2023 -- H 5367

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LC001166

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Potter, Boylan, Tanzi, Carson, Donovan, Caldwell, and
Sanchez

     Date Introduced: February 03, 2023

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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is hereby amended to read as follows:

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

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ranges — Immunity from prosecution — Criminal or civil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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exempted from liability under the provisions of this section.

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

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

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

 

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     (d) Effective January 1, 2024, no outdoor gun range shall be used for firing, discharging or

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

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

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2024.

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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

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

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     This act would take effect on January 1, 2024.

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