Rhode Island Stun Gun and TASER Laws

For years, Rhode Island has stood as the last U.S. state with a total ban on civilian stun guns and TASERs. While the federal courts have signaled that this stance may no longer hold up constitutionally, actual legislation to fix the issue has lagged—until now. A new bill, Senate Bill S-1154, introduced in June 2025, aims to finally bring clarity to the state’s position on these self-defense tools.

This blog post explores the context, details, and implications of S-1154 and what it means for Rhode Island residents, self-defense advocates, and vendors interested in shipping such devices to the Ocean State.

A Brief Legal Background

For decades, Rhode Island's strict weapons laws made it illegal for civilians to purchase, possess, or use stun guns or Tasers. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-42, these devices were lumped into the category of “weapons generally” and banned across the board—even for lawful self-defense.

In March 2022, a federal judge ruled this blanket ban unconstitutional. The court stated that Rhode Island failed to demonstrate how such a ban improved public safety and found that it infringed on the Second Amendment rights of citizens. While this decision blocked enforcement of the law, the Rhode Island General Assembly never formally repealed or replaced the statute, leaving a legal gray area that persists to this day.

Enter Senate Bill S-1154

Introduced on June 13, 2025, Senate Bill S-1154 is the most significant legislative effort to date aimed at formally legalizing and regulating stun guns and Tasers in Rhode Island. The bill provides detailed definitions, eligibility rules, and penalties for misuse—essentially building a regulatory framework that aligns Rhode Island with the rest of the country.

Key Provisions of SB-1154

1. Legal Possession for Adults
   The bill allows individuals 18 years or older to purchase and lawfully possess stun guns and electronic dart guns (e.g., Tasers) for personal defense.

2. Clear Definitions
   The bill introduces definitions into Rhode Island law for “stun gun” and “electronic dart gun,” both described as handheld devices that either emit electrical charges or project electrodes capable of immobilizing a person.

3. Sales to Minors Prohibited
   It explicitly prohibits the sale or transfer of these devices to anyone under 18 years old.

4. Restricted Use During Crimes
   The use of a stun gun or Taser during the commission of a criminal offense or against law enforcement personnel is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.

5. Prohibited Persons
   Individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms under federal or state law—including those with felony convictions or mental health adjudications—are also prohibited from owning stun guns or Tasers under this bill.

6. Enforcement and Penalties
   Unlawful possession or use would be met with criminal charges similar to those for firearms violations, providing a consistent framework for law enforcement and the courts.

Why This Bill Matters

SB-1154 is more than just a fix to a long-standing legal oversight—it’s a major shift in how Rhode Island approaches the issue of self-defense. While the 2022 federal ruling blocked the enforcement of the total ban, the legal uncertainty left many residents and retailers unsure about whether they could legally carry or sell these tools.

With this bill, Rhode Island would:

• Align its laws with Second Amendment precedent and the practices of all other 49 states.

• Establish clear regulations to ensure that only responsible adults can access these devices.

• Provide penalties to deter misuse while allowing law-abiding citizens to protect themselves.

If passed, this legislation would also make it possible for online retailers and self-defense product vendors to legally ship stun guns and Tasers to Rhode Island addresses, something most have refused to do due to the state’s unclear legal stance.

What Happens Next?

As of July 2025, SB-1154 has been referred to the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been passed into law, and there is no guaranteed timeline for when or if that will happen.

However, the bill has generated positive interest among self-defense advocates, legal experts, and even some lawmakers who recognize the need to modernize Rhode Island’s weapons laws. If the bill advances through committee and is passed by the full Senate and House, it would become law immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Until that happens, stun guns and Tasers remain in a sort of legal limbo. While enforcement of the old ban is technically blocked, no new law has replaced it—meaning vendors are still hesitant to ship devices into the state, and residents may still feel unsure about their rights.

What Should You Do If You Live in Rhode Island?

If you're a Rhode Island resident interested in personal safety tools like stun guns or Tasers, here’s what you can do in the meantime:

• Stay Informed – Follow the progress of SB-1154 and other related legislation. Legislative websites like BillTrack50 or FastDemocracy provide real-time updates.

• Contact Your Representatives – If you support the bill, let your local lawmakers know. Public support can help drive legislative momentum.

• Consult Legal Professionals – Before purchasing or carrying any device, check with a licensed attorney or your local law enforcement agency.

• Explore Legal Alternatives – In the meantime, consider pepper spray, personal safety alarms, or self-defense training—options that remain legal and effective.

Final Thoughts

Rhode Island has taken a major step toward updating its outdated weapons laws with the introduction of SB-1154. If passed, it would make stun guns and Tasers legally accessible to law-abiding adults, while maintaining strict penalties for misuse.

Although not yet law, the bill represents hope for those who believe Rhode Islanders should have the same right to defend themselves as citizens in every other state. Whether you're a concerned resident, a retailer, or a self-defense advocate, now is the time to pay attention—and make your voice heard.

Want updates on SB-1154 or advice on choosing legal self-defense tools? Leave a comment or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The laws and regulations regarding stun guns, TASER devices, and other electronic defense weapons can vary widely by jurisdiction and can change over time. Therefore, it's important to consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities to obtain accurate and up-to-date information that applies to your specific circumstances.