02/12/2026 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB203 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 126 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 203 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 12, 2026
3:31 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Cathy Tilton
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 203
"An Act relating to the definition of 'prohibited weapon.'"
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 126
"An Act relating to correctional facilities; relating to the
authority of the commissioner of corrections to designate the
placement of prisoners; and requiring the Department of
Corrections to estimate and report certain cost savings."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 71
"An Act relating to correctional facilities; relating to the
authority of the commissioner of corrections to designate the
placement of prisoners; and requiring the Department of
Corrections to estimate and report certain cost savings."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 203
SHORT TITLE: PROHIBITED WEAPONS/FIREARM CONVERT DEVICE
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) TOBIN
01/09/26 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/26
01/21/26 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/21/26 (S) STA, JUD
02/12/26 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR LOKI TOBIN, District I
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 203.
LOUIE FLORA, Staff
Senator Loki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 203.
SCOTT BARTLETT, Captain
Alaska State Trooper
Department of Public Safety
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding SB 203.
TOM BOUTIN, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
JIM HAZLETT, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
RUSSELL KELL, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
RICK MCCLURE, President
Alaska Gun Rights
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
VINCENT FELL, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
RICHARD BRENNER, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
TERI INCH, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 203.
TORY CURRAN, representing self
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 203.
PAT MARTIN, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
AOIBHEANN CLINE, State Director
National Rifle Association
Fairfax, Virginia
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
JAN CAULFIELD, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 203.
CARRY SHORTHILL, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
LINDA TIMOTHY-WOOD, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 203.
DIANE DESLOOVER, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 203.
TAMARA KRUSE ROSELIUS, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 203.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:31:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Tilton
and Chair Kawasaki.
SB 203-PROHIBITED WEAPONS/FIREARM CONVERT DEVICE
3:32:45 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
203 "An Act relating to the definition of 'prohibited weapon.'"
3:33:33 PM
At ease.
3:33:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting.
3:34:08 PM
SENATOR LOKI TOBIN, District I, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 203 stated that the legislation is
a preventive public health measure designed to empower local law
enforcement to act before tragedies occur. She introduced SB 203
after learning that states like Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and
Indiana banned Glock switches only after mass shootings. Another
push for this bill was learning of a constituent's account of
his young daughter, distressed during a school active-shooter
drill because she could not find a hiding place. She said
although Glock switches are already federally illegal and can
bring a fine up to $250,000 dollars, enforcement in Alaska is
limited, and federal authorities often do not prosecute juvenile
offenders. SB 203 would close this gap by making possession of a
Glock switch a state-level Class C felony, enabling local
enforcement. It does not affect Second Amendment rights, it adds
a layer of protection, aiming to prevent violence before it
happens rather than responding after tragedy.
3:38:29 PM
LOUIE FLORA, Staff, Senator Loki Tobin, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 203:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Section 1 Amends AS 11.61.200(h)(1) Misconduct
Involving Weapons in the Third Degree to expand the
definition of "prohibited weapon." This section adds a
new subparagraph (E) to include any device designed,
made, or adapted to convert a handgun into a firearm
capable of shooting more than one shot automatically,
without manual reloading, by a single function of the
trigger.
Section 2 Establishes the applicability of the Act.
This uncodified section specifies that the changes
made by this Act apply only to offenses committed on
or after the effective date of the Act.
3:39:51 PM
MR. FLORA provided a presentation for SB 203 and moved to slide
2. He showed a diagram of gun with a Glock switch.
[Original punctuation provided.]
"A Glock switch functions by applying force to a semi-
automatic trigger bar (disconnector) to prevent it
from limiting fire to one round of ammunition per
trigger pull. Normally, in a semi-automatic pistol,
after firing, the trigger bar catches the firing pin
until the trigger is released, but when depressed by
the switch it does not catch. A Glock switch thus
converts the weapon into a machine pistol capable of
automatic fire. The device is roughly the size of
quarter, and when installed on the rear of the slide
on a Glock pistol (replacing the slide cover plate),
adds a selective fire switch; flipping the switch sets
the weapon to fully automatic mode, which is capable
of firing as many rounds per minute as the short-
recoil action allows."
