The bill amends Section 11-47-62 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons" to provide immunity from prosecution, both criminal and civil, to owners of various types of shooting ranges, including rifle, pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar ranges. The immunity applies to noise or noise pollution laws, ordinances, or bylaws, provided the range was in compliance with such laws at the time of its construction. The bill specifies that noise control standards set by state, city, or town agencies in terms of decibel levels will not apply to these exempted ranges. Additionally, it clarifies that range owners are not authorized to change or expand the use and/or type of the range.

However, the bill introduces a new provision that, effective January 1, 2025, prohibits the operation of outdoor gun ranges within a one-mile circumference of any school serving kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), including all grounds and sports fields connected to such schools. The entire act, including this new restriction, is set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The legislative explanation states that the purpose of the act is to prohibit the operation of outdoor gun ranges close to K-12 schools.

Statutes affected:
7051: 11-47-62