S2306 (2026): Legalize Suppressors for Hunting

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 2306, sponsored by Senators Rogers, Morgan, de la Cruz, Paolino, Dimitri, and Raptakis, would legalize the possession and use of suppressors (silencers) on firearms exceeding 17 inches in overall length for hunting purposes in Rhode Island^[1].

What the Bill Would Change

Suppressors are currently illegal in Rhode Island. Under federal law, suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and are legal to own in 42 states. S2306 would make Rhode Island the 43rd state to permit suppressor use, but with restrictions:

• Only on firearms with an overall length exceeding 17 inches
• Only for use while hunting with a valid Rhode Island hunting license
• The bill would preempt any local or state agency from further restricting this right

Context

Proponents argue suppressors protect hearing for hunters and reduce noise disturbance. A suppressor does not make a firearm silent — it typically reduces the sound from ~160 decibels to ~130 decibels (still louder than a jackhammer). The American Suppressor Association has advocated for legalization across remaining restricted states.

Current Status

S2306 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. No hearing date has been scheduled^[2].