Rhode Island House Bill H5653

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Prohibits the licensing authority from imposing additional or stricter requirements than the department of attorney general as well as prohibiting said licensing authorities from imposing any fees, other than the fee required in § 11-47-12.

Impact

If enacted, H5653 is expected to uniformly regulate the issuance of concealed carry permits across Rhode Island, thereby preventing local discrepancies that could create confusion for applicants. This uniformity aims to make it easier for residents to obtain permits, ostensibly catering to those who may need to carry for personal safety reasons. It also embodies a shift towards a more state-centered approach to gun laws, reducing local control over firearm regulations, which may have implications for how communities address safety and regulatory concerns related to gun ownership.

Summary

House Bill H5653, introduced by Representative Arthur J. Corvese, seeks to amend the current laws surrounding the licensing and permitting of concealed carry pistols and revolvers in the state of Rhode Island. The bill specifically mandates that licensing authorities in any city or town cannot impose any additional or stricter requirements beyond what the Department of Attorney General prescribes. This includes a prohibition on charging any fees outside of those already established in existing statute § 11-47-12. The primary intent of the bill is to streamline the process for individuals seeking permits to carry concealed firearms and to eliminate potential barriers posed by varying local regulations.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding H5653 is its potential impact on local governance and public safety policy. Opponents may argue that the inability for towns and cities to impose stricter regulations could undermine efforts to manage gun safety and address unique local conditions. Furthermore, the bill's restriction on the information that licensing authorities can release about permit holders has raised concerns surrounding transparency and accountability in the licensing process. Advocates of the bill, however, argue that these measures are necessary to ensure the constitutional rights of individuals while simplifying the permitting process.