Legislature(2009 - 2010)CAPITOL 120
04/01/2009 01:00 PM House JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB201 | |
| HB153 | |
| HB13 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 153 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 201 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 201 - CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITS 1:05:29 PM CHAIR RAMRAS announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 201, "An Act relating to the expiration date of a concealed handgun permit." 1:05:39 PM REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG JOHNSON, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, relayed that HB 201 would provide that a person's permit to carry a concealed handgun would expire on [the person's birthday in the fifth year following issuance of the permit]; that a constituent had first suggested to him that the department ought to notify permit holders that their permits were about to expire, but doing so would have resulted in a substantial fiscal note; and that the bill constitutes a compromise. 1:07:13 PM JEANNE OSTNES, Staff, Representative Craig Johnson, Alaska State Legislature, mentioned on behalf of the sponsor, Representative Johnson, that members' packets contain information regarding existing regulations and the various costs of [the handgun safety courses] offered around the state, and a copy of both the initial application and the renewal application. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON surmised that since a permit is not required in Alaska, the bill is primarily for those who desire a permit for purposes of reciprocity with other states. MS. OSTNES added that 34 states recognize Alaska's permit and 15 states do not. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON, in response to a question, offered his understanding that Alaska's permit would not be valid in either Canada or Mexico. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON then directed members' attention to what would become Amendment 1, labeled 26-LS0683\R.1, Luckhaupt, 4/1/09, which read: Page 1, line 5: Delete "license" Insert "permit" CHAIR RAMRAS offered his understanding that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) supports HB 201. 1:10:46 PM MICK MANNS relayed that he is a former deputy sheriff and a former police officer, and indicated that he had a "concealed carry permit" but didn't get into town in time to get it renewed. Fingerprints never change and therefore it doesn't make sense to have to get fingerprinted again or to have to retake the [handgun safety] course after simply missing the renewal deadline, he remarked, but acknowledged that he has no objection to having to pay a reasonable late fee. At issue, particularly if one lives in a remote location, is having to take the time to come into town to do those things. He opined that there should be an exception offered to those who just don't get into town in time to renew the permit, even if that exception includes having to pay a late fee. 1:12:35 PM JACK McMANUS had his testimony regarding HB 201 read by Mick Manns as follows: Honorable members of the Alaska legislature, my name is Jack McManus, a retired lawyer who moved to Alaska 20 years ago. I live in Fairbanks, and have substantial property at Chandalar Lake. I also write extensively on the Constitution of the United States, particularly the Second Amendment. In regard to the concealed permit regulations, I would like to point out, in Alaska you do not need a permit, however, a concealed carry permit requires one to take an instructional course ... and to shoot for record, which we have already done. As your supplicants, we have done this but because of an excusable neglect or inadvertent -- we have not, at this time, got our permits renewed on time, and have lost the permits. We ask you to allow the former permit holders to reestablish your permit by application and perhaps a reasonable renewal fee. However, we have already passed the educational requirements and have shot for record. Thank you, Semper Fidelis, Jack McManus, 907- 479-5001. MR. MANNS relayed that his son is in the same situation in that at one time he too had a concealed handgun permit. Mr. Manns relayed that the three of them would appreciate any consideration that the legislature could give to the concept of establishing a way to renew such permits without having to drive into town from the Brooks Range and sit through a class lasting several days. CHAIR RAMRAS closed public testimony on HB 201. 1:15:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL made a motion to adopt Amendment 1 [text provided previously]. There being no objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON, in response to a question, relayed that he is unfamiliar with whether any other states have pending legislation addressing concealed handguns. 1:16:25 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM moved to report HB 201, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHB 201(JUD) was reported from the House Judiciary Standing Committee.