HB 184 AM-FIREARMS  10:34:13 AM CHAIR RALPH SEEKINS announced HB 184 to be up for consideration. He distributed an amendment for committee members to review. 10:35:48 AM MR. ERICH DELAND, staff to Representative Mike Chenault, introduced HB 184. The bill is being proposed so that people will be able to look at one law as the single and final authority regarding firearm regulation. CHAIR SEEKINS said his amendment proposes to add a section to HB 184 that allows possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle for someone who may legally possess the firearm. A person cannot prohibit an individual for possessing a firearm while that firearm is inside the motor vehicle. 10:39:17 AM SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT suggested they have the drafters review the amendment. SENATOR HOLLIS FRENCH asked whether there was a state law addressing possession of a firearm in a vehicle. A city couldn't enact a firearm law if there was already a state law addressing the issue. CHAIR SEEKINS clarified currently Alaska law allows for a private party to outlaw firearms on their property. 10:40:14 AM MR. RYAN JUDY agreed. He said Chugach electric has a weapon free policy. Employees have been told not to have firearms in their vehicles in the parking lot. This allows employers to effectively disarm their employees. 10:42:13 AM SENATOR GRETCHEN GUESS asked for a comparison so that the changes would be easy to follow. MR. DELAND agreed to provide a comparison. MR. JUDY commented the National Rifle Association strongly supports HB 184 because it would standardize all firearms laws across the state and nullify the city laws. 10:44:51 AM Where there are not uniform laws in place there is confusion. Further anti-gun proposals threaten citizens' rights. 10:47:02 AM Local jurisdictions should have authority over discharge, zoning decisions, and municipal government buildings. The intent is to make all laws uniform but give local municipalities some free reign in certain areas. 10:48:51 AM CHAIR SEEKINS advised the committee would look at two amendments for the bill when they reconvene. He recessed the meeting at 10:50:17 AM.