Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7650

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun. It would impose criminal penalties for a person to sell or transfer a stun gun to a person under the age of eighteen (18).

Impact

If passed, this legislation would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding the ownership and use of stun guns in Rhode Island. By lowering the age requirement for possession to eighteen, the bill ensures that young adults can utilize stun guns as a means of personal protection. The introduction of criminal penalties for transferring stun guns to minors underscores a commitment to public safety, balancing the rights of individuals to defend themselves with the need to restrict access to potentially harmful weapons for younger populations.

Summary

House Bill 7650 aims to amend the current statutes concerning the possession and use of stun guns within the state of Rhode Island. Under this proposed legislation, individuals aged eighteen (18) and older who possess a valid license or permit will have the right to carry a stun gun. The bill explicitly prohibits the sale or transfer of stun guns to those under the age of eighteen (18) and establishes criminal penalties for violations of this restriction. The act is intended to enable responsible individuals to possess stun guns for self-defense while ensuring that minors do not have unsupervised access to such devices.

Contention

The bill may face contention primarily regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. Proponents argue that allowing responsible individuals to carry stun guns enhances personal safety and serves as a non-lethal option for self-defense, especially in situations where firearms might otherwise be considered. Critics, however, may express concerns about the implications of increased stun gun possession, particularly regarding their potential use in public altercations or inappropriately by those under the legal age. The effectiveness of such measures in actually enhancing community safety versus creating unnecessary legal burdens will likely be a focal point of discussion among legislators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5934

Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun.

RI H5933

Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun.

RI S1154

Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.

RI H5890

Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.

RI S0946

Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.

RI H5714

Provides that a person eighteen (18) years or older could request that his or her race be modified or amended on their birth certificate.

RI H6133

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

RI S0137

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

RI S0131

Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.

RI S0144

Permits possession or use of device that muffles sound on any firearm longer than 17” in length and permits the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.