Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2018-02-16 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2018-02-16 Senate Journal Page 2030 SB 186 SENATE BILL NO. 186 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to voter registration; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated February 15: Dear President Kelly: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to voter registration and Permanent Fund Dividend applications. This bill would make clarifying amendments to the voter registration and Permanent Fund Dividend application statutes amended in 2016 by ballot measure 15PFVR, which created a process for Alaskans to register to vote using their Permanent Fund Dividend application. The bill would clarify that the Director of the Division of Elections must treat eligible Permanent Fund Dividend applicants as a new or updated voter registrations, unless an applicant declines to provide the statutory required information for voter registration. The bill would also specify that the Director will process the registration information received and notify the applicant of his or her registration status. Finally, the bill would make harmonizing amendments to AS 43.23.016 governing record sharing procedures from the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue to the Director of the Division of Elections. If passed, this bill would save an estimated $200,000 annually in mailing costs and efficiencies such as fully automating the voter registration process and reducing paper transactions. 2018-02-16 Senate Journal Page 2031 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor