Every bill introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly gets reviewed. This page explains how we decide what ends up on the tracker.
The One Question We Ask #
What does a law-abiding Rhode Island gun owner do with this information? If the answer is nothing, we skip the bill. If the answer is fight it, support it, or prepare for it, it goes on the tracker.
What We Track #
We publish a tracker page for any bill that directly affects the rights, freedoms, or obligations of a law-abiding gun owner.
Bills That Restrict Rights #
- Bans on firearm types, features, or accessories
- New background check or waiting period requirements
- New licensing or training mandates for gun owners
- Restrictions on carrying firearms (concealed or open)
- Expanded red flag (ERPO) powers
- New criminal penalties that apply to lawful owners
Bills That Expand Rights #
- Expanded carry rights or reciprocity with other states
- Legalization of currently prohibited items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles)
- Reduced barriers to lawful ownership
- Legal protections for gun owners
- Tax relief for safety equipment or training
Less-Lethal Weapons #
We also track bills affecting stun guns, tasers, and similar electroshock weapons. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Caetano v. Massachusetts (2016) that these are protected arms under the Second Amendment. Rhode Island Constitution Article 1 Section 22 protects the right to keep and bear arms with no carve-out for less-lethal weapons.
What We Skip #
- Bills targeting convicted criminals only — increased sentences for felons in possession do not affect you unless you have a felony conviction.
- Law enforcement bills — officer training, department equipment, and campus police staffing are LE operational issues with no impact on civilian gun owners.
- Business operational requirements — shooting range signage rules, for example, do not affect what you can own or carry.
- Conforming amendments — statutory cleanup with no material change for gun owners.
- Resolutions and proclamations — these carry no force of law.
How We Label Bills #
Anti-Gun Rights — The bill would reduce your rights, restrict your access, or create new obligations for lawful gun owners. We oppose these.
Pro-Gun Rights — The bill would expand your rights or remove barriers to lawful ownership. We support these.
Neutral — The bill changes something in a mixed or procedural way without clearly expanding or restricting rights.
Why You Might Not See a Specific Bill #
- It targets convicted criminals or law enforcement only
- It has no direct impact on law-abiding gun owners
- It is a resolution or proclamation with no force of law
- It was introduced recently and has not been reviewed yet
If you believe we missed something, use the feedback button on any tracker page to let us know.
