reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-31. - Sale, transfer or delivery of ammunition to minors.

§ 11-47-31. Sale, transfer or delivery of ammunition to minors.
(a)
It shall be unlawful within this state for any person to sell, transfer, give, convey, or cause to be sold, transferred, given or conveyed any ammunition, including any priming charge of powder, propelling charge of powder, or any form of missile or projectile to be ejected from a firearm to any person under eighteen (18) years of age when the person knows or has reason to know that the recipient is under eighteen (18) years of age, except for the limited purposes set forth in §§ 11-47-33 and 11-47-34 [repealed] and with the prior approval or consent of the parent or legal guardian of the minor.
(b)
Every person violating this section shall be punished, upon conviction, by imprisonment for a term not to exceed ten (10) years. The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to any federally and state licensed retail dealer who makes reasonable efforts to verify a purchaser’s age and shall not apply to the sale of ammunition for an air rifle, air pistol, “blank gun” or “BB gun.”
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 404, § 22; P.L. 1950, ch. 2452, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-25; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-31; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 285, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-32. - Possession of ammunition by minor.

§ 11-47-32. Possession of ammunition by minor.
Except as provided in § 11-47-33, it shall be unlawful within this state for any person under eighteen (18) years of age to possess and use ammunition, including any priming charge of powder, propelling charge of powder, or any form of missile or projectile to be ejected from a firearm.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 404, § 23; P.L. 1950, ch. 2452, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-26; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-32; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 374, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-33. - Possession of firearms by minors.

§ 11-47-33. Possession of firearms by minors.
(a)
It shall be unlawful within this state for any person under eighteen (18) years of age to possess and use any firearm unless the person is in the presence of a parent or guardian or supervising adult at any regular and recognized camp or rifle range approved by the Rhode Island state police or by the chief of police of the city or town in which the camp or rifle range is located; provided, that this provision shall not apply to minors engaged in lawful hunting activity under the supervision of a parent or guardian or qualified adult, minors participating in Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, ceremonial parade activities, competitive and target shooting, participants in state militia activities and minors participating in a basic firearms education program; provided, further, that a person under eighteen (18) years of age may carry a firearm, unloaded, in a suitable case to and from his or her home and the camp or range and from the camp or range to other camp or range when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult.
(b)
For purposes of this section only, “qualified adult” means any person twenty-one (21) years of age or older and permitted by law to possess and use the firearm.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 404, § 24; P.L. 1950, ch. 2452, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-27; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-33; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 374, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 135, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 136, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-34. - [Repealed.]

§ 11-47-34. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 404, § 25; P.L. 1950, ch. 2452, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-28; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-34; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 374, § 1; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 135, § 3, effective June 21, 2022; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 136, § 3, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-35.1. - Persons exempt from § 11-47-35.

§ 11-47-35.1. Persons exempt from § 11-47-35.
The provisions of § 11-47-35 shall not apply to full-time members of the state police, full-time members of the state marshal’s office, full-time members of city or town police departments, or state marshals or correctional officers or persons licensed under § 11-47-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 202, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-35.3. - Annual report on application process administration.

§ 11-47-35.3. Annual report on application process administration.
The attorney general shall provide the judiciary committees of the senate and house of representatives an annual report including the number of applications made pursuant to this section for the prior calendar year. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of applications received from sellers, the number of applications resulting in a determination that the potential buyer or transferee was prohibited from receipt or possession of a firearm pursuant to Rhode Island or federal law, the estimated costs of administering this chapter, and the number of instances in which a person requests amendment of the record pertaining to the person pursuant to §§ 11-47-35 and 11-47-35.2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 300, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-36. - Purchase of concealable firearms from out of state dealers.

