Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives today concurred in Senate changes to a bill asserting the State’s rights on firearm manufacture and ownership within Alaska, and barring state assets from assisting federal agents in enforcing any new gun restrictions.

House Bill 69, sponsored by Alaska Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, updates the Alaska Firearm Freedom Act, and re-affirms Alaskans’ 2nd Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

“”Firearms are a part of our heritage, and for many Alaskans are a day-to-day tool or important part of their lives. We cannot allow federal bureaucrats to infringe on that right. That’s what House Bill 69 is all about,” Speaker Chenault, R-Nikiski, said. “While we respect our leaders in Washington, D.C., and agree with them on many issues, this is simply not one of them. Any move to restrict an American’s constitutional rights should cause any normal person pause. What’s next? Today, it’s high capacity magazines and certain weapons. What will tomorrow bring if we allow this over-reach to continue?”

The Alaska Firearm Freedom Act exempts firearms, accessories and ammunition manufactured in Alaska from all federal firearm control laws. HB 69 adds language making any guns possessed in Alaska exempt, not just those made here. The amended bill also carries new language requiring Alaska’s Attorney General to file legal action necessary to prevent implementation, regulation, rule, or an order on the rights on an Alaska resident under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or article 1, section 19 of the Alaska Constitution.

“If the federal government won’t respect your rights, we the State of Alaska, will,” Chenault said. “It’s time to send this message back to Congress and the President.”

HB 69, which passed the Alaska Senate by a vote of 34-5, will be sent to the Governor for signature.