08/14/2026
ACTION ALERT: Protect Alaskan Second Amendment Rights
Current State Statute Under AS 11.61.200, "prohibited weapons" in Alaska historically included suppressors unless they were registered under the federal National Fi****ms Act (NFA). Because Alaska law remains tied to the federal NFA registry, the state continues to enforce or recognize the outdated ATF Form 4 process.
The Federal Shift On August 5, 2026, a federal court struck down the NFA registration and Form 4 requirements for suppressors. Furthermore, Congress eliminated the $200 making and transfer tax.
The Inaction Gap Because our state statutes have not been updated to reflect the federal ruling, Alaskans are stuck in a bureaucratic gray area. While citizens in many states now acquire suppressors without fingerprints, photos, or long ATF wait times, Alaskans must still comply with outdated, state-level NFA assumptions.
We need everyone to contact both their state legislators and the Governor to demand that Alaska aligns its laws with the federal court ruling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Find Your Legislator: Visit the Alaska State Legislature website and enter your address in the "Who Represents Me?" tool.
2. Copy the Templates: Copy the drafted constituent letters provided below (one for your Representative/Senator, and one for the Governor).
3. Personalize and Send: Fill in the blank brackets [ ] with your personal information, address, and city.
4. Spread the Word: Share this alert with fellow Alaskan gun owners, hunters, and sportsmen.
Subject: Constituent Request: Align Alaska Law with Federal Court Ruling on Suppressors – Executive Action on Unnecessary Form 4 Barriers
Dear Governor [Governor's/Representative/Senator Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am an Alaskan living in [Your City / Community]. I am writing to urge your administration to take prompt executive action and lead the Alaska Legislature in aligning our state laws with the recent federal court ruling that struck down National Fi****ms Act (NFA) registration and Form 4 requirements for suppressors.
On August 5, 2026, a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas ruled that the NFA’s registration and approval scheme (including ATF Form 4 transfers) is unconstitutional as applied to suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other weapons. This followed Congress’s elimination of the $200 making and transfer tax on these items (effective January 1, 2026). The injunction is now in effect in many states, allowing lawful transfers without the Form 4 process, fingerprints, photos, or ATF wait times.
Unfortunately, Alaska remains among the roughly 15 states where the Form 4 process is still treated as required under state law considerations. This creates an unnecessary barrier for law-abiding Alaskans. Suppressors are already legal here when acquired under federal law, and they provide meaningful hearing protection for hunters, recreational shooters, and those training for self-defense—especially important in our outdoor lifestyle and remote areas.
I respectfully request that your administration:
- Support and sponsor executive-backed legislation to remove any remaining state-level language that treats suppressors as “prohibited weapons” or that ties their possession or transfer to federal NFA registration/Form 4 requirements.
- Direct the Department of Law and the Department of Public Safety to review state enforcement priorities in light of the federal injunction, ensuring Alaskans are not subjected to outdated federal administrative burdens that have been ruled unconstitutional.
- Build on the intent of SB 243 from the 2026 session by signaling strong executive support for measures that fully align Alaska with the federal ruling, ensuring Alaskans can lawfully acquire and possess suppressors through standard background checks.
This is a straightforward opportunity to protect Second Amendment rights, support hearing health and safety, and reduce bureaucratic burdens on responsible gun owners without compromising public safety. Alaska has a proud history of standing up for individual liberty—I ask that your administration lead on this issue to ensure our citizens enjoy the same freedoms now recognized in the majority of states.
I would appreciate a response outlining your administration's position or any planned actions on this matter. Thank you for your leadership and for your dedication to the people of Alaska.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
