A bill to prevent the government from prohibiting sales of guns and ammunition during government-declared emergencies has passed the House.
House Bill 61 is a response to situations that occurred throughout the country during the Covid‐19 pandemic, with the various declared emergency provisions that shuttered many businesses.
In at least five states, including Alaska, and the Municipality of Anchorage, firearms retailers were arbitrarily closed by governors and mayors.
When it comes to firearms Alaska is different compared to most other states, the bill sponsor House Speaker Cathy Tilton said. Firearm use for protection and subsistence predates Alaska’s statehood and the application of the Second Amendment.
HB 61 reaffirms Alaskans’ right to survive and protect themselves, along with their rights granted to them through the Second Amendment.
HB 61 stipulates that the state, municipalities, and other instrumentalities of the state may not implement new restrictions to access firearms, ammunition, firearms accessories, or shooting ranges resulting from disaster declarations.
The bill also provides a civil remedy to Alaskans, should any of those entities adopt statutes, ordinances, or policies in violation of the provisions of this bill.
Voting against the Second Amendment rights of Alaskans were Rep. Jennie Armstrong of Anchorage, Rep. Ashley Carrick of Fairbanks, Rep. Alyse Gavin of Anchorage, Rep. Andrew Gray of Anchorage, Rep. Sarah Hannan of Juneau, Rep. Rebecca Himschoot of Sitka, Rep. Donna Mears of Anchorage, Rep. Genevieve Mina of Anchorage, and Rep. Andi Story of Juneau.
