On Thursday, we delivered over 1,300 testimonies for the 4 bills being heard on Friday and had groups meet with the legislators and staff. Friday's committee hearing was still against us, but we had a few no votes and reservations this time so it was a little closer. We're improving our methods and building up our base to be successful in the future.
I'm disappointed that SB1321 Registration Amnesty was deferred. Not sure why since many legislators and HPD support the bill. Will have to wait for the committee report to come out.
SB600 Prohibit Firearms Importation Under 21 was passed unamended. This is the bill I really want to kill. Props to Gabbard for voting "no" which is a rarity in committee. Fevella was "excused" which is kinda like opposing it, not sure why he didn't just vote no. I was really hoping Wakai would vote "no" which would be the 3rd and swing vote to defer it, but no such luck.
SB621 Report Lost, Stolen, Destroyed Firearms was passed 4 to 0 with Fevella excused again.
SB1466 Protective Orders passed with 2 yes votes and 3 with reservations from Wakai, Gabbard, and Fevella. Many times w/reservations is like a no vote, but I guess it needed a little more push to oppose this bill. This bill had many testimonies from Mom's Demand Action and also victims of gun shootings and domestic violence, but still overwhelming opposed testimonies.
Coming up on Monday is HB1541 on Gun Violence Research Center which is in the Finance Committee. Also HB1325 GMAC bill on Watersheds, which still has the neutered language which we are against saying GMAC is to be "notified" instead of "coordinate" with DLNR on hunting related watershed projects.
In the other bills section
SB337 on remote testimony is moving forward.
HB456 and 1176 authorizing tasers for Sheriffs and DOT is up for FINANCE hearings.
Added HB1488 Capitol security measures to the tracking list for awareness