04/07/1999 01:40 PM Senate JUD

              SJR 14-ELECTION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
MR. MARK HODGINS, staff to Senator Jerry Ward, presented SJR 14.                                                                
MR. HODGINS explained that SJR 14 is similar to a bill that has                                                                 
already been heard by the Judiciary committee this session. SJR 14                                                              
is a constitutional amendment to elect the Attorney General.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MR. HODGINS said many state elect the Attorney General. Some people                                                             
feel when the Attorney General is appointed, as is done in Alaska,                                                              
he or she may not work in the best interest of the people of the                                                                
state, but rather works on behalf of the Governor, and toward the                                                               
Governor's political interests.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Number 210                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
CHAIRMAN TAYLOR asked if the bill places any restriction on future                                                              
offices the Attorney General may hold. MR. HODGINS replied there                                                                
were no restrictions in the bill. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR explained that                                                                
previous versions of this legislation contained restrictions on                                                                 
higher offices, so that a person elected to be Attorney General                                                                 
would be precluded from seeking higher office for a certain amount                                                              
of time. MR. HODGINS said the only restriction in the bill limits                                                               
the Attorney General to two terms.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Number 236                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR DONLEY moved SJR 14 with individual recommendations.                                                                    
SENATOR ELLIS objected. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR asked Senator Donley to                                                                 
withdraw his motion in order that he might work with the bill                                                                   
sponsor concerning restrictions on future office. SENATOR DONLEY                                                                
withdrew his motion.