For Immediate Release For More Information: April 16, 1998 (703) 267-1190 ALASKAN REFORM BILL NOW THE LAW Popular Right-To-Carry Reform Bill Effective This Week Fairfax, Va. -- Alaskans will honor law-abiding permit holders from other states -- and enjoy lower fees to obtain their own permits -- effective immediately, thanks to Right to Carry Reform. Although Governor Knowles vetoed the law, the legislature voted on January 14 to override the veto by 45 votes -- 5 more than needed. The Reform Bill reduces fees from $125 to $99 for first time issuances; reduces renewal fees from $60 to $30; rolls back restrictions on where permits are valid; shortens residency requirements from one year to 90 days; simplifies issuance criteria; simplifies the renewal process; and allows Alaska to recognize out-of-state permits from 17 other states. Tanya K. Metaksa, Executive Director of NRA's Institute for Legislative Action said, "Right to Carry, the law in 31 states and proven to reduce violent crimes, is important to both public safety and personal safety. Citizens must have the right to defend themselves and their loved ones outside the home, and this right must be accessible to the law-abiding. Right to Carry Reform ensures this. "The people of Alaska value their fundamental freedoms, especially their right of self-defense. Governor Knowles went against the will of the people with his veto, but the people of Alaska prevailed. "Right to Carry is proven and popular legislation -- the law in 31 states. There is no mystery why right to carry has become a national trend -- it works. The right people get permits, and the right people get the ability to defend themselves and their loved ones against criminal predators." -- the nra: people protecting freedom -- =+=+=+=+ This information is provided as a service of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, Fairfax, VA. This and other information on the Second Amendment and the NRA is available at: http://WWW.NRA.Org