Rhode Island Senate Bill S1154

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/25
• Refer: 6/13/25

Caption

Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.

Impact

The bill significantly alters existing state laws concerning weapons. By amending the relevant chapters of the General Laws regarding weapon definitions and regulations, S1154 establishes clear legal parameters for stun guns and electronic dart guns. Additionally, it introduces severe penalties for violations, including felony charges for selling these items to minors or for using them during the commission of a crime. This change aims to enhance public safety and reduce the potential for violence involving these items. The amendments to the laws will require adjustments both from sellers and law enforcement agencies in how they handle incidents related to these devices.

Summary

Bill S1154 aims to regulate the purchase and possession of stun guns and electronic dart guns in the state. Under this legislation, individuals who are eighteen years of age or older are allowed to purchase and possess these weapons. Conversely, the bill prohibits the sale of stun guns or electronic dart guns to anyone under the age of eighteen, thus establishing an age restriction to prevent minors from accessing these potentially harmful devices. The intent behind this legislation is to provide a legal framework for the ownership of these non-lethal weapons while ensuring that they are not misused by younger individuals.

Contention

Notably, the bill also criminalizes the use of stun guns or electronic dart guns in any criminal offense, particularly against police officers actively engaged in their duties. This strict stance on misuse could foster contention among various groups, especially in debates around self-defense and the rights of citizens to protect themselves. Law enforcement organizations may support the bill for enhancing their ability to respond to threats during interactions with potentially armed individuals, while advocacy groups may express concerns about the implications this has for civil liberties and personal safety. The balance between ensuring safety and preserving individual rights is likely to be a central theme in discussions surrounding this bill.