2022 Firearms Legislation Package

On June 21, 2022, Governor Daniel McKee signed a package of three firearms bills into law, marking the most significant expansion of Rhode Island firearms regulation in over a decade^[1]. The legislation was passed in the wake of mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas.

Large Capacity Magazine Ban

The centerpiece of the package was a ban on large capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Under the new law, it became illegal to manufacture, sell, transfer, or possess a magazine that accepts more than 10 rounds. The law included a 180-day grace period for existing owners to modify, surrender, or transfer their magazines to a jurisdiction where they remain legal. Violations are a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine^[2].

Age Requirement Raised to 21

The package raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm in Rhode Island from 18 to 21. This applied to both handguns and long guns. Previously, Rhode Island followed the federal framework allowing 18-year-olds to purchase rifles and shotguns. The new age requirement brought Rhode Island in line with a small number of states that have raised the purchase age above the federal minimum. RIGL 11-47-37, which sets the age-21 sale threshold, contains no exception for military personnel or law enforcement officers. The active-duty exemptions elsewhere in the chapter concern the handgun safety-certificate requirement and carry, not the purchase age.

Ammunition Sales Requirements

The third bill created RIGL 11-47-64^[4], imposing new requirements on ammunition sales. The statute took effect on June 21, 2022, and its credential requirement applies to sales made after December 31, 2022, in practice from January 1, 2023. Under the statute, no one may sell ammunition to a buyer unless the buyer is at least 21 years old and holds a valid pistol/revolver safety certificate (Blue Card) or a Rhode Island hunter education course card issued by DEM. Violation of RIGL 11-47-64 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. The law applies to all ammunition types, not just handgun ammunition. Under subsection (c), both the age threshold and the credential requirement do not apply to full-time members of the state police, the state marshal's office, or city or town police departments, state marshals or correctional officers, persons serving on active duty in the armed forces, organized reserves, or National Guard, or persons licensed to carry under RIGL 11-47-11 or 11-47-18. Retired law enforcement officers are not separately exempt and qualify only if they hold a carry license. For a full breakdown of the ammunition law, see the dedicated article on Ammunition Purchase Requirements (2023 Law).

Legal Challenges

The large capacity magazine ban was immediately challenged in federal court. In Ocean State Tactical LLC v. Rhode Island, plaintiffs argued that the ban violated the Second Amendment under the framework established by the Supreme Court in NYSRPA v. Bruen^[3]. The case proceeded through the First Circuit Court of Appeals, where the ban was ultimately upheld.