Bill > S0150

This bill amends existing Rhode Island law regarding firearm silencers by establishing that the sale, purchase, or possession of silencers is only legal if the person fully complies with federal regulations under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). The bill provides context about existing federal regulations, which include requiring a federal firearms license, paying a $200 tax, undergoing a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and obtaining a tax stamp before transferring a silencer. The legislation notes several justifications for allowing silencers, including their rare use in criminal activity, their potential to protect shooters' hearing during legal sporting activities, and their ability to reduce noise near shooting ranges. The bill maintains an exception for law enforcement officers using silencers within the scope of their official duties. Violations of this law would result in imprisonment of at least one year and one day. The bill reflects that 42 states currently allow private ownership of silencers and aims to align Rhode Island's silencer regulations more closely with federal standards. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/