The bill amends Section 11-47-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons" to expand the list of persons exempt from restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. The amendment includes a new provision (c) that grants the attorney general the authority to enter into agreements with other states for reciprocal recognition of concealed handgun permits. Additionally, a new provision (d) stipulates that Rhode Island will recognize concealed handgun or weapon permits issued by any other state or county, provided certain conditions are met: the permit holder is a non-resident aged 21 or older, the issuing state or county offers 24-hour verification of permit validity, the permit holder carries the permit and a photo ID, and the permit holder is subject to Rhode Island's laws and restrictions on carrying a concealed weapon. Furthermore, provision (e) states that Rhode Island will recognize an official law enforcement identification card issued to an active-duty law enforcement officer from any other state or county, allowing them to carry a concealed firearm within the state.

The bill also clarifies that persons exempted by this section have the right to carry concealed firearms everywhere within Rhode Island, but this does not extend to individuals transporting firearms as merchandise or as household or business goods. The act would take effect upon passage, allowing the attorney general to establish reciprocal agreements for concealed handgun permit validity and recognizing out-of-state permits and law enforcement IDs under the specified conditions.

Statutes affected:
146: 11-47-9