The modern reference for Rhode Island firearms law.
Statutes cited, changes documented, sources linked.
Now in Effect
Effective as of
Since July 1, 2026, Rhode Island prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transfer and purchase of prohibited firearms. The law does not ban possession.
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 semi-automatic rifles. Semi-automatic pistols are covered by a fixed magazine capacity over ten rounds, and any semi-automatic firearm that can accept a belt ammunition feeding device is covered separately. This guide walks through the enacted statute by firearm type and explains that the pistol feature test in the bill as introduced is not the law.
Relocating to Rhode Island with firearms? What to check on magazines and prohibited items before the move, the Blue Card or equivalent DEM hunter safety proof for handgun purchases unless exempt, 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 penalties under the assault weapons ban, which took effect on July 1, 2026.
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.
Unless exempt under RIGL 11-47-64(c), ammunition buyers must be 21 or older and hold a valid DEM Blue Card or Rhode Island hunter education course 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 persons seeking to purchase a firearm in Rhode Island, other than police and military personnel and the license holders the bills except, to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course that includes live fire training, safe storage and Rhode Island firearms law. Certificate valid 5 years. Hearing scheduled April 8, 2026.
Two 2026 bills would change existing firearms restrictions: S2314 would make a first offense of possessing a large capacity feeding device a misdemeanor and subsequent offenses felonies, and S3038 would require a respondent under a temporary extreme risk protection order to be taken into protective custody and to an emergency room. H7133, sometimes listed with them, concerns household pets in domestic abuse protective orders.
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 and S2971 would create voluntary firearm restriction lists, and H8069 and S2958, now law, require shooting ranges to post crisis hotline signage.
Three bills, H7650, H8072 and S2395, would allow a person 18 or older to purchase a stun gun (H7650 also to possess one, H8072 and S2395 also an electronic dart gun), with criminal penalties for sales to people under 18 and for use in a crime or against a police officer, and a fourth, H8070, concerns college and university students and employees. A separate bill (H8070) would permit any student, professor or other employee of a public or private college or university to carry and possess a stun gun or pepper spray for self-defense.
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 a background check before an ammunition sale or transfer, except sales or transfers to active law enforcement officers and bona fide wholesale sales to licensed retail dealers, and would bar ammunition possession by individuals prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.