Legislature(2003 - 2004)
03/03/2004 08:05 AM Senate JUD
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 31-INITIATIVE/REFERENDUM PETITIONS
HJR 5-CONST AM: INITIATIVE/REFERENDUM PETITIONS
9:13 a.m.
MR. TIM BARRY, staff to Representative Williams, sponsor of HB
31 and HJR 5, reminded members that at the last hearing, Senator
Ogan asked about limiting the scope of HJR 5 and HB 31 to
wildlife initiatives. He told members that Representative
Williams has been working on this legislation for six years now,
during which time various suggestions have been made. The
current version has developed statewide support and he is
reluctant to make any changes at this time.
SENATOR FRENCH asked how the two pieces of legislation work
together.
MR. BARRY explained that the Constitution sets out the procedure
to put a question on the ballot. In addition, statutory language
also addresses that process. In order to make this change, both
the Constitution and statute will have to be amended. The
statutory change is contingent upon passage of the
constitutional amendment by the voters.
SENATOR FRENCH said he understands that people from Anchorage
drive the initiative process while rural folks don't get to
participate, with the exception of one voter from a district. He
asked Mr. Barry to elaborate on the sponsor's concerns about
wildlife initiatives.
CHAIR SEEKINS interjected that a good illustration is on the
charts of district participation in initiative petitions, and
the concern is that the primary movers of initiatives that get
on the ballot are from the urban areas; there is very little
inclusion of the rural folks in the initial question. He said he
agrees with the premise that expanding the requirements to a
broader cross section of the community that includes rural folks
is more equitable.
MR. BARRY agreed and said Representative Williams has heard from
many people who are concerned about what could happen, such as
in California where the legislature's hands are tied by the
initiative process. In addition, he has heard many concerns
about out-of-state organizations that create an issue over
wildlife management that is not of concern to many Alaskans.
When these bills were debated on the House floor, rural
legislators discussed the English-only initiative that was on
the ballot a few years ago.
CHAIR SEEKINS announced that with no further participants,
public testimony was closed.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved HJR 5 from committee with its attached
fiscal notes.
SENATOR OGAN stated that some will claim this legislation is a
legislative power grab in an attempt to end run the will of the
voters. He said he believes this legislation goes a long way to
change the perception of rural Alaskans that the will of the
urban areas is being foisted on them. This will not undo the
will of the voters at all because the voters will cast their
vote on the measures. He said this accurately takes into account
the shift in demographics toward the urban areas and will better
reflect the will of people throughout the state.
CHAIR SEEKINS agreed and said it is an attempt to make the
political process more inclusive. He then announced that with no
objection, HJR 5 moved from committee.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved HB 31 and its attached fiscal notes
with individual recommendations from committee.
CHAIR SEEKINS announced that without objection, the motion
carried.
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