Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-16 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1594 SB 223 SENATE BILL NO. 223 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1595 "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of a scientific crime detection laboratory; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of a scientific crime detection laboratory. This revenue would be utilized for the construction of a "state of the science" crime lab that will serve the needs of Alaska's citizens and law enforcement agencies for at least the next 40 years. Over the last 30 years, both the types of evidence analysis and the number of cases submitted by law enforcement for assistance from the crime lab have increased tremendously. Currently, the crime lab provides expert assistance in the areas of fingerprints, biological screening, hair analysis, trace screening, blood alcohol content, drug analysis, DNA, crime scene investigations, shoe prints, and firearm/toolmark ballistics. Forensic science continues to improve. New technology and added analysis are expanding the importance of forensic science in criminal justice investigations; examples include arson analysis equipment, laser examination equipment, vacuum metal deposition chamber examination equipment, trace evidence examinations, space and equipment examinations, toxicology, and question document analysis. Additionally, expanded processing space is necessary to examine evidence from small items such as drug baggies and blood stained clothing to larger items such as entire vehicles. The new crime lab will have sufficient space to accommodate such improvements. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1596 The crime lab has managed to provide an excellent level of assistance to law enforcement during this time of growth. However, in the past five years, the growing demand for lab services has exceeded the capacity of the lab to provide all the services needed by Alaskans. Alaska needs a new crime lab. The new crime lab will provide 80 thousand square feet with room for future expansion. Section 1 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state authorizing the issuance and sale of state general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not more than 100 million, if ratified by a majority of the qualified voters of the state who vote on the question. The full faith, credit, and resources of the state would be pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest and redemption premium, if any, on the bonds. Section 2 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state establishing the "scientific crime detection laboratory project fund" if the voters ratify the issuance of the bonds, to which shall be credited the proceeds of the sale of the bonds except for the accrued interest and premiums. Section 3 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state appropriating 100 million from the scientific crime detection laboratory project fund and up to 6 million in anticipated investment earnings to the Department of Public Safety to be allocated to the design and construction of a state scientific crime detection laboratory in Anchorage. Section 4 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state appropriating from the general fund to the state bond committee $500,000 or as much of that amount as is found necessary to carry out the provisions of this bill and to pay expenses incident to the sale and issuance of the bonds. Section 5 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state providing that the amount withdrawn from the public facility planning fund (AS 35.10.135) for the purpose of advance planning for the capital improvements financed under this bill shall be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1597 Section 6 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state providing that the unexpended and unobligated balance of the appropriation made in sec. 3 lapses and is appropriated to the state bond committee to redeem bonds sold under this bill. Further, sec. 6 provides that amounts expended from the general fund to pay the principal, interest, and redemption premium on the bonds shall be reimbursed from this appropriation to the extent that the money is not needed to redeem the bonds. Section 7 of the bill amends the uncodified law of the state to add a new section directing the submittal to the voters for ratification at the next general election the question of whether the state shall issue its general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not more than 100 million for the purpose of paying the cost of design and construction of a scientific crime detection laboratory. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor