00                             HOUSE BILL NO. 96                                                                          
01 "An Act relating to acquisition and development of the Jesse Lee Home; and providing                                    
02 for an effective date."                                                                                                 
03 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
04    * Section 1.  The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section                         
05 to read:                                                                                                                
06       FINDINGS; INTENT.  (a) The legislature finds that the Jesse Lee Home in Seward                                    
07 has historical significance for all the people of the state because John Ben (Benny) Benson,                            
08 Jr., lived at the home when he designed the state flag.                                                                 
09       (b)  The legislature further finds that the Jesse Lee Home is currently in such                                   
10 dilapidated condition, having been vacant since it was damaged by the 1964 earthquake, that                             
11 the home's renovation is beyond the means of the local community.                                                       
12       (c)  It is the intent of the legislature that the Jesse Lee Home and the real property on                         
13 which it is located be acquired by the state and managed in a manner that recognizes its place                          
14 in the state's history.  Appropriate management would include the erection of a monument                                

01 honoring Benny Benson for his role in designing the state flag and development of the site as                           
02 a place where community events and ceremonies could be held.                                                            
03    * Sec. 2.  The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to                         
04 read:                                                                                                                   
05       JESSE LEE HOME.  (a)  The state museum established under AS 14.57, with the                                       
06 advice of the Museum Collections Advisory Committee established under AS 14.57.020, shall                               
07 determine the costs and procedures necessary for the state to acquire, develop, and manage                              
08 the Jesse Lee Home.  The state museum shall report to the governor and the legislature by                               
09 November 1, 2001, concerning its recommendations as to the procedures to be used and an                                 
10 estimate of costs involved for state acquisition of the home, erection of an appropriate                                
11 monument, development of the site for future appropriate uses, and ongoing management.                                  
12       (b)  Subject to the availability of an appropriation specified as being for the acquisition                       
13 of the Jesse Lee Home, the state museum shall acquire the Jesse Lee Home and develop and                                
14 manage it consistent with the intent of this Act.                                                                       
15    * Sec. 3.  This Act takes effect July 1, 2001.