Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1995-02-10 Senate Journal
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Full Journal pdf1995-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0238 SB 83 Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the appointment and removal of the commissioner of education. Existing law provides that the commissioner of education is the principal executive officer of the Department of Education. Section 1 of the bill amends AS14.07.145(a) to provide that the commissioner serves at the pleasure of the governor, as do commissioners of other state agencies. Section 2 of the bill repeals an existing provision that permits the appointment of the commissioner for a term of office not to exceed five years, and repeals language providing for removal of the commissioner from office for cause. Additionally, sec. 2 of the bill repeals the definition of "cause" regarding removal of the commissioner. Section 3 of the bill provides for an immediate effective date, in order to ensure that the next commissioner of education is appointed under the new terms, after the bill is enacted into law. Article III, section 25 of the Alaska Constitution provides that heads of each principal department should serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The provision in current law permitting the use of long- term contracts in the hiring of the commissioner for the Department of Education thwarts the purpose of this section of the Constitution. I urge your prompt action on this important measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 84 SENATE BILL NO. 84 BY SENATORS HALFORD, Phillips, Sharp, Green, Frank, Miller, entitled: