This bill amends Section 11-47-60.1 of the General Laws to establish regulations for the safe storage of firearms. It requires firearms to be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. Violations of this requirement would result in civil infractions or, for repeat offenses, imprisonment or fines. The bill also expands the definition of a child to include individuals under the age of eighteen.

The bill also adds a new section, 11-47-60.4, which requires licensed firearms dealers to display signs containing information about secure firearm storage. The signs must be posted in areas where sales or transfers occur and must include warnings about the risks of access to firearms in the home and information about Rhode Island state law requiring secure firearm storage. The Department of Health, in consultation with the state police, is tasked with developing detailed printed information about secure firearm storage to be made available to licensed dealers at no cost.

Additionally, the bill requires licensed firearm dealers to distribute printed information to all purchasers of firearms. The information must include details about the risks of access to firearms, state laws requiring secure firearm storage, and suicide prevention resources. The bill also requires the department of health and department of education to annually develop information for students and their families regarding the importance of secure gun storage, the risks of access to firearms, secure firearm storage requirements under state law, and suicide prevention and other behavioral health resources. School districts must distribute this information to all enrolled students and their parents or guardians and make it accessible on the district's webpage. The bill also establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the safe storage requirements.

Statutes affected:
321: 11-47-60.1