Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1997-02-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1997-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0472 SB 103 SENATE BILL NO. 103 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to hearings before and authorizing fees for the State Commission for Human Rights; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal note published today from Office of the Governor. Governors transmittal letter dated February 24: Dear President Miller: 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 publics increased requests for its services. The result will be better human rights protection for Alaskans. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor