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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