The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons," specifically focusing on the issuance, renewal, and recognition of licenses or permits to carry concealed pistols or revolvers. It introduces a new provision allowing individuals to carry a concealed or non-concealed weapon during a mandatory evacuation order in a state of emergency for 48 hours, which can be extended. The bill also allows the attorney general to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states for concealed handgun permit recognition and sets conditions for recognizing permits from other states or counties. It redefines terms such as "3D printing process," "antique firearm," and "binary trigger," and removes the requirement for an applicant to show "other proper reason" for carrying a pistol or revolver, replacing it with "lawful reason."

The bill outlines the application and renewal process for concealed carry licenses, including the requirement for the licensing authority to act on applications within specific timeframes and the introduction of a standard fee of $40. It mandates that the attorney general must issue a license or permit to suitable individuals over the age of 21 who demonstrate a need or fear of injury, or for employment purposes. The bill also details the process for non-resident applicants, including the submission of additional documentation and a longer timeframe for the attorney general to make a decision. Furthermore, the bill establishes a review and appeal process for denied permits, maintains the confidentiality of records related to firearms permits and appeals, and specifies that certain records are not subject to public disclosure. The bill would take effect upon passage and includes various insertions, such as the definition of a "suitable person" and the mandatory obligation of the attorney general to issue permits under certain conditions, as well as deletions, such as the removal of the requirement for the license or permit to contain the serial number of any firearm.

Statutes affected:
7374: 38-2-2