02/07/1996 01:30 PM Senate JUD

       SJR 31 VOTER APPROVAL:AK STATEHOOD ACT AMENDMENT                      
                                                                               
 The next order of business was SJR 31.  SENATOR GREEN moved to                
 adopt the committee substitute.  SENATOR ADAMS objected to the                
 motion, and asked for an explanation of changes made in the                   
 committee substitute.                                                         
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR discussed the changes.  On page 1, line 9, the                 
 original legislation provided that a law, enacted by the                      
 legislature, giving the approval of the state to an amendment to              
 the statehood compact, would require the legislature to vote                  
 affirmatively on any change to the compact through a piece of                 
 legislation.  That legislation would then go to the public for                
 ratification at a general election.  The committee substitute                 
 allows the public to vote on the issue itself, without being                  
 preempted by the Legislature.  This would give the public the                 
 chance to voice its opinion before the legislature takes formal               
 action.  This legislation would only have effect upon the statehood           
 compact and would not provide the legislature with an expanded                
 opportunity to send referendums to the public.                                
                                                                               
 Number 165                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS asked if the proposed legislation would affect AS               
 01.01.011, regarding oil revenue distribution.  SENATOR TAYLOR                
 replied it would not.  SENATOR ADAMS if the legislature could still           
 pass legislation according to AS 01.10.011.  SENATOR TAYLOR stated            
 the legislature could, until this resolution was approved by a vote           
 of the people.  At that time, the Constitution would be amended and           
 provide that future changes made to the statehood compact would               
 require voter approval prior to legislative action.  It does not              
 impact the 1976 decision, but would impact future decisions.                  
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS removed his objection to adoption of the Senate                 
 Judiciary committee substitute, therefore the motion carried.                 
                                                                               
 SENATOR GREEN moved CSSJR 31 (Jud) out of committee with individual           
 recommendations.  SENATOR ELLIS objected.  A roll call vote was               
 taken with Senators Adams and Ellis voting "nay," and Senators                
 Taylor and Green voting "yea."  The motion failed.                            
 SENATOR GREEN moved CSSJR 31 out of committee with individual                 
 recommendations.  SENATOR ADAMS objected.  A roll call vote was               
 taken with Senators Adams and Ellis voting "nay," and Senators                
 Taylor, Green and Miller voting "yea."  CSSJR 31 moved from                   
 committee with individual recommendations.                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS repeated his concern that the measure would not have            
 the necessary votes to pass on the Senate floor.