News from The Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
716 West 4th Avenue, Suite 510
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: 907/258-8184
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Task Force Formed to Review

"Right to Carry Concealed" Legislation

For Immediate Release: June 27, 1997 Contact: Senator Lyda Green 907/376-3370

Anchorage -- To review the possible effects and potential solutions to technical changes made to Alaska’s "Right to Carry Concealed" legislation, Senator Lyda Green and Public Safety Commissioner Ron Otte announced Friday the formation of an ad hoc task force.

Language inserted in SB 141 that was based on the request of the Alaska Peace Officers Association (APOA) could pose difficulty for some law enforcement with respect to the timing of training, certification by the Police Standards Council and the ability to carry concealed handguns. This was not the intent of the APOA, of the bill's sponsor, or the Department of Public Safety.

Commissioner Otte and Senator Green look forward to working together to examine what administrative solutions may exist and, if necessary, what further legislation may be required to address any unintended consequences.

"Commissioner Otte and I will work together to solve whatever outstanding issues remain as a result of SB 141," Senator Lyda Green said. "Law enforcement and the Legislature have diligently worked together to resolve public safety concerns. With a new potential problem identified by the Governor, we will work together to resolve the certification issue as well."

The ad hoc task force will be composed of representatives from the Department of Public Safety, Senator Green's office, Legislative leadership, the APOA, and the Association of Chiefs of Police.

###