Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
03/03/2015 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SCR2 | |
| HB43 | |
| HB1 | |
| SJR12 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SCR 2 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 43 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| HB 1 | |||
| *+ | SJR 12 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SJR 12-CONST. AM: ELECTED ATTORNEY GENERAL
9:52:08 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE called the committee back to order and announced
the consideration of SJR 12.
CHAIR STOLTZE, speaking as sponsor of SJR 12, noted that
constitutional amendments are a two-year process. He said that
43 other states have elected attorney generals. He opined that
the office should serve the people of Alaska, not a body
politic. He said SJR 12 does not reflect upon the current
occupant of Alaska's Office of Attorney General.
9:54:17 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE said he agrees with former-Governor Egan when he
said during the Constitutional Convention, "I'm in favor of a
strong executive branch of government in order that the people
might ever be able to place the finger of responsibility without
buck passing. One office, I feel, should most certainly remain
elected is that of the state attorney general. It would seem to
me that this would provide a safeguard against a strong chief
executive usurping the powers of his office." Chair Stoltze
opined that the attorney general is the most appropriate
advocate to speak up for the people of Alaska. He said there has
been bi-partisan support for this idea, which has been before
the legislature many times, but has not been successful. He
thought the people of Alaska would support SJR 12.
9:57:39 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE stated that it was the first hearing on SJR 12 and
there was no public testimony today. He said it is his intent to
keep public testimony open throughout the process.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI reviewed the qualifications for the
lieutenant governor and suggested there be requirements to be a
state resident for a period of time and an attorney for a period
of time. A number of states have similar provisions.
CHAIR STOLTZE noted those issues have been discussed in the
past. He said he is open to those types of changes.
10:00:36 AM
SENATOR COGHILL stated that he will have to review the general
qualifications in the executive and legislative branches in
order to attempt to achieve consistency.
CHAIR STOLTZE commented that SJR 12 is a critical policy issue
and he takes it seriously.
SENATOR COGHILL pointed out that an elected attorney general
puts that position into a political realm, which he finds hard
to justify.
CHAIR STOLTZE replied that there is an element of politics in
any position.
10:03:13 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS asked if the resolution usurps the judicial
council in any way.
CHAIR STOLTZE answered no.
He invited people to testify on the bill or contact his office.
SENATOR COGHILL noted that the legislature takes seriously the
voice of the people.
10:05:08 AM
DANIEL GEORGE, Staff, Senator Bill Stoltze, Alaska State
Legislature, provided information related to SJR 12. He related
that in territorial days the attorney general was an elected
office and it was debated at the Constitutional Convention with
strong feelings on both sides. He said it is the 26th such
proposal in the legislature. He provided some of the legislative
history of the bill, including qualifications for the position.
CHAIR STOLTZE expressed hope that at the end of the two-year
session, SJR 12 would be before the voters. He noted it will
take a super majority to pass.
10:06:54 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE held SJR 12 in committee.