Just a quick update on the bills I have sponsored this session that has moved in the system since the last newsletter.

Office of Victims' Rights: Senate Bill 105, which I explained in detail in my last newsletter, establishes the Office of Victims' Rights. This office would make sure that victims are aware of their rights, guide them through and advocate on their behalf in the criminal justice system, and investigate complaints if victims feel their constitutional rights have been violated. SB 105 passed the Senate unanimously on March 20. The bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on April 20 and moves to the House Finance Committee for consideration.

Protecting Local Service Areas: Earlier this year, I introduced Senate Bill 75, legislation that would protect local road, fire protection, and parks and recreation service areas. A companion bill, House Bill 13, passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 29-9 and became the "vehicle" for this legislation. The Senate approved House Bill 13 on April 20 with a few changes. Currently, the bill is in a conference committee.

Village Public Safety Officers: On March 15, I introduced Senate Bill 145, which gives probationary duties to VPSOs and improves their retirement options. As the bill's intent language states, it is intended to strengthen law enforcement in the most remote and inaccessible areas of the state. It enhances the role of the village public safety officer by providing additional responsibilities (parole and probation duties) concurrent with additional pay and improved retirement benefits. In addition, providing delegated probation and parole responsibilities significantly enhances the recovery of offenders, decreasing ultimate state costs while increasing citizen benefits. The bill also provides a career path for village public safety officers through the creation of a regional public safety officer (RPSO) program. RPSOs will be certified police officers. I am pleased that SB 145 passed the Senate floor on April 23, by a vote of 18 to 1.

| Top |

Natural Gas Pipeline: In order to ensure that Alaskans gain the most from a natural gas pipeline project, the Senate Resources Committee has introduced two bills.

Senate Bill 158 will require the Commissioner of Revenue to provide a report recommending what the state's role should be in the commercial development of North Slope natural gas. As you may know, Alaska owns 12.5% of the gas as a "royalty share" - which we can sell to the companies who are producing the gas or take it "in kind" and sell it ourselves. One question that needs to be answered is should we be owners of the natural gas pipeline or should we just sell our share of the gas to the other producers? The report required by SB 158 will help to answer that question. The Commissioner of Revenue will be tasked with contracting with qualified consultants to consider the pros and cons of state ownership and financing and provide final recommendations in January, 2002. SB 158 passed the Senate unanimously on April 9 and is now awaiting a hearing in the House Finance Committee.

Senate Bill 164 will prohibit the Commissioner of Natural Resources from granting a lease for an "Over the Top" or "northern" route for the gas pipeline - which would run east from Prudhoe Bay to the Mackenzie River delta in Canada. The Alaska Constitution provides that our natural resources must be developed for the maximum benefit of Alaskans. The Senate has unanimously agreed that a "southern" route - which would run parallel to the Alaska pipeline - will provide the maximum benefit. The southern route offers the most options for expansion, including spurs to meet in-state demand and possibly a hub that could be diversified as we determine what the demand for our natural gas will be. The southern route creates the most jobs for Alaskans, provides the most economic benefit in the form of taxes and property values, and allows Alaska to ensure that the construction of the pipeline is environmentally responsible. SB 164 passed both the Senate and House and will be transmitted to the Governor next.

A resolution sponsored by the House Special Committee on Oil and Gas also opposes the northern route. House Concurrent Resolution 8 states that the legislature "will exercise every power within its authority to prevent the routing of a North Slope natural gas pipeline that bypasses Alaska." HCR 8 passed the House and was heard and approved by the Senate Resources Committee on April 23. HCR 8 will now go to the Senate floor for a vote.

Gas Policy Council: Speaker Porter and I joined the Alaska Highway Natural Gas Policy Council at the Governor's request. This 30-member council was created in January to address public policy issues as the state reviews options for a natural gas pipeline in Alaska.

Education: Senate Bill 133, relating to the high school exit exam, passed the Senate unanimously on March 28. Senator Lyda Green should be commended on her work. As you probably know, this issue generated a wide range of debate on both sides and Senator Green worked to create a bill that satisfied a majority of all those concerned. I hope you will encourage the House members you know to support SB 133, which is currently in the House Finance Committee, chaired by Representatives Mulder and Williams.

Suicide Prevention Council: On April 20, I introduced Senate Bill 198, which would create a statewide suicide prevention council. Suicide is an ongoing epidemic in any parts of the state, especially rural Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and numbers are at all-time high. This is tragic. I believe we must work together to reduce the toll suicide is having on the people of our state.

It is my intent to form a working group, in statute, which includes both private and public members. This council will be tasked with finding ways to reduce suicide rates, broaden public awareness, and enhance suicide prevention services and programs throughout the state. The council will bring back a statewide suicide prevention plan and additional recommendations to the Legislature next March. I am pleased to be joined by co-sponsors Senators Lincoln, Olson, Hoffman, Ward and Green on this important piece of legislation. SB 198 had its first hearing on April 23 and was passed out of the Senate Health and Social Services Committee. It will next be heard in the Senate Finance Committee.

Budget: Currently the state's operating budget is in a conference committee. The conference committee is composed of three members each from the House and Senate: Representatives Eldon Mulder, Bill Williams and John Davies; and Senators Dave Donley, Pete Kelly and Lyman Hoffman. The committee will deliberate each department separately and present a revised budget proposal to the House and Senate for approval.

| Top |

The Halford Report is distributed by Senate President Rick Halford. If you have any comments, please e-mail Senator_Rick_Halford@legis.state.ak.us.

# # #

| Sen. Halford's Page |

| Top | Home | Site Search | Breaking News | Legislators | Bills |
| Committees | E-Newsletter | Surveys | Research | Help |

The Official Web Site of the House and Senate Legislative Majorities
for the 22nd Alaska State Legislature
To Report Technical Problems or Contact Webmasters