Legislature(1993 - 1994)
02/11/1994 01:15 PM House JUD
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HJR 22 - LEGISLATURE OF 25 SENATORS, 50 REP'S Number 389 KARLA SCHOFIELD, Legislative Affairs Agency (LAA), testified that the LAA was neutral on the bill; however, if passed they would do what was required to implement the bill. REP. NORDLUND noted that the fiscal note from LAA was about $4 million and asked if LAA was taking into account that they might have to expand the chambers and so on. Number 389 MS. SCHOFIELD said that number reflected LAA's capital request and additional space would be needed during the interim, plus there is probably not enough room in the Capitol building to accommodate additional legislators. Number 410 LARRY LABOLLE, legislative aide to Rep. Richard Foster, Prime Sponsor of HJR 22, testified that the idea behind the bill is to get people thinking about what legislative districts will look like during the 2000 reapportionment. He said the legislature should not be looking in terms of the number of people represented, but in terms of the geographical area you have to travel over in terms of campaigning and trying to address the needs of a widely diverse area. Mr. LaBolle said Rep. Foster is not looking at getting the resolution passed this year, but to try to find as wide a forum as possible and to get as many people, at least in the legislature, thinking about the concept, and ultimately it would be up to the people on a constitutional amendment. Mr. LaBolle said they would not support a change taking place until redistricting occurs in 2000. REP. JAMES commented that HJR 22 is probably timely, except that it looks like there will be a lot of things on the 1994 ballot, and with the current financial situation, it's probably not a wise idea to have it on the ballot in 1994, but 1996 would probably be better. She added that she's also concerned about the representation in the Bush communities, but technology could help and might be cheaper than putting more people in the legislature. Number 492 REP. GREEN noted that the fiscal note starts in 1996, but the sponsor's intention is not to have the resolution take effect until 2000, and asked why the fiscal note did not reflect that. Number 499 MR. LABOLLE responded that it was unintentional; basically they are testing the waters. Number 510 REP. GREEN noted that HJR 22 does have a significant fiscal note for both operating and capital costs, and it would impact the state's revenue stream significantly, and in the meantime we are asking other parts of government to cut their budgets, and asked for Mr. LaBolle's comments. Number 528 MR. LABOLLE replied that there is nothing sacrosanct about the current organization of the legislature. He discussed the size of legislative staff and said he doesn't think the legislature can even sustain its current budget. Number 536 REP. KOTT commented that the committee ought to evaluate legislation on the merit, not on fiscal considerations, which should be addressed by the Finance Committee. Rep. Kott said that the courts require a look at population, but says nothing about geography. He added that technology will help in representing rural Alaska. Number 587 The committee discussed the impact of having 50 representatives and 25 senators, discussed unicameral legislatures, the fiscal note, and the issue of population versus geography. Number 751 JOE SWANSON, Director, Division of Elections, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, testified regarding the division's fiscal note, which only addresses reapportionment, and reminded the committee that with every reapportionment the state has gone through there have been a number of lawsuits. He said the one thing Elections did not mention in their fiscal note is that there would probably be increased ballot costs in that every additional ballot costs $50,000. Number 770 MR. SWANSON commented that the Justice Department looks at a district and whether or not any individual's rights are infringed on, they do not look at geography, they look at each district which, under this legislation, would increase the likelihood of lawsuits. Number 785 REP. PORTER requested that Mr. LaBolle discuss with Rep. Foster what action he would like the committee to take regarding HJR 22. Number 830 CHAIRMAN PORTER said he would hold HJR 22 until Rep. Foster indicates what he wants the committee to do with the legislation. ADJOURNMENT CHAIRMAN PORTER adjourned the House Judiciary Committee at 2:30 p.m.
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