HOUSE BILL NO. 351 "An Act relating to the issuance of permits for the carrying of a concealed weapon." CHRISTIAN BERRIGAN, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He urged the Committee to take prompt action. 4 DOUG MILLARD, MATSU testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He asserted that the legislation would not increase the number of illegally held hand guns. He noted that Washington state has initiated a similar law. HOUSE BILL NO. 351 "An Act relating to the issuance of permits for the carrying of a concealed weapon." SUZANNE PERRY, DIVISION OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES expressed concerns in regards to HB 351. She noted that the Department is concerned with the provision requiring a medical or professional individual to attest that the person requesting the permit is not or has not been under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. She noted that the patient's confidentiality under treatment is federally regulated. She favored the CSHB 351 (STA) version. BERNARD GOODNO, DELTA JUNCTION testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He asserted that the Constitution does not make the distinction between a concealed or non-concealed weapon. LEIGH DENNISON, DELTA JUNCTION testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He questioned the provision for permitting concealed weapons. 5 DERRING JONES, MATSU testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. BILL JONES, BARROW testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He asserted that citizens need to protect themselves. DAVID WILLIAMS, FAIRBANKS testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He maintained that the Constitution protects the right to bare arms. DON CHASE, VALDEZ testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. CLEMENT BOUCHER, GLENNALLEN testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He objected to language allowing a municipality or established village to prohibit the possession of a concealed handgun. ROGER ROTHSCHILD, BETHEL testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He maintained that the legislation would allow honest law abiding citizens to protect themselves. LAUREE HUGONIN, TUNDRA WOMEN'S COALITION, BETHEL testified via the teleconference network in opposition to HB 351. She suggested that homicide against women is most likely to be at the hands of a spouse or acquaintance. She stressed that men of influence and high public standing are involved in domestic violence. She maintained that the legislation will result in more violent actions. HOUSE BILL NO. 351 "An Act relating to the issuance of permits for the carrying of a concealed weapon." COURT OWEN, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. ROB WISEMAN, KENAI testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He maintained that the failure to adopt HB 351 will send citizens the message that the legislature does not believe they should have the right to carry a concealed hand gun. WESLEY CASTEGNO testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He asserted that reclining oil revenues will result in a decrease in law enforcement. He observed that there has been an increase in gang activity. (Tape Change, HFC 94-103, Side 2) LARRY PETTY, FAIRBANKS testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He noted that he is representing 35 persons who favor HB 351. He urged prompt action. HARRIS STUERMER, BARROW testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He asserted that the legislation recognizes a citizen's right and responsibility to provide for his or her personal safety. He maintained that the legislation establishes a reasonable test to character and competence with a hand gun. DON BAIN, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He observed that the legislation is fee funded. ELDON GLEIN, CORDOVA testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. KEN HENDRICKS, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. ROY WHITE, MATSU testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He objected to language allowing a municipality or established village to prohibit the 7 possession of a concealed handgun. BRUCE MACLAUGLIN, TOK testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He objected to requirements for permits of concealed weapons. MORRIS THOMPSON, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in opposition to HB 351. He stressed that Village Public Safety Officers and Child Protection Officers are unarmed and may be involved in emotionally charged situations where weapons are involved. He suggested that villages should be allowed to opt in to the legislation, not have to opt out. ARTHUR COUCH, KENAI testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He maintained that since police cannot be at the scene of a crime citizens should be able to carry a concealed weapon for protection. HOUSE BILL NO. 351 "An Act relating to the issuance of permits for the carrying of a concealed weapon." CAROL MCCONNELL, SEWARD testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. She maintained that she is not able to protect herself any other way than to carry a concealed gun. 8 KRISTI WASSERMAN, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. She noted that she could be a victim at any time. She emphasized that she has a constitutional right to protect herself. HOUSE BILL NO. 351 "An Act relating to the issuance of permits for the carrying of a concealed weapon." DENNIS PACKER, DIRECTOR, NORTHSLOPE BOROUGH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, BARROW testified via the teleconference network in opposition to HB 351. He maintained that present law adequately address the possession or carrying of weapons for hunting and protection in the home. He stressed that the legislation will place a burden on law enforcement to track records. He suggested the legislation will cause an additional hazard to law enforcement officers. He emphasized that the legislation does not guarantee the safe or sensible use by citizens carrying concealed weapons. He noted that the general public will not be trained in the use of deadly force. He asserted that HB 351 will not reduce or prevent crime. He urged that funding for the Department of Law and the Department of Public Safety be increased to meet law enforcement needs. RAY HOLMES, VALDEZ testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He stressed that citizens should have the right to protect themselves and their families. KEITH WASSERMAN, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network to HB 351. He noted that gun legislation does not stop crime. He opposed language allowing a municipality or established village to prohibit the possession of a concealed hand gun. 9 NEIL CAMERON, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He noted that the legislation has broad support. HOUSE BILL NO. 351 "An Act relating to the issuance of permits for the carrying of a concealed weapon." RAY BROWN, ATTORNEY, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network against HB 351. He asserted that victims suffer when a gun is involved. He observed that law enforcement officers have strict guidelines for the use of deadly force. He implied that innocent bystanders will be at risk if the legislation is passed. He noted that liability insurance will not be a condition of the permit. He stressed that law enforcement officers will not know who is armed. He pointed out that good intentioned persons may become intoxicated while possessing firearms. He noted that there is no mechanism to determine if someone is passively or actively psychotic unless they have been adjudicated under title 47. He alleged that the bill is underfunded. (Tape Change, HFC 94-104, Side 1) C.W. FLOYD, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of HB 351. He alleged that criminals are not waiting for the legislation. He maintained that the criminal element is armed. RONALD FULLERTON, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference 10 network in support of HB 351. He noted that his wife drives at night in bad neighborhoods. He wished her to have the right to be armed. HB 351 was HELD in Committee for further discussion. CSHB 292 (JUD) was assigned to a subcommittee consisting of Representative Parnell as Chair and Representatives Hanley, MacLean, Navarre and Grussendorf.