§ 11-47-60.4. Secure storage information and awareness.
(a) At any site where firearms sales or transfers are conducted by licensed dealers in Rhode Island, the licensed dealers shall conspicuously display a sign containing the information set forth in subsection (b) of this section, in any area where the sales or transfers occur. Such signs shall be posted in a manner so that they can be easily viewed by persons to whom firearms are sold or transferred, and shall not be removed, obscured, or rendered illegible. If the site where the sales or transfers occur are the premises listed on the dealer’s federal firearms license(s), an additional such sign shall be placed at or near the entrance.
(b) Each informational sign shall be at least eight and one-half inches (8½″) high by eleven inches (11″) wide, and feature black text against a white background and letters that are at least one-half inch (½″) high. The signs shall not contain other statements or markings other than the following text, in English and Spanish:
WARNING: Access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic violence disputes, and the unintentional death of children, household members, or others. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “HOME” to 741741.
Secure firearm storage is the law in Rhode Island. 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.
(c) The department of health, in consultation with the state police, shall develop detailed printed information to be made available to licensed dealers at no cost to the dealers, in English and Spanish, regarding the risks of access to firearms; state laws requiring secure firearm storage; a summary of the major provisions of chapter 47 of title 11 relating to firearms, including, but not limited to, the duties of the sellers and purchasers and possessors of firearms; and suicide prevention resources. Licensed dealers shall distribute this printed information to all purchasers of firearms.
(d) The department of health and department of education shall annually develop detailed information for students and their families, parents, and guardians regarding the importance of secure gun storage to protect minors from accessing firearms; the risks of access to firearms; secure firearm storage requirements under state law; and suicide prevention and other behavioral health resources. School districts shall annually distribute a pamphlet containing this information, in English and in Spanish, to all enrolled students and their parents or guardians and make this information electronically accessible on the district’s webpage.
History of Section.
P.L. 2024, ch. 107, § 2, effective June 13, 2024; P.L. 2024, ch. 108, § 2, effective
June 13, 2024.