Juneau -- Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage) Friday introduced a legislative reform package aimed at making State government more effective and efficient.

House Joint Resolution 45 proposes a constitutional amendment limiting legislative sessions to 60 days, down from the current 121 days. Additionally, sessions would start the first Monday in February instead of January, thus allowing time for revenue information to be prepared for the Legislature's review.

"Sixty days should be more than enough time to accomplish the work the Legislature needs to do," Rokeberg said. "Shorter legislative sessions will be offset by allowing interim committee actions. The cumulative effect of these changes would save the State money through payment of less per diem, less travel, and lower costs associated with the current (121 day) legislative session."

House Concurrent Resolution 18 would permit legislative committees to take action during the interim. Currently, committees can meet and take testimony but cannot move legislation out of committee to the next committee of referral. HCR 18 would also permit committee members to participate in these meetings via teleconference methods and to direct the committee chairman as to the member's recommendation on the committee report.

"This measure would permit committees to take substantive action during an interim, allowing more Alaskans to participate in the process of developing legislation." Rokeberg said. "By allowing committees' work to be done in the communities most affected, proposed legislation could work its way through the committee system and be ready for floor action the first days of a session, making a 60-day session much more feasible.

The reforms advanced by these two measures - in conjunction with Representative Rokeberg's House Bill 234, which authorizes a competition for construction of a new Alaska Capitol Building at no cost to the State of Alaska - are part of the greater effort (sponsored by Rokeberg and Rep. Joe Green) to move the Alaska Legislature to Anchorage.

"While Representative Green and I work toward that ultimate goal, this legislation will facilitate a more effective and efficient State of Alaska government in the here and now," Rokeberg said.

What this reform package would accomplish:

1. Shorter Legislative Session: HJR 45 changes the Alaska legislative session from 121 days to 60 days. Under Rokeberg's proposal, a regular session would convene on the first Monday in February and would adjourn not more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days later. A one-time extension, by two-thirds vote, would be possible.



2. Interim Legislative Action: HCR 18 amends the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature to permit a committee to meet between regular sessions and to take action on any legislative matter under its jurisdiction. HCR 18 designates a standing, special, or joint committee which acts between legislative sessions as a subcommittee of the Legislative Council.

"Both of these legislative reforms are aimed at making the State of Alaska's government more efficient, " Rokeberg said. "They would save taxpayer's money by streamlining the decision-making process and making it more effective, timely and responsible."

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Norman Rokeberg, 12 K = Norman Rokeberg, 40 K
= Norman Rokeberg, 17 K = Norman Rokeberg, 8 K

| Top | Representative Rokeberg's Page |