1999-05-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1380
                                Certification                                
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal              
for the one hundred thirteenth legislative day be approved as certified        
by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                        
                                                                               
                                                                               
                          Messages from the Governor                         
                                                                               
SB 77                                                                        
Message dated and received May 11 was read, stating: Under the                 
authority of art. II, sec. 17, of the Alaska Constitution, I am allowing       
the following bill to become law without my signature:                         
                                                                               
HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO.                                           
77(JUD) am H An Act prohibiting certain civil                                  
actions against firearms or ammunition manufac-                                
turers and dealers.                                                            
                                                                              
			Chapter 17, SLA 1999                                                        
			Effective Date: 8/9/99                                                      
                                                                               
This bill is an attempt to shield the manufacturers and sellers of             
firearms or ammunition from potential litigation that the legislature          
apparently views as frivolous. While this affords that industry a              
protection granted none other, it is doubtful it will have any practical       
effect. It disallows liability lawsuits based on the lawful sale,              
manufacture, or design of firearms. But, it explicitly allows lawsuits         
for defective products and leaves open the possibility of suits for            
questionable marketing schemes. Therefore, this legislation neither            
adds nor detracts from the obligation of gun and ammunition                    
manufacturers to build and market products responsibly.                        
                                                                               
SB 99                                                                        
Message dated and received May 11 was read, stating: Under the                 
authority of art. II, sec. 17, of the Alaska Constitution, I am allowing       
the following bill to become law without my signature: