The bill amends Section 11-47-20 of the General Laws regarding the sale or possession of silencers, making it unlawful to possess and/or use a firearm with an overall length of less than seventeen inches (17) that has an attached device that silences, suppresses, or muffles the sound of the firearm when discharged. Violations of this section would result in a minimum imprisonment of one year.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 20-13-19, to the Hunting and Hunting Safety laws, allowing individuals in lawful possession of a device that silences, suppresses, or muffles the sound of a rifle or shotgun to use such a device while hunting any game for which they are licensed, provided the host rifle or shotgun is permitted. The bill also prohibits any city, town, committee, board, or other state or local agency from enacting rules, regulations, or ordinances that mandate the use of such devices for hunting. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
144: 11-47-20