On Tuesday, June 20, Governor Frank Murkowski (R) signed SB 274, important legislation pertaining to the disposal of forfeited, surplus, and/or unclaimed firearms.
Under existing law, the state must dispose of forfeited, surplus, or recovered but unclaimed firearms and ammunition by selling or trading them to a licensed dealer. Firearms and ammunition that are not "serviceable," "safe," or "legal" shall be destroyed.
SB 274, sponsored by Senator Fred Dyson (District I-R), extends the requirements to local municipalities as well as the state and removes the very subjective reference to "serviceable" and "safe." The bill requires firearms and ammunition that are sold to be done so at a public sale not limited solely to dealers.
SB 274 will allow trade-ins for credit on new firearms as well as donations and transfers between law enforcement agencies. However, it does not guarantee that all firearms would be made available to the public. Firearms disposed of in any "non-sale" methods must be reported to the legislature annually during budget review sessions in the interest of oversight.
A special thank you to all NRA members for your calls and emails
in support of SB 274 during the legislative session!
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