S2155 (2026): Permitless Concealed Carry (Constitutional Carry)

Update: Held for Further Study (April 2026)

At hearings held April 8-14, 2026, the Rhode Island House and Senate Judiciary committees voted to hold this bill for further study — a procedural outcome that keeps the bill alive on the docket but defers any committee vote and halts advancement for this session. The bill has not passed. No further action is expected before the regular session ends in June 2026.^[99]

Senate Bill 2155, sponsored by Senators Rogers, Paolino, de la Cruz, and Morgan, would permit Rhode Island residents age 21 and older to carry concealed handguns without obtaining a permit from local police or the Attorney General^[1]. This is commonly referred to as "constitutional carry" legislation.

What the Bill Would Change

Under current law, Rhode Island requires either a Local Concealed Carry Weapons (LCCW) permit through local police under RIGL 11-47-11 or a permit through the Attorney General under RIGL 11-47-18. S2155 would create a third pathway: permitless carry for qualifying residents. The bill preserves the existing permit system for those who want formal documentation (useful for reciprocity with other states) but removes the requirement for residents who meet the following conditions:

• Age 21 or older
• Rhode Island resident
• Possesses a valid firearms qualification certificate
• Possesses a valid safety certificate
• Carries valid state-issued identification

Current Status

S2155 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. No hearing date has been scheduled. Rhode Island would join 29 other states that have enacted some form of permitless carry if the bill passes^[2].

Political Context

Constitutional carry bills have been introduced in Rhode Island in previous sessions without success. The General Assembly maintains a Democratic supermajority, and Governor McKee signed the assault weapons ban in 2025, making passage uncertain. However, the bill has bipartisan Senate sponsors and reflects a national trend toward permitless carry.

What to Watch

Whether the bill receives a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee will be the first indicator of its viability this session. Firearms owners who support this legislation should monitor committee schedules and be prepared to provide testimony.