§ 11-47-36. Purchase of concealable firearms from out of state dealers.
No citizen of this state shall purchase any concealable firearm outside of the state of Rhode Island unless he or she has duly executed the application form prescribed in § 11-47-35, the application form to be obtained by the purchaser from the city or town clerk of the city or town in which he or she resides or has his place of business. The original and duplicate copies of the application shall be delivered in person, duly executed, by the purchaser to the superintendent of the Rhode Island state police or to the chief of police of the city or town in which the purchaser resides. The purchaser shall send the triplicate copy of the application by registered mail to the attorney general within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of filing with the appropriate police authority. It shall be the duty of the police authority to whom the original and duplicate copies of the application are delivered to check the applicant’s record to ascertain whether he or she falls under the provisions of § 11-47-5, 11-47-6, 11-47-7, or 11-47-23. If, after the lapse of seventy-two (72) hours from twelve o’clock (12:00) noon of the day following the date of application, no disqualifying record has been found by the investigating police authority, the original and duplicate copies of the application marked or stamped “approved” and signed by the investigating police authority will be returned to the applicant by the most expeditious means. The approved duplicate copy of the application shall be sent by the purchaser to the out-of-state dealer as proof of lawful purchase, and the original shall be retained by the purchaser along with the bill of sale for the firearm purchased for a period of six (6) years as proof of lawful purchase. The triplicate copy of the application shall be retained by the attorney general for a period which shall in no case exceed ninety (90) days, provided that no evidence of the nature as would disqualify the applicant has been found.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-37. - Sale to minors and others forbidden.

§ 11-47-37. Sale to minors and others forbidden.
No person shall sell a firearm to any person under the age of twenty-one (21) or to one who he or she has reasonable cause to believe falls under the provisions of § 11-47-5, § 11-47-6, § 11-47-7, or § 11-47-23.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 135, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 136, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-37.1. - Persons exempt from age restrictions.

§ 11-47-37.1. Persons exempt from age restrictions.
The provision of § 11-47-35.2 prohibiting the sale of rifles and shotguns to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age and the provisions of § 11-47-37 shall not apply to full-time members of the state police, full-time members of the state marshal’s office, full-time members of city or town police departments, or state marshals or correctional officers or persons while serving on active duty as a member of the United States armed forces or organized reserved or National Guard.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 135, § 2, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 136, § 2, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-38. - Dealers to be licensed.

§ 11-47-38. Dealers to be licensed.
No retail dealer shall sell or otherwise transfer, or expose for sale or transfer, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell or otherwise transfer, any pistol, revolver, or other firearm without being licensed as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-39. - Issuance and conditions of dealer’s license.

§ 11-47-39. Issuance and conditions of dealer’s license.
The duly constituted licensing authorities of any city, town, or political subdivision of this state may grant licenses in form prescribed by the attorney general effective for not more than one year from date of issue permitting the licensee to sell pistols and revolvers at retail within this state, subject to the following conditions in addition to those specified in §§ 11-47-35 and 11-47-36, for breach of any of which the license shall be forfeited and the licensee subject to punishment as provided in this chapter:
(1)
The business shall be carried on only in the building designated in the license.
(2)
The license or a copy of it, certified by the issuing authority, shall be displayed on the premises where it can easily be read.
(3)
No pistol or revolver shall be sold in violation of any provision of this chapter, nor shall a pistol or revolver be sold under any circumstances unless the purchaser is personally known to the seller or shall present clear evidence of his or her identity.
(4)
The fee for issuing the license shall be five dollars ($5.00). The fee charged for the issuing of the license shall be applied for the use and benefit of the city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-40. - Register of sales of firearms — Display of firearms.

§ 11-47-40. Register of sales of firearms — Display of firearms.
(a)
Every person, firm, or corporation selling a pistol, revolver, or other firearm whether the seller is a retail dealer, pawnbroker, or otherwise shall keep a register in which shall be entered at the time of sale the date of sale, name, age, and residence of every purchaser of the a pistol, revolver, or other firearm, together with the caliber, make, model, manufacturer’s number, or other mark of identification on the pistol, revolver, or other firearm. Every person, firm, or corporation who shall fail to keep a register and to enter the acts required by this section shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided in this chapter. The register shall be open at all reasonable hours for the mandatory monthly inspection of licensed firearm dealers to be conducted by state and/or local police officials.
(b)
This section shall not apply to wholesale dealers’ bona fide sales at wholesale to duly licensed retail dealers. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation dealing in firearms to display any pistol, revolver, or imitation, or any firearm of a size which may be concealed upon the person, or placard advertising the sale of one, in any part of the premises of the person, firm, or corporation where it can be readily seen from the outside. “Firearm” as utilized in this section only does not apply to an air rifle, air pistol, “blank gun,” or “BB gun.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1421, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 405, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-30; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-40; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-41. - Government firearm registration prohibited.

