THE UNIFIED VOICE OF THE SUPPRESSOR COMMUNITY
Federal Victory, State Conflicts:
Alaska and Montana Take Action
A major federal victory shouldn’t leave suppressor owners facing felony charges under outdated state laws.
Following the landmark ruling in the ASA-supported Jensen v. ATF case, federal enforcement of key National Firearms Act requirements has changed dramatically. But in states like Alaska and Montana, existing laws still create serious legal uncertainty for suppressor owners.
Now, lawmakers in both states are taking action, and ASA is working to help get these laws fixed in 2027.
MONTANA: LEGISLATION READY FOR JANUARY
Under current Montana law, possession of an unregistered suppressor can carry felony penalties. The Montana legislature convenes every other year, making 2027 the first opportunity to address the law since the court’s ruling.
On October 19, Republican legislative leadership announced plans to introduce legislation removing outdated state restrictions on suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBSs).
Legislative leaders are united behind the effort:
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Sen. Wylie Galt (R-Martinsdale) requested the bill drafts.
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Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls) will carry the House bill.
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Sen. Carl Glimm (R-Kila) will carry the Senate bill.
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House Speaker Brandon Ler and Senate President Matt Regier have pledged a united caucus behind it.
With identical legislation planned for both chambers and leadership backing the effort, Montana is positioned to move quickly when the Legislature convenes on January 4, 2027.
ALASKA: ATTORNEY GENERAL CALLS FOR ACTION
Alaska faces a similar problem. Existing state law criminalizes possession of certain unregistered NFA items, creating legal uncertainty following the recent federal court ruling and subsequent ATF guidance.
On October 15, Acting Attorney General Cori Mills praised the ruling and called on lawmakers to address the conflict between state and federal law.
Recognizing that “the state of the law is in flux,” Alaska’s Department of Law has advised law enforcement to consult state prosecutors before filing charges under the affected provisions.
ASA supported legislation to address these restrictions earlier this year. Although the bill did not advance out of committee, the federal ruling has created renewed urgency for legislative action in 2027.
The next step: Alaska lawmakers will have an opportunity to resolve this uncertainty when the Legislature reconvenes.
AK Watchmen: After federal court defends gun rights, Alaska Dept. of Law tells Legislature to fix state law
What’s next: ASA will work with lawmakers in Helena and Juneau to get these fixes across the finish line in 2027, and we’ll keep you posted as bills are filed and scheduled for hearings.
Montana and Alaska aren’t alone – ASA is actively engaged in EVERY state where legislative fixes are needed.
Alaska and Montana residents: Watch your inbox for action alerts. Your voice will matter as legislation advances.
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