Alaska State Legislature

News From The Senate and House Majorities

Ken Freeman (907) 465-3804
Wendy Lindskoog (907) 465-4582
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Legislature Transmits Reform Measures to Governor

Six Legislation Initiatives Promote Economic Development

For Immediate Release: April 22, 1997 Contact: Ken Freeman (907) 465-3804 or Wendy Lindskoog (907) 465-4582

JUNEAU - A package of six business and economic development reform measures to streamline and simplify several government programs was transmitted to the Governor Tuesday. Legislative leaders transmitted Senate Bills 8, 35, 41, 109, 136 and HB 58.

"As part of our Commitment to Alaska to create Jobs for Alaskans, we are sending the Governor the following reform package which encourages economic development by streamlining government programs, laws and actions," said House Speaker Gail Phillips.

"We are presenting these six bills together as a transmittal package to demonstrate the impact these measures will have on Alaska once they become law," said Senate President Mike Miller. "These bills span a variety of reforms -- from reform of Alaska's civil litigation rules to revamping the state's agricultural program -- that will create a smaller, smarter government," said Senator Miller.

Following is a Brief Description of the Bills

HB 58: Civil Litigation Reform:

Legislation calling for a comprehensive rewrite of civil litigation rules in Alaska. This reform measure calls for a graduating system for predictable punitive damages and limiting frivolous lawsuits.

"Enactment of meaningful tort reform will mean a business environment that is conducive to rational economic development, the creation of jobs, and more opportunity for all Alaskans," said Representative Brian Porter, sponsor of HB 58.

SB 8: Impedes Frivolous Lawsuits To Protect Private Airport and Sport Shooting Range Owners:

Reforms current law to protect the rights of private airport and sport shooting range proprietors against frivolous and unfair noise level lawsuits. This protection would only pertain to facilities established before the person acquired the property or prior to any noise control ordinance or law.

"Airports and shooting ranges offer a public service as well as recreational opportunities," said Senator Rick Halford, sponsor of SB 8. "Without the passage of SB 8, these services will remain vulnerable to legal sanctions jeopardizing the opportunities they provide through their ongoing and traditional uses."

SB 35: Protects Traditional Rights Of Access On State Lands:

Legislation to protect Alaskans’ rights to access state land traditionally used for recreational purposes. Reforms current state regulations so administration must seek legislative approval before closing access to state parks.

"We feel it is good public policy to place more responsibility on legislators and rely more on public input through the legislative process rather than deferring to the bureaucracy when it comes to shutting down traditional access for recreation on many state lands," said Senator Green, sponsor of this measure.

SB 41: Promotes Compliance With Environmental Laws:

Legislation that seeks to improve compliance with environmental laws and regulations by establishing incentives for businesses to conduct voluntary audits of their internal operations. Reforms current environmental regulations to promote environmental protection and increased economic development.

"The goal of this bill is to encourage businesses to identify areas of violation and take measures to correct them," said Senator Loren Leman, sponsor of Senate Bill 41. "A company that discovers an area of noncompliance should be able to report the violation promptly, take corrective action, and work with state regulators to ensure the problem never occurs again."

SB 109: Preserves Alaska’s Family Farms:

Major agricultural reform of current law to give farmers clear ownership of the land they farm and greater latitude in making their individual business decisions.

"I introduced Senate Bill 109 to facilitate freedom for the growth of Alaska agriculture," said bill sponsor Senator Lyda Green. "Agriculture is a thirty million dollar annual renewable resource industry in Alaska that creates new wealth, provides jobs and feeds Alaskans."

SB 136: Asks Governor to Submit A Complete Budget on December 15

Legislation to clarify current law, making the law explicit that the Governor must present all three of his required budget bills on December 15 of each year -- an operating budget bill, a capital budget bill, and a mental health program operating/capital budget bill.

"Although Alaska law requires the Governor to submit his entire budget on December 15, over the years the executive branch has fallen into a bad habit of delaying release of a capital budget for up to several weeks after the beginning of the legislative session," said Senator Bert Sharp, Senate Finance Co-Chair.

"The public and the Legislature are both put behind the eight ball when the capital budget is released late," said Senator Sharp. "The public has less time to review the Governor’s proposal and provide input to the Legislature. In addition, legislators have less time to consider the Governor’s budget and complete their work within a 120 day session.

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