Bill
SB 2971
Rhode Island's bill creates a voluntary system to restrict firearm purchase/possession for set periods to aid suicide prevention, with removal options and record destruction.
Title: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Introduced: March 4, 2026
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Status: As of action history, committee recommended hold for further study (April 14, 2026)
Purpose and overall intent
- Establish a voluntary framework for individuals to place themselves on restricted lists that prohibit purchasing or possessing firearms for defined periods, as a measure tied to suicide prevention.
- Provide a process for individuals to request removal from these lists and require destruction of related records when restrictions end or are removed.
- Introduce penalties related to restricted-list possession and to improper addition to restricted lists.
Key provisions and changes
1) Creation of a new chapter: 23-106 (Suicide Prevention--Voluntary Firearm Restrictions Act)
- Establishes a formal program under the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General (and its Bureau of Criminal Identification) to manage voluntary firearm restriction lists.
2) Definitions (23-106-2)
- Cohabitant, Department (AG and BCI), Firearm, Healthcare provider, Illegal firearm, and List types (Temporary, Indefinite, Restricted).
- Restricted lists: Temporary and Indefinite; Indefinite list entries require longer restrictions and offer longer removal timelines.
- Temporary list: 180-day maximum restriction, automatically removed at end; can be removed earlier starting after 30 days.
- Indefinite list: Restriction lasting at least 90 days or indefinitely until removed; removal requires a formal request.
3) Voluntary restrictions on purchase/possession (23-106-3)
- Individuals not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms can request inclusion on a restricted list.
- Two list options:
- Temporary list: 180-day limit; removal may be requested after 30 days.
- Indefinite list: No fixed end date; removal may be requested after 90 days.
- These restrictions prohibit purchase or possession of firearms and remove firearm custody/control.
4) Forms and submission process (23-106-4)
- AG department provides forms for inclusion/removal; forms available online and in paper.
- Information collected includes name, address, DOB, contact details, ID, signature, and an acknowledgment.
- In-person submission to local law enforcement or RI State Police is allowed; or healthcare providers can submit electronically, with identity verification and a medical release form signed by the individual and the healthcare provider’s acknowledgement.
5) Inclusion and removal procedures (23-106-5)
- Department must add a verified inclusion form within 24 hours of receipt.
- Removal rules mirror inclusion, with timelines: temporary list auto-removal at 180 days; indefinite removal upon request after 90 days.
- For indefinite lists, removal is automatic 21 days after a removal request is received.
6) Concealed carry implications (23-106-6)
- If restricted, a concealed carry permit is suspended upon entry on the restricted list.
- Reinstated upon removal from the list, subject to existing status of the permit (expiry, existing suspensions unrelated to restrictions, or new prohibitions).
7) Acknowledgments (23-106-7)
- Specific forms require individuals to acknowledge the restrictions, duration, and the practical effects on concealed carry permits and cross-jurisdictional firearm laws.
- Healthcare provider must acknowledge verification of patient identity and the provider-patient relationship when submitting on behalf of a patient.
8) Removal process (23-106-8)
- Individuals may submit a removal form; law enforcement verifies identity and transfers removal data to the department/BCI and national background check system within 24 hours.
9) Record maintenance and destruction (23-106-9)
- All records related to inclusion/removal are protected from public access.
- Upon removal or expiration, the department/BCI must destroy the entire file, including electronic and paper records.
- Records must not be used for background checks or concealed carry permit determinations.
10) Penalties (23-106-10)
- Civil fine: $25 for firearm possession while on an indefinite or temporary restricted list.
- Misdemeanor for adding or attempting to add someone to a restricted list without their knowledge.
Effective date
- The act takes effect upon passage.
Who would be affected
- Individuals who voluntarily place themselves on a restricted list (temporary or indefinite).
- Law enforcement agencies and the Department of the Attorney General (BCI) responsible for processing, maintaining, and destroying records.
- Healthcare providers who submit restriction forms on behalf of patients.
- Concealed carry permit holders who may be suspended while restricted.
- The public generally, through privacy protections for restricted-list records.
Impact considerations
- Provides a structured, voluntary mechanism to reduce firearm access during periods of heightened risk, potentially contributing to suicide prevention.
- Balances privacy by restricting access to restricted-list records and requiring destruction after removal or expiration.
- Introduces a small civil penalty for possession while restricted, and ensures safeguards against improper listing.
Note: This summary reflects the bill text as introduced and its stated provisions and does not reflect any amendments that may be adopted during committee or floor consideration.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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