The bill amends Section 11-47-35 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons" to broaden the definition of "pistol or revolver" to "firearm," which now includes rifles and shotguns. It introduces a requirement for purchasers to not be prohibited by federal or state law from acquiring a firearm and updates the application process, removing the need for the firearm's serial number on the form. The bill mandates that purchasers present a firearm safety certificate or a hunter safety course certificate for the purchase, and the seller must send the application to the police for a background check. If no disqualifying information is found within seven days, the sale may proceed. The bill also removes the requirement for the Department of Environmental Management to establish a basic pistol/revolver safety course and the associated fiscal cap.

The bill replaces the "pistol/revolver safety certificate" with a "firearm safety certificate" ("blue card"), which is issued after passing a safety test that does not need to be retaken if proof of prior completion is provided. Exemptions are made for certain individuals like police officers and active duty military personnel. The bill repeals Section 11-47-35.2, which previously governed the sale of rifles and shotguns. It also removes detailed personal information requirements from the application form and eliminates the affidavit section and the process for forwarding application copies for background checks. The bill requires all firearm purchasers to pass a basic firearm safety test, with the test and manual updated every two years. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7268: 11-47-35, 11-47-35.2