SB 118-CMTE ON NULLIFICATION OF FEDERAL LAWS  4:03:34 PM CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 118 "An Act establishing the committee on nullification of federal laws; and providing a directive to the lieutenant governor." 4:03:51 PM SENATOR REINBOLD, speaking as sponsor of SB 118, introduced the legislation first by reading from a document authored by the North American Law Center. [A copy of the document is in the bill file.] She further introduced the bill speaking to the following sponsor statement: [Original punctuation provided.] The purpose of SB 118 is to invalidate any federal law that the state views as unconstitutional. Thomas Jefferson wrote "nullification?is the rightful remedy" in a draft of the Kentucky resolution in 1798. There are more than a dozen other states include Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Iowa. SB118 creates a committee to review federal law and exercise state sovereignty. The committee is comprised of the President of the senate, six members and not more than 4 from one political party, and the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker as well as 6 appointed members not more than 4 from each political party. 4:10:18 PM SENATOR REINBOLD said it is important for the people to understand that any federal law or mandate that is unconstitutional on its face does not need to be nullified. The Committee on Nullification of Federal Laws is a formal committee of the legislative branch that is created to address serious issues such as the infringement on gun rights. 4:11:28 PM SENATOR REINBOLD paraphrased the following sectional analysis for SB 118: [Original punctuation provided.] Section One: Establishes a committee on Nullification of Federal Laws as a permanent interim committee of the legislature composed of: a. President of the senate, or the President's designee b. Six members of the senate appointed by the president of the senate with no more than four members being of the same political party. c. The Speaker of the House of Representatives or the speakers designee d. Six members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker with not more than four members being of the same political party. Section Two: Adds a new section, Directive, the Lt. Governor shall forward a copy of the enrolled version of this bill to the President of the United Sates, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Alaska congressional delegation. CHAIR SHOWER found no questions or comments 4:12:45 PM CHAIR SHOWER opened public testimony on SB 118. 4:13:21 PM STUART THOMPSON, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska stated that SB 118 is a good idea and constitutionally justified in the pursuit of the philosophy of the separation of powers and a series of checks and balances. The founders understood that abuse of power and government corruption has the potential to grow through time. He highlighted that Art. XII, Sec. 14 empowers the legislature or the Alaska people to check federal statutes infringing upon certain Alaskan interests. He suggested the members of the committee formed by this bill study and comprehend this provision. He recommended modifications to the bill to defend it against inappropriate attacks or uncontrolled judicial interpretation. He urged the committee to pass the bill quickly. 4:16:10 PM MIKE COONS, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, stated full support for SB 118. He charged that Congress and the White House are attacking constitutional rights on a daily basis. He said Alaska is thankfully a sanctuary state due to previous legislatures. He emphasized that Alaska, along with other conservative constitution-loving states must join in to tell the socialist Congress and now the White House a resounding no. He said the constitution did not envision a central government but rather a group of states with powers. He said nullification is a solid existing law for both individuals and the state to use to address harmful federal laws. He said this legislation is needed and he hopes other states follow Alaska's example. 4:18:59 PM CHRIS EICHENLAUB, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska stated that he was speaking in support of SB 118 because it is a great idea. He thanked the sponsor for introducing the bill. CHAIR SHOWER expressed concern that regardless of which party is in office, there has been a consistent march toward federal supremacy. He voiced support for local control. 4:20:25 PM CHRISTINE HUTCHINSON, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, stated support for SB 118 and the sovereign rights of states. She said the federal government is overrunning states' rights and it is the obligation of each state to hold the federal government accountable for infringing. She expressed hope that all Senators support SB 118 and urged them to read her POMS. 4:21:25 PM CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony on SB 118 and advised that written testimony could be sent to ssta@akleg.gov and it would be entered into the public record. [SB 118 was held in committee.]