House Majority E-News Headlines

Bear Awareness Event This Saturday at Rover's Run Trailhead

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:02:28 -0800

Representative Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, will hold her second "Bear Awareness" educational event this Saturday at the Rover's Run trailhead in Far North Bicentennial Park.

Rover's Run is a local favorite with hikers, bikers and the bears that make Anchorage their home. City and state officials are warning trail users to stay off the trail after a brown bear sow and her large three cubs were sighted in the area last week. Two people using the Rover's Run were victims of a mauling two years ago.

Members of the Anchorage Police Department, the Alaska Center for the Environment, the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Waste will join Rep. Millett. They will have plenty of free information and expert advice for anyone deciding to use the trail on how they can avoid a potentially deadly close encounter with a bruin.

House Judiciary Committee Convenes to Discuss Meth - Departments to Testify on Effects of Ramras' HB 149

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:48:48 -0800

The Alaska State House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 14, to examine the status of methamphetamine manufacture and import in Alaska. House Bill 149 was signed into law in 2006 to combat the scourge of methamphetamine in Alaska. Testimony will be taken from the Departments of Public Safety, Corrections, Health & Social Services, and the Alaska Court System regarding an update in the effect of this law.

In 2006, House Judiciary Chairman Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, sponsored HB 149, which passed during the 24th Alaska State Legislature. The law strengthened sentencing for meth manufacture, including provisions requiring retailers to maintain log books upon selling substances involved in manufacture of meth, and mandating the Department of Environmental Conservation to maintain a list of properties where drug manufacture took place, for five years after the property has been deemed fit for use.

"This state is in an uphill battle against the scourge of meth use," Ramras said. "It affects Alaskans and their children from all walks of life, whether in the cities or in the villages. HB 149 was a huge step in protecting Alaskans. However, we need to work with the departments tasked to handle the problem to see what more we can do to keep meth off the streets and out of the lives of Alaskans."

Speaker Chenault Picks Holm for Redistricting Board - Former Fairbanks Representative to Join Five-Member Panel Redrawing State's Election Districts Following 2010 Census

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 14:44:09 -0800

House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, has chosen Jim Holm to serve on the Redistricting Board. Holm will serve on the five-member panel redrawing Alaska's House and Senate districts following the 2010 U.S. Census.

Holm served two terms in the State House, from 2003-2006, representing House District 9, and one term on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, from 1999-2002. Holm has lived in Fairbanks for more than 60 years, graduating from Lathrop High School and also attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Holm is the owner of Holm Town Nursery and has served on a number of civic and volunteer boards, including the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Fairbanks Rotary, Greater Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the Fairbanks Tanana Valley Fair Association.

"Jim brings a wealth of experience to the board, from his time serving on the local assembly to his two years serving on the House Finance Committee. He knows and understands the Interior and Northern regions of the state," Speaker Chenault said. "I served with Jim in the 23rd and 24th Legislatures and trust that he'll be fair in looking at re-drawing our district boundaries. Jim is a no-nonsense, 'tell it like it is' kind of person, and I think we need to have someone with his approach and wealth of Alaska historical sense on the Board."

Lynn's HB 73 Signed Into Law - Bill Designates Special EMS & Fraternal Organization License Plates

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 18:27:59 -0800

House State Affairs Committee Chair Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage, released the following statement today regarding the enactment of House Bill 73, a bill designating special license plates for firefighters, emergency medical service providers and certain fraternal organizations.

Statement

"These plates are a way to recognize the dedicated EMS professionals and volunteers. They're also a potential recruitment tool. Along with the specially-designed plates for groups like the Knights of Columbus and Masons, they'll also promote volunteerism and civic pride. I am thankful to my co-sponsor John Harris, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and to the governor for signing the bill into law."

Johnson Urges Feds to Include Alaska in Next 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf Leasing Program - Resources Chair Encourages MMS, Dept. of Interior Not to Take a "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:43:32 -0800

House Resources Committee Co-Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, today wrote a letter urging the U.S. Department of the Interior strongly encouraging the agency to carefully consider the "potential ramifications of a decision to continue the temporary moratorium on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) exploration and production activity."

