2011 Rhode Island Legislative Summary

Gun owners had a successful 2011 legislative session in Rhode Island, maintaining the status quo by preventing a handful of bad bills from passing and becoming law.  There were several pro- and anti-gun bills introduced this year, all of which were “held for further study,” meaning the legislation was heard in committee, but no action was taken to advance them.  

House Bill 5010, by state Representative Arthur J. Corvese (D-55), would have increased the fee for a concealed carry permit from $40 to $100.  Non-resident licenses would only be good for one year, instead of four years.  The NRA testified against this bill in the House Finance Committee, and it was held for further study.  H. 5010 has been introduced annually and gun owners need to continue to work against this restriction on the Second Amendment.   Another bad bill, House Bill 5671, introduced by state Representative Raymond Hull (D-6), was given a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee and the NRA testified against this bill as well.  H. 5671 would have prohibited possession of ammunition by minors – making it detrimental to young hunters and target shooters.  No action was taken on this legislation.

Several bills that would benefit gun owners were introduced, but none of them advanced.

House Bill 5354, sponsored by state Representative John Carnevale (D-13), would have exempted persons issued a concealed carry permit by the Attorney General from enduring the seven-day waiting period on pistols or revolvers.  House Bill 5451, by state Representative Deborah Fellela (D-43), would have created automatic renewals for gun permits, and House Bill 5121, introduced by state Representative Donna Walsh (D-36), would have protected the confidential information on concealed permit applicants.