The bill amends Section 11-47-20 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47, which pertains to weapons, specifically addressing the sale or possession of silencers. The amendment introduces an exception to the current prohibition on manufacturing, selling, purchasing, or possessing any muffler, silencer, or device for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm. The new legal language inserted into the law states that law enforcement officers are permitted to use such devices while acting within the scope of their official duties, specifically as tactical teams and under the direct supervision of the police chief, the colonel of the state police, or their designee. This insertion effectively legalizes the use of silencers by law enforcement officers under the specified conditions.

The bill also maintains that violations of this section, outside of the newly inserted exceptions for law enforcement, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year and one day. The explanation provided by the Legislative Council clarifies that the purpose of the act is to allow law enforcement officers to utilize silencers while performing their official duties as tactical teams, under proper supervision. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage. No deletions from the current law are mentioned in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
2828  SUB A: 11-47-20
2828: 11-47-20