Storage | Rhode Island Concealed Carry

Storage Requirements

Secure Storage Law

Rhode Island has a mandatory secure firearm storage law codified at R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-60.1. As summarized in the state-mandated dealer signage (§ 11-47-60.4(b)):

Rhode Island state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms any time the firearms are not in their possession or control and to securely store firearms in premises under their control where a child or person prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms is likely to gain access to them. Failure to securely store firearms as required by law may result in fines and/or criminal prosecution.

Key obligations:

• Firearms must be securely stored whenever they are not in the owner's possession or control
• Firearms must be securely stored in any premises under the owner's control where a child or a person prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms is likely to gain access
• Violations may result in fines and/or criminal prosecution

Dealer Signage and Awareness Requirements (§ 11-47-60.4)

Effective June 13, 2024 (P.L. 2024, ch. 107 & ch. 108), licensed firearms dealers must:

• Conspicuously display warning signs in any area where firearms sales or transfers occur, plus an additional sign at or near the entrance of the dealer's premises
• Signs must be at least 8.5" x 11", with black text on white background and letters at least ½" high, in both English and Spanish
• Sign text must include a warning about risks of firearm access in the home, a reference to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, and a statement that secure firearm storage is the law in Rhode Island
• Distribute printed information developed by the Department of Health (in consultation with State Police) to all firearm purchasers, covering:
  • Risks of access to firearms
  • State laws requiring secure firearm storage
  • Summary of major provisions of Chapter 47 of Title 11 (firearms law)
  • Suicide prevention resources

School Awareness Requirements (§ 11-47-60.4(d))

The Department of Health and Department of Education must annually develop and distribute information to students and families regarding:

• Importance of secure gun storage to protect minors
• Risks of firearm access
• Secure storage requirements under state law
• Suicide prevention and behavioral health resources

School districts must distribute this as a pamphlet (English and Spanish) and make it available on the district's webpage.

Surrender and Storage After Domestic Violence Offenses (§ 11-47-5.4)

Following a plea of nolo contendere or conviction for a domestic violence offense:

• The defendant must surrender all firearms within 24 hours to Rhode Island State Police, local law enforcement, or a licensed gun dealer
• A proof of surrender must be issued, including the person's name, date of surrender, and serial number/manufacturer/model of all firearms
• Within 48 hours, the defendant must file proof of surrender with the court or attest they own no firearms
• The court's copy of proof of surrender is kept under seal (not part of the public record)
• Law enforcement must observe due care in the receipt and storage of surrendered firearms
• Rhode Island State Police are authorized to develop rules and procedures for storage of surrendered firearms
• A surrendered firearm is deemed abandoned after 6 years from sentence completion, plus a 2-year notice period (two separate notices to the defendant), after which the firearm may be disposed of
• The owner is entitled to any financial value from disposal, minus costs

Pending Legislation (2025 Session)

• H 5130 - Would rename § 11-47-60.1 to "Dillon's Law" (the existing mandatory safe storage statute)
• H 5263 - Also titled "Dillon's Law (Safe Storage Requirement)," addresses crime gun tracing and reporting requirements
• H 5076 ("Assault Weapons" Ban of 2025) - If enacted, would mandate secure storage for all registered assault weapons

Note: These bills were introduced in January 2025 and their current status should be verified with the Rhode Island General Assembly.

Relevant Statutes