Dyson Resolution Calls on Congress to
Not Renew “Assault Weapons” Ban

JUNEAU – Sen. Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River, has introduced legislation, SJR 15, calling on Congress to not reinstate the 1994 federal ban on “assault weapons,” which expired in 2004. The earlier ban prohibited the sale of certain types of semi-automatic rifles and clips that held more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

“The 1994 ban on so-called ‘assault weapons’ really had no effect on reducing crime, but made it impossible for law-abiding gun enthusiasts and other average citizens to buy the guns they wanted,” Dyson said. “In fact, contrary to what gun control groups predicted when the ban expired in 2004, government statistics show that the murder rate by guns has dropped to a 43-year low.

“The type of firearms and clips banned by the 1994 law were the most popular for target shooting, home protection, competition training, and are helpful to some handicapped shooters,” Dyson said. “The current federal definition of an ‘assault weapon’ is one that is capable of fully automatic fire, or in other words, a machine gun. Extending that definition to semi-automatic rifles, based on cosmetic features, is nonsensical. It is unfair to the millions of Americans who enjoy the lawful use of those weapons.”

Dyson also noted that the Supreme Court of the United States, in its decision last year in District of Columbia v. Heller, ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms primarily for defensive purposes. “This would be a step backwards – a step that tramples on our Second Amendment rights,” Dyson said.

SJR 15 was referred to the Senate State Affairs and Judiciary committees.

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