3:41:10 PM
MR. FLORA moved to slide 3 and showed a clip of a newspaper
headline that shows many states are moving to enact state-level
bans on Glock switch devices.
3:41:24 PM
MR. FLORA moved to slide 4 and showed a map of the states that
currently have adopted the state policy to prohibit Glock
switches in addition to the broader federal policy. He noted
that the states are a mix of republican and democrats.
3:41:45 PM
MR. FLORA moved to slide 5 and showed a video that demonstrates
how a Glock switch fires.
3:42:29 PM
MR. FLORA moved to slide 6 and showed a list of mass shooting
incidents in the USA where the Glock switch was used.
3:42:51 PM
MR. FLORA moved to slide 7 and read the slide:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Federal law generally prohibits ownership of machine
guns, with limited exceptions. SB 203 would allow for
more swift state prosecution of the crime of
converting a handgun into a machine gun, to protect
Alaskans.
3:43:18 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony on SB 203.
3:43:31 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether the State Troopers and local
police have the authority to arrest individuals for federal
crimes.
3:44:00 PM
SCOTT BARTLETT, Captain, Alaska State Trooper, Department of
Public Safety, Anchorage, Alaska, answered questions regarding
SB 203. He answered that modified handgun cases are referred to
the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) or FBI for federal
charges, often through embedded task force officers. Regular
patrol troopers lack that authority, which SB 203 would grant.
3:44:48 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked when a trooper finds someone with a
Glock switch, do they make an immediate arrest or take other
specific actions since it's a federal crime.
3:45:05 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT replied that troopers typically do not arrest
that charge at the scene; they refer cases to federal partners.
He said task force officers may charge for the Glock switch,
though it is often added after an arrest on other offenses.
3:45:34 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how common it is for state troopers
to see Glock switches being used by people.
3:45:44 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT replied that encounters are relatively uncommon
and usually tied to major drug or organized crime
investigations. If SB 203 passes, troopers will have training in
how to identify these devices, likely increasing detection, as
many may currently go unrecognized.
3:46:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if, during a routine traffic stop for a
minor infraction, a person with a valid concealed carry permit
presents a modified Glock with no other offenses are apparent,
what action he would take.
3:47:26 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT responded that officers would seize the firearm
due to its federal illegality and refer charges for later
action. He said officers would not make an immediate physical
arrest.
3:47:54 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked if the troopers received a report that
someone had a modified pistol with a Glock switch in their car,
does that provide probable cause to stop the vehicle and conduct
a search.
3:48:17 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT replied that the report is handed off to the
troopers' federal partners, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
3:48:35 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked if ATF or the federal partners were given
the same information as the troopers, would ATF have probable
cause to pull over and search the vehicle.
3:48:44 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT replied in the affirmative.
3:49:01 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked what the magnitude of crimes is
involving Glock switches and is this something the troopers
commonly encounter.
3:49:15 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT replied that it is not commonly encountered in
routine patrols and is primarily seen by task force officers,
not as a widespread issue in day-to-day policing.
3:49:52 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if a trooper identifies someone with
a Glock switch and notifies the ATF, do they typically act on
that information, and how long does it usually take.
3:50:15 PM
CAPTAIN BARTLETT replied that he would defer to the ATF.
3:50:48 PM
SENATOR TOBIN stated that SB 203 is intended as a preventive
measure, addressing the growing use of these devices in serious
crimes and school shootings. SB 203 aims to empower local law
enforcement to act more quickly than federal authorities by
making an already federally illegal device illegal under state
law.
3:52:05 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 203.
3:53:43 PM
TOM BOUTIN, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 203 and argued that SB 203 is unnecessary
because Glock switches are already strictly regulated under
federal law and are not a significant factor in crime in Alaska.
He contended that SB 203 is more about publicity than safety and
could lead to broader gun restrictions. Additionally, he warned
that the bill's language may unintentionally make certain
existing firearms illegal.
