Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Tuesday unanimously approved House Bill 22, which requires that tax assessors gain clear permission from property owners before entering private dwellings. HB 22, sponsored by Representative Scott Ogan (R-Palmer), passed 38-0.

"This bill stems from an incident in my district," said Ogan. "While there is a difference of opinion on the exact circumstances, it is clear our statutes could be strengthened to protect due process and our constitutional rights to privacy."

Under House Bill 22, if permission cannot be obtained, a court order will still allow entry.

"This bill does not prevent public officials from doing their duty," said Ogan. "What it does do is to require that a tax assessor respect the private property rights set-out in Article I of the Alaska Constitution.