In June 2024, Rhode Island Laws §11-47-60.11 , §11-47-60.32 , and §11-47-60.43 went into effect and requires safe storage of firearms, adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms that must have a trigger lock or other safety device included with purchase, requires firearms dealers to post signs about safe storage, and includes civil and criminal penalties for anyone who violates the law.
Rhode Island State law mandates the use of trigger locks and no licensed retail dealer can sell a pistol without also providing a trigger lock or other safety device designed to prevent an unauthorized user from operating the pistol.
Rhode Island law also requires that firearms are stored in secured or locked containers or have a tamper-resistant lock or other safety device.
Why is secure firearm storage important?
• Firearms are the leading cause of death in US children and youth up to age 24. Firearms kill
more children than car crashes, overdoses, or cancer.
• One in three children in the US live in a home with a firearm. In those homes, more than
half of the firearms are not stored safely. More than 700 children die by firearm suicide
each year, and the firearm usually belongs to a family member.
• At least one-third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented with
increased secure storage.
• Nearly 360 children younger than eighteen accidentally shoot themselves or someone else
each year.
• According to the Surgeon General, 56% of unintentional firearm deaths among children
and adolescents happen in their own home. In cases where there is information about
firearm storage, 76% of the firearms were stored unlocked.
• Keeping firearms and ammunition locked is associated with a lower risk of firearm injuries
for children and teens in homes where guns are stored Safe and secure firearms storage prevents suicide, homicide, unintentional injuries, and theft. All firearms owners need to keep children and teens safe from firearms.
Other Resources
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988; chat with 988 at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide; experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis; or are in emotional distress, trained crisis counselors are available
24/7/365.
• Access to gun locks: email RIDOH.SuicidePrevention@health.ri.gov
• State and national resources, training opportunities, and suicide data: PreventSuicideRI.org
• Information about the risks of access to firearms:
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/annual-firearm-violence-data
• Safe Storage Fact Sheet:
https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/safe_storage_fact_sheet.pdf
• Bradley Hospital’s Kids’ Link: 855-543-5465 Kids’ Link is a behavioral health triage service
and referral network. The program is offered in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare,
Brown Health, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Bradley Hospital. Kids’ Link RI is available
24/7/365 to help triage children and youth in need of mental health services and refer them
to treatment providers.
• Parent Coach RI: Sign up at https://parentcoach.care/ for a free 30-day text messaging
service that provides parents/caregivers with helpful tips and information to support youth
through mental and behavioral challenges.
• Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act of 2021 requires the training of teachers, students and
school personnel regarding suicide awareness and prevention, and the establishment of a
conflict resolution process between teachers or school personnel and students. It requires
each district to develop and adopt a student suicide prevention policy including prevention,
intervention, and postvention. Learn more about policies and professional development
about suicide prevention to support implementation: