Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.

Rhode Island Senate Bill: Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act

This bill would make two main changes to how Rhode Island residents obtain firearms. First, it would update the application form that people must fill out when they want to purchase a gun. Second, and more significantly, it would require anyone who wants to possess a firearm to first complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course before they can do so.

The safety training requirement would apply to most Rhode Island residents — essentially anyone who wants to own or possess a gun. However, the bill specifically exempts active law enforcement officers and military personnel from this requirement, recognizing that these groups already receive firearms training through their professional duties. All other prospective gun owners would need to find, attend, and pass an approved safety course before legally possessing a firearm.

The practical effect of this bill would be that simply purchasing a gun would no longer be enough on its own — buyers would also need to demonstrate that they have completed safety training. This could affect gun retailers, training providers, and anyone in Rhode Island currently seeking to own a firearm. The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken. It has not yet been voted on or signed into law.