RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
S2306 amends Rhode Island weapons law to change the state’s treatment of firearm suppressors, silencers, and similar sound-muffling devices. Under current law, it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, purchase, possess, or use a firearm under 17 inches in overall length with a muffler or silencer attached, with a narrow exception for certain law enforcement tactical use. The bill would allow possession and use of a suppressor on any firearm longer than 17 inches, and it would remove the blanket prohibition for those longer firearms.
The bill also creates a new hunting provision allowing a person who lawfully possesses a suppressor to use it while hunting any game they are licensed to take, so long as the rifle or shotgun itself is otherwise permitted under existing hunting law. In addition, it bars cities, towns, committees, boards, and other state or local agencies from adopting rules or ordinances that require the use of suppressors for hunting or otherwise regulate the right to use them in a way that conflicts with the act. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
If enacted, S2306 would narrow Rhode Island’s criminal weapons restrictions by carving out lawful possession and use of suppressors on firearms over 17 inches in length and by creating an express hunting authorization for licensed hunters. It would amend § 11-47-20 in the weapons chapter and add a new § 20-13-19 in the hunting chapter, while also limiting state and local regulatory authority over suppressor use. The bill would primarily affect firearm owners, hunters, retailers, and law enforcement, and it would preserve the existing exception for officers using such devices in official tactical duties.
The available record shows no committee transcripts, votes, or formal action history, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment from legislative proceedings. Based on the bill’s text and caption, the measure appears to be a pro-firearm-access bill aimed at expanding lawful suppressor use for both ownership and hunting. Because no votes or hearing comments are provided, the level of support or opposition within the General Assembly cannot be determined from the supplied materials.
The main points of contention likely concern public safety, firearm regulation, and hunting policy. Supporters would likely emphasize hearing protection, reduced noise pollution, and expanded lawful use for hunters and gun owners, while opponents may object to loosening restrictions on silencers/suppressors and limiting the ability of local governments to regulate them. The bill’s preemption language, which prevents local agencies from imposing their own rules, is another likely source of disagreement because it reduces local control over weapons policy.