SB 136-LIMITATIONS ON FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS  3:35:47 PM CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 136 "An Act relating to firearms and other weapons restrictions." 3:36:15 PM SENATOR MYERS, speaking as sponsor of SB 136, stated the point of the bill is to protect rights regarding firearms during a disaster declaration. He added, "Especially during a time period when we may need our firearms to put food on the table or to defend ourselves, depending on the situation." CHAIR HUGHES commented on the need to rebalance legislative power during a disaster declaration. She asked if he had an amendment to offer. 3:37:49 PM SENATOR MYERS moved Amendment 1. 3:37:54 PM CHAIR HUGHES objected for discussion purposes. 3:37:57 PM SENATOR MYERS explained Amendment 1 provides clarifying language. The Court System and other entities expressed concern that the bill would apply both during and outside a disaster declaration because of the use of the term "notwithstanding." He said the bill is intended to apply only during a disaster declaration; there is no intention to change firearm rules when there is not a disaster declaration. Rather, the bill seeks to prevent the state or a municipality from altering firearm rules by executive fiat and without legislative oversight. Amendment 1 changes the phrase "notwithstanding a disaster declaration" to "during a disaster declaration". The phrase "state or municipal agency" is reworded to say, "the governor, a state agency, or a municipality". 3:39:55 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON stated she does not support the bill but she would support the amendment out of respect for her colleague. 3:40:32 PM CHAIR HUGHES removed her objection. Finding no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. She asked the sponsor if he had closing remarks. 3:41:00 PM SENATOR MYERS stated the point of SB 136 is to ensure firearm rights are not violated by executive fiat during a disaster declaration. The intent is for people to be able to defend themselves, provide for their families, and do things they expect to be able to do with their firearm rights. CHAIR HUGHES recalled early in the pandemic Alaskans were unsure about the Port of Seattle and how the food supply to Alaska might be affected. She appreciated that she lived in a state that had abundant hunting and fishing resources. She asked the will of the committee. 3:42:42 PM SENATOR MYERS moved to report SB 136, work order 32-LS0856\A as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 3:42:54 PM CHAIR HUGHES found no objection and CSSB 136(CRA) was reported from the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.