Last week, a Palmer resident came to the Palmer Police Department with questions about a proposed change to the city of Palmer’s weapons ordinance. He was concerned that government is trying to keep him from owning firearms. He was ready to rally his friends to speak out against government infringement on his Second Amendment rights.

This is a citizen who was willing to be involved in the public process. He read the city council agenda on the city’s website (www.cityofpalmer.org), and he took the time to bring his questions to the public entity responsible for enforcement of legislation. By addressing his concerns in this way, he learned that the information he had been given was not correct, and he left the police department with a clear understanding of the benefits to him of the proposed legislation.

A history and synopsis of the legislation follows. Years ago, the city adopted an ordinance to restrict firearms in the city limits. Specifically, persons other than peace officers were prohibited from carrying a weapon into many facilities and areas, including schools, government offices, premises selling alcoholic beverages, a city-owned public park and others. The city administration has proposed that section 9.73 of the Palmer Municipal Code be repealed.

Here’s why. Several years ago, the Alaska Legislature revised statutes concerning firearms carried in the state. The city of Palmer’s weapons ordinance, which predated this change in state law, is obsolete, and is more restrictive than Alaska law.

The city is covered by Alaska State Statute AS 11.61.220, which sets parameters for firearms carried statewide. Under this law, it is illegal to carry a firearm into a place where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises; it is illegal to possess a firearm on a parking lot of a licensed child care facility, in a courtroom or court office, domestic violence or sexual assault shelter, or in the residence of another person without the owner’s permission, and other locations. Currently, under Alaska law, if a police officer contacts a citizen who is carrying a concealed weapon, the citizen must immediately inform the police officer about the weapon, and allow the police officer to secure that weapon during the duration of the contact.

The concerned Palmer resident brought to light his concerns about infringement on gun ownership. When the visit concluded, he realized that the Palmer City Council is actually voting on setting aside an obsolete, restrictive city law that has been superseded by Alaska statute.

A public hearing will be held at the regular Palmer City Council meeting on Nov. 24 at City Hall. Following the hearing, the city council may take action on this ordinance change. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Director of the Department of Public Safety for clarification.

Jonathan Owen is the director of Public Safety for Palmer.