http://www.akdemocrats.org/Documents/050403_croft_expand_gun_rights.pdfAdditional information: Croft
JUNEAU - The Alaska State House of Representatives passed a gun rights bill this week by Representative Eric Croft (D-Anchorage). House Bill 102 removes the permit requirement to carry a concealed weapon. Representative Croft worked diligently with members of both political parties and had 25 of his fellow Representatives co-sponsor this bill.
“It was exciting to see members from both parties working through the bill as we addressed each issue,” said Croft.
The bill will especially help protect the rights of rural Alaskans who often carry weapons under their jackets as they travel between villages. Many rural villages are miles from the nearest place to qualify for a permit and the residents have to choose between their right to legally protect themselves and an expensive, time consuming trip to a municipality to get a permit.
“The way it is now, someone carrying a gun under their coat who passes through a village on the way back from a hunting trip is violating the law,” said Croft.
The bill will allow people over age 21 to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. It does not change any of the state or federal provisions that describe who can and cannot legally possess a weapon or what type of weapons are legal or illegal to possess. The new law also maintains all of the current restrictions on where someone can carry a weapon.
“The intent of this bill was just to eliminate the permit requirement to carry a concealed weapon without changing any of the other aspects of Alaska gun law,” said Croft.
The new law requires anyone who is carrying a concealed weapon to inform any peace officer
that contacts them no matter the circumstances. The bill also carries over the obligation of the
carrier to get express permission before taking a concealed weapon into someone’s residence.