Bill Analysis
H7755 expands Rhode Island’s mandatory firearm safety training from handguns to all firearms, raises the requirement from 2 hours to 8 hours, adds a written test, makes the certificate expire every 5 years, and transfers administration from the Department of Environmental Management to the Office of the Attorney General.
The Key Change
Under current law, buyers of pistols and revolvers must complete a one-time 2-hour DEM safety course. H7755 rewrites § 11-47-35 to apply to all firearms including rifles and shotguns, raises the minimum training to 8 hours, and adds a standardized written test developed by the AG. The training certificate would expire every 5 years, turning what is currently a one-time requirement into a recurring obligation. The AG’s office would certify all instructors and curriculum. Existing DEM certificates issued before the law takes effect remain valid until January 1, 2031.
The bill also changes how firearm sales proceed after a background check. Under current law, a seller may deliver a handgun if 7 days pass with no disqualifying information from police. H7755 removes that automatic window and requires an affirmative clearance notice from police before the sale can proceed. If police are slow to respond, the purchase is indefinitely delayed with no fallback.
Additionally, the bill deletes § 11-47-35.2, which was the separate purchase process for rifles and shotguns, including its own 7-day waiting period and paper application form. Long gun purchases would instead fall under the expanded § 11-47-35 training certificate process.
What It Means for Gun Owners
Every firearm purchase in Rhode Island would require an 8-hour course and a written exam, and that certification would need to be renewed every 5 years. A gun owner who completed training in 2027 and wants to buy another firearm in 2033 would need to retake the course and repass the test. There is no longer a guaranteed delivery window if police take longer than expected to issue a clearance. The companion bill in the Senate is S2726.
Email and Petition
Oppose H7755 — Send Your Message and Be Added to the Petition
Every submission both contacts the members of the House Judiciary and adds to a growing public petition and record of opposition.
82 Rhode Islanders have already taken action. Join them.