Naknek, Alaska – In a move to make rural Alaskans safer, Governor Sean Parnell last week signed House Bill 199 into law, ensuring Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO) are able to carry a firearm. HB 199 was sponsored by Representative Bryce Edgmon.

“This bill is about improving the safety of Alaskans and ensuring our VPSOs have the necessary resources,” Governor Parnell said. “We are committed to making all Alaskan communities safer. I want to thank the Legislature, but especially Representative Edgmon, for his commitment on this issue, and for working with my administration to craft a long-term solution.”

Specifically, HB 199 prevents the Department of Public Safety (DPS) from adopting regulations that prohibit VPSOs, who otherwise meet minimum standards and training, from carrying firearms.

  Alaska, firearms, legislation, public safety, vpso