2022 -- H 7889

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LC004828

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS

     Introduced By: Representative Brandon C. Potter

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2022

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 11-47-62 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-47 entitled "Weapons"

is hereby amended to read as follows:

     11-47-62. Rifle ranges -- Immunity from prosecution -- Criminal or civil. Gun ranges

operation -- Immunity from prosecution -- Criminal or civil.

     (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the

contrary, except as prohibited pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, it shall be lawful for an

owner of a rifle, pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range to

operate the range in excess of the applicable noise or noise pollution, law, ordinance or bylaw,

provided the owner of the range continues to be in compliance with any applicable noise control

law, ordinance or bylaws in existence at the time of the construction of the range. No owner shall

be liable in any action for nuisance, and no court shall enjoin the use or operation of the range on

the basis of noise or noise pollution, provided the owner continues to be in compliance with any

noise control law, ordinance or bylaws in effect at the time of the construction of the range.

     (b) No standards in rules adopted by any state, city or town agency for limiting levels of

noise in terms of decibel level which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall apply to the ranges

exempted from liability under the provisions of this section.

     (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or permit an owner of a rifle,

pistol, silhouette, archery, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar range to change the use and/or

type of the range, or to expand the use and/or type of the range.

     (d) Effective January 1, 2023, no outdoor gun range shall be used for firing, discharging or

shooting firearms within a one mile circumference or closer of any school kindergarten through

grade twelve (K-12) and all grounds and sports fields connected thereto.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2023.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS

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     This act would prohibit the operation of an outdoor gun range within one mile or closer of

any kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) schools.

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2023.

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