Interior and the Minerals Management Service, or MMS, are currently undertaking a preliminary Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Process ahead of the next five-year leasing program for 2012-2017.

Johnson writes that Alaska can play a vital role in shaping the country's energy future, but that "will only occur if federal regulatory policy maintains the proper balance between allowing responsible resource development and ensuring environmental protection."

Thomas Comments on Enactment of Fishing, Lands Bills - Haines Rep's HB 344, Wrangell Rep's HB 273 Signed into Law

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:39:02 -0800

House Finance Committee Vice-Chair Bill Thomas, R-Haines, today released the following statement regarding the enactment of House Bill 344 and HB 273. HB 344 extends the Salmon Product Development Tax Credit for property placed into service before December 2015 and adds ice making machines to the list of qualified expenditures eligible to receive the credit, which is up to 50-percent of the purchase cost. HB 273 completes land entitlements for the City and Borough of Wrangell and the Haines Borough. Thomas's amendment in the House Finance Committee added 3,167 acres to the borough's original general land grant.

Statement

"These two pieces of legislation are examples of how government can work best. We're enhancing the quality and opportunity for our fish processors - the people who rely on A1 fish. And we're giving our local governments a leg-up to grow their communities and expand their tax bases, which is necessary for them to offer opportunities for families and businesses; making their communities more viable and sustainable. In essence, the State is giving something back, instead of taking something in. We all stand to benefit from vibrant communities across the state - and must protect our salmon's standing as the best, freshest, renewable resource on the market."

Wrangell Land Entitlement Bill Signed Into Law - Wilson's HB 273 Completes Land Allocation to City and Borough of Wrangell

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:31:32 -0800

Representative Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, today issued the following statement regarding the enactment of House Bill 273, a bill completing the formation of the City and Borough of Wrangell by allocating more state land. The City and Borough of Wrangell was originally formed in May 2008 with a state land grant of 1952 acres. HB 273 increases that amount to 9006 acres, adding 7054 acres to the Borough's grant. The State bestows a general land grant entitlement to newly-formed boroughs, and has an established policy to assist in the formation of, and to provide for the long-term sustainability in operations, new local governments by furnishing land grants that will address the needs of residents. The new allocation includes areas such as Sunny Bay and Deer Island. Wilson says those two areas are important for economic development in the borough, and continues to be used by the Alaska Island Community Services program, the tourism industry, and the CBW community.

Statement

"As the world changes, the conditions under which Alaskans and their families will be able to sustain a high quality of life are also changing. The circumstances for addressing those conditions and opportunities are increased by this new land allocation to the City and Borough of Wrangell. Residents of CBW have identified areas for critical energy projects, port development, and other opportunities to enhance the local economy. These lands can go a long way in supporting our economy and quality of life, and not taking this opportunity could mean a downturn for residents in the area. I'm pleased to see the legislature, and now the governor, on board with supporting CBW."

Speaker Announces Education Task Force Appointments - Chenault Names House Picks for SB 221 Task Forces on Scholarship Program & Higher Education and Career Readiness

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:06:12 -0800

House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, today announced his appointees to a pair of legislative task forces created by the enactment of Senate Bill 221, which created the Alaska Merit Scholarship program. SB 221 calls for one task force to look at scholarship funding and the other to look at the state's higher education offerings and career readiness opportunities.

"These legislators have shown that higher education is a priority to them," Speaker Chenault said. "We have submitted some picks that have a wealth of experience from the budget and committee aspects, have diverse backgrounds, and represent different areas of the state. I believe they'll be able to bore down into the funding question and bring forward solid recommendations in their report to the next legislature."

