The bill amends Chapter 11-47 of the General Laws, titled "Weapons," by introducing a new section, 11-47-8.2, which establishes a review and appeal process for individuals whose applications for handgun permits are denied. Under this new provision, a decision denying a permit pursuant to either 11-47-11 or 11-47-18 shall be final unless further review or appeal is initiated in writing within fifteen (15) days after the decision has been mailed to the applicant. An aggrieved individual may submit a written request to reconsider the denial to the licensing authority or the department of the attorney general within the same fifteen-day period.

The licensing authority or the department of the attorney general is required to schedule and conduct an in-person meeting within fourteen (14) days of the request to review and discuss the decision. The meeting shall be informal, and the applicant may submit supplemental documentation and be represented by an attorney. A decision must be mailed to the applicant within seven (7) days after the meeting, stating the reasons for any denial.

If the application is still denied, the aggrieved individual may appeal the decision to the superior court within fifteen (15) days of the decision being mailed. The appeal is to be filed as a miscellaneous petition, and the petitioner is entitled to a trial de novo before a justice of the superior court without a jury. The licensing authority or attorney general must provide a complete copy of the application and all submitted documents to both the petitioner and the superior court within thirty (30) days of the notice of appeal.

The request for reconsideration and the appeal to the superior court shall not be deemed public, and all documents, records, and proceedings shall remain confidential, accessible only to law enforcement for law enforcement purposes. However, the applicant may request that the superior court hearing be open to the public. The superior court may award reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and filing fees to the prevailing applicant if it finds that there was no justiciable issue or that the denial lacked a good faith basis. This act will take effect upon passage.