Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Stricter Penalties for Stolen Firearm Offenses

This Rhode Island bill would increase the criminal penalties for two specific situations involving stolen firearms: using a stolen gun while committing a violent crime, and simply having a stolen firearm in your possession. Under current law, these offenses carry certain sentences, but this bill would make those sentences longer and more strict.

A key feature of this bill is that it would require people convicted of these offenses to actually serve a set portion of their sentence behind bars before becoming eligible for parole or probation. This means a judge or parole board would not have the option to release these individuals early during that mandatory period, regardless of good behavior or other circumstances.

This bill would primarily affect individuals who are charged with violent crimes while carrying a stolen weapon, as well as anyone found in possession of a firearm that was reported stolen — even if no other crime was committed. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts would also be affected, as they would be required to apply these stricter sentencing guidelines when handling relevant cases.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken. It has not yet been passed into law.