses — Weapons
Official Description: This act would provide that a person over the age of eighteen (18) years can purchase and possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun prohibit sale to any person under eighteen [and] criminalize use in any criminal offense [or] against any police officer [and] would take effect upon passage.
What Changes: Legalizes adult (18+) purchase/possession of stun guns/electronic dart guns while criminalizing sales to minors and enhancing penalties for criminal use—especially against police. It also bars possession by people who are prohibited firearm possessors or have felony/nolo contendere history (as described in the bill text).
Current Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary
Bill number: S2611
Sponsors: Sens. Pamela Lauria, Alana DiMario, Matthew LaMountain, Mark McKenney, Tiara Mack, Linda Ujifusa, Bridget Valverde, Dawn Euer, Jonathon Acosta, Jacob Bissaillon
Bill Title: RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — THE RHODE ISLAND FIREARM INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2026
Official Description: This act would establish the Rhode Island firearm industry accountability act of 2026.
What Changes: Creates a new Title 23 chapter establishing requirements on firearm industry members (including controls, possession, and advertising of firearm industry products) and provides civil enforcement remedies and fee shifting; effective October 1, 2026.
Current Status: Introduced (02/13/2026), referred to Senate Judiciary
Bill number: S2710
Sponsors: Sen. Tiara Mack, Sen. Pamela Lauria, Sen. Bridget Valverde, Sen. Meghan Kallman, Sen. Mark McKenney, Sen. Alana DiMario, Sen. Victoria Gu, Sen. Dawn Euer, Sen. Samuel Zurier, and Sen. Linda Ujifusa.
Bill Title: Restricts the possession of prohibited firearms.
Official Description: Restricts the possession of prohibited firearms.
What Changes: Would expand Rhode Island’s prohibited-firearms law to cover possession, not just manufacture, sale, transfer, or purchase.
Current Status: Introduced on 02/27/2026 and referred to Senate Judiciary.
Bill number: S2726
Sponsors: Sens. McKenney, Bissaillon, Britto, Gu, Zurier, DiPalma, Murray, Euer
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS — RESPONSIBLE FIREARM PURCHASING ACT
Official Description: Cited as the “Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act” and amends § 11-47-35 to change “Sale of concealable weapons” to “Sale of firearms,” defining “firearm” to include rifle, shotgun, pistol, or revolver.
What Changes: Expands the purchase process and safety-certificate framework in § 11-47-35 from pistols/revolvers to firearms generally, and repeals §§ 11-47-35.1 and 11-47-35.2 (the exemptions section and the separate rifle/shotgun sale section).
Current Status: Date Introduced: 02/27/2026; Referred To: Senate Judiciary
Bill number: S2958
Sponsors: DiPalma, Lauria, DiMario, LaMountain
Bill Title: RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: Requires shooting ranges to post suicide-awareness signs (English/Spanish) where shooting occurs and requires employee training to recognize suicide warning signs.
What Changes: Adds a new “Shooting ranges — Suicide awareness” section with mandatory signage, nonmember accompaniment at member ranges, and employee training starting 01/01/2027.
Current Status: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
Bill number: S2971
Sponsors: Valverde, Lauria, Kallman, Acosta, Ujifusa, Euer, DiMario, Urso, Murray
Bill Title: RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — SUICIDE PREVENTION–VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT
Official Description: Creates a process for individuals to voluntarily be temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting firearm purchase/possession; provides removal rules; requires record destruction; sets penalties/fines.
What Changes: Establishes voluntary “do-not-sell/do-not-possess” restriction lists with administrative procedures, confidentiality/record-destruction rules, and penalties for violations.
Current Status: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
Bill number: S3038
Sponsors: Senators Patalano, Dimitri, Appollonio, Urso, Burke, de la Cruz, Raptakis
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE — EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS
Official Description: Amends the extreme risk protection order law’s temporary-order proceedings.
What Changes: Revises §8-8.3-4 (Temporary orders—Proceedings) and adds/clarifies requirements within the temporary order process, including protective-custody/emergency-room language in the amended text. Involuntary, non-optional transport to ER for “evaluation” on any ERPO, before the detainee can speak on their own behalf.
Current Status: Introduced 03/05/2026; Referred to Senate Judiciary
Bill number: S3108
Sponsors: Senator Louis P. DiPalma
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
Official Description: Allows a law enforcement agency to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.
What Changes: This would let licensing authorities look at expunged criminal records when deciding whether to issue a pistol or revolver license or permit. In effect, it narrows the practical shielding effect of expungement in the firearms licensing context.
Current Status: Introduced March 13, 2026 and referred to Senate Judiciary.
Bill number: S3110
Sponsors: Senators Bissaillon, Quezada, and McKenney
Bill Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES — WEAPONS
Official Description: Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
What Changes: Creates a standalone Senate proposal making firearm possession by a person under 18 unlawful. It adds that restriction directly in the Senate bill without referencing companion bill language.
Current Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary