Bill Analysis
S2164 is the most comprehensive carry reform bill in the 2026 Senate. It converts Rhode Island’s may-issue permit system to shall-issue, recognizes out-of-state carry permits, legalizes short-barrel rifles and shotguns, allows suppressor use in hunting, and protects permit holder privacy.
The Key Change
The bill rewrites both § 11-47-11 (city/town permits) and § 11-47-18 (AG permits) to make issuance shall-issue. Self-defense is explicitly a lawful reason. Processing deadlines are set: 90 days for city/town applications, 90/120 days for AG applications. Standardized application forms are mandated. Permit records are made confidential under § 38-2-2. The bill also adds reciprocity for out-of-state permits (§ 11-47-9), a formal appeal process (§ 11-47-65), legalizes short-barrel rifles and shotguns by removing the manufacturing/sales prohibition in § 11-47-20, and legalizes suppressor hunting in § 20-13-19.
What It Means for Gun Owners
S2164 would fundamentally reform Rhode Island’s carry permit system. Qualifying applicants could not be denied without specific written evidence. Out-of-state permit holders could carry legally in Rhode Island under reciprocity. NFA-legal short-barrel firearms could be manufactured, sold, and purchased in RI for the first time. Hunters could legally use suppressors. See also S2277, a similar reform bill in the same session.
Email and Petition
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