Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2006-12-29 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2006-12-29 House Journal Page 4429 HB 4001 The following letter, dated December 28, 2006, was received: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority vested in me by art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I have vetoed the following bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 4001(FIN) am(efd fld) "An Act prohibiting the commissioner of administration from adopting, allowing to become law, or implementing regulations that grant or extend employment-related benefits to same-sex 2006-12-29 House Journal Page 4430 partners of state employees and members of the state retirement systems unless expressly authorized by statute." The Alaska Supreme Court issued an order on December 19, 2006, that made effective regulations to provide employment-related benefits to same-sex partners of public employees and members of the state retirement systems. The Department of Law has advised me that the Alaska Supreme Court is likely to find that this bill is unconstitutional and, therefore, the bill would not effectively prohibit the provision of benefits under those regulations. The regulations are already in effect in accordance with the court's order of December 19, 2006. Allowing this bill to become law would violate my oath of office to uphold and defend the Constitution of the State of Alaska. Please know that this veto does not signal any change or modification to my disagreement with the action and order by the Alaska Supreme Court. It is my intention to work with the legislature and to give the people of Alaska an opportunity to express their wishes and intentions whether these benefits should continue. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor"