News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Numerous Senate Measures Pass the House

For Immediate Release: May 9, 1998 Contact: Individual contacts listed below.

Measure Builds Safety Net for Highway Construction Workers

Contact: Senator Dave Donley, 465-3892

The House Saturday unanimously passed legislation to double the fines for moving traffic violations in construction zones. Senate Bill 304, sponsored by Senator Dave Donley (R-Anchorage), was introduced to build a safety net for highway construction workers.

"When our highway construction crews work to improve Alaska’s roadways, they run a high risk of being injured by reckless drivers," said Senator Donley. "Because our workers put their lives on the line, it is essential the Legislature do all it can to protect them from harm."

"Twenty six other states have increased sanctions for careless motorists who recklessly endanger the safety of roadway workers," said Senator Donley. "These states, after putting larger deterrents in place through increased penalties, have achieved a significant reduction in the number of work zone accidents. I hope people will be more careful when they take to the roads and that Alaska will experience a similar reduction in accidents. This measure will save contractors money due to fewer accidents and injuries at the worksite."

Hockey Players to Receive Medical Coverage

Contact: Senator Loren Leman, 465-2095

The House Saturday passed legislation removing hockey players from the list of persons covered by Workers’ Compensation. In exchange, Hockey team owners are required to provide a medical and disability program to cover their players 100 percent of the time – whether on duty, travel or their own time. The owner is responsible for the cost of the premiums on this coverage. Senate Bill 336, sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, passed by a vote of 32 to 3.

Bill Extends Federal Management Advisory Commission

Contact: Senator Loren Leman, 465-2095

The House Saturday passed Senate Bill 236 to extend the Citizens Advisory Commission on Federal Areas another 5 years to June 30, 2008. SB 236, sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, passed unanimously.

The Commission is tasked with the following duties:

• Evaluate federal management, operation, planning development for consistency with federal law and congressional intent.
• Hold hearing on the impact of federal regulations and federal management decisions.
• Make recommendations to state or federal land agencies.
• Report annually to the Governor and the Legislature.

Bill Helps Food Servers and Producers

Contact: Senator Gary Wilken, 465-3709

The House Saturday passed legislation to make Alaska law more user-friendly as it relates to those who work with food production or food service. Senate Bill 312, sponsored by Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks), passed by a vote of 34 to 2.

According to Wilken, statutes relating to food production and service are often confusing and difficult to find for those who need them most. Senate Bill 312 consolidates the statutes under one act and eliminates conflicting or obsolete statutes to provide greater access to the laws. This measure will provide for more efficient administration of food laws in Alaska.

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