Is Rhode Island Getting Ready to Confiscate Guns?

Published on April 6, 2026
Duration: 9:14

This video discusses Rhode Island House Bill 8073, which proposes to add 'possess' to the state's existing assault weapon ban. If passed, this would criminalize possession of previously legal firearms, with penalties up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The bill mandates dispossessing prohibited firearms by December 31st, 2026, without compensation, raising concerns about Fifth and Second Amendment violations.

Quick Summary

Rhode Island House Bill 8073 aims to add 'possess' to the state's assault weapon ban, criminalizing ownership of previously legal firearms. Non-compliance by the December 31st, 2026 deadline could result in up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, with no compensation offered for mandated dispossession.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Assault Weapon Bans
  2. 00:55Rhode Island's History with Gun Legislation
  3. 01:04Governor Dan McKee Signs S0359 subA
  4. 01:19Rhode Island's Assault Weapon Ban Explained
  5. 02:18Introducing Rhode Island House Bill 8073
  6. 02:37The Impact of Adding 'Possess' to the Ban
  7. 03:06Penalties for Possession: Prison and Fines
  8. 03:13Dispossession Deadline and Compensation Issues
  9. 03:29Constitutional Concerns: 5th and 2nd Amendments
  10. 03:41Proposed Law Text: Possession Prior to July 1, 2026
  11. 04:05Dispossession Deadline: July 1st, 2026
  12. 04:16Economic Ramifications for Gun Owners and FFLs
  13. 04:39What Happens If You Don't Comply?
  14. 05:08Possibility of Forceful Confiscation
  15. 05:33All is Not Lost: Legislative Process
  16. 05:39House Committee on Judiciary Hearing
  17. 05:46Call to Action: Oppose HB 8073
  18. 05:59Lesson Learned: Bans Evolve
  19. 06:25Bill Link and Further Information
  20. 06:33Questions and Washington Gun Law Contact
  21. 07:03Importance of Knowing Gun Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rhode Island House Bill 8073?

Rhode Island House Bill 8073 proposes to amend the state's existing assault weapon ban by adding the word 'possess' to the prohibited actions. This would criminalize the ownership of firearms previously considered legal, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

What are the penalties for possessing a prohibited firearm under HB 8073?

If Rhode Island HB 8073 becomes law, individuals found in possession of a prohibited firearm could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The bill also mandates dispossessing such firearms by a specific deadline.

When must prohibited firearms be dispossessed in Rhode Island if HB 8073 passes?

Under the proposed Rhode Island HB 8073, individuals who lawfully possessed a prohibited firearm prior to July 1st, 2026, would have until December 31st, 2026, to sell or transfer it to an eligible party outside the state or to a licensed dealer.

Does Rhode Island HB 8073 offer compensation for confiscated firearms?

No, Rhode Island HB 8073 does not mandate compensation for firearms that must be dispossessed. Owners would have to sell them to a dealer or an individual outside the state, potentially leading to low valuations due to the forced sale.

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