The modern reference for Rhode Island firearms law.
Every statute tracked, every change documented, every source cited.
Upcoming Law Change
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The sale, transfer, and future acquisition of assault weapons will be prohibited starting July 1, 2026. Existing owners are grandfathered.
P.L. 2025, ch. 281 (RIGL Chapter 11-47.2)
Rhode Island's assault weapons ban defines covered firearms by characteristics, not by name. The one-feature test applies to rifles; pistols are covered only by a fixed magazine over 10 rounds. This guide walks through the enacted statute by firearm type and clears up the pistol feature test that circulates online but is not the law.
Relocating to Rhode Island with firearms? What to check on magazines and prohibited items before the move, the Blue Card required to buy a handgun, hunter safety reciprocity, and the rules for carrying once you arrive.
Rhode Island firearms penalties range from civil infractions (safe storage violations) to serious felonies carrying mandatory minimum sentences (felon in possession). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the penalty structure across the most common firearms offenses, including carrying without a permit, felon in possession, mandatory minimums, sentencing enhancements, safe storage violations, and the upcoming assault weapons ban penalties.
Rhode Island provides a statutory pathway for certain disqualified persons to petition the Relief from Disqualifiers Board for restoration of firearms rights under RIGL 11-47-63. This guide explains eligibility, the petition process, waiting periods, Board factors, appeals, and federal limits.
Rhode Island requires ammunition buyers to be 21 or older and to present a DEM Blue Card or hunter education card under RIGL 11-47-64. There is no ammunition background check. This guide explains the real requirement, the exemptions, and the federal age rules.
A practical guide to locations where firearms are prohibited in Rhode Island, including school grounds under RIGL 11-47-60, state and federal buildings, courthouses, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, and private property with posted restrictions. Covers the intoxication prohibition under RIGL 11-47-52, the limited exemptions for LCCW holders, and how federal prohibited places interact with state law.
Companion bills H7755 and S2726 would require all Rhode Island firearm purchasers to complete an approved safety training course including live-fire instruction, safe storage, and RI firearms law modules. Certificate valid 5 years. Hearing scheduled April 8, 2026.
Three bills would tighten existing firearms restrictions: S2314 increases penalties for large-capacity magazine violations, S3038 expands extreme risk protection orders, and H7133 strengthens domestic violence firearm surrender procedures.
Multiple bills address criminal penalties: H8067/S2056 bar felons from firearm possession, H8068/S3110 prohibit possession by persons under 18, and several minor bills adjust safe-storage naming, DCYF peace officers, and DV batterer program requirements.
Four bills address firearms and suicide prevention: H7636/S2971 create voluntary do-not-sell restriction lists, and H8069/S2958 require shooting ranges to post crisis hotline signage with employee training.
Four bills would legalize stun gun and electronic dart gun ownership for adults 18 and older, with criminal penalties for sales to minors and misuse. A separate bill (H8070) would allow campus carry of stun guns and pepper spray.
Companion bills would require basic firearm safety training before purchasing or possessing any firearm in Rhode Island, with exemptions for law enforcement, military, and existing license holders.
House Bill 8075 would require all Rhode Island firearm owners to maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance, with exemptions only for active-duty law enforcement and military personnel.
House Bill 8071 would require background checks before all ammunition sales or transfers in Rhode Island and would bar ammunition possession by individuals prohibited from possessing firearms.