Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday passed House Bill 218, sponsored by Representative Andrew Halcro (R-Anchorage). HB 218 establishes a process for museums to follow in order to clarify title on unclaimed objects.

"Over time, people who loan items to museums may die without heirs or move without maintaining contact with the museum," said Halcro. "HB 218 establishes a process for museums to use to clarify title on such objects so that, at a minimum, the necessary conservation may be done to preserve them.

"This important revision will alleviate many difficulties encountered by Alaska's museums while providing a fair and equitable recourse for the property owner," Halcro said. "Estimates are that title to several hundred objects in museums around the state can be resolved through passage of this bill."

HB 218 passed the House 33-2.

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