COVID-19: Threat to Second Amendment

Nothing is more important than protecting ourselves and our families -- especially during these times of uncertainty. Yet, some anti-gun lawmakers are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to deny you and your loved ones your fundamental right to self-defense and your Second Amendment rights.

These anti-gun and anti-self defense extremists deem gun stores "non-essential," they shut down issuance of firearm permits, and, in some locations, they have created extreme delays for background checks required for firearm transfers. Some jurisdictions have even put added restrictions on firearm transfers, making it all but impossible for many law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

All of this is happening against a backdrop of reported prisoner furloughs and law enforcement only arresting for the most serious of crimes.

Just like you, we know that's wrong.

That is why the NRA will keep a constant watch on what is happening nationwide and will work diligently to ensure that you are able to defend yourself and your family during these unprecedented times. In the past four decades, your NRA has led the way to pass Right-to-Carry, Castle Doctrine, and most important for the current crisis, protection against gun confiscation during declared emergencies. This time is no different.

We hope you find this website useful. Please use it to stay updated on what's happening in your town or state and across the country. If you need help or would like to alert us to something happening in your town or state, please contact us here or send us an email at [email protected].

During these difficult times, your NRA is keeping vigilant watch over your right to buy a gun and to make sure you are able to defend yourself and your family. The NRA fights for all law-abiding gun owners, whether they can afford to donate or not. We understand times are tough. But, if you have the means, please help us keep fighting against those politicians who are determined to strip away our right to self-defense and their billionaire backers. Every dollar counts. We thank you in advance.

If you are unable to help us at this time, please drop us a line and let us know how you and your family are doing. We are always grateful to hear from our members and supporters. Again, a big THANK YOU from all of us here at the NRA.

Stay safe.

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Covid-19 Articles

View your state's laws on emergency powers and firearms

State preemption law: AS § 29.35.145. In general, the State occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation concerning the regulation of firearms and knives. There is a general prohibition on municipalities enacting or enforcing ordinances or regulations that govern "the possession, ownership, sale, transfer, use, carrying, transportation, licensing, taxation, or registration of firearms or knives." Municipalities have the authority to regulate the discharge of firearms within their jurisdictions, enact zoning restrictions that affect businesses that sell firearms (provided such businesses are not treated more restrictively than others located in the same zone) and prohibit the possession of firearms and knives in restricted access areas of municipal government buildings. AS § 18.65.778. states that no municipality may restrict the carrying of a concealed handgun by a Right-to-Carry permit holder.

Restrictions on firearms and ammunition in a declared state of emergency: AS § 26.23.020 states that during a disaster emergency the governor has the authority to "suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of... explosives, and combustibles." AS 26.20.100 provides that that during an evacuation "a person is entitled to retain possession of an amount of deadly weapons or defensive weapons that is reasonably justifiable for the person's lawful use."

AS § 26.20.040 states that in the event of an enemy or terrorist attack or an impending attack the governor may declare a state of emergency. Under such an emergency, "to seize, take, or condemn property if, and only to the extent that, the governor determines that the property is needed for the protection of the public, including... supplies."

However, AS § 26.23.205 makes clear that it is unlawful for a state or local government official to confiscate firearms during a disaster emergency. A government official found guilty of "confiscating, attempting to confiscate, or ordering the confiscation of a firearm, under color of law, during a disaster emergency," forfeits any appointed government position, is subject to impeachment, or is subject to having the person's elected municipal office declared vacant.

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