THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2346
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to firearms.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii has seen a significant increase in incidents of gun violence, a trend that until recently was primarily confined to the continental United States.  Acts of gun violence are becoming a regular occurrence in local communities.  The overwhelming success of a recent gun buyback event on Oahu by the department of law enforcement illustrates the demand of the public to get guns off of the State's streets, with a total of four hundred ninety-four firearms being turned in, including sawed-off shotguns, a MAC‑10, an Uzi, pistols with silencers, and multiple assault weapons, such as AK-47 and AR-15 type rifles.  The program provides a service and avenue for the public to turn in unwanted firearms, limits the number of firearms entering the black market, and reduces violent crimes, accidental shootings, and the risk of a firearm being brought into a school.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the department of law enforcement to hold a firearm buyback program in each county in the State; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of law enforcement shall conduct a voluntary firearm buyback program in each county of the State.  The program shall have a "no questions asked" policy and allow individuals to turn in any unwanted firearm in return for compensation.

     (b)  The department of law enforcement shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement the firearm buyback program.

     SECTION 3.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the department of law enforcement to conduct a voluntary firearm buyback program in each county of the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title:

DLE; Firearms; Voluntary Buyback Program; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct a voluntary firearm buyback program in each county of the State.  Makes an appropriation.

 

 

 

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