Weapons Ban Alert and 2A Events Happening This Week in Rhode Island

Several major events are happening this week that every Rhode Island gun owner and Second Amendment supporter should be aware of. Here is a quick summary of what’s coming up, with more details below.

Weapons Ban Bill (more details below):

• June 3rd, 3:00 PM – The House Judiciary will be voting on a modified version of H-5436.
• June 5th – If this modified bill is voted out of the Judiciary Committee the House floor vote will be held on Thursday.

Email committee members and your State Representative to them them know you oppose this legislation!

Town 2A Resolutions:

• June 2nd, 6:30 PM – Middletown Town Council has on their agenda for consideration a Resolution in Opposition to Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation.
• June 2nd, 5:00 PM – Warwick Town Council has on their agenda for consideration a Resolution requesting the General Assembly to support Constitutional Rights to Bear Arms and oppose the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025, H 5436 and S 359
• June 3rd, 7:00 PM – Smithfield Town Council has on their agenda for consideration a Resolution Opposing House Bill 5436 and Senate Bill 359 (Weapons ban bills)
• June 3rd, 6:00 PM – West Warwick Town Council has on their agenda for consideration a Resolution in Opposition to the Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation.

Other Upcoming Events:

• June 3rd, 6:00 PM – The Rhode Island Rifle and Revolver Association is hosting a fundraiser event [Link to Facebook event page for details] at Dan’s Place in West Greenwich.
• June 14th 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Para Bellum Provisions is organizing a FREE meet and greet and range day, hosted by the Smithfield Sportsman’s Club, to welcome Rhode Island’s Hispanic community. The event will feature classes, seminars, and opportunities to connect with several local 2A organizations. All are welcome to attend. Full details are available in the flyers: [English Flyer] / [Spanish Flyer]
• June 14th 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM – The Gaspee Project is hosting a Flag Day and 2A Party at the Flat River Tavern in Coventry. Dinner, Raffle Tickets need to be purchased by June 10th. Event details and tickets are here.

Spotlight: RI Weapons Ban 2025

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Jason Knight, State Representative for District 67 (Warren and Barrington), to ban many common semi-auto weapons in Rhode Island is scheduled for a vote by the House Judiciary Committee (Click for Emails) on Tuesday. The committee will consider an amendment to the bill (2025 – H 5436) that refines the definitions of firearms classified as assault weapons and replaces a requirement for grandfathered weapons to be registered with law enforcement with a voluntary certification program that provides proof of lawful ownership. The committee will meet Tuesday, June 3, at 3:00 p.m. in the House Lounge on the second floor of the State House. Public Testimony will not be heard.

Rhode Island’s Proposed Assault Weapons Ban: What You Need to Know

The “Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025” has been revised and is moving toward a critical committee vote. The updated language could significantly impact what firearms remain legal in the state and how existing ones must be handled.

When Could It Take Effect? If enacted, the ban would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Which Firearms Are Targeted? The legislation outlines criteria for what qualifies as an “assault weapon”:

• Semi-Automatic Shotguns with a fixed capacity over 6 rounds, or those with features like detachable magazines, folding/collapsible stocks, or pistol grips
• Semi-Automatic Rifles with a fixed magazine over 10 rounds, or with detachable magazines and features such as folding/collapsible stocks, barrel shrouds, flash suppressors, pistol grips, or grenade launchers
• Semi-Automatic Pistols with a fixed magazine over 10 rounds, or with features like threaded barrels, barrel shrouds, stabilizing braces, or external magazine wells
• Other Firearms capable of accepting belt-fed ammunition
• Exceptions: Certain .22 caliber rimfire rifles and some Olympic target pistols

What Happens If You Already Own One? You may be allowed to keep your firearm, but only under strict conditions:

• Must be legally owned before July 1, 2026
• Must be stored in a locked container or secured with a tamper-resistant lock
• May only be possessed at approved locations such as your home, business, or a licensed range

Voluntary Certification Process Firearm owners who legally possess an affected weapon before July 1, 2026, may apply for a voluntary certificate of possession from their local police department or the Rhode Island State Police. The certificate serves as proof of lawful ownership and allows continued possession after the ban takes effect. The process includes a $50 fee, a criminal background check including fingerprints, and documentation showing legal possession prior to the cutoff date. The certificate will include identifying information about the firearm and the owner, but police are prohibited from retaining copies of the certificate or any personal data.

Who’s Exempt?

• Law Enforcement: Active and retired (under certain conditions)
• Military: When acting in their official capacity
• Licensed Firearms Dealers: May still possess and transfer banned firearms to qualifying entities or out-of-state buyers

Penalties for Violations

Storage/Use Violations for Grandfathered Firearms: Up to 3 years in prison, $2,500 fine, and forfeiture

Ban Violations: Up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine, and weapon forfeiture

What Happens If It Is Voted Out of Committee?

If the bill is voted out of committee, it will move to the House floor for a vote by all Representatives. If it passes there, it will proceed to the Senate for consideration. This is a critical moment in Rhode Island’s firearms legislation, and whether you’re a competitive shooter, hunter, collector, or simply a responsible gun owner, now is the time to stay informed, contact your legislators, and make your voice heard.