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 by the licensing authority or the attorney general. Under this new provision, a decision denying a permit is final unless a written request for reconsideration is submitted within fifteen (15) days after the decision has been mailed to the applicant. An aggrieved individual may request an in-person meeting with the licensing authority or the attorney general to discuss the denial, which must be scheduled within fourteen (14) days of the request. The authority must issue a written decision within seven (7) days after the meeting, detailing the reasons for any denial.

If the denial persists, applicants can appeal the decision to the superior court within another fifteen (15) days. The appeal must be in the form of a miscellaneous petition and is entitled to a trial de novo before a justice of the superior court without a jury. The licensing authority or attorney general is required to provide a complete copy of the application and all submitted documents to both the petitioner and the superior court within thirty (30) days of the notice of appeal.

The bill also stipulates that all documents, records, and proceedings related to the reconsideration and appeal process will remain confidential and not open to the public, although applicants can request that the superior court hearing be open to the public. Furthermore, the superior court may award reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and filing fees to the prevailing applicant if it finds that there is no justiciable issue of law or fact, or if the licensing authority or the attorney general did not have a good faith basis for the denial. This act will take effect upon passage.