00                      CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 235(STA)                                                                    
01 "An Act creating the North Star Medal."                                                                                 
02 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
03    * Section 1. AS 44.09 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                  
04 Sec. 44.09.095.  North Star Medal.  (a) The governor is authorized to award                                           
05 the North Star Medal directly or posthumously to any peace officer, correctional                                      
06 officer, firefighter, first responder, or member of a volunteer search and rescue group                                 
07 who dies or is seriously injured in the line of duty and has displayed exceptional                                      
08       bravery or heroism while performing those duties.                                                                 
09            (b)  The governor shall present recipients of the North Star Medal with a                                  
10       ribbon, medal, and citation during a ceremony that may not take place more than once                              
11       a year. The North Star Medal will be awarded to the recipient or, in the event the                              
12       recipient is no longer living, to the recipient's next of kin.                                                    
13 (c)  Nominations for the North Star Medal must be submitted to the                                                    
14 commissioner of public safety by the highest ranking supervisor in the department or                                    
15 organization of the nominee.  After reviewing the nominations, the commissioner of                                      

01       public safety shall submit the name or names of persons recommended for the North                                 
02       Star Medal to the governor for approval.