§ 11-47-41. Government firearm registration prohibited.
No government agency of this state or its political subdivisions shall keep or cause to be kept any list or register of privately owned firearms or any list or register of the owners of those firearms; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to firearms which have been used in committing any crime of violence, nor to any person who has been convicted of a crime of violence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-43. - Collectors and police officers exempt from § 11-47-42.

§ 11-47-43. Collectors and police officers exempt from § 11-47-42.
The provisions of § 11-47-42, so far as they forbid the possession of certain instruments or weapons, shall not apply to any person who possesses or is making a collection of the weapons as curios or for educational, professional, scientific, or any other lawful purpose, without intent to use the instrument or weapon unlawfully. Nor shall the provisions of § 11-47-42, so far as they relate to the possession or carrying of any billy, apply to sheriffs, town constables, police constables, police, or other officers or guards whose duties require them to arrest or to keep and guard prisoners or property, nor to any person summoned by those officers to aid them in the discharge of their duties while actually engaged in their duties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 283, § 23; P.L. 1908, ch. 1572, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 32; P.L. 1910, ch. 591, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 33; P.L. 1915, ch. 1258, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-33; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-43; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 18; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-44. - Standard of proof under §§ 11-47-42 and 11-47-43.

§ 11-47-44. Standard of proof under §§ 11-47-42 and 11-47-43.
No negative allegation of any kind need be averred or proved in any complaint under §§ 11-47-42 and 11-47-43, and the possession of any blackjack, slungshot, billy, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, bludgeon, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other similar weapon designed to cut and stab another, and the carrying or use of any the instrument or weapons or of any of the instruments or weapons forbidden by § 11-47-42 to be carried, worn, or used shall be evidence that the possession, use, wearing, or carrying, as the case may be, of any the instrument or weapon, is unlawful, but the respondent in any the case may show any fact that would render the possession or use, or wearing or carrying of the instrument or weapon lawful.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 283, § 26; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 35; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 34; P.L. 1915, ch. 1258, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 34; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-34; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-44; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-45. - Arrest and detention for possession of weapon prohibited by § 11-47-42.

§ 11-47-45. Arrest and detention for possession of weapon prohibited by § 11-47-42.
Every officer authorized to make an arrest for any criminal offense may arrest without complaint and warrant any person who has in his or her possession any instrument or weapon described in § 11-47-42 whenever the officer has reasonable ground to suspect that the person possesses, or is using, wearing or carrying the instrument or weapon contrary to law. Any person so arrested may be detained a reasonable time, not exceeding twenty-four (24) hours, for the purpose of making an investigation concerning the person, but no person so arrested shall be detained longer than twenty-four (24) hours without complaint being made against him or her before some proper court or justice. If the officer making the arrest shall at any time within the twenty-four (24) hours satisfy himself or herself that there is no ground for making a criminal complaint against the person, he or she shall be discharged from custody.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 35; P.L. 1915, ch. 1258, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 35; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-35; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-45; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-46. - Sections 11-47-42 — 11-47-45 inapplicable to firearms.

§ 11-47-46. Sections 11-47-42 — 11-47-45 inapplicable to firearms.
The provisions of §§ 11-47-42 — 11-47-45 shall not be construed to relate to the possession and carrying of air guns, pistols or firearms of any description.
History of Section.
P.L. 1927, ch. 1052, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 404, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-36; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-46; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-47. - Display of weapons.

§ 11-47-47. Display of weapons.
No person, firm, or corporation shall display in a place of business by means of a window display any pistol, revolver, or other firearm, as defined in § 11-47-2, or any dagger, dirk, bowie knife, stiletto, metal knuckles, or blackjack; provided, that dealers in sporting goods may include in a window display pistols or revolvers upon a permit issued by the chief of police or town sergeant of any city or town. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense and one hundred dollars ($100) for every subsequent offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1380, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 607, §§ 11, 12; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-37; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-47; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-48. - Report of gunshot wounds.

