Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Thursday passed House Bill 289, sponsored by Representative John Harris.

HB 289 requires the Alaska Marine Highway System and the Alaska Railroad to provide free transportation, on a space-available basis, for members of the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia, and the Alaska State Defense Force who are en route to or from drill, training, or other official militia activities. The bill also changes "Alaska State Militia" to "Alaska State Defense Force" in several statutes.

"In the current climate of downsizing and defense budget cuts, funding for transportation of members of some units is tight," Harris said. "The State of Alaska owns the ferry system and the railroad and is in position to offer free transportation to these military personnel, who are involved in training to defend our state and our freedoms."

HB 289 passed the Senate 20-0.