Rhode Island General Laws section 11-47-58 establishes limited statewide preemption of firearm regulation, reserving most licensing and possession rules to state law while allowing some municipal authority over discharge and zoning.
RIGL 11-47-58 declares that the regulation of firearms is a matter of statewide concern and reserves to the General Assembly authority over licensing, registration, sale, and possession. However, Rhode Island's preemption is narrower than many states, allowing cities and towns to regulate the discharge of firearms within municipal limits and impose zoning rules on dealers and ranges. Some municipalities, including Providence, have adopted local rules governing storage, display, and locations where firearms may be carried, leading to ongoing legal debate over the scope of preemption. The state's licensing scheme under RIGL Chapter 11-47 generally controls who may possess firearms statewide.
Violating Rhode Island's firearm licensing and possession laws is a felony carrying significant prison terms, while ordinance violations on discharge or zoning typically result in fines and misdemeanor charges.
East Providence, RI
East Providence Code Sec. 10-51 sets quiet hours beginning at 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Loud noise after these times is...
East Providence, RI
East Providence addresses persistent barking under Chapter 3 (Animals) and Chapter 10 (Nuisances). Habitual barking constitutes a nuisance. Animal control ha...
East Providence, RI
East Providence regulates construction noise through Chapter 10 nuisance provisions. Construction must comply with quiet hours (10 PM Sun-Thu, 11 PM Fri-Sat)...
East Providence, RI
East Providence regulates driveways through zoning and building permits. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking standards in Ch. 19 (Zoning).
East Providence, RI
East Providence's zoning ordinance (Ch. 19) regulates RV storage on residential lots. RVs may not be used for residential occupancy. Extended on-street stora...
East Providence, RI
East Providence restricts commercial vehicles in residential areas through zoning and traffic ordinances. The zoning code limits vehicle types permitted on r...
See how East Providence's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.