Hawaii: Senate Committee Passes Anti-Gun Bills

Yesterday, March 12^th, the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs heard three anti-gun bills, passing both HB 1902 and HB 2744 with amendments and deferring HB 2736. 

House Bill 1902 HD2 prohibits possession of magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds. These so called “high capacity” magazines are in fact standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans legally and effectively use for an entire range of legitimate purposes, such as self-defense or competition. Just last year, a 9^th Circuit opinion ruled that California's ban on standard capacity magazines was unconstitutional in Duncan v. Becerra. This case is currently under appeal. The bill also expands the ability to prohibit categories of individuals for firearm ownership by requiring medical documentation that an individual is no longer adversely affected from behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders they were treated for as a minor. The language of this legislation is vague and could implicate those who have received treatment for common, non-dangerous mental health issues. This legislation further stigmatizes individuals who receive mental health treatment, and may even discourage minors who need help from seeking it out for fear of having their rights restricted later in life. The Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs passed HB 1902 with amendments.

House Bill 2744 HD1 places severe restrictions on certain firearm parts in an effort to ban homebuilt firearms. The language is vague and overly broad as to what can subject a person to felony penalties. It fails to recognize that prohibited persons already cannot lawfully possess any firearm, whether home built or produced by a licensed manufacturer. Additionally, the bill uses your tax dollars to create a commission to research “gun violence.” While the NRA does not oppose objective research, this bill is likely to produce biased advocacy instead of sound science. The Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs passed HB 2744 with amendments.

House Bill 2736 HD1 restricts ammunition purchases and possession to those who provide a proof of firearm registration for the particular caliber of purchase or to individuals who have been designated as alternates to purchase ammunition. The bill also requires licensing for ammunition sellers. Evidence clearly shows that restriction and registration of firearms and ammunition provides no public safety benefit. Criminals will easily sidestep these new requirements while law abiding gun owners and businesses are punished yet again by burdensome and unnecessary restrictions. The Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs deferred HB 2736.

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