2004-03-08                     House Journal                      Page 2884
HB 532                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 532 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act amending the definition of 'lobbyist' in the Regulation of                             
     Lobbying Act; and providing for an effective date."                                            
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                             
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Administration                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 27, 2004, follows:                                 
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                                       
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill amending the definition of                                   
"lobbyist" in the Regulation of Lobbying Act (AS 24.45.011 to AS                                    
24.45.181).  Public involvement is an essential part of our democratic                              
process and we should do what we can to promote citizen                                             
involvement.  However, current law allows individuals to be                                         
compensated and attempt to influence legislators for 40 hours in a 30-                              
day period, without complying with state reporting requirements.                                    
                                                                                                    
I believe a 40-hour threshold allows too many people to fly "under the                              
radar" and avoid the public disclosure requirements.  By reducing the                               
threshold to 20 hours, we will provide an adequate time for Alaskans                                
to participate as interested citizens in the legislative process without                            
inadvertently being designated as lobbyists.  In addition, a 20-hour                                
limit will continue the public's right to know which persons receiving                              
some form of compensation for their time are attempting to influence                                
legislators.  The bill is also consistent with the position of the Alaska                           
Public Offices Commission (APOC).  APOC recommended a                                               
threshold limit of between 16 hours and 24 hours in a 30-day period.                                
                                                                                                    

2004-03-08                     House Journal                      Page 2885
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill.                                               
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely yours,                                                    
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Frank H. Murkowski                                                  
                                 Governor"