Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban: What Changed on July 1, 2026?

By David Ellison

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Aug 20, 2026

In June 2025, the governor signed an assault weapons ban into law. It went into effect on July 1, 2026. It’s important to understand the Rhode Island assault weapons ban, the firearms it affects, and how the firearm laws impact you.

What Firearms Are Affected in Rhode Island?

The prohibited firearms in the new law include:

• Semi-automatic shotguns with more than six rounds of fixed magazine capacity
• Semi-automatic rifles or semi-automatic pistols with more than 10 rounds of fixed magazine capacity
• Semi-automatic rifles with the ability to have a detachable magazine, as well as either:
  • A shroud around the barrel
  • A pistol grip
  • A thumbhold stock
  • A telescoping or folding stock
  • A grenade launcher
  • A bayonet mount
  • A flash suppressor
  • A threaded barrel meant to allow for a flash suppressor
• A shotgun that has a revolving cylinder
• A semi-automatic firearm that can be used with a belt ammunition feeding device

Prohibited firearms do not include a semi-automatic rifle that only operates with rimfire ammunition at .22 caliber and an attached tube device.

What Does the Law Prohibit?

It is illegal to do any of the following with the prohibited firearms:

1. Sell
2. Offer to sell
3. Purchase
4. Transfer

There are some exceptions to this law, including:

1. Someone who lawfully has one of the prohibited firearms can sell or transfer their firearm to a firearm dealer that carries a federal license or to someone in another state who can lawfully possess the firearm.
2. A firearm dealer with federal licensure can sell and transfer prohibited weapons to other licensed dealers, law enforcement agencies, or those outside the state.
3. Law enforcement agencies can import, purchase, sell, or transfer these firearms to licensed dealers or a law enforcement agency when acting in an official capacity.

What Are the Rhode Island Firearms Offense Penalties?

If you violate this law and none of the exceptions apply to you, you could face either:

1. Imprisonment for up to ten years
2. A fine up to $10,000

The firearm will also be forfeited. Criminal penalties can have a serious effect on your freedom, your future, and your rights, so you should never take them lightly.

Hire a Firearms Offense Lawyer

The state’s harsh gun laws are meant to limit and prevent serious criminal offenses. In Rhode Island, agencies throughout the state reported 584 sexual offenses, 200 robbery offenses, 39 kidnapping offenses, and 19 homicide offenses in 2025.

Of all violent offenses reported, 318 involved a handgun. There were also 270 offenses involving a firearm, 33 involving another type of firearm, 28 involving rifles, and 10 involving shotguns. These weapons were most often involved in weapons violation or aggravated assault offenses.

Because of this, penalties for weapons offenses are very severe. If you have been arrested for or charged with a firearms offense in Rhode Island, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney.

When you hire a firearms offense lawyer at Ellison Law LLC, we offer you significant experience in criminal defense cases alongside practical and compassionate guidance through your case. We can represent you in courts like the Superior or District Court located in the J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence. Get in contact with our firm today and learn how we can help you build a defense.