Sponsor Statement for HB 269

Revisions to Alaska's Concealed Handgun Permit Law

Smaller, smarter government: less bureaucracy and more clarity for citizens

The intent of HB 269 (SB 141) is simple:

There is no reason the permitted few should be more restricted than the unregulated many. Treat people and their handguns equally. All Alaskans, who are not otherwise prohibited by federal or state law from owning or possessing handguns, can carry handguns openly in certain places and can carry concealed without a permit in certain places. An Alaskan should be able to carry a concealed handgun in those same places, we should do no more than require fingerprinting, training, and background checks.

With the exception of the recognition of out-of-state permits and the lowering of the permit fee, the Alaska Peace Officers Association supports HB 269 (SB 141).

The Police Chiefs of the North Slope Borough, Valdez and Wasilla have either spoken out or testified in favor of HB 269 (SB 141).

HB 269 (SB 141) is endorsed by the Alaska Outdoor Council and the National Rifle Association.

The Department of Public Safety supports most of the bill and opposes certain sections. The Department contends that without an increase in volume, reducing fees could result in not collecting enough funds to cover costs of the program. The Department also remains opposed to recognizing out-of-state permits and is cautious about changing the law at all.