The proposed bill, titled the "Alaska Child Access Prevention and Secure Storage of Firearms Act," introduces significant changes to the existing laws regarding weapon misconduct in Alaska. It amends AS 11.61.210(a) to include a new offense of misconduct involving weapons in the sixth degree, which penalizes individuals who fail to secure firearms in a manner that prevents access by unauthorized persons, particularly minors. The bill specifies that a person commits this offense if they keep a firearm on their premises without it being under their control or that of an authorized person, and if they know or should know that a minor or prohibited person can access it without proper security measures.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing fourth-degree misconduct involving weapons by deleting certain provisions and adding new ones. Notably, it introduces a new paragraph (9) that holds individuals accountable if a firearm is used by a minor or prohibited person to commit a crime or cause injury, as a result of the individual's violation of AS 11.61.225. The sixth-degree misconduct is classified as a violation, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The bill emphasizes the importance of secure firearm storage to prevent access by unauthorized individuals, thereby aiming to enhance public safety.

Statutes affected:
HB0134A, AM HB 134, introduced 03/14/2025: 11.61.210, 11.61.200, 11.61.195, U.S.C, 11.61.225