Legislature(1995 - 1996)

04/22/1995 10:05 AM Senate JUD

Audio Topic
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
txt
          HJR  1 REPEAL OF REGULATIONS BY LEGISLATURE                         
                                                                              
 KYLE PARKER, legislative aide to Representative Gail Phillips,                
 sponsor of HJR 1, gave the following testimony.  HJR 1 is a                   
 proposal to place a constitutional amendment before the voters on             
 the 1996 general election ballot.  The amendment would permit the             
 Legislature to repeal regulations promulgated by state agencies               
 that do not properly implement state statutes.  Although many                 
 regulations do conform to and accurately implement the laws passed            
 by the Legislature, often legislative directives or regulations are           
 promulgated that go far beyond the scope of the legislative intent,           
 and once regulations go into effect, they have the full force of              
 law.  This is the one area that is beyond voter access, yet the               
 regulations affect every aspect of the voters' lives.  This                   
 proposal has been before the voters three different times, and has            
 failed each time, however with clear presentation and ballot                  
 language, Alaskans now understand how regulations affect their                
 daily lives, and will most likely support this ballot measure.                
                                                                               
 Number 071                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR GREEN asked if HJR 1 has received widespread support.  MR.            
 PARKER replied it has received support from a variety of groups               
 across the state and most testimony has been favorable.  He added             
 it passed the House by a vote of 34 to 4.                                     
                                                                               
 Number 085                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR noted the Department of Law is opposed to HJR 1.               
 MR. PARKER commented the Department of Law has sent the identical             
 letter in opposition each time the proposal has been introduced.              
                                                                               
 Number 100                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS noted his opposition to placing the measure before              
 the voters, since it has failed repeatedly.                                   
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR commented no past Governor has supported this                  
 proposal.  MR. PARKER agreed but added the Lt. Governor voted in              
 favor of the proposal last year.                                              
                                                                               
 Number 116                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR MILLER moved HJR 1 from committee with individual                     
 recommendations.  SENATOR ADAMS objected.  The motion carried with            
 Senators Taylor, Green, and Miller voting "Yea," and Senator Adams            
 voting "Nay."                                                                 

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