Rhode Island Moves to Ban Possession of Most Rifles

Published on April 9, 2026
Duration: 5:31

Rhode Island's original 2025 assault weapons ban, set to take effect July 1, 2026, prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transfer of certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. However, it allowed lawful owners to possess these firearms. A new bill, S2710, introduced in February, seeks to amend the original law by adding 'possession' to the prohibited list, effectively banning possession after the July 1, 2026, deadline. This amendment would require owners to sell affected firearms to federally licensed dealers or out-of-state individuals by the end of 2026.

Quick Summary

Rhode Island's new bill S2710 aims to ban the possession of certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns after July 1, 2026. The original law, effective July 1, 2026, prohibited sale and transfer but allowed possession. S2710 adds possession to the prohibited list, requiring owners to sell affected firearms by year-end.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction: Slippery Slope in RI
  2. 00:24Rhode Island's 2025 Assault Weapons Ban
  3. 00:57Original Law's Effective Date and Penalties
  4. 01:06Key Points: Possession Allowed Initially
  5. 01:26Sponsor Shoutout: Blackout Coffee
  6. 02:06Firearms Affected by Original Ban
  7. 02:25Banned Features: Cosmetic vs. Functional
  8. 02:56New Bill S2710: Banning Possession
  9. 03:13Amendment Details: Adding 'Possession'
  10. 03:27Timeline for Compliance
  11. 03:49Sponsors of S2710 and Political Context
  12. 04:12Legal Challenges and Future Outlook
  13. 05:01Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rhode Island's new bill S2710 proposing regarding firearms?

Rhode Island's Senate Bill S2710 proposes to amend the existing assault weapons ban by adding 'possession' to the list of prohibited activities. This would effectively ban the possession of certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns after the original law's effective date of July 1, 2026.

When does Rhode Island's original assault weapons ban go into effect?

Rhode Island's original assault weapons ban, law 2025S0359A, signed in June 2025, is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2026. This law initially allowed lawful owners to possess affected firearms.

What types of firearms are affected by Rhode Island's assault weapons ban?

The ban targets semi-automatic shotguns with fixed magazines over six rounds, shotguns with revolving cylinders, and semi-automatic rifles with fixed magazines over 10 rounds. It also includes semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines that have specific 'evil' features like pistol grips or threaded barrels.

What are the penalties for violating Rhode Island's assault weapons ban?

Violations of Rhode Island's assault weapons ban can result in severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and forfeiture of the firearm. The new bill S2710 would extend these penalties to possession after the effective date.

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