It has been a wild year for gun rights in the U.S., with SHOT Show basically being open season for suppressors—but on the other hand, we see a lot of states, particularly in the east, advancing anti-gun laws. One of the states that has been busiest is Rhode Island, with a new ban on “military-style” weapons coming into play, along with a ban on magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.
“But wait, there’s more,” as the infomercials used to tell us. Rhode Island’s state legislature is looking at several more firearms restrictions, including potential seizure of firearms that are already owned.
Guns in the Ocean State @ TFB:
A long list of lawfare
In a year where we’ve seen a lot of pandering to the anti-gun lobbyists, Rhode Island particularly stands out with the list of laws being bandied about the Capitol this spring. Here are some highlights.
For starters, we have H.0873. This targets lawful owners of the firearms that were banned from sale last year. Under this law, your so-called military-style firearms are not grandfathered in. You cannot sell them, unless to an approved law enforcement agency, dealer, or out-of-state buyer. Also, you cannot possess them legally upon the bill’s passage. If you’re caught with a gun you aren’t allowed under the law, you could get a $10,000 fine or do as many as 10 years in prison. Read the full text here.
Next, we have a limitation on firearm purchases. Under H.7035, Rhode Islanders would be restricted to buying only one firearm over a thirty-day period. Whether you want a handgun, rifle or shotgun, you’re limited to one gun a month. Breaking this law can get you a $500 fine or as much as a year in jail. See more here.
Rhode Island’s lawmakers are also considering passing a law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases. The proposed law would allow a background check from local law enforcement to be used for this purpose, or the NICS database, which is already used in many states for firearms transfers. If you break this law, you could get a $500 fine. See more details here.
Finally, Rhode Island’s lawmakers are also looking at a law that requires firearms owners to carry a $1 million insurance policy. This would be used to pay out for damages that happen if their firearm is stolen and used in a crime. If you don’t have insurance, any right to own a firearm would be immediately revoked, including any licenses held by the gun owner. See more info here.
Legislative process underway
At the time of writing (late April, 2026), all these bills and other related gun control measures were read in the House Judiciary Committee on April 8, and are currently being held for further study. They haven’t been passed, but they haven’t been canceled either. Rhode Islanders should pay attention, though, as there are serious implications to these being passed, if you’re not in compliance.
