Bill > H5891

This bill amends existing Rhode Island law to expand restrictions on firearm possession for individuals with prior felony convictions. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that prohibits individuals who have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction from purchasing, owning, carrying, transporting, or possessing a firearm. The bill modifies the existing statute by inserting a new subsection that explicitly disqualifies people with felony convictions from firearm ownership. The penalties for violating this provision differ slightly from other firearm possession restrictions: for the new felony conviction restriction, individuals can be imprisoned for up to ten years, while other firearm possession violations carry a mandatory minimum of two years in prison with the first two years being non-suspendable. The bill's language is broad, covering felony convictions from Rhode Island or any other jurisdiction, and it does not specify exceptions or a path to restoration of firearm rights. The provision takes effect immediately upon passage, meaning it will apply to individuals with existing felony convictions as well as those convicted after the bill becomes law.

Justice

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