The bill mandates the Department of Education in Hawaii to develop and distribute a firearms access prevention and secure storage model notice to parents and guardians of students, with the first notices to be provided by September 1, 2024. This notice will guide parents on secure firearm storage according to state law and provide resources related to firearm violence prevention. The model notice will be available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all families.
Summary
SB2679 aims to address the public health problem of firearm violence, particularly among children and young adults. According to findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death for individuals aged one to nineteen in 2020 and 2021. The bill emphasizes the importance of properly storing firearms when not in use and insists on the need for educational programs and reminders about safe storage practices.
Contention
While the bill is focused on enhancing firearm safety, it may face resistance concerning the implications for civil liability. The Department of Education, public schools, and complex areas are protected from civil liability as a result of failing to provide or implementing these notices. This protective measure could be contested by certain stakeholders who believe that the lack of liability could lead to negligence in ensuring safe firearm practices among students and their families. Furthermore, the bill integrates a youth suicide awareness and prevention training program, which raises additional concerns around how effectively schools will handle the intersection of firearm access while addressing youth mental health issues.