The bill amends Section 11-47-17.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons" to change the firearms qualification requirements for law enforcement officers in the state. The new language inserted into the law mandates that all law enforcement officers must qualify with their firearms two times per year at intervals of at least four months, with an exception for correctional officers who are required to qualify once per year. Additionally, starting January 1, 2024, the qualification requirements will include a nighttime, low light/no light component to simulate dusk to dawn lighting conditions, which may be artificially produced indoors. The bill also specifies that the failure of any law enforcement officer to qualify under these provisions revokes their privilege to carry a pistol or revolver.

The bill requires that copies of all qualification reports be filed with the office of the attorney general. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2023. The legislative explanation clarifies that the purpose of the act is to mandate that police officers qualify in the use of firearms under both daylight and nighttime conditions two times per year, and that correctional officers do so every year, which is a change from the previous requirement of once every two years.

Statutes affected:
5694: 11-47-17.1