2024-02-21                     House Journal                      Page 1570
HB 386                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 386 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
    "An Act relating to the obstruction of airports and runways;                                                                
    relating to the obstruction of highways; establishing the crime of                                                          
    obstruction of free passage in public places; relating to the                                                               
    obstruction of public places; relating to the crime of trespassing;                                                         
    relating to the obstruction of navigable waters; and providing for                                                          
    an effective date."                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary                                                        
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Zero, Dept. of Public Safety                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20 follows:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Tilton:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to obstruction of access                                                        
to public places. The bill increases the penalties for obstructing                                                              

2024-02-21                     House Journal                      Page 1571
highways and navigable waterways, and for criminal trespass, where                                                              
there is a substantial risk of physical harm or interference with                                                               
emergency response. The bill expands criminal liability for obstructing                                                         
airport runways. The bill also establishes a new crime of obstruction in                                                        
public places. Finally, the bill creates a new civil cause of action by                                                         
any person who is obstructed and provides for statutory damages in                                                              
addition to compensatory and other damages. Liability extends to                                                                
persons and organizations that conspire with or encourage anyone who                                                            
engages in public obstruction.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Alaskans have a constitutional liberty interest in freely moving about                                                          
the State. This bill will protect the right to freedom of movement                                                              
against infringement by increasing and expanding existing criminal                                                              
prohibitions on obstructing public places and rights of way and by                                                              
establishing new civil liability for obstruction of public places.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                               * * * * *                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker stated that the House would stand at ease to allow                                                                  
members of the Senate to enter the House Chamber; and so, the House                                                             
stood at ease at 10:45 a.m.