Fairfax, Va. – Governor Sean Parnell (R) of Alaska signed House Bill 24 into law today, strengthening the Second Amendment rights of Alaskans. This important piece of self-defense legislation was introduced by State Representative Mark Neuman (R-10), and it definitively states that law-abiding Alaskans have no “duty-to-retreat” before defending themselves if they are somewhere they are legally allowed to be.
“The National Rifle Association always has and always will advocate for strong self-defense laws,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “We are grateful to Governor Parnell for signing this important bill and for Representative Neuman’s leadership in making self-defense a priority in Alaska.”
Under previous state law, there was no “duty to retreat” if a person was in their home, business or on their own property. House Bill 24 takes the common-sense measure to extend the basic right to use force, including deadly force, for self-defense to include anywhere a person has a legal right to be. Currently, a majority of states do not impose a “duty to retreat” on law-abiding citizens, and most Americans support laws that clarify that common-sense right. This bill empowers law-abiding Alaskans to defend themselves and deters would-be criminals.
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Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and on Twitter @NRA.