Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would make it a serious crime — specifically a felony — for anyone to take or try to take a firearm, weapon, or communication device (such as a radio) from a peace officer or an investigator working for the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General. Under current law, this type of action may be treated as a lesser offense, but this bill would elevate it to felony status, meaning it would carry more significant legal consequences, including the possibility of a longer prison sentence.

The bill affects anyone who might physically attempt to disarm or take equipment from these officers during an encounter. It also directly protects peace officers and Attorney General investigators by strengthening the legal consequences for anyone who tries to take their tools — whether a weapon or a communication device they rely on for safety and doing their job. The inclusion of communication devices is notable, as it recognizes that radios and similar equipment are critical to officer safety, not just firearms and weapons.

This bill has been moving through the Rhode Island Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, recommended for passage, and placed on the Senate Calendar as of early April 2026. It has not yet become law. If passed, it would apply statewide to anyone in Rhode Island who interferes with a peace officer's equipment in this way.