3:57:14 PM
JIM HAZLETT, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 203. He argued that SB 203 targets law-abiding
citizens and is overly broad and vague, particularly in Section
1(a)(ii), which includes a four-ounce limit for devices other
than an aerial flare. He contended this provision could
unintentionally criminalize common items like skyrockets and
certain legally owned firearms. Overall, he viewed SB 203 as
poorly drafted, potentially unconstitutional, and an unnecessary
use of resources.
4:00:34 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI clarified that the initial sections are already
existing law, and the only new addition for [SB 203 page 2,
Section 1, subparagraph E], concerning devices that convert
handguns. He added that it is unclear how some items would be
classified and that further follow-up is needed.
4:01:33 PM
RUSSELL KELL, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 203 and stated that Glock switches are already
banned under federal law, and violations should be handled by
federal enforcement. He argued SB 203 is an unnecessary use of
legislative time and resources.
4:02:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that State Affairs Committee members will
hear any bill that is sent their way.
4:03:31 PM
RICK MCCLURE, President, Alaska Gun Rights, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 203 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
My name is Rick McClure, president of Alaska Gun
Rights.
Chair Kawasaki and members of the committee, thank you
for the opportunity to speak.
The sponsor claims SB 203 is needed to "close a
loophole" and give law enforcement new tools. But the
Department of Public Safety itself has already stated:
I QUOTE page 2 of the bills Fiscal Notes: "The Alaska
State Troopers already investigate and enforce o?enses
involving prohibited weapons under existing law. The
conduct addressed in this bill falls within current
enforcement responsibilities and does not change how
cases are investigated or prosecuted." CLOSE QUOTE.
So, by the State's own admission, there is no
enforcement gap. There is no loophole to close. That
is a statement of fact not an endorsement of the
underlying laws or their constitutionality.
SB 203 does not give police new tools. It gives the
government new power the power to create a new state
felony for possession, using vague language that
requires no intent, no use, and no harm.
The sponsor says this is about criminals. But this
bill does not punish criminal conduct it punishes
ownership. It criminalizes an object by denition, not
behavior.
The bill also claims to "complement" federal law. But
Alaska is not required to enforce or expand
unconstitutional federal gun control schemes. If
Washington, D.C. is wrong, Alaska should not repeat
it.
The sponsor also claims, "The devices prohibited by SB
203 are already federally illegal."
That does not make those laws constitutional and
Alaska should not enforce laws that violate our Second
Amendment rights.
We have laws that punish violent crime. SB 203 does
not stop criminals it expands government power over
peaceful citizens.
Our constitutional rights are what safeguard our
liberty and safety.
Vote NO on SB 203. Thank you.
4:05:59 PM
VINCENT FELL, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 203 and argued that SB 203 criminalizes mere
possession of a vaguely defined device, even if it is not used
or functional, and could allow for selective enforcement. He
contended SB 203 targets law-abiding owners rather than
criminals, does not deter crime, and may violate due process and
Second Amendment rights.
4:07:49 PM
RICHARD BRENNER, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 203 and stated that the bill targets lawful
ownership rather than crime. He said SB 203 is unnecessary given
existing laws and addresses a problem he believes is rare or
nonexistent in Alaska.
4:10:20 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted that SB 203 amends AS 11.61.200 (misconduct
involving weapons in the third degree) by adding these devices
to the list of prohibited weapons. SB 203 will make it illegal
under state law to manufacture, possess, transport, sell, or
transfer them.
4:11:05 PM
TERI INCH, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 203 and stated that if the bill helps law
enforcement do their job, it should move forward.
4:11:47 PM
TORY CURRAN, representing self, Sitka, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 203 and shared her fear of her grandchildren in
public schools and chance of school shootings. She said SB 203
aligns with federal law and gives state and local law
enforcement clear authority to prosecute these devices at the
state level, enhancing public safety without infringing on
Second Amendment rights.
4:14:15 PM
PAT MARTIN, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 203 and acknowledged the fear caused by school
lockdowns though argues such incidents are driven by criminal
intent, not Glock switches. He contended existing laws already
address automatic firearms and that SB 203 is unnecessary,
relying on emotional appeals and selectively used data rather
than evidence.
