Allows a law enforcement agency to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change the rules around expunged criminal records in Rhode Island, specifically when it comes to applying for a license or permit to carry a handgun. Currently, when someone's criminal record is expunged (legally cleared), that information is generally treated as if it never existed and cannot be used against them in most situations. This bill would create an exception to that rule, allowing law enforcement agencies to look at and consider those expunged records when deciding whether to approve or deny someone's application for a pistol or revolver carry permit.

The bill would primarily affect people who have had past criminal records legally expunged and are seeking a license to carry a handgun in Rhode Island. Under this change, even though their record has been cleared, the law enforcement agency reviewing their permit application would be permitted — though not necessarily required — to take that prior history into account when making their decision. In other words, an expunged record could still potentially influence whether someone is granted the right to carry a firearm.

This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. No final vote has taken place yet. If passed, it would represent a notable exception to how Rhode Island typically handles expunged records, carving out a specific situation — firearm carry permits — where that otherwise-sealed information remains relevant to a government decision.