HB 2631 Summary

• Allows lawful permanent residents to apply for permits to acquire firearms, bringing state law into compliance with a federal court ruling that found the previous citizen-only requirement violated equal protection rights.

• Expands background check requirements for all firearm permit applicants to include Criminal Justice Information Services, National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, Immigration Alien Query, and National Crime Information Center in addition to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

• Authorizes county police departments to enroll firearm permit applicants in the FBI's rap back system for continuous criminal history monitoring to track arrests nationwide and evaluate whether permit holders may continue to legally possess firearms.

• Changes the background check fee structure to be charged based on the actual fee for background checks conducted by the Hawaii criminal justice data center rather than the FBI fingerprint check fee.

• Removes provisions allowing temporary firearm permits for aliens hunting, training for sport-shooting contests, and special permits for foreign law enforcement officers.