A proposed Anchorage weapon storage ordinance could make parents responsible if their child brings a deadly weapon to school. Anchorage Assembly member Karen Bronga introduced the measure, which will be discussed at Tuesday´s assembly meeting.
The ordinance states that parents or guardians could face prosecution if their child possesses a weapon that initially belonged to them. It also applies if they authorized the child to have the gun or stored it in a criminally negligent way.
The proposal does not regulate firearm storage beyond state laws or define criminally negligent storage. “My intention is we have this conversation,” Bronga said. She further explained that they must do everything to make schools safer for kids.
If passed, the ordinance would classify the offense as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $25,000. Anchorage school district data shows a rise in weapons found on school campuses, with 56 cases in the 2021-2022 school year.
The number increased to 68 in 2022-2023 and 69 in 2023-2024. The school district declined to comment on the proposed ordinance. Anchorage school board president Andy Holleman acknowledged the need for responsible gun storage but said the board has not formally discussed the proposal.
Bronga scheduled a work session for late March to allow time for discussion, revisions, and public feedback. A public hearing, tentatively planned for April 8, will allow residents to voice their opinions.
The Anchorage weapon storage ordinance seeks to reduce gun-related incidents by addressing how weapons end up in schools. Supporters believe the law could encourage responsible storage, while opponents may view it as unnecessary government interference.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