§ 11-47-48. Report of gunshot wounds.
Every physician attending or treating a case of bullet wound, gunshot wound, powder burn, or any other injury arising from or caused by the discharge of a gun, pistol, or other firearm, or whenever any case is treated in a hospital, sanitarium, dispensary, or other institution the person in charge of it, shall report the case at once to the police authorities of the town or city where the physician, hospital, sanitarium, dispensary or institution is located. This section shall not apply to wounds, burns, or injuries received by any member of the armed forces of the United States or of this state while engaged in the actual performance of duty. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1384, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 607, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-38; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-48; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-48.1. - Report of lost or stolen weapons.

§ 11-47-48.1. Report of lost or stolen weapons.
Every person who owns a firearm shall report the loss or theft of their firearm to the local law enforcement agency within twenty-four (24) hours of the discovery of the loss or theft. Whoever knowingly violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-49. - Firing across highways prohibited.

§ 11-47-49. Firing across highways prohibited.
Every person who shall discharge any firearm or other contrivance arranged to discharge shot, bullets, arrows, darts, or other missiles in or across any public road, street, square, or lane shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or one year in prison, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 110, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 134, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 177, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 406, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-39; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-49; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-49.1. - Firing in Blackstone Valley Flood Plain prohibited.

§ 11-47-49.1. Firing in Blackstone Valley Flood Plain prohibited.
Every person who shall hunt or discharge any firearm within the Blackstone Valley Flood Plains or Marshes, also known as the “Valley Marshes,” shall be subject to:
(1)
A fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for the first offense;
(2)
A fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for sixty (60) days, or both, for the second offense; and
(3)
For any subsequent offense a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for ninety (90) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 43, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-50. - Firing without landowner’s permission — Firing in compact area.

§ 11-47-50. Firing without landowner’s permission — Firing in compact area.
(a)
Every person, not being at the time under military duty, who shall discharge any firearm, “BB gun”, or other contrivance arranged to discharge shot, bullets, arrows, darts, or other missiles within the compact part of any city or town, or who shall discharge a firearm or other contrivance elsewhere, except upon land owned or occupied by him or her or by permission of the owner or occupant of the land on or into which he or she may shoot, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or one year in prison, or both; provided, that any city or town may by ordinance permit the discharge on non-posted land.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to the owner of land who uses, or who gives permission to another to use without charge, a recurve, compound or longbow, provided that they are not used within two hundred fifty feet (250′) of a dwelling house.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 110, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 134, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 177, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 406, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3280, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-40; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-50; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-51. - Loaded rifles and shotguns in vehicles and roadways.

§ 11-47-51. Loaded rifles and shotguns in vehicles and roadways.
(a)
It is unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun or a rifle or shotgun from the magazine of which all shells and cartridges have not been removed while upon or along any public highway, road, lane, or trail within this state; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to deputy sheriffs, the superintendent and members of the state police, prison or jail wardens or their deputies, members of the city or town police force, investigators of the department of attorney general appointed pursuant to § 42-9-8.1, the director, assistant director and other inspectors and agents at the Rhode Island state fugitive task force appointed pursuant to § 12-6-7.2 [repealed], nor to other duly appointed law enforcement officers, including conservation officers, nor to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps of the United States, or the National Guard or organized reserves, when on duty, nor to officers or employees of the United States authorized by law to carry a concealed firearm, nor to any civilian guard or criminal investigator carrying sidearms or a concealed firearm in the performance of his or her official duties under the authority of the commanding officer of the military establishment in the state of Rhode Island where he or she is employed by the United States; nor to persons legally engaged in hunting activity pursuant to the provisions of chapter 13 or 18 of title 20.
(b)
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, or by a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 286, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 423, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 41; P.L. 2022, ch. 133, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 134, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-51.1. - Discharge of firearm or incendiary or explosive substance or device from motor vehicle.

§ 11-47-51.1. Discharge of firearm or incendiary or explosive substance or device from motor vehicle.
(a)(1)
No person shall unlawfully discharge a firearm or incendiary or explosive substance or device from a motor vehicle in a manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious personal injury to another person. Every person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten (10) years nor more than twenty (20) years and shall be fined not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) nor more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00), or both.
(2)
In all cases under this subsection, the justice imposing sentence shall impose not less than the minimum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment and may only impose a sentence less than that minimum if he or she finds that substantial and compelling circumstances exist which justify imposition of the alternative sentence. The finding may be based upon the character and background of the defendant, the cooperation of the defendant with law enforcement authorities, the nature and circumstances of the offense and/or the nature and quality of the evidence presented at trial. If a sentence which is less than imprisonment for a term of ten (10) years is imposed, the trial justice shall set forth on the record the circumstances which he or she found as justification for imposition of the lesser sentence.
(b)
Any person injured as a result of a violation of this section shall be entitled to the civil remedies provided by § 7-15-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 312, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-52. - Carrying of weapon while under the influence of liquor or drugs.

