A Jan. 23 hearing in the Alaska State Senate will deal with a bill aimed at combating discrimination against Alaska firearm retailers by financial institutions and credit card companies that target lawful firearms businesses and gun buyers.
Introduced by Alaska Sen. Mike Cronk (R-Tok/Northway), SB 136 aims to address institutions that deny financial services for firearm-related transactions.
“In doing so, these institutions and networks are impeding legal commerce and infringing upon the privacy and rights of law-abiding citizens,” a statement by Cronk notes. “Individuals and businesses must have the ability to exercise their rights and conduct lawful transactions without the threat of being targeted or surveilled by financial institutions and payment card networks.”
Cronk’s bill looks to establish clear protections for firearm merchants and customers by prohibiting financial institutions from refusing service or engaging in discriminatory practices for lawful firearm transactions and preventing certain entities from creating a record of privately-owned firearms and firearm owners.
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“The right to bear arms is a fundamental freedom enshrined in our U.S. and Alaska State Constitutions and it must be protected from all forms of encroachment and infringement, whether that be from government overreach or private entities,” Cronk’s sponsor statement noted. “SB 136 reaffirms our commitment and obligation to defend the constitutional rights of all Alaskans, will provide the necessary mechanisms to protect Alaskans’ right to privacy, Second Amendment freedoms and the integrity of our markets, and ensure that Alaskans can continue to exercise their rights without impediment or fear of discrimination.”
The bill will have a hearing on Jan. 23, 1:30 p.m. in the Democrat-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee. Testimony is by invitation only.
TAKING ACTION
— Click here to read the bill.
— Click here to contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
