Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
03/25/2021 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| SB102 | |
| SB2 | |
| SB28 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 102 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 2 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 3 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 28 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 28-EST. APRIL 24 ALASKA CONSTITUTION DAY
5:14:03 PM
CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 28
"An Act establishing April 24 of each year as Vic Fischer and
Jack Coghill Constitution of the State of Alaska Day; and
providing for an effective date."
5:14:25 PM
CHAIR SHOWER recognized that Senator Reinbold and Senator
Kawasaki were present via Teams.
5:14:55 PM
SENATOR TOM BEGICH, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska,
sponsor of SB 28, introduced the legislation paraphrasing the
following sponsor statement:
On April 24, 1956, the citizens of Alaska ratified the
Constitution of the State of Alaska, "guaranteeing
that the individual will always be in-charge,"
enshrining our State's values of individual freedom,
local control, and personal anatomy at the core of our
Statehood. The purpose of our Constitution was to
"transmit to succeeding generations our heritage of
political, civil, and religious liberty within the
United of States."
Over the past 65 years, the laws and policies of our
state have remained relevant and true. Those 55
delegates so long ago provided a visionary template
for guided governance that has served this state well.
Now is the time to recognize the persistence of our
Constitution by establishing an annual reminder and
celebration of the continuity of our state's values.
SB 28 provides a bridge from the past to the future by
establishing the Vic Fischer and Jack Coghill
Constitution of the State of Alaska Day. If we know
where we have come from, we will better attend to
where we are going. As Alaska grapples with an
unprecedented pandemic and increasing fiscal
instability, let us all take a moment to remember the
actions and efforts that shaped the state we are today
and focus on the state we wish to become.
5:17:34 PM
LOKI TOBIN, Staff, Senator Tom Begich, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, presented the following sectional analysis for
SB 28:
Section 1.
Amends AS 44.12.010(a) by inserting subsection (5)
th
which denotes the 24 day of April, or Vic Fischer and
Jack Coghill Constitution of the State of Alaska Day,
as a legal holiday in the state of Alaska.
Section 2.
Conforms exceptions under AS 44.12.020 to align with
newly created subsection (5) under AS 44.12.010(a) to
ensure every Sunday continues to be recognized as a
legal holiday in the state of Alaska.
Section 3.
Inserts applicability language to ensure this
legislation does not void or create an unintended
impact on any existing state contract.
Section 4.
Establishes an effective date of July 1, 2021.
5:19:18 PM
CHAIR SHOWER opened public testimony on SB 28.
5:19:28 PM
RICK HALFORD, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, stated that
when he was first in the legislature in the late 1970s he had
some of the best teachers possible. They had worked on statehood
and created the Alaska Constitution. He interacted with both
Jack Coghill and Vic Fisher and while they came from opposite
perspectives, they reflected the commitment to the long-term
future of the state. The constitution itself represents that
balance and that should be protected. He described SB 28 as a
step in the right direction in recognition that the Alaska
Constitution is the best of all the states.
5:20:59 PM
BOB WALDROP, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that
he was speaking in support of SB 28 and his comments are made
with respect for the history and confidence in the future. He
related that in the 2011 message to citizens in the
constitutional booklet, Jack Coghill, former state senator,
lieutenant governor, and delegate to the constitution
convention, said the Alaska Constitution is a product of Alaska
pioneers, the spirit of independence, and self-government. It is
the guarantee that the individual will always be in charge.
MR. WALDROP said he believes that the Alaska Constitution
strikes a fair balance of the power of the people and the
executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He cited the
first article of the constitution that says all political power
is inherent in the people. Since statehood, the constitution has
guided Alaska through good and bad times, he said, and the
principles continue to be as relevant today as when Alaskans
ratified the constitution. He said SB 28 would serve as an
annual reminder of the debt owed to all the founders and the
means to navigate the seas ahead.
5:22:39 PM
CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony on SB 28 and held the bill
in committee for future consideration.