Rhode Island Moves From Ban to Confiscation
- Austin Reville
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Rhode Island isn’t stopping at banning firearms—it’s now moving toward forcing law-abiding citizens to give them up.
Last year, Rhode Island became the 11th state to pass a sweeping ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms. Now, lawmakers are taking the next step: going after the guns that are already in private hands.
From Ban to Enforcement
In June 2025, Governor Dan McKee (D) signed S.359A into law, banning the sale and manufacture of most semi-automatic rifles, along with certain pistols and shotguns. This legislation passed largely along party lines in with the Senate 25–12 and House 43–28.
Beginning in July 2026, violations of the law could bring up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. At the time, lawmakers attempted to soften the blow by allowing current owners to keep their firearms without registration. But that “grandfather clause” may be short-lived.
The Next Step: Ending Grandfathering
Now, Rhode Island lawmakers are considering H.8073, a bill that would eliminate those protections entirely. If this measure is passed it would mean the ban of possession on those previously grandfathered firearms.
It would require owners to either sell them (out of state), surrender them, destroy them, or move them out of state. Any failure to comply would result in the same severe criminal penalties—turning previously law-abiding gun owners into felons overnight.
A Broader Legislative Push
H.8073 is just one of 18 gun control bills currently under review by the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee. As we are seeing in Virginia, anti-gun states are pushing hard to restrict firearms. Some of the other bills Rhode Island is also considering are:
Hearings on these measures are scheduled this week, signaling a coordinated effort to dramatically expand firearm restrictions in the state.
A Pattern of Escalation
Rhode Island already has a long history of strict gun control measures. These would include banning firearm purchases for adults under 21. Further, they would restrict open carry and enact red flag confiscation laws. This is on top of limiting magazine capacity.
What’s happening now represents a shift from regulation to removal—moving beyond restricting future purchases to addressing firearms already owned by citizens.
Why This Matters Nationwide
At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we’re watching Rhode Island closely because this is a pattern we’re seeing across the country. We are seeing first, a ban the sale of commonly owned firearms. They promise to allow temporary grandfathering. However, they return later to eliminate possession entirely.
We’re already seeing similar legislative efforts and conversations emerging in states like Minnesota and Virginia. That begins as a “compromise” rarely stays that way.
The reason we watch these types of bills is it isn’t just about Rhode Island. It’s about a growing strategy that moves step-by-step nationwide. From restriction, to prohibition, and finally to confiscation. For us gun owners, the message is loud and clear.
What is legal today may not be tomorrow. As these policies continue to spread, staying informed and engaged has never been more important. Keep supporting those who support you and those on the front line fighting back against these unconstitutional gun bans.
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
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