Signed by Governor Dan McKee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires all firearms not in use by the owner or another authorized user be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock in Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Requires all firearms not in use by the owner or another authorized user to be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock in Rhode Island (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that individuals found guilty of unsafe storage of guns would be a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $250 for the first offense and $1,000 for the second and that a subsequent violation would be a criminal charge punishable by up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $500 (Sec. 1-2).

• Amends and revises the existing law to increase the severity of the criminal storage of a firearm charge to a first-degree charge, which would make it punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines in cases where a child or a person prohibited from using the firearm is injured (Sec. 1-2).

• Requires school districts to inform students and their families of the importance of proper firearm storage and safety (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies firearms dealers would have to display a sign containing a warning that “access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic violence disputes, and the unintentional death of children, household members, or others.” in the state (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires all firearms not in use by the owner or another authorized user be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock in Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Requires all firearms not in use by the owner or another authorized user to be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock in Rhode Island (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that individuals found guilty of unsafe storage of guns would be a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $250 for the first offense and $1,000 for the second and that a subsequent violation would be a criminal charge punishable by up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $500 (Sec. 1-2).

• Amends and revises the existing law to increase the severity of the criminal storage of a firearm charge to a first-degree charge, which would make it punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines in cases where a child or a person prohibited from using the firearm is injured (Sec. 1-2).

• Requires school districts to inform students and their families of the importance of proper firearm storage and safety (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies firearms dealers would have to display a sign containing a warning that “access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic violence disputes, and the unintentional death of children, household members, or others.” in the state (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text