Legislative updates, court decisions, and regulatory changes affecting Rhode Island firearms 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.
House Bill 8073, introduced on February 27, 2026, would restrict the possession of firearms classified as prohibited assault weapons under the 2025 ban. If enacted, it would eliminate the grandfathering provision in the current law, requiring existing owners to surrender, transfer out of state, or permanently modify their assault weapons.
Companion bills in the House and Senate that would allow law enforcement agencies to consider expunged records when deciding whether to issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.
Companion bills would create a new regulatory framework holding firearm manufacturers and dealers civilly liable for industry practices, with fee-shifting provisions. The Senate version would take effect October 1, 2026.
House bill introduced February 2026 that would allow access to juvenile criminal records for the purpose of conducting firearm background checks in Rhode Island.
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