Legislature(2013 - 2014)HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/25/2013 06:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB24 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 24 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 24
"An Act relating to self-defense in any place where a
person has a right to be."
6:34:23 PM
Vice-Chair Neuman explained that HB 24 was not intended to
change any laws. The intent of the legislation was to
outline individuals' rights in statutes. He felt that the
legislature should not be dissuaded by the fear of
criminals taking advantage of laws that may be interpreted
as an allowance of violence. He stressed that HB 24 would
protect a citizen's right to a legitimate self-defense
outside of their home. He felt that HB 24 would save
citizens and the State the burden of legal fees related to
self-defense cases.
6:38:06 PM
MIKE COONS, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of HB 24. He felt that the conservative legislators
were supporting the views of the voters. He felt that HB 24
supported the constitution and the rights to own and defend
one's self with whatever firearm one chooses to use in that
defense. He reiterated that self-defense up to and
including deadly force was a god and nature given right,
anywhere and anytime. He felt that HB 24 mirrored the
Concealed Carry Handgun and Firearms Law (CCW). He remarked
that if legislators vote against the bill, they would not
be reelected.
6:40:45 PM
DON QUARBERG, SELF, DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 24. He felt that the CCW had
paved the way for important firearms legislation, and HB 24
would complement the CCW. He stated that the public should
be able to protect themselves, and that HB 24 would provide
additional level of concern and protection against
perpetrators.
6:43:28 PM
MARTON WUBBOLD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of HB 24. He agreed with the previous testimony,
and felt that the legislation would allow Alaskans to
defend themselves. He wondered if he had the right to be in
a parking lot of a large store, because families would have
a difficult time retreating safely in a dark lit parking
lot.
Vice-Chair Neuman replied that if the store had not
prohibited the person from being in the parking lot, that
person had a right to be there.
Mr. Wubbold stated that some businesses post signs that
state, "No Firearms." He wondered if a person had a right
to defend themselves in the parking lot, if that sign was
posted. Vice-Chair Neuman did not know what would happen in
that circumstance.
Co-Chair Stoltze encouraged Mr. Wubbold to contact Vice-
Chair Neuman's office with his questions.
Mr. Wubbold restated that he was in support of HB 24.
6:47:27 PM
AT EASE
7:00:16 PM
RECONVENED
MIKE MILLIGAN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified
in opposition to HB 24. He felt that people did not need
any more encouragement to use guns. He stated that the
second amendment conferred the right for self-protection
and gun ownership; but the second amendment specifically
points to a well-regulated militia. He felt that background
checks and permitting were necessary for gun ownership. He
reiterated that it was not important for individuals to
always carry a gun. He restated that training and
permitting were more valuable than encouraging gun
ownership. He remarked that there was an increase in gang
shootings in Anchorage after individuals were allowed to
carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Co-Chair Stoltze remarked that the CCW was important
legislation. He felt that the concealed weapons laws merely
acknowledged an inherent right.
7:04:36 PM
HOWARD HOUGLUM, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
spoke in support of HB 24. He felt that every Alaskan had a
right to self-defense, no matter where they may be located.
He thanked the committee for considering the bill.
7:05:48 PM
AT EASE
7:17:22 PM
RECONVENED
JEREMY HURD, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to HB 24. He felt that the bill would ask
individuals, who had never carried a weapon previously, to
suddenly start to carry weapons.
7:18:42 PM
LAUREL BENNETT, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 24. She felt that the bill would
not force an individual's right to carry a weapon, but
rather allow an individual to defend him/herself.
7:20:42 PM
BARBARA CARTER, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke
in favor HB 24. She thanked the committee for hearing her
testimony.
7:21:20 PM
AT EASE
7:32:16 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Stoltze stated that the committee would wait for
additional testifiers. He appreciated the patience of the
committee and the public.
7:33:11 PM
AT EASE
7:44:35 PM
RECONVENED
AMY THOMAS, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), testified in
support of HB 24. She encouraged the committee to vote in
favor of the bill. She felt that individuals had a right to
defend themselves wherever they had a right to be.
7:46:11 PM
JOHN THOMAS, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of HB 24. He felt that the bill was well written,
and he was encouraged by the legislation. He commented that
the bill respected the residents of Alaska.
7:48:12 PM
AT EASE
7:52:10 PM
RECONVENED
JOHN SONIN, SELF, JUNEAU, felt that the bill went back to
the days of the "Wild West." He expressed a desire for a
civil society based on laws, and would like to see "sane"
policy. He felt that carrying a gun and the use of a gun
was impulsive. He stated that children should be raised
with a sense of law and peace, without the need to defend
in an impulsive situation. He expressed that it was
important to not be defensive at all times. He stressed
that carrying weapons was not necessary to the human race.
He pointed out that he had not read the bill.
7:57:38 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze wondered if Mr. Sonin was against the
bill. Mr. Sonin replied that he had not read the bill.
7:58:32 PM
AT EASE
8:01:49 PM
RECONVENED
HB 24 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB24 DOL letter.pdf |
HFIN 2/25/2013 6:30:00 PM |
HB 24 |
| HB24 Gara Handout.pdf |
HFIN 2/25/2013 6:30:00 PM |
HB 24 |
| HB 24 Letters Opposition.pdf |
HFIN 2/25/2013 6:30:00 PM |
HB 24 |