Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2006-05-31 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2006-05-31 House Journal Page 4102 HB 2002 HOUSE BILL NO. 2002 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act conferring original jurisdiction on the Alaska Supreme Court for the purpose of providing judicial review of a contract executed under the Alaska Stranded Gas Development Act, and setting the time in which a contract developed under that Act, or a statute of limitations regarding that contract, must be legally challenged; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources 2. Zero, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated May 31, 2006, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill conferring original jurisdiction on the Alaska Supreme Court for the purpose of providing judicial review of a contract executed under the Alaska Stranded Gas Development Act, and setting the time in which a contract developed under that Act, or a statute of limitations regarding that contract, must be legally challenged. This bill would give the Alaska Supreme Court original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear a challenge to a fiscal contract under the Alaska Stranded Gas Development Act (AS 43.82). This bill would also shorten from 120 to 60 days the period during which such a challenge must be filed. 2006-05-31 House Journal Page 4103 The bill's provisions are intended to allow for prompt and direct resolution of any challenge to a stranded gas fiscal contract or its authorizing law. Pending lawsuits cause uncertainty in the minds of project developers. It is in everyone's interests to have in place a process that expedites ultimate resolution of such challenges and thereby eliminates uncertainty about the validity and enforceability of an authorizing law or the terms of a fiscal contract. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"