AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

SB 280 updates Rhode Island law to replace "state marshals" with "capitol police" in lists of law enforcement officers exempt from firearm restrictions. The bill specifically amends two statutes (11-47-9 and 11-47-35.1) to ensure capitol police officers qualify for the same exemptions as other sworn law enforcement personnel. This means capitol police officers, like state marshals previously, can carry concealed firearms while on duty without violating state firearm laws. The change directly affects capitol police officers by formally including them in the exemption list. The bill became effective without the governor's signature on June 26, 2025.