Sponsor Statement for SB 214

Senate Bill 214 corrects a potential technical glitch affecting peace officers that was caused by an amendment to SB 141 offered by the Alaska Peace Officers Association last session. This potential glitch is easily fixed by SB 214.

SB 214 is supported by the Alaska Peace Officers Association, the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police and the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Section 1 re-enacts the exemption for peace officers to carry concealed weapons while on duty. In addition, a new subsection (page 1, line 14) allows police officers and chief administrative officers of municipal police departments to carry concealed weapons without obtaining a state permit.

Section 2 clarifies the definition of police officer. The word "local" is changed to "municipal" on page 2, line 5. This change is included in SB214 on advice of legislative legal counsel. There is no definition in statute of "local," while "municipal" is defined and covers all local police departments in Alaska.

On page 2, lines 10 and 11, the words "carry a concealed weapon" is deleted. This change is included in SB 214 on advice of the Department of Law, Criminal Division. Rather than including the ability to carry a concealed handgun within the definition of a police officer, it is included in the criminal statutes as an affirmative defense.

Section 3 establishes the effective date of SB 214. The legislation becomes effective on the same day that SB 141 becomes effective.

SB 214 passed the Senate by a vote of 18-0. SB 214 has no known opposition.