Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
05/03/2007 09:00 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB244 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 226 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 244 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 244
An Act creating an Alaska Medal of Honor and
establishing criteria for awarding the medal.
KELLY HUBER, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM,
explained that HB 244 creates an Alaskan Medal of Honor.
Last year, the Legislature passed HCR 48 directing the Joint
Armed Services (JAS) Committee to create the Alaska Medal of
Honor and established the criteria; HB 244 provides the
enabling legislation. The Alaska Medal of Honor will
recognize military service members who have made the
ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, killed in action
while under deployment orders in enemy territory. To be
eligible for the medal, the bill proposes that they are an
Alaskan resident or someone stationed in Alaska under
deployment.
Ms. Huber continued, the legislation allows the Joint Armed
Services Committee to create the standard operating
procedures for awarding a medal.
9:39:44 AM
Representative Foster asked if a medal could be retroactive.
Ms. Huber explained that was the desire of the Joint Armed
Services Committee, recognizing anyone killed in the line of
duty.
In response to comments made by Representative Joule, Ms.
Huber pointed out that the legislation states "under
deployment orders", because there have been situations in
which death happened on their way to a mission; the language
is all encompassing.
9:41:30 AM
Representative Foster asked if eligibility requirements
would include suicide. Ms. Huber understood that any death
would be eligible.
Representative Kelly stated that would depreciate the honor
of the medal. Ms. Huber offered another example.
Representative Kelly recommended clarity in the definition
of Medal of Honor and thought it should be only acts of
"heroism", to be worthy of a medal.
9:44:57 AM
Representative Joule inquired if the Legislature would be
the deliberating body. Ms. Huber explained that the Joint
Armed Services Committee would determine a standard of
operating procedures. To make it formal, the names would be
put into a concurrent resolution of those to be honored &
then brought forward to the Legislature for consideration.
9:45:49 AM
Representative Joule referenced the language on Line 8,
indicating that "they may consider", which provides latitude
to the Legislature. Ms. Huber agreed, noting those concerns
could be discussed.
9:46:37 AM
Vice Chair Stoltze worried about the proposed Medal of Honor
designation; he thought that the Legislature could be put in
a difficult and awkward situation when excluding someone
recommended. He wanted it to be a "positive thing".
9:48:57 AM
Representative Crawford noted that people equate the Alaska
Medal of Honor with the Congressional Medal of Honor, which
is given for acts of extreme heroism. He questioned if
there had been consideration made that the medal be for both
those that lived or died when committing heroic act.
9:49:51 AM
th
Ms. Huber pointed out it was a resolution passed by the 24
Legislature, establishing the Alaskan Medal of Honor. A
determination of what to call it was predetermined and the
Joint Armed Services Committee and they implemented that.
9:50:38 AM
Representative Kelly inquired if there had been discussion
regarding tracking what medal to give. Ms. Huber suggested
it could move through the creating procedural process,
accomplished over the interim if the bill passes. She
added that indicating medals for those still living was not
part of the initial directive; it would need to be
revisited.
9:52:11 AM
Representative Gara asked if there could be a way to make
the medal automatic so that it would not need to come to the
Legislature. Ms. Huber advised that the reason it comes to
the Legislature is that it creates a more formal process for
the award.
9:53:53 AM
Representative Foster agreed with the intent; however, noted
concern regarding those who have denounced the military. He
felt that vets, who had received a dishonorable discharge,
should not be eligible. Ms. Huber understood the concern,
indicating that the award is only given to those who have
died. She added that if there were concerns, they could be
addressed through the Joint Armed Services (JAS) Committee
process.
Representative Foster mentioned the deserters killed in
action.
9:56:43 AM
Representative Hawker supported concerns voiced by
Representative Foster, encouraging the legislation to be
held for reconsideration.
9:57:20 AM
Co-Chair Meyer indicated that the bill would be held in
Committee in order to consider the points recommended by
Representative Foster.
HB 244 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
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