Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2006-01-13 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2006-01-13 House Journal Page 2265 HB 363 HOUSE BILL NO. 363 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges designated for the third judicial district, to provide additional superior court judges at Anchorage, Palmer, and Kenai; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Alaska Court System The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2006, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would add a total of four superior court judge positions to the third judicial district in the state court system. As Alaska's population grows, the demand on the court system from both civil and criminal cases increases. The population growth does not occur uniformly throughout the state. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough had a 77 percent increase in population from 1990 to 2004 and a 39 percent increase in felony case filings for fiscal year 2004. The Palmer court is perhaps the most overcrowded court in the system. 2006-01-13 House Journal Page 2266 The impact on the court system of felony criminal cases is very burdensome. Criminal cases, particularly violent felony criminal cases, are often the most complex and time-sensitive types of cases handled by the court system. They are also the most likely type of case to proceed to a time-consuming trial. Time is of the essence to both the victims of crimes waiting for justice to be served and the accused seeking resolution to the criminal charges. The additional superior court judge positions provided for under this bill are essential to the efficient operation of the court system. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"