Provides for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.
This bill prohibits individuals under 18 from possessing firearms in Rhode Island, with specific exceptions for supervised activities. The law allows minors to carry firearms only when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult to approved camps, rifle ranges, or during lawful hunting, ROTC programs, ceremonial parades, competitive shooting, state militia activities, and basic firearms education programs. A "qualified adult" is defined as someone 21 or older who is legally permitted to possess and use the firearm. The legislation creates a general ban on minor firearm possession while outlining narrow, supervised circumstances where possession remains legal.
This bill modifies the rules for expunged criminal records in West Virginia, specifically allowing law enforcement agencies to consider those records when deciding whether to issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver. Under current law, individuals with expunged records can generally state they have never been convicted, but this change creates an exception for firearm licensing applications. The amendment adds law enforcement agencies reviewing firearm permit requests to the list of entities that may access expunged records, while maintaining restrictions on disclosure for other purposes. This policy change directly affects individuals seeking to carry firearms who have previously had their criminal records expunged.
HB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.
Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.
HB 7647 allows law enforcement to access juvenile criminal records during firearm background checks under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This affects juveniles who were processed through family court but not yet turned 21, as their sealed records can now be reviewed for gun purchases. The bill adds a specific exception to existing sealing rules (Section 14-1-64(c)), permitting this access until the individual reaches age 21. It does not change general sealing procedures for juvenile records or public access to other court documents. The policy change directly impacts firearm background checks for young adults who had prior juvenile court involvement.
SB 2710 would make it a criminal offense to possess certain firearms designated as "prohibited" under the law. This bill directly affects individuals who currently own or handle these specific firearms without legal authorization. The key provision establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited firearms, shifting the legal standard from prior law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided context.
HB 7557, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm manufacturers, distributors, and retailers ("firearm industry members") to implement safety measures preventing sales to prohibited buyers, straw purchasers, or firearm traffickers. It mandates "reasonable controls" to ensure compliance with existing firearm laws, prohibits advertising that promotes illegal use, and bans sales to entities violating these rules. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, injunctions, or loss of business permits. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to civil cases filed after that date.
This bill requires background checks for all ammunition purchases and transfers, prohibiting sales or transfers without a successful check. It directly affects individuals buying or receiving ammunition in the state. The law would implement this background check as a mandatory condition for every ammunition transaction.
HB 8073 restricts the possession of prohibited firearms, making it a criminal offense. It directly affects individuals who possess firearms classified as "prohibited" under the bill's definition. The key provision prohibits possessing such firearms without legal authorization, with penalties for violations. This bill, introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, focuses on limiting access to specific firearms through criminal penalties. The abstract does not specify the exact firearm types or additional enforcement mechanisms.
