The bill amends Section 11-47-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47, titled "Weapons," to prohibit individuals who have pled nolo contendere or have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses from purchasing, owning, carrying, transporting, or possessing firearms. Specifically, it includes individuals sentenced in accordance with the hate crime sentencing enhancement act for such misdemeanors. The prohibition applies until the individual's conviction is expunged or they complete a one-year filing or probationary period that no longer constitutes a conviction.

The bill clarifies that the provisions apply to all persons who enter a plea of nolo contendere or have been convicted of the specified offenses, unless their matter has been expunged. Other existing restrictions remain in place for individuals who are fugitives, subject to certain court orders, or under community confinement or electronic monitoring. Violations of this section carry significant penalties, including imprisonment for two to ten years without the possibility of sentence suspension or probation. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5652: 11-47-5