1997-02-24                     House Journal                      Page 0444
HB 155                                                                       
The following fiscal note applies:                                             
                                                                               
Zero fiscal note, Office of the Governor, 2/24/97                              
                                                                               
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated February 24, 1997, appears            
below:                                                                         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Phillips:                                                        
                                                                               
In our efforts to reduce budgets, some actions that save money also            
create efficiencies which better meet public service goals. That is the        
case with this bill regarding the Human Rights Commission.  This               
proposal provides the Commission more flexibility in its operations            
and helps the body perform its essential work for the state.                   
                                                                               
                                                                               
The bill would allow the Human Rights Commission to hold hearings              
at its office in Anchorage rather than where the alleged discrimination        
occurred, as is required under current law.  This will save time and           
money in travel costs.  The Commission would continue to ensure that           
complainants may participate in the hearings.                                  
                                                                               
                                                                               
This bill would also allow the Commission to charge fees to cover the          
costs of services, information and materials and to provide tapes rather       
than transcriptions of the hearings, as currently required.                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
These changes would reduce the cost and time involved in resolving             
cases, helping the Commission to work through its tremendous backlog           
of cases, and better respond to the public's increased requests for its        
services.  The result will be better human rights protection for               
Alaskans.                                                                      
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor"