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Bill

SB 2958

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alana DiMario and 3 co-sponsors

Require bilingual suicide-prevention signage at all shooting ranges with 988/741741 resources; staff must complete approved training by Jan 1, 2027.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2958

Summary of Bill: SB 2958 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Introduces a new requirement related to suicide awareness at shooting ranges.
  • The primary aim is to provide warning and resources to individuals experiencing distress or depression, aligning with public health and suicide prevention efforts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 11-47-62.1 added to the Rhode Island Weapons chapter:
    • Definitions:
    • “Firearm” has the same meaning as in § 11-55-1.
    • “Shooting range” includes any facility (public or private, on public or private land, operated by any entity) designed for firearms use (e.g., rifle, pistol, silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, etc.).
    • Mandatory signage (displayed conspicuously in areas where shooting activity occurs):
    • Sign dimensions: at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
    • Sign appearance: black text on white background, letters in at least 36-point font.
    • Text (in English and Spanish):
      • “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text ‘HOME’ to 741741.”
    • Membership-based ranges:
    • Non-members must be accompanied at all times by a member while on the premises and during shooting activity.
    • Employee training:
    • Starting January 1, 2027, each shooting range employee must receive suicide-awareness training approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
    • Rulemaking:
    • The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in coordination with the Department of Health, must adopt and promulgate necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

Who is affected

  • All shooting ranges operating in Rhode Island (whether public or private, membership-based or open to the public).
  • Range employees (they must receive approved suicide-awareness training starting January 1, 2027).
  • Potentially, members and non-members utilizing ranges (non-members must be accompanied by a member while on site and engaging in shooting activity).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Training deadline: January 1, 2027, for mandatory employee suicide-awareness training.
  • Administration: DEM to collaborate with the Department of Health to develop and implement the necessary rules and regulations.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Public health: Enhanced suicide prevention messaging at shooting ranges may provide immediate access to crisis resources for individuals in distress.
  • Compliance burden: Range operators must install mandated signage, ensure visibility, and verify a bilingual display; non-members must be accompanied by a member.
  • Training requirements: Ranges must arrange and complete approved training for all employees by the 2027 deadline, with DEM and Health overseeing the program.
  • Enforcement and oversight details are not specified in the bill text; enforcement mechanisms (e.g., penalties) would likely be determined through the implementing regulations or existing enforcement frameworks.

Effective date

  • Took effect upon passage of the act (noted as Schedule for passage in the action history).

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or draft a plain-language FAQ for range operators and patrons.

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

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