00                            SENATE BILL NO. 130                                                                         
01 "An Act establishing in the Office of the Governor an advisory council for the                                          
02 preservation, restoration, and revitalization of Alaska Native languages."                                              
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       LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. The legislature finds that the preservation of Alaska                                       
07 Native languages is a critical component in the sustenance of cultural identity. The legislature                        
08 further finds that Alaska Native languages are vital in maintaining traditional knowledge and                           
09 understanding.                                                                                                        
10    * Sec. 2. AS 44.19 is amended by adding new sections to read:                                                      
11              Article 6. Alaska Native Language Preservation Council.                                                
12            Sec. 44.19.860. Alaska Native Language Preservation Council. The Alaska                                    
13       Native Language Preservation Council is established in the Office of the Governor for                             
14       the purpose of recommending the establishment or reorganization of programs to                                    

01       support the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of Alaska Native languages.                           
02       The council shall advise the governor on programs, policies, and projects to provide                              
03       for the cost-effective preservation, restoration, and revitalization of Alaska Native                             
04       languages in the state. The council shall meet as often as is necessary to carry out the                          
05       purposes of the council and shall prepare periodic advisory reports for the governor                              
06       and make recommendations for the governor's and the legislature's consideration.                                  
07            Sec. 44.19.865. Membership; terms. (a) The governor shall appoint to the                                   
08       council established in AS 44.19.860 five voting members who have expertise in                                     
09       Alaska Native languages and who represent diverse areas of the state. In addition, one                            
10       member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate and one member of the                               
11       house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives shall                           
12       serve on the council as nonvoting members.                                                                        
13            (b)  The members appointed by the governor shall serve at the pleasure of the                                
14       governor for three-year terms. The governor may reappoint a member for not more                                   
15       than three consecutive terms.                                                                                     
16            (c)  Members of the council shall serve without compensation but are entitled                                
17       to per diem and travel expenses as provided under AS 39.20.180.