Alaska Violence in the Workplace: What you need to know

The state’s concealed handgun permit statute doesn’t specifically address whether permitholders can bring handguns to work. By posting a conspicuous notice, employers may prohibit the possession of a firearm within a secured, restricted access area (closed work areas where visitors are screened), an employer’s vehicle, or in a parking lot owned or controlled by the employer that is within 300 feet of the restricted access area and is not open to access by the general public (AK Stat. Sec. 18.65.700 through 18.65.790 and AK Stat. Sec. 18.65.800).

Parking lots. Generally, state law allows guns stored in locked, legally parked motor vehicles on privately held property, including parking lots (AK Stat. Sec. 18.65.800(a))

Weapons are not permitted in vehicles in certain parking lots (AK Stat. Sec. 11.61.210 et al.), including:

• Parking lots of schools and preschools and parking lots for school buses, unless permission is granted by the chief administrative officers of the school district
• Parking lots of childcare centers
• Parking lots for courts or offices of the Alaska Court System
• Parking lots for sexual assault or domestic violence shelters

Local ordinances. Cities, boroughs, and municipalities may adopt local gun regulations that are more restrictive than state law (AK Stat. Sec. 18.65.800(a)).

An employer may not penalize or threaten to penalize an employee who is a crime victim because the employee is subpoenaed or requested by the prosecuting attorney to attend a court proceeding for the purpose of giving testimony. "Penalize" means to take action affecting the employment status, wages, and benefits payable to the victim, including demotion or ...