Upcoming Law Change
Assault Weapons Ban Takes Effect
1day remaining
The sale, transfer, and future acquisition of assault weapons will be prohibited starting July 1, 2026. Existing owners are grandfathered.
P.L. 2025, ch. 281 (RIGL Chapter 11-47.2)
Chapter 135 updates tracked daily. Latest changes
Rhode Island Gun Laws.
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The modern reference for Rhode Island firearms law.
Every statute tracked, every change documented, every source cited.
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Featured Guides
View allRhode Island Assault Weapons Ban: How the Feature Test Applies to Rifles, Pistols, and Shotguns
Rhode Island's assault weapons ban defines covered firearms by characteristics, not by name. The one-feature test applies to rifles; pistols are covered only by a fixed magazine over 10 rounds. This guide walks through the enacted statute by firearm type and clears up the pistol feature test that circulates online but is not the law.
Moving to Rhode Island: A New Resident's Firearms Guide
Relocating to Rhode Island with firearms? What to check on magazines and prohibited items before the move, the Blue Card required to buy a handgun, hunter safety reciprocity, and the rules for carrying once you arrive.
Understanding Rhode Island Firearms Penalties
Rhode Island firearms penalties range from civil infractions (safe storage violations) to serious felonies carrying mandatory minimum sentences (felon in possession). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the penalty structure across the most common firearms offenses, including carrying without a permit, felon in possession, mandatory minimums, sentencing enhancements, safe storage violations, and the upcoming assault weapons ban penalties.
How to Restore Your Firearms Rights After Disqualification
Rhode Island provides a statutory pathway for certain disqualified persons to petition the Relief from Disqualifiers Board for restoration of firearms rights under RIGL 11-47-63. This guide explains eligibility, the petition process, waiting periods, Board factors, appeals, and federal limits.
Ammunition Purchase Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires ammunition buyers to be 21 or older and to present a DEM Blue Card or hunter education card under RIGL 11-47-64. There is no ammunition background check. This guide explains the real requirement, the exemptions, and the federal age rules.
Prohibited Places: Where You Cannot Carry Firearms in Rhode Island
A practical guide to locations where firearms are prohibited in Rhode Island, including school grounds under RIGL 11-47-60, state and federal buildings, courthouses, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, and private property with posted restrictions. Covers the intoxication prohibition under RIGL 11-47-52, the limited exemptions for LCCW holders, and how federal prohibited places interact with state law.
Latest Updates
View all newsProposed
H7755 / S2726 (2026): Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act -- Mandatory Safety Training
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.
Proposed
2026 Bills Strengthening Existing Restrictions: LCM Penalties, ERPO Expansion, DV Provisions
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.
Who: LCM owners, individuals subject to ERPOs or DV orders, and respondents in domestic abuse cases●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Proposed
2026 Criminal Penalty Bills: Felon Possession, Under-18 Prohibition, and Minor Provisions
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.
Who: Persons with felony convictions, minors, DCYF workers, DV respondents●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Proposed
2026 Suicide Prevention and Voluntary Restriction Bills
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.
Who: Shooting range operators, firearm dealers, individuals seeking voluntary restrictions●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Proposed
2026 Stun Gun Legalization Bills: H7650, H8072, S2395, and H8070
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.
Who: All Rhode Island adults 18+, college students and staff●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Proposed
H7755 / S2726 (2026): Mandatory Firearm Safety Training (Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act)
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.
Who: All prospective first-time firearm purchasers in Rhode Island●Reviewed Mar 18, 2026
Proposed
H8075 (2026): $1 Million Firearm Liability Insurance Mandate
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.
Who: All civilian firearm owners in Rhode Island●Reviewed Apr 28, 2026
Proposed
H8071 (2026): Ammunition Background Checks
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.
Who: All ammunition purchasers, dealers, and private sellers in Rhode Island●Reviewed Apr 28, 2026