Rhode Island Firearm Legislation Update – February 12, 2025

The Rhode Island General Assembly is well into its 2025 legislative session, and several bills have been introduced that could significantly impact firearm owners within the state. These proposals cover a broad range of topics, including the RI “Assault Weapons” ban which we reported on previously, modifications to the concealed carry permit process, reciprocity agreements, constitutional carry provisions, and the legalization of firearm suppressors. This update provides an overview of the key bills currently under consideration in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Senate Bills

S 0065 – Concealed Carry Permit Appeals Process

Introduced by: Senators de la Cruz, LaMountain, Ciccone, Burke, Rogers, Paolino, and E. Morgan
Date Introduced: January 23, 2025
This bill establishes a formal review and appeal process for individuals denied a concealed carry handgun permit. Under its provisions, an applicant denied a permit may request a meeting with the licensing authority for reconsideration. If the application remains denied, the individual may appeal the decision in Superior Court for a de novo trial. All proceedings, documents, and records related to these cases will remain confidential unless the applicant requests a public hearing.

S 0131 – Defining “Suitable Person” for Concealed Carry Permits

Introduced by: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill defines the term “suitable person” for firearm possession and concealed carry permits. It specifies valid reasons for applying for a permit, outlines required application information, and formalizes an appeal process for denials. It also establishes that records related to permit applications and appeals will not be considered public records.

S 0137 – Reciprocity & Suppressor Use for Hunting

Introduced by: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill builds upon S 0131 by incorporating concealed carry permit reciprocity agreements with other states. It also clarifies the permit appeal process, ensures confidentiality of permit records, and legalizes the use of firearm suppressors for hunting.

S 0138 – Increased Penalties for Stolen Firearms in Crimes

Introduced by: Senators Raptakis, Thompson, Dimitri, Appollonio, Paolino, Burke, de la Cruz, Tikoian, Sosnowski, and Felag
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill increases penalties for possessing a stolen firearm while committing a violent crime. If enacted, convicted individuals will face mandatory minimum sentences without eligibility for parole or probation. Repeat offenders will face progressively harsher penalties.

S 0142 – Permitless Concealed Carry (“Constitutional Carry”)

Introduced by: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill seeks to allow Rhode Island residents over the age of twenty-one to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, provided they meet four conditions: they must not be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, they must possess a certificate of shooting proficiency, they must have a safety certificate recognized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and they must carry a government-issued photo ID at all times while armed.

S 0144 – Legalizing Suppressors for Firearms & Hunting

Introduced by: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill allows the use of suppressors on firearms longer than seventeen inches and permits their use by hunters with a valid hunting license. It also prevents state and local agencies from enacting additional restrictions on suppressor use.

S 0146 – Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements

Introduced by: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, E. Morgan, and Raptakis
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill authorizes Rhode Island to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states to recognize out-of-state concealed handgun permits. Permit holders must be at least twenty-one, their issuing state must provide instant permit verification, and they must carry both a valid permit and government-issued photo ID. Active-duty law enforcement officers with government-issued identification would also be granted the right to carry concealed firearms in Rhode Island.

S 0150 – Legalizing Firearm Suppressors (Silencers)

Introduced by: Senators Rogers, de la Cruz, Paolino, and Raptakis
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
Currently, only law enforcement personnel can possess firearm suppressors in Rhode Island. This bill seeks to legalize their possession and sale for all residents who comply with federal regulations.

House Bills

H 5069 – Concealed Carry Permit Standardization

Introduced by: Representatives Corvese, Azzinaro, Solomon, O’Brien, Slater, Noret, Read, Kennedy, Hull, and Phillips
Date Introduced: January 16, 2025
This bill standardizes the concealed carry permitting process across Rhode Island. It prohibits municipal licensing authorities from requiring applicants to provide a justification for their permit request beyond what is outlined in state law. It also prevents municipalities from imposing additional requirements or fees beyond those set by the Attorney General’s office.

H 5076 – Rhode Island “Assault Weapons” Ban of 2025

Introduced by: Representative Marvin L. Abney
Date Introduced: January 16, 2025
This bill, titled the “Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban of 2025,” seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of so called assault weapons within the state. It defines an assault weapon based on specific firearm characteristics, including semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols with certain features such as detachable magazines, folding stocks, bayonet mounts, and grenade launchers. The legislation includes provisions for grandfathering existing firearms, requiring owners to register their assault weapons or surrender them to law enforcement. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations and mandates secure storage for all registered assault weapons.

H 5130 – Crime Gun Tracing and Reporting

Introduced by: Representatives Fellela, Caldwell, Shallcross Smith, Messier, and Kazarian
Date Introduced: January 31, 2025
This bill amends the heading of § 11-47-60.1 to include the name “Dillon’s Law.” to the already existing mandatory safe storage law requiring firearm owners to keep their firearms securely locked when not in use.

H 5263 – Dillon’s Law (Safe Storage Requirement)

Introduced by: Representatives Boylan, Knight, Tanzi, Craven, McEntee, Dawson, Cruz, Ajello, Caldwell, and Felix
Date Introduced: January 22, 2025
This bill defines the term “crime gun” and requires law enforcement agencies to submit any crime gun, along with at least two fired cartridge cases or shell casings seized during an investigation, to the state crime laboratory or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) for testing and tracing. Additionally, it mandates that all test-fired cartridge cases and spent shell casings related to a crime be entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).