State House members named to the Joint Legislative Higher Education Scholarship Funding Task Force are:

Rep. Gatto's 2010 District 13 Survey

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Rep. Carl Gatto - Survey

2nd Amendment Rights Restoration Bill Signed Into Law - Ramras's HB 408 Aligns with Federal Law, Addresses Supreme Court Test

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:24:46 -0800

House Judiciary Committee Chair Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, released the following statement today regarding the signing of House Bill 408. The governor signed the bill today at a ceremony held at the Matanuska Valley Sportsmen's Range near Palmer. HB 408 brings Alaska law in alignment with federal law in restoring complete gun rights to felons so long as they were not convicted of crimes against a person. Felons convicted on non-violent offenses are allowed to carry long-guns as soon as they receive an unconditional discharge, and also can have partial rights restored by receiving a pardon, suspended sentence, or by the passage of 10 years from the time of their unconditional discharge. HB 408 eases state restrictions, allowing full restoration of rights to persons who have proved to be rehabilitated. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in Caron v. U.S., that 2nd Amendment rights restoration must pass an "all-or-nothing" test: state and federal restoration laws must be the same. The bill takes effect Sept. 19.

Statement

"HB 408, the restoration of second amendment rights bill, is a good example of policy trumping politics. Those Alaskans who've rehabilitated themselves and moved on to live good lives will soon have their right to keep and bear arms restored. We are bringing an alignment to Alaska law, matching federal law, to comply with the Supreme Court's all-or-nothing test, and relieving the burden and stigma for some who choose to protect their homes or hunt. Gun ownership is a way of life in many areas of the state and 50 and 60-year old Alaskans who live in the Bush face life-or-death circumstances simply because of where they live. Alaskans who have been convicted of non-violent felonies but have had most of their rights restored deserve the right to protect themselves."

Governor Signs Bill Increasing Debt Authorization for University - Kelly's HB 184 Reflects Today's Construction Prices

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:22:01 -0800

Representative Mike Kelly, R-Fairbanks, today released the following statement regarding the enactment of House Bill 184. The governor signed the bill late this morning in Fairbanks. HB 184 increases the University of Alaska's annual debt authorization to reflect the increase in construction prices since 1990, when the current limit was set. HB 184 raises the bond debt service cap from $1 million to $2.5 million.

Statement

"HB 184 paves the way for the University to issue $20 million in revenue bonds to provide some 'skin in the game' for projects such as the long-awaited Life Sciences Building on the UAF campus. We have fought long and hard to get to this tipping point where the new Life Sciences Building and $8 million to start the new engineering building have us poised for hard hats, concrete and rebar."

Landmark Energy Policy, HB 306, Signed Into Law

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:58:14 -0800

The Governor today signed House Bill 306, the State Energy Policy, into law during a signing ceremony in downtown Anchorage. It was sponsored by the House Special Committee on Energy and unanimously passed both the Alaska State House and Senate during the past legislative session.

The Energy Committee credits HB 306 as a unique piece of legislation, as it was not drafted by legislators. Co-Chairs Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, and Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, assembled a diverse group of Alaskans with decades of experience in energy issues to draft the bill last year.

The State Energy Policy lays out five main goals: establishing a statewide energy policy; establishing a thorough and coordinated approach to supporting energy efficiency and conservation; encouraging economic development in Alaska; supporting energy research, education and workforce development; and, coordinating governmental functions to support these actions.

Governor Parnell to Sign Landmark Energy Legislation

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:58:42 -0800

On Wednesday June 16th Governor Sean Parnell will sign Senate Bill 220, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act and House Bill 306, establishing a State Energy Policy into law at the Dena'ina Convention Center's Kenakatnu Board Room. Both bills were developed over the past two years through an extensive public process which involved hearings by the Senate Resources and House Energy Committees in communities across the State.

Sponsored by the House Energy Committee (Co-Chairs: Representative Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, and Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham), HB 306 establishes a comprehensive State-wide energy policy that includes both ambitious goals for the use of renewable energy and encourages the development of Alaska's nonrenewable resources. In crafting the bill, the House Energy Committee drew on the varied experiences and perspectives of a diverse group of Alaskans that were organized into a stakeholder group.

Senate Bill 220, sponsored by the Senate Resources Committee, (Co-Chairs: Senators Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, and Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage) also known as the "Omnibus Energy Bill" or the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act contains a broad range of programs designed to implement the policy articulated by House Bill 306. With initiatives that range from a $250 million dollar investment in energy conservation at public facilities to loans for small businesses and from grants for emerging energy technologies to a revised permitting system for nuclear facilities, Senate Bill 220 transforms the input the Legislature received from the public from concepts to concrete solutions.

