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Bill

SB 2153

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 2153 modifies criminal weapons offenses, referred to Senate Judiciary for review; specific provisions unavailable.

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2153

Legislative bill overview

SB 2153 is a Rhode Island criminal law bill concerning weapons offenses that was recently introduced in the Senate. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review. Without access to the specific text, the exact provisions—whether they expand, restrict, or modify existing weapons laws—cannot be detailed.

Why is this important

Weapons legislation directly affects public safety policy, law enforcement practices, and individual rights. Changes to criminal penalties, definitions of prohibited weapons, or licensing requirements can have significant implications for both community safety outcomes and constitutional considerations around Second Amendment protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of weapons definition: Whether the bill broadly or narrowly defines regulated weapons (e.g., firearms, knives, improvised devices) will determine who is affected and how enforcement occurs
  • Penalty severity and proportionality: Disagreement likely exists over whether criminal penalties are appropriately calibrated and whether mandatory minimums are justified
  • Due process and enforcement mechanisms: Questions about how law enforcement identifies violations and whether adequate procedural safeguards exist for defendants

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

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