The "Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025" establishes a new chapter in Title 11 of the General Laws to regulate the manufacture, sale, purchase, and possession of assault weapons, effective July 1, 2026. The bill defines key terms such as "assault weapon," "detachable magazine," "grandfathered assault weapon," and "voluntary certificate of possession." It prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, and possession of assault weapons after the cutoff date, with specific penalties for violations, including imprisonment of up to ten years and fines up to $10,000.

The act allows individuals who lawfully possessed assault weapons before July 1, 2026, to apply for a voluntary certificate of possession, which serves as proof of legal ownership. It outlines conditions for possessing grandfathered assault weapons, including secure storage requirements and designated locations for use, such as residences, licensed shooting clubs, and target ranges. The act also addresses the inheritance of grandfathered assault weapons and establishes procedures for obtaining certificates of possession, including a fingerprint-supported criminal background check and a $50 application fee.

Penalties for non-compliance with possession regulations include fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to three years. The legislation includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect upon passage.