An Act Relating to Civil Actions by Municipalities and Certain Public Corporations and Prohibiting Certain Civil Actions by Them Against Firearms or Ammunition Manufacturers and Dealers

Updated: May 12, 1999

Around the country municipalities have been suing firearm manufacturers to establish liability for gun violence. The most often stated objective is to pay for costs related to violence in cities. The theory is that firearm manufacturers have conspired to dump excessive guns in friendly markets knowing that the overflow would be illegally filtered into cities with strict gun control laws.

It is the intent of this Act to prohibit political subdivisions in Alaska from seeking reimbursement for the costs of gun-related violence from businesses engaged in the lawful manufacture, sale, design, or marketing of firearms or ammunition. It is not the intent of the legislation to prevent bringing an action for breach of contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by a political subdivision or local government authority.

Gun related manufacturing is a legal enterprise producing quality products lawfully and safely used by thousands of Alaskans for hunting, sport, recreation and protection. Some municipalities are seeking to create gun control through judicial means rather than through the legislative process where it belongs.

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