Signed by Governor Dan McKee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that requires firearms in the state of Rhode Island to be safely stored in containers that have a trigger lock function and outlines penalties for improper storage.

Highlights:

• Requires firearms to be secured in a locked container with a trigger lock that renders the weapon to be inoperable by anyone besides the lawful owner and user (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that individuals who store firearms in places other than a container with a lock could be guilty of unsafe storage violations and could be fined as punishment (Sec. 1). 

• Requires fines for a first offense to be no more than $250 and fines of no more than $1,000 for a second offense (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a third violation of improper storage of a firearm could result in a prison sentence lasting no longer than 6 months, a fine of up to $500, or both (Sec. 1).

• Requires any person who leaves a house and has a child that could gain access to the weapon without permission is to be guilty of criminal storage of a firearm to the second degree (Sec. 1).

• Requires licensed retailers to provide a trigger lock with the purchase of a pistol, shotgun, or rifle (Sec. 1).

• Requires establishments where firearms are sold to post signage about firearm storage and safe weapon storage (Sec. 2).

• Requires the department of health to annually distribute detailed information to minors and their parents regarding secure gun storage and the risk of access to these firearms (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that requires firearms in the state of Rhode Island to be safely stored in containers that have a trigger lock function and outlines penalties for improper storage.

Highlights:

• Requires firearms to be secured in a locked container with a trigger lock that renders the weapon to be inoperable by anyone besides the lawful owner and user (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that individuals who store firearms in places other than a container with a lock could be guilty of unsafe storage violations and could be fined as punishment (Sec. 1). 

• Requires fines for a first offense to be no more than $250 and fines of no more than $1,000 for a second offense (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a third violation of improper storage of a firearm could result in a prison sentence lasting no longer than 6 months, a fine of up to $500, or both (Sec. 1).

• Requires any person who leaves a house and has a child that could gain access to the weapon without permission is to be guilty of criminal storage of a firearm to the second degree (Sec. 1).

• Requires licensed retailers to provide a trigger lock with the purchase of a pistol, shotgun, or rifle (Sec. 1).

• Requires establishments where firearms are sold to post signage about firearm storage and safe weapon storage (Sec. 2).

• Requires the department of health to annually distribute detailed information to minors and their parents regarding secure gun storage and the risk of access to these firearms (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text