§ 11-47-52. Carrying of weapon while under the influence of liquor or drugs.
It is unlawful to carry or transport any firearm in this state when intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-53. - Limitation of prosecutions under §§ 11-47-49 — 11-47-52 — Fines.

§ 11-47-53. Limitation of prosecutions under §§ 11-47-49 — 11-47-52 — Fines.
No complaint for a violation of any of the provisions of §§ 11-47-49 — 11-47-52 shall be sustained unless brought within thirty (30) days after the commission of the offense, and all fines for the violation shall inure to the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 110, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 134, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 177, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 406, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-42; G.L. 1956, § 11-47-53; P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-54. - Licensing of shooting galleries.

§ 11-47-54. Licensing of shooting galleries.
Every person who shall keep any pistol gallery, rifle gallery, or other building or other enclosure in any city or town of this state where firearms are used without a license from the duly constituted licensing authority of the city or town shall, upon conviction, be fined two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense, and five hundred dollars ($500) for each subsequent offense; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to organizations that receive arms and ammunition from the United States or this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-55. - Enforcement of chapter.

§ 11-47-55. Enforcement of chapter.
Deputy sheriffs, the superintendent and members of the state police, members of the city or town police force, or other duly appointed law enforcement officers, including conservation officers, shall have the power to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 41.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-56. - Constitutionality.

§ 11-47-56. Constitutionality.
If any part of this chapter is for any reason declared void, its invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 75, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-57. - “Mace” or similar substances.

§ 11-47-57. “Mace” or similar substances.
Any person eighteen (18) years of age or over may carry on his or her person and use, unless otherwise prohibited by law, any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for his or her protection or the protection of others; however, the use of any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for any other purpose shall be punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-58. - Firearms — State preemption.

§ 11-47-58. Firearms — State preemption.
The control of firearms, ammunition, or their component parts regarding their ownership, possession, transportation, carrying, transfer, sale, purchase, purchase delay, licensing, registration, and taxation shall rest solely with the state, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 443, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-59. - Possession of knife during commission of crime.

§ 11-47-59. Possession of knife during commission of crime.
No person shall commit or attempt to commit any crime of violence while having in his or her possession a knife with a blade more than three (3) inches long. Every person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be sentenced for a term not less than one year nor more than five (5) years and/or fined not exceeding three thousand dollars ($3,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-60. - Possession of firearms on school grounds.

§ 11-47-60. Possession of firearms on school grounds.
(a)(1)
No person shall have in his or her possession any firearm or other weapons on school grounds.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, “school grounds” means the property of a public or private elementary or secondary school or in those portions of any building, stadium, or other structure on school grounds that were, at the time of the violation, being used for an activity sponsored by or through a school in this state or while riding school-provided transportation.
(3)
Every person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five (5) years, or shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(4)
Any juvenile adjudicated delinquent pursuant to this statute shall, in addition to whatever other penalties are imposed by the family court, lose his or her license to operate a motor vehicle for up to six (6) months. If the juvenile has not yet obtained the necessary age to obtain a license, the court may impose as part of its sentence a delay in his or her right to obtain the license when eligible to do so, for a period of up to six (6) months.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person who shall be exempt pursuant to the provisions of § 11-47-9, who is a “peace officer” as defined in § 12-7-21; a retired law enforcement officer permitted under § 11-47-18(b) or pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B and 926C; or an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school and the individual or an employer of the individual to provide security services to the school; or to the following activities when the activities are officially recognized and sanctioned by the educational institution:
(1)
Firearm instruction and/or safety courses;
(2)
Government-sponsored military-related programs such as ROTC;
(3)
Interscholastic shooting and/or marksmanship events;
(4)
Military history and firearms collection courses and/or programs; and
(5)
The use of blank guns in theatrical and/or athletic events.
(c)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to colleges, universities, or junior colleges.
(d)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to the possession of a firearm that is not loaded and is in a locked container or a locked rack that is in a motor vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 338, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 343, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-60.1. - Safe storage.

