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SB 138

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island's SB 138 weapons bill awaits further committee review after January introduction; specific provisions and policy direction remain unclear from current legislative records.

05/14/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 138

Legislative bill overview

SB 138 is a Rhode Island criminal weapons bill currently in the legislative review process. The measure was introduced in January 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it received a "held for further study" recommendation in May 2025, indicating the committee needs more time to evaluate its provisions before advancing it.

Why is this important

Weapons legislation directly affects public safety policy, law enforcement practices, and individual rights. The bill's ultimate impact depends on its specific provisions—whether it expands, restricts, or modifies existing weapons regulations—which significantly influences criminal penalties, licensing requirements, or permitting processes in Rhode Island.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of public transparency: The bill's actual text and specific provisions are not detailed in available records, making it difficult for constituents to understand what regulations it proposes
  • Committee delay indicates disagreement: The "held for further study" recommendation suggests committee members had unresolved concerns about the bill's scope, enforceability, or constitutionality
  • Competing policy priorities: Weapons bills typically pit public safety advocates against Second Amendment rights supporters, with disagreement over what regulations are necessary versus overreaching

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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