Pair of Finance, Accounting Bills Signed Into Law - Labor & Commerce Comm. Chair Comments on HB 315, HB 416 Enactment

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:27:31 -0800

House Labor & Commerce Committee Chair Kurt Olson, R-Kenai, today released the following statement regarding the enactment of House Bill 315 and HB 416. The governor signed the bills into law this afternoon in Anchorage. HB 315 updates Alaska's public accountancy standards in four ways: allowing licensed CPAs to practice across state jurisdictions, allowing non-CPAs to have a minority ownership interest in firms, giving the State Board of Public Accountancy the jurisdiction to address any violations of its standards, and adding a full-time professional position to the current all-volunteer Board. HB 416, or the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA,) was brought forward by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2006 to update the industry-standard uniform and fundamental rules for the investment of funds held by charitable institutions and endowments. HB 315 carries a transition clause allowing the state board to promulgate new regulations, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2011, the same date as the changes within the bill. HB 416 takes effect Sept. 7.

Statement

"Both of these bills aren't headliners or hot button issues, but they help Alaska businesses and nonprofits work. HB 315 was a widely-supported bill we crafted with the principal oversight boards that brings Alaska in line with the rest of the nation and keeps our CPAs and accounting firms nationally competitive. HB 416 reflects the 35 years of experience that has accumulated since the original Uniform Management of Institutional Funds Act. The changes in HB 416 will allow Alaska endowments and fund managers to attract outside investors and provide them with clear definitions and guidelines to help fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. I'm thankful to my colleagues in the Legislature for passing these two important commerce bills, and thankful to the governor for signing them into law."

Rep. Millett Applauds Parnell Administration for Challenging Beluga ESA Listing

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 18:53:14 -0800

Today's decision by the Parnell Administration to sue the federal government over its decision listing Cook Inlet beluga whales as endangered under the Endangered Species Act was applauded by Representative Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage.

"The numbers speak for themselves," Millett said. "The number of belugas increased four percent a year from 2005 to 2009. The National Marine Fisheries Service appears to have ignored the facts presented by the state against an endangered listing, so taking the federal government to court is our only chance to reverse a poor decision."

Millett sponsored House Joint Resolution 40 during the 2010 session. It voiced the legislature's opposition to declaring 3,000 square miles of Cook Inlet as critical habitat for belugas. The designation will harm economic development across the entire inlet without providing any meaningful protection for the whales. The resolution easily passed both the House and Senate.

Veterans Procurement Preference Signed into Law - Fairclough's HB 24 Offers Qualified Veterans Preference on Certain Bidding

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 18:48:47 -0800

Representative Anna Fairclough, R-Eagle River, released the following statement today regarding the enactment of House Bill 24. The bill offers qualified veterans a five percent procurement preference up to $5000. Qualified veteran bidders under the new law must be a sole proprietorship owned by an Alaska veteran, or the majority partners of a company, LLC, or corporation are Alaska veterans. The preference may not exceed $5000 but can be cumulative to any other qualified preferences.

Statement

"The purpose of the State's bidder preference is to encourage local industry and small business involvement for goods and services, and we believe it's only right to allow veteran-owned businesses to participate. They've given and sacrificed so much in service to our state and country, so giving back to them is the right thing to do."

Gatto Comments on Veterans Legislation - HB 24 Enacted, HJR 16 off to Congress - Both Support Veteran-Owned Business

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 18:48:19 -0800

Representative Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, released the following statement today regarding the enactment of House Bill 24, legislation establishing a five percent State bidder preference for Alaska veteran-owned businesses, and his own House Joint Resolution 16, which calls on the federal government to implement the 2003 Veterans Benefit Act that creates a three percent federal procurement preference for service-disabled veterans.