§ 11-47-60.1. Safe storage.
(a)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to reduce or limit any existing right to purchase and own firearms and/or ammunition or to provide authority to any state or local agency to infringe upon the privacy of any family, home or business except by lawful warrant.
(b)
A person who stores or leaves on premises under his or her control a loaded firearm and who knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s parent or guardian, and the child obtains access to the firearm and causes injury to himself or herself or any other person with the firearm, is guilty of the crime of criminal storage of a firearm and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. For purposes of this section, a “child” is defined as any person who has not attained the age of sixteen (16) years.
(c)
The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not apply whenever any of the following occurs:
(1)
The child obtains the firearm as a result of an illegal entry of any premises by any person or an illegal taking of the firearm from the premises of the owner without permission of the owner;
(2)
The firearm is kept in a locked container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secured;
(3)
The firearm is carried on the person or within such a close proximity so that the individual can readily retrieve and use the firearm as if carried on the person;
(4)
The firearm is locked with a locking device;
(5)
The child obtains or obtains and discharges the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person;
(6)
The person who keeps a loaded firearm on any premises which is under his or her custody or control has no reasonable expectations, based on objective facts and circumstances, that a child is likely to be present on the premises.
(d)(1)
If the person who allegedly violated this section is the parent or guardian of a child who is injured or who dies as the result of an accidental shooting, the attorney general’s department shall consider among other factors, the impact of the injury or death on the person who has allegedly violated this section when deciding whether to prosecute an alleged violation.
(2)
It is the intent of the general assembly that a parent or guardian of a child who is injured or who dies of an accidental shooting shall be prosecuted only in those instances in which the parent or guardian behaved in a grossly negligent manner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 62, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-60.2. - Possession of weapons on school grounds — Notification.

§ 11-47-60.2. Possession of weapons on school grounds — Notification.
(a)
If a student is found to be carrying a weapon, as defined in § 11-47-42, a firearm or replica of a firearm, or commits an aggravated assault on school grounds as defined in § 11-47-60, the principal or designee shall immediately notify the student’s parents and the local police and turn the weapon over, if any, to the local enforcement agency.
(b)
Any person who has reasonable cause to know that any person is in violation of this statute shall notify the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall immediately notify the student’s parents and the local police. Any person acting in good faith who makes a report under this section shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of making the report.
(c)
School superintendents shall receive notice from the clerk of the family court regarding the disposition of all cases involving juveniles from their school districts adjudged pursuant to this statute. This information shall remain confidential and be shared with school officials who deal directly with the student.
(d)
The provisions of this section should not apply to the following activities when the activities are officially recognized and sanctioned by the educational institution:
(1)
Firearm instructed and/or safety course;
(2)
Government-sponsored military-related programs such as ROTC;
(3)
Interscholastic shooting and/or marksmanship events;
(4)
Military history and firearms collection courses and/or programs; and
(5)
The use of blank guns in theatrical and/or athletic events.
(e)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to colleges, universities or junior colleges.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-60.3. - Trigger lock required.

§ 11-47-60.3. Trigger lock required.
No licensed retail dealer shall deliver any pistol to any purchaser without providing a trigger lock or other safety device designed to prevent an unauthorized user from operating the pistol.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 221, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-61. - Drive-by shootings.

§ 11-47-61. Drive-by shootings.
Every person who shall discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle in a manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious injury shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) nor more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or imprisoned for not less than ten (10) years nor more than twenty (20) years, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 284, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-62. - Rifle ranges — Immunity from prosecution — Criminal or civil.

§ 11-47-62. Rifle ranges — Immunity from prosecution — Criminal or civil.
(a)
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, it shall be lawful for an owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range to operate the range in excess of the applicable noise or noise pollution, law, ordinance or bylaw, provided the owner of the range continues to be in compliance with any applicable noise control law, ordinance or bylaws in existence at the time of the construction of the range. No owner shall be liable in any action for nuisance, and no court shall enjoin the use or operation of the range on the basis of noise or noise pollution, provided the owner continues to be in compliance with any noise control law, ordinance or bylaws in effect at the time of the construction of the range.
(b)
No standards in rules adopted by any state, city or town agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall apply to the ranges exempted from liability under the provisions of this section.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or permit an owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range to change the use and/or type of the range, or to expand the use and/or type of the range.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 225, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47 - Weapons › Section 11-47-64. - Sale of ammunition.

