H7754 (2026): Restricting Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits

House Bill 7754, sponsored by Representatives Fogarty, Handy, Donovan, McEntee, and others, would remove the reciprocity-based pathway for non-resident concealed carry permits in Rhode Island^[1].

What the Bill Would Change

Under the current system, non-residents with valid concealed carry permits from their home states can apply for an RI permit through the Attorney General's office. H7754 would restrict this pathway, preventing out-of-state permit holders from using their existing credentials as a basis for obtaining an RI permit. This runs directly counter to S2153, which would expand reciprocity.

Impact on Non-Residents

Non-residents who regularly travel to or through Rhode Island while carrying would face new restrictions. This bill, combined with Rhode Island's existing laws on interstate transport, would make it more difficult for non-residents to legally carry concealed firearms in the state.

Current Status

H7754 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Given that S2153 proposes the opposite approach (expanding reciprocity), the Judiciary Committee will effectively be choosing between two competing visions for how Rhode Island handles non-resident carry^[2].