Statement

"When veterans muster out of service, retire, or - God forbid - get injured and return to civil life, they can find it hard to re-adjust or transition into the next career. And that's where these two bills come in. HJR 16 asks the federal government to do what Congress told them too: write the rules and guidelines to create the service-disabled veterans preference carried within the VBA of 2003. I've heard from some Alaska veterans who've told me federal agencies in Alaska aren't complying with the law. That is unacceptable. We mustn't further hinder our veterans. We should, and can, help them transition and start a business. That's what HB 24 does; creating a State bidder preference for veteran-owned Alaska businesses. That's a start. Both bills are small ways to say thanks to our veterans, honoring their sacrifice and helping them build family-sustaining civil lives."

Military Child Custody Reform Bill Enacted - Thomas's and Huggins's HB 334 Protects Deployed Service Members

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 18:46:24 -0800

Representative Bill Thomas, R-Haines, released the following statement today regarding the enactment of his and Senator Charlie Huggins's House Bill 334. The governor signed the bill into law this morning at a ceremony in Eagle River. HB 334, the top priority of the Joint Legislative Veterans Caucus, includes the following changes to equalize a deployed military member's standing in child custody and divorce proceedings: defining a military absence; assuring that military duties cannot be considered when determining child custody; allowing for expedited hearings, with some restrictions; granting the right of a deploying service member to designate visitation to another family member; allowing electronic testimony; and, placing limitations on temporary custody orders. The Act takes effect immediately.

Statement

"Senator Huggins and I, along with the support of the Veterans Caucus and our staff, are proud to see this bill become law. We hope our new standards for child custody proceedings involving deploying or deployed servicemen and women can be used as a template for other states to follow. We're now leading the way in terms of protecting the rights to fair access and flexibility when these events overlap with a deployment. Those protecting and serving our country overseas and at home don't need another significant stress on their lives as they prepare or work; they don't deserve to have their voice in the custody proceedings silenced due to their job. We worked hard to ensure that the best interests of the child was still the major determining factor in these proceedings while explicitly stating that a deployment or assignment cannot be used against a party to deny custody. Our soldiers should not have to fight a battle on two fronts. They deserve to know that, while serving our country, they will still be afforded equal access to our justice system at home and that their service is appreciated, not seen as a deterrent when it comes to child custody matters. HB 334 will provide some much-needed relief."

Rep. Millett Hosts Bear Awareness Day this Saturday

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 13:21:11 -0800

Learn how to peacefully co-exist with bears living in and around the Anchorage area this Saturday at the Bear Awareness event to be held at Ruth Arcand Park starting at 11 a.m.

Rep. Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, came up with the idea after numerous complaints from her constituents about urbanized bears in the hillside area. The event will have experts from state and local agencies on how to make your home less attractive to our big furry friends and what you can do if one of them becomes a problem.

Here are a few examples of the information that will be available at the event:

Kelly Comments on HB 186 Enactment - Alaska-Made Firearms, Firearm Accessories, Exempt from Federal Control if Kept In-State

Thu, 27 May 2010 22:54:48 -0800

Representative Mike Kelly, R-Fairbanks, released the following statement today regarding the enactment of House Bill 186, The Alaska Firearms Freedom Act. The Governor signed the bill this afternoon at a ceremony in Fairbanks. Under the new law, all firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition manufactured and kept in the state are exempt from federal firearms control laws. Firearms that remain in the state should not be regulated by the federal government because they have not traveled, triggering interstate commerce restrictions. Firearms exempt from this Act must also have the words "Made in Alaska" clearly stamped on a central metallic part such as the receiver or frame. The Attorney General of Alaska is tasked with defending a citizen of this State facing federal prosecution for violating federal law regarding the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of a firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition manufactured and retained in this state.

Statement

"The Alaska Firearms Freedom Act frees Alaskans from overly-bureaucratic and restrictive federal firearm regulation, and allows our state to assume the responsibility for regulation. The Interstate Commerce Clause is used by the federal government to regulate firearms that cross state borders. The Alaska Firearms Freedom Act makes it clear that Alaskans will be responsible for firearms that are made in Alaska, for use in Alaska, and have 'Made in Alaska' stamped on them.