The proposed bill, titled "The Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026," aims to enhance accountability within the firearm industry by establishing a new chapter in the state's health and safety laws. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "firearm accessory," "firearm industry member," "firearm product," "firearm trafficker," and "reasonable controls." The bill outlines the responsibilities of firearm industry members to implement reasonable controls to prevent unlawful sales and ensure compliance with existing laws. It prohibits firearm industry members from providing products to others when there is reasonable cause to believe that the recipient is engaged in unlawful conduct, and it restricts advertising that promotes unlawful use or poses risks to public safety.

The bill establishes penalties for violations of these provisions, allowing for civil actions to be brought by individuals harmed by non-compliance, as well as by municipal and state legal representatives. Courts may impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and provide various forms of relief, including injunctive measures, compensatory damages, punitive damages, restitution, and other appropriate relief necessary to remedy the harm caused by the conduct. Additionally, if a court finds a violation, it must award costs and attorneys' fees to a prevailing plaintiff and may suspend or revoke any permits issued to the firearm industry member under existing law.

The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and will apply to civil actions filed on or after that date.