Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1617 SB 232 SENATE BILL NO. 232 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act authorizing the governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state service and authorizing the payment of Alaska National Guard called into active state service to fight wildfires at rates of pay established for certain emergency fire-fighting personnel; 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, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 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 authorizing the Governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1618 service and authorizing payment of Alaska National Guard called into active state service to fight wildfires at rates of pay established for certain emergency fire-fighting personnel. Section 1 of the bill would amend AS 26.05.070, which authorizes the Governor to order the organized militia into active state service in certain circumstances, to authorize the Governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state service if these circumstances exist. The organized militia includes the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia, and the Alaska State Defense Force. The circumstances under which the organized militia may be called into active state service include the occurrence or imminent danger of occurrence of a disaster or other catastrophe. Authorizing the Governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state service is appropriate to allow a rapid response to such events, particularly if the Governor is not immediately available. Section 2 of the bill would amend AS 26.05.260(b), which establishes the pay for members of the Alaska National Guard and the Alaska Naval Militia called into active state service under AS 26.05.070, to authorize the payment of Alaska National Guard personnel called to active state service to fight wildfires at rates of pay established for emergency fire-fighting personnel under AS 41.15.030 if the adjutant general and the commissioner of natural resources so agree. Existing AS 41.15.030 provides that the commissioner of natural resources may hire emergency fire-fighting personnel and shall establish classifications and rates of pay for the emergency fire-fighting personnel consistent with the compensation paid by other fire-fighting agencies. The amendment to AS 26.05.260(b) will allow pay parity between national guard and civilian personnel of specified classifications fighting wildfires by agreement between the commissioner of natural resources and the adjutant general. Section 2 would also amend AS 26.05.260(b) to remove an outdated provision relating to payment of Alaska National Guard and Alaska Naval Militia members for active service performed during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1619 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor