newsminer.com

The Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to adopt an act respecting state rights to make rules on carrying firearms. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Joe Thomas, D-Fairbanks.

In a sponsor statement, Thomas said Alaska's relationship with firearms is "tightly bound" to people's outdoor and sporting heritage, presenting a unique situation among the states.

The federal bill would allow citizens who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm to lawfully carry those in other states, in accordance with local laws.

Some states have reciprocity agreements with others, but the federal act would establish a nation-wide agreement and place the responsibility to comply with state laws on the individual.