RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0432

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0432

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Impact

If enacted, S0432 would have significant implications on state tax laws, particularly in relation to the regulation of firearm-related transactions. By exempting these items from sales tax, the state would effectively encourage the purchase of safety devices, which proponents argue could lead to decreased firearm accidents and unauthorized access to weapons. This aligns with public policies aimed at increasing safety measures and promoting the adoption of responsible ownership practices.

Summary

Bill S0432 seeks to amend the sales and use tax laws in Rhode Island by providing an exemption for various firearm safety equipment. The proposed legislation explicitly exempts sales of essential items including gun safes, gun cabinets, trigger locks, biometric locks, and other safety devices intended to secure firearms. This initiative is rooted in the aim to promote responsible gun ownership and ensure safe storage practices among firearm owners, which is increasingly pertinent in discussions surrounding gun safety and public health.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention due to the ongoing debates regarding firearm regulations and rights in the state. Opponents of the bill may argue that providing tax exemptions could inadvertently endorse the proliferation of firearms by making related safety equipment more economically accessible. This highlights the delicate balance lawmakers must navigate between promoting safety and addressing concerns about firearm availability and regulation.

Latest S0432 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0340

Imposes the sales tax on the purchase of animals from a breeder.

RI H5788

Prohibits the collection of sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries and core charges for motor vehicle equipment, parts or components.

RI H5476

Removes the exemption from the state hotel tax for residences rented in their entirety.

RI H5785

Creates a sales tax holiday on August 9 and 10, 2025.

RI S0045

Removes the exemption from the state hotel tax for residences rented in their entirety on a hosting platform on or after January 1, 2026, for a period of thirty (30) nights or less.

RI S0416

Phases out the local meals and beverage tax by January 1, 2029.

RI S0335

Removes the exemption from the state hotel tax for residences rented in their entirety. Effective 1/1/2026.

RI H5405

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Similar Bills

RI H5787

Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $30.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.

RI H5475

Exempts new or used bicycles from sale and use tax.

RI H6014

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

RI S0435

Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $30.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.

RI S0434

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

RI H5406

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

RI S0261

Exempts from the sales tax behind-the-meter batteries interconnected with a solar photovoltaic system.

RI H5535

Exempts from the sales tax behind-the-meter batteries interconnected with a solar photovoltaic system.