Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-47-60.1[1] governs the safe storage of firearms. Prior to the 2024 legislative session, the statute only applied when a minor gained access to a loaded firearm and used it to cause injury or death. The 2024 amendments fundamentally restructured the provision, creating a standalone obligation for all firearms owners.
The Original Criminal Storage Rule
The original subsection remains in effect. It prohibits any person from storing or leaving a loaded firearm where the person knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access without the permission of the minor's parent or guardian. Criminal liability attaches only when the minor actually obtains the firearm and causes injury or death to any person, or carries it to a public place.[1] This subsection does not apply if the minor obtains the firearm through unlawful entry, if the firearm was stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock, or if the minor's access was supervised by an adult.
The 2024 Standalone Storage Duty
The 2024 amendment added a new subsection requiring all firearms owners to store their firearms in a securely locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device when the firearm is not being carried on the person or is not within close proximity for immediate retrieval and use.[2] This obligation applies to ALL firearms (loaded or unloaded, handguns and long guns alike) and does not require that a minor be present or gain access. The "close proximity" exception means you are not required to lock a firearm that you are actively carrying or that is near enough to retrieve and use immediately.
Tiered Penalty Structure
The penalty structure for a standalone storage violation escalates with each offense:
- First offense: Civil infraction punishable by a fine of $250
- Second offense: Civil infraction punishable by a fine of $1,000
- Third or subsequent offense: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both
These penalties apply to the standalone storage violation only. The original criminal storage provision (child access resulting in injury) retains its own penalty structure, which includes potential felony charges depending on the outcome.[1]
Practical Compliance
Rhode Island law does not prescribe specific types of locked containers or safety devices. Any container with a lock (gun safe, lockbox, locked cabinet) or any tamper-resistant mechanical lock or trigger lock satisfies the requirement. Cable locks distributed free by many dealers and law enforcement agencies also qualify. The key consideration is that the firearm must not be accessible to an unauthorized person when the owner is not carrying it or within close proximity.[3]