The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons" to update regulations on carrying firearms and the licensing process for concealed pistols or revolvers. It introduces a provision allowing individuals to carry weapons during a mandatory evacuation order in a state of emergency. The bill also grants the attorney general the authority to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states for concealed handgun permit recognition and sets conditions for recognizing permits from other states. Definitions related to 3D printing processes and firearms are added, and the bill specifies what constitutes a "suitable person" for firearm possession. It modifies the licensing process by removing the requirement to show a "good reason to fear an injury" for carrying a firearm, replacing it with a "lawful reason," and considers self-defense as such. The process for obtaining, renewing, and appealing decisions on licenses is detailed, including timelines for application processing and the confidentiality of personal information.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for non-resident applicants, including documentation and the need for a permit. It sets a 90-day period for the attorney general to approve or deny in-state applications and 120 days for out-of-state applications. The bill also simplifies the renewal process for licenses to carry pistols or revolvers and establishes an emergency permit extension process. It details the review and appeal process for denied firearms permits, ensuring confidentiality but allowing for a public hearing upon request. The bill amends the definitions in the "Access to Public Records" chapter to clarify what constitutes a public record, emphasizing the confidentiality of certain records while making others public. It also addresses the recognition of out-of-state concealed weapon permits and the criteria for being considered a "suitable person" to hold a permit. The bill would take effect upon passage, and there are no specific insertions or deletions from current law indicated in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
7374: 11-47-9, 38-2-2