Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.

Rhode Island Voluntary Firearm Restrictions Act

This bill creates a voluntary program that allows Rhode Island residents to place themselves on a restricted list that would prevent them from buying or possessing firearms. A person could choose to add their name to this list either temporarily (for a set period of time) or indefinitely. The program is designed as a suicide prevention tool, giving individuals who are concerned about their own mental health or safety a way to proactively limit their own access to guns during vulnerable periods.

To participate, a person would go through a defined process to get their name added to the list. Importantly, because this is voluntary, the individual themselves makes the choice to enroll — no one else can place them on the list. The bill also establishes a process for how and when someone might be removed from the list, depending on whether they chose a temporary or permanent restriction when they signed up.

The bill also creates legal consequences for violations. If a firearms dealer or seller knowingly sells a gun to someone on the restricted list, or if a person on the list attempts to purchase or possess a firearm, they could face civil fines or misdemeanor criminal charges. This enforcement mechanism is meant to make the voluntary restriction meaningful and legally binding, not just symbolic.

This bill primarily affects Rhode Island residents who choose to enroll in the program, as well as gun dealers and sellers who would be responsible for checking the list before completing a sale. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.