New Annual Gun Law Scorecard Reveals Gun Safety Movement Continues Remarkable Rise As More Americans than Ever Protected by Stronger Laws  

News Release from Giffords Law Center, FEBRUARY 6, 2020

February 6, 2020 — Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence released its Annual Gun Law Scorecard, an analysis that grades and ranks each state on the strength of its gun laws—revealing that fewer people die from gun violence in states with strong gun laws. The 50-state analysis found that for the first time in the history of the Gun Law Scorecard, more Americans live in A states (98.7 million) than in F states (94.7 million). 

Just days after President Donald Trump gave a State of the Union speech where he failed to detail a gun safety agenda, the Scorecard proves that state lawmakers continue to make lifesaving progress in passing stronger gun laws. Since the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, states have passed more than 135 gun safety laws. In 2019 alone, 22 states and the District of Columbia signed 70 gun safety bills into law.  

“The president and Senate have an established track record of following the NRA’s orders. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are charting a different course, passing hundreds of laws that have brought countless communities increased peace and safety,” said Robyn Thomas, executive director of Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

“The rise of gun safety laws, which accelerated after Parkland captured the nation’s attention and crystalized demands for action shows that leaders on both sides of the aisle are taking action. Looking to the states that made improvements over the past year demonstrates that more legislatures are awakening to the fact that the time to act is now. However with 21 states still earning F grades, it’s clear we have work to do.

The light we shined on trafficking this year proves that as many states move forward, it’s time for the federal government to step up and do more to protect residents of every state from the risk of gun violence. Year after year, it is our intention to show legislators, activists, and citizens that progress is possible. We hope they use the Gun Law Scorecard to evaluate the safety of their state and make informed choices that will lead to a safer America.” 

read … Full Report

HAWAII  A-

• Gun Law Strength: 5 OF 50 STATES
• Gun Death Rank: 50 OF 50 STATES

HAWAII’S GUN DEATH RATE PER 100K PEOPLE: 2.4

Hawaii has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation. The state has the lowest gun death rate and exports crime guns at the third-lowest rate. To further strengthen its gun laws, Hawaii could regulate untraceable and undetectable firearms (also known as ghost guns) and direct funding to evidence-based, community-driven violence intervention strategies in underserved communities.

Learn more about Hawaii’s gun laws.