The bill amends Chapter 11-47 of the General Laws, titled "Weapons," by introducing a new section, 11-47-8.2, which establishes a review and appeal process for individuals whose applications for handgun permits are denied. Under this new provision, an applicant has fifteen days to submit a written request for reconsideration of the denial to the licensing authority or the attorney general. The licensing authority or the attorney general is required to schedule and conduct an in-person meeting within fourteen days of the request to review and discuss the decision. The applicant may submit additional documentation during this meeting, which will be informal and not subject to formal administrative hearing rules. A written decision must be mailed to the applicant within seven days after the meeting, detailing the reasons for any denial.

If the reconsideration does not result in approval, the applicant may appeal the decision to the superior court within fifteen days. The appeal process allows for a trial de novo, and the licensing authority or attorney general must provide a complete copy of the application and all submitted documents to both the petitioner and the superior court within thirty days of the notice of appeal. All documents, records, and proceedings related to the reconsideration and appeal are confidential and not open to the public, except that the applicant may request a public hearing. The superior court may award reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and filing fees to the prevailing applicant if it finds that the denial lacked a good faith basis. This act will take effect upon passage.