HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1802
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to firearms created by digital manufacturing technology.

 

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  We live in an era of technological change, and technology is beneficial when used responsibly.  For instance, the process of digital manufacturing technology has been used very successfully in a variety of fields, such as the automotive industry.  The collaboration between manufacturing engineers and designers creates a holistic view of product and process design, whereby automobiles are made more efficiently.

However, technology can sometimes go too far and be too innovative, as in the case of digitally manufactured firearms.  The legislature finds that the laws of Hawaii do not address situations involving digital manufacturing technology when used to create firearms.  This situation is a problem, because technology can now be used to manufacture firearms in the privacy of a person's home or office.  As a result, it is a totally unregulated field.  Because these firearms are made from plastic or powdered metals, they are inexpensive, bear no serial numbers or other markings to indicate their point of origin, and are fully functional, thereby increasing the danger caused by firearms in our community.

The purpose of this Act is to protect the community from the unregulated manufacture of firearms by prohibiting:

     (1)  The use of unlicensed digital manufacturing technology to manufacture firearms; and

     (2)  The possession or transfer of such firearms.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 134, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§134-    Use of digital manufacturing technology to manufacture firearms; prohibited.  (a)  No person shall knowingly or intentionally use digital manufacturing technology to create any firearm, or any piece or part thereof, unless such person possesses a license to manufacture firearms under 18 United States Code section 923(a).

(b)  No person shall knowingly or intentionally possess, sell, barter, trade, gift, transfer, or acquire any firearm manufactured through the use of digital manufacturing technology.

(c)  Any person who violates subsections (a) or (b) shall be guilty of a class C felony.

(d)  As used in this section, "digital manufacturing technology" means an integrated, computer-based system consisting of simulation, three-dimensional visualization, analytics, and various collaborative tools to create product and manufacturing process definitions simultaneously.  This technology includes but is not limited to computer numerical control mills, three-dimensional printers, and laser cutting machines."

SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Digital Manufacturing Technology; Firearms

 

Description:

Prohibits the use, sale, and possession of firearms manufactured: (1) Using digital manufacturing technology; and (2) By a person who is not licensed under federal law to do so.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.