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 how Rhode Island law enforcement agencies handle applications for licenses or permits to carry a pistol or revolver. Currently, when a criminal record is expunged — meaning it has been legally cleared or sealed — it generally cannot be used against a person in most official decisions. This bill would create an exception to that rule specifically for concealed carry permit decisions, allowing law enforcement agencies to look at and consider a person's expunged criminal records when deciding whether to approve or deny their application.

In practical terms, this means that someone who had a past criminal record that was later expunged could still have that history taken into account when applying for a permit to carry a handgun, even though that record would otherwise be treated as if it no longer exists. This would primarily affect people who have gone through the expungement process — which is typically available to those who have completed their sentence and met certain eligibility requirements — and are now seeking a carry permit.

It is important to note that expungement is often seen as a way for people to move forward after past legal issues, with the expectation that the sealed record won't follow them. This bill would specifically carve out an exception to that protection in the context of firearm carry permits. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.