Weekly Wrap: Hawaii Cracks Down on Ammo & Illinois Faces New Gun Purchase Hurdles
Hawaii pushes for new age restrictions on ammo purchases while Illinois residents might face more background checks and training requirements.
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Welcome to a weekly series here on Pew Pew Tactical dedicated to the gun news you need to know.
So, keep reading for this week’s notable news headlines…
Table of Contents
Hawaii Cracks Down on Ammo: Pushes to Ban Purchases for Those Under 21
Lawmakers in Hawaii are cracking down on ammunition, making strides to limit ammunition purchases to those 21 years and older.
SB2345 passed the State House earlier this week 46-5. The measure aims to raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition to 21 and require retailers to verify the age of purchasers by checking government-issued IDs.
Additionally, it outlaws the possession, ownership, or control of ammunition for anyone under 21, meaning that if retailers sell to a person under that age, they could face criminal charges.
Though the proposal outlines exceptions for those “actively engaged” in hunting and target shooting, it doesn’t define what “actively engaged” means, nor does it mention self-defense purposes.
“The bill would implement new age restrictions for ammunition, prohibiting persons under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing ammunition, with very limited exceptions,” the NRA-ILA, the legislative wing of the National Rifle Association, said in a statement.
“This legislation follows a similar tactic taken by other anti-gun states, pushing laws that discriminate against young adults from lawfully exercising their Second Amendment Rights.”
The bill has previously won favor in the State Senate, passing 22-3. It now heads to conference so the two versions – House and Senate – can be combined.
From there, it will land on Governor Josh Green’s (D) desk for signing. It's worth mentioning that Green has already signed anti-gun legislation during his time in office.
9mm Ammo in Stock
Illinois Residents Face New Firearm Purchase Hurdles
Illinoisans could soon be required to undergo firearms training and multiple background checks if a proposed bill clears the House.
HB3239 would amend the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, adding a training requirement for renewals and new applicants, as well as a special permit for firearm purchases.
Under the proposal, residents would be required to visit their local law enforcement department to undergo a background check and fingerprinting. They would then receive a permit valid for 180 days that would allow them to purchase a firearm. At the time of purchase, residents would have to surrender the permit to the FFL.
“It’s like a punch card; you get to buy one per permission slip,” William Kirk, president of Washington Gun Law, told the Washington Examiner. Kirk explained that the process basically means multiple background checks for a singular purchase.
“Illinois residents will have to go through a background check, to get a background check to get a background check,” Kirk said. “Illinois also has the goofy [Firearm Owners Identification] card as well, so anyone who has a FOID card has to undergo a background check, then, of course, anyone who has ever purchased a gun knows that any FFL is going to run you through a federally-mandated background check and then you have to go through a background check when you get your permission slip from local police.”
In addition to the purchase permit, the bill would also mandate residents to provide proof of completion of an 8-hour, state-approved firearms training course in order to get their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) – whether they are renewing or applying for the first time.
A FOID Card is required to legally possess guns and ammo in the state.
According to the Illinois State Police, almost 19% of residents currently have a FOID card, roughly 2.4 million people.
The bill’s sponsor, Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia), was one of several legislators invited to the White House in December by the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
“The deadly status quo is unacceptable. It is important that we come together to share the common sense gun policy ideas that are taking shape in states across the country,” Hirschauer said about the event.
“Together, we can craft comprehensive legislation to address everything from firearm industry accountability to innovative community-based violence prevention programs.”
The bill is currently awaiting review by the Illinois House Judiciary Criminal Committee.