McKee signs safe firearms storage bill into law

Gov. Dan McKee, center, hands a ceremonial pen to South Kingstown Town Councilor Patti Alley after he signed into law new gun storage requirements on June 13, 2024. Alley’s sister Allyson Dosreis died by suicide in 2020 after accessing an unsecured handgun. (Office of the Governor)

Surrounded by gun safety advocates and donning the orange T-shirt of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, Gov. Dan McKee on Thursday signed off on legislation that creates new rules on how firearms must be stored.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Justine Caldwell, an East Greenwich Democrat, and Sen. Pamela Lauria, a Barrington Democrat, mandates that all firearms not in use be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock.

The new law makes unsafe storage of firearms a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $250 for the first offense and $1,000 for the second. A subsequent violation would be a criminal charge punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $500.

Before the new law was approved, gun owners convicted of “ criminal storage of a firearm ” could be fined up to $1,000 if a person 16 or younger was injured by a loaded firearm left within reach.

“We may never know the actual number of injuries or fatalities averted by the work you have done this session, but rest assured, this law will save lives,” McKee said at the State House signing ceremony. “I know there are survivors in the audience, and please know, your advocacy is making a difference.”

Penalties for not storing a firearm would not apply if the weapon is being carried or “can be readily retrieved and used,” according to the legislation.

The legislation also requires firearms dealers display a warning sign that reads: “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.”

“Leaving a lethal weapon where anyone else can use it is an invitation to tragedy,” Caldwell said in a statement. “Ensuring that all weapons are stored in a way that keeps them out of the hands that shouldn’t touch them protects not only the public in general, but gun owners and their families in particular.”

Republican lawmakers and gun advocates have argued the storage bill entombs firearms and delays their use in emergency situations, making it harder to protect themselves and their families. Weapons advocates have also argued it violates Rhode Islanders’ Second Amendment rights.

Firearm safety advocates celebrated the governor for enacting the new law.

“We know that research shows the secure storage of firearms saves lives from potential gun suicide, homicide, unintentional shootings, school shootings, and also prevents gun theft,” Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence Executive Director Melissa Carden said in a statement.

​​The new firearm storage law takes immediate effect.

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