§ 11-47-64. Sale of ammunition.
(a)
For the purposes of this section “ammunition” means a loaded cartridge, consisting of a primed case, propellant or projectile, designed for use in any firearm as defined in § 11-47-2.
(b)
No person, firm or corporation shall sell ammunition to any person unless such person is twenty-one (21) years of age or older and, after December 31, 2022, holds a valid pistol/revolver safety certificate or Rhode Island hunter education course card issued by the department of environmental management.
(c)
The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to full-time members of the state police, full-time members of the state marshal’s office, full-time members of city or town police departments, or state marshals or correctional officers, persons serving on active duty as a member of the United States armed forces or organized reserves or National Guard, or persons licensed to carry a firearm pursuant to § 11-47-11 or § 11-47-18.
(d)
Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a felony and may be punished by up to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a five thousand dollar ($5,000) fine.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 135, § 2, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 136, § 2, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47.1 - Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban of 2022 › Section 11-47.1-1. - Short title.

§ 11-47.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban Act of 2022.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 99, § 1, effective June 20, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47.1 - Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban of 2022 › Section 11-47.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 11-47.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Federally licensed firearm dealer” means a person who holds a valid federal firearm dealers license issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 923(a).
(2)
“Large capacity feeding device” means a magazine, box, drum, tube, belt, feed strip, or other ammunition feeding device which is capable of holding, or can readily be extended to hold, more than ten (10) rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly therefrom into a semi-automatic firearm. The term shall not include an attached tubular device which is capable of holding only .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 99, § 1, effective June 20, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-47.1 - Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban of 2022 › Section 11-47.1-3. - Large capacity feeding devices prohibited.

§ 11-47.1-3. Large capacity feeding devices prohibited.
(a)
No person, except for a federally licensed firearm dealer, shall manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, possess, or have under his or her control a large capacity feeding device, except as otherwise authorized under this chapter. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, or by a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), and the large capacity feeding device shall be subject to forfeiture.
(b)
The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to:
(1)
Any person who, on June 20, 2022, lawfully possesses a large capacity feeding device; provided that, within one hundred eighty (180) days of June 20, 2022, the person:
(i)
Permanently modifies the large capacity feeding device such that it cannot hold more than ten (10) rounds of ammunition;
(ii)
Surrenders the large capacity feeding device to the police department in the city or town where the person resides in accordance with the procedures for surrender of weapons set forth by the police department or the Rhode Island state police, or, if there is no such police department or the person resides out of state, to the Rhode Island state police; or
(iii)
Transfers or sells the large capacity feeding device to a federally licensed firearm dealer or person or firm outside the State of Rhode Island that is lawfully entitled to own or possess such a feeding device.
(2)(i)
Any law enforcement officer exempt under §§ 11-47-9 and 11-47-9.1; or
(ii)
A retired law enforcement officer exempt under §§ 11-47-9 and 11-47-9.1 who is not otherwise prohibited from receiving such a feeding device from such agency upon retirement, and who has a permit to carry pursuant to § 11-47-18(b).
(3)
An active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who is authorized to possess and carry such a feeding device.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 99, § 1, effective June 20, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-48 - Substances Releasing Toxic Vapors › Section 11-48-1. - “Person” defined.

§ 11-48-1. “Person” defined.
“Person”, as used in this chapter, includes any individual, firm, or corporation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 25, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-48 - Substances Releasing Toxic Vapors › Section 11-48-2. - Sale, possession, and use.

§ 11-48-2. Sale, possession, and use.
No person shall intentionally smell or inhale the fumes of any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction, or dulled senses or nervous system, nor possess, buy, or sell any substance for the purpose of violating or aiding another to violate this chapter; provided, that this chapter shall not apply to the inhalation of anesthesia for medical or dental purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 25, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-48 - Substances Releasing Toxic Vapors › Section 11-48-3. - Penalty for violation.

§ 11-48-3. Penalty for violation.
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 25, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 191, § 1.