4:17:53 PM
AOIBHEANN CLINE, State Director, National Rifle Association,
Fairfax, Virginia, testified in opposition to SB 203 and argued
that SB 203 does not improve public safety and is unnecessary
because the targeted devices are already illegal under federal
law. She contended SB 203 is overly broad, could create
unintended consequences for law-abiding gun owners, and fails to
address criminals, who do not follow such restrictions.
4:20:32 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI referenced the map on slide 4 and asked why some
states have passed similar laws while others have not and seek
background or context for those differences.
4:20:59 PM
MS. CLINE replied that she cannot speak for other states but
emphasizes that SB 203 goes beyond federal law and differs from
similar measures elsewhere. She argued that the bills broader
language could criminalize lawful firearm parts and activities,
creating problems for law-abiding Alaskans.
4:22:28 PM
JAN CAULFIELD, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 203 and stated that the bill would give law
enforcement clear authority to act at the state level, and align
Alaska with many other states that have adopted similar measures
for public safety.
4:25:43 PM
CARRY SHORTHILL, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 203. Senate Health and Social Services draft
minutes for 4/16/26.
4:27:17 PM
LINDA TIMOTHY-WOOD, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 203.
4:28:05 PM
DIANE DESLOOVER, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 203. She expressed agreement with the testimonies
of previous testifiers in support of SB 203 and added that
promoting responsible gun ownership makes for safer communities
in Alaska.
4:30:25 PM
TAMARA KRUSE ROSELIUS, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 203. She stated that SB 203 does not
violate due process or Second Amendment rights and maintains
that Alaskans will retain their right to bear arms. She said
that SB 203 clarifies existing laws and equips law enforcement
to address conversion devices that enable illegal weapon use.
4:32:21 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI kept public testimony open.
4:33:50 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that the committee will issue guidance on
how the public should submit comments, moving away from outdated
systems and emphasizing email as the primary method.
4:34:55 PM
SENATOR TOBIN read 26 U.S.C. section 5845(b) and 18 U.S.C.
921(a.24):
[Original punctuation provided.]
(b) Machinegun.-The term "machinegun" means any weapon
which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily
restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot,
without manual reloading, by a single function of the
trigger. The term shall also include the frame or
receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and
intended solely and exclusively, or combination of
parts designed and intended, for use in converting a
weapon into a machinegun, and any combination of parts
from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts
are in the possession or under the control of a
person.
SENATOR TOBIN stated that SB 203's language was drafted with
legislative legal to align with federal law and does not expand
beyond prohibiting Glock switches at the state level. She argued
that the bill protects public safety, empowers local law
enforcement to prosecute offenders, and does not infringe on
Second Amendment rights.
[CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 203 in committee.]
4:39:03 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:39 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 203 Version A.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Version A Background - Associated Press Article.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Sponsor Statement Version A.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Sectional Analysis Version A.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Prohibit Glock Switches Background Infographic.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Background Version A- Glock switch legal status.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Fiscal Note SB 203 Law.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Fiscal Note SB 203.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 PROHIBITED WEAPONS Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Senate State Affairs Hearing - SUPPORT SB 203 5.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Support SB2033.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB2033 |
| Testimony about SB 203, for Hearing on Feb. 12, 2025.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| support of SB2032.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB2032 |
| support for SB 203 1.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Support of SB 203 DD.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 support BC.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SUPPORT SB 203 additional JC.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Re_ Support SB203 additional VC.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 support CL.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 support RP.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Pass SB203 CR.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Support for SB 203 MT.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| I support SB 203 EK.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Support SB 203! CR.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support CH.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 support DH.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support MC.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Support SB 203 JG.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support LS.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support LS1.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 support BS.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support JS.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Oppose CC.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 oppose LY.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB203 Oppose RL.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 oppose CH.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 oppose RW.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Oppose SB203 MJ.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| Petitions-Reject SB 203-Alaska Gun Rights.pdf |
SSTA 2/12/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |