Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0853

Introduced
3/19/25  

Caption

Prohibits any city or town from requiring an applicant for license to carry concealed firearm to provide a reason for their request other than those outlined in § 11-47-1.

Impact

If enacted, S0853 would significantly modify the current regulatory framework by prohibiting cities and towns from imposing additional requirements for concealed carry licenses than those set forth by the state's Department of Attorney General. This would effectively reduce the layers of bureaucracy that applicants currently face, as it restricts local authorities from complicating the licensing process. The bill also includes language to ensure that any fees charged are limited to those already established in the law, thus preventing municipalities from creating their own fee structures.

Summary

Bill S0853, introduced to the Rhode Island General Assembly by Senators Ciccone, Dimitri, Tikoian, and Burke, proposes amendments to existing legislation regarding the licensing for carrying concealed firearms. The bill emphasizes the rights of individuals to apply for a license or permit without the need to provide additional reasons beyond those specified, which includes a bona fide fear for personal safety or property. The primary intention behind this measure is to streamline the application process for concealed carry permits, making it more accessible to eligible residents.

Contention

The bill is likely to be met with mixed responses from various stakeholders. Proponents of S0853 argue that it enhances Second Amendment rights by facilitating easier access to concealed carry permits, thus endorsing personal safety measures for residents. However, opponents could raise concerns about the implications for local governance and the potential for increased public safety risks if municipalities lose their ability to impose stricter gun control measures. The discussion surrounding this bill may evoke debates over individual rights versus community safety, particularly in the context of firearm-related incidents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2451

Prohibits any city or town or licensing authority from charging more than forty dollars ($40.00) for any license or permit to carry a concealed weapon.

RI S2201

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

RI S2231

Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.

RI H7752

Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun.

RI H8026

Exempts certain U.S. employees from having to obtain state licenses to carry a visible or concealed pistol or revolver.

RI H7374

Expands firearm rights to recognize out of state carry permits, authorizes weapons carried during emergency evacuation and establishes an appeal process for permit denied.

RI S2218

Requires purchasers of firearms, to take and pass a basic firearm safety test and requires the firearm test administered by DEM be updated every two years, as deemed appropriate and repeals § 11-47-35.2.

RI H7268

Requires purchasers of firearms, to take and pass a basic firearm safety test and requires the firearm test administered by DEM be updated every two years, as deemed appropriate and repeals § 11-47-35.2.

RI S2107

Allows reciprocal concealed carry permits from out of state to be valid in Rhode Island, which is either authorized by the attorney general or subject to other reciprocal restrictions.

RI S2108

Permits Rhode Island residents, 21 years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.