STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1209

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 426

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 426, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREARMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish standards of conduct for the firearm industry;

(2) Authorize any person who has suffered harm because of a firearm industry member's violation of the standards of conduct to bring a civil action; and

(3) Authorize the Attorney General or any county attorney or public prosecutor to bring a civil action against a firearm industry member for violation of standards of conduct.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and twenty-five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the National Rifle Association of America, Hawaii Firearms Coalition, and more than one hundred individuals.

Your Committee finds that the firearm industry currently has no financial incentive to deter irresponsible conduct of third parties who use firearms for dangerous, negligent, and unlawful actions. Your Committee believes that the possibility of civil liability will not only provide justice for victims and survivors, but also encourage the gun industry to act responsibly to help stem the tide of gun crimes that harm the people of Hawaii and the nation, particularly in urban areas where communities of color are disproportionately harmed. This measure will lead to safer products and conduct from the firearm industry to ensure justice and safety for the public.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 426, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs,

________________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair