2002-08-14                     House Journal                      Page 4068
veto intent or other language even if that language is unconstitutional.                            
Therefore, the fact that these language provisions remain in the bill                               
should not necessarily be construed as agreement with the content.                                  
For example, since the courts have clearly stated that the state cannot                             
deny funding for abortions when pregnancy services are funded, my                                   
administration will disregard that unconstitutional language even                                   
though I cannot veto it.                                                                            
                                                                                                    
There is a major constitutional issue relating to the language with                                 
which the legislature attempts to limit expenditures for abortions.  The                            
executive branch is already under court order in State of Alaska, Dept.                             
of Health & Social Services v. Planned Parenthood of Alaska to                                      
operate the Medicaid program in a constitutional manner by paying for                               
therapeutic or medically necessary abortions.  I will abide by the                                  
decision of the court as to whether these abortions must be paid for in                             
FY2003.                                                                                             
                                                                                                    
                                             Sincerely,                                            
                                             /s/                                                    
                                             Tony Knowles                                           
                                              Governor"                                            
                                                                                                    
HB 418                                                                                            
A message dated June 28, 2002, was received stating the Governor has                                
signed the following bill and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled                            
copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing:                                    
                                                                                                    
      CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 418(L&C)                                                                
      "An Act amending the Alaska Corporations Code as it relates to                                
      delivery of annual reports, notice of shareholders' meetings, proxy                           
      statements, and other information and items to shareholders, to                               
      voting, and to proxies, including electronic proxy voting and                                 
      proxy signing; and providing for an effective date."                                          
                                                                                                    
      Chapter No. 103, SLA 2002                                                                     
      Effective Date:  See Chapter                                                                  
                                                                                                    
HB 443                                                                                            
A message dated June 28, 2002, was received stating the Governor has                                
signed the following bill and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled