The bill amends Section 11-47-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47, which pertains to the possession of firearms by certain individuals. It introduces new prohibitions on firearm possession for individuals who have pled nolo contendere or have been convicted of a misdemeanor offense and sentenced in accordance with the hate crime sentencing enhancement act. The bill specifies that these prohibitions 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.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the prohibitions on firearm possession remain in effect until a person's conviction is expunged or they complete a one-year filing or probationary period. It also maintains existing restrictions on firearm possession for individuals subject to certain court orders or those in community confinement or under electronic monitoring. Violations of these provisions 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:
530: 11-47-5