SB 119-OATH OF OFFICE  1:44:19 PM CHAIR HOLLAND announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 119 "An Act relating to oaths of office; and requiring public officers to read the state constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution." [CSSB 119(EDC) was before the committee.] CHAIR HOLLAND stated that SB 119 was previously heard on 1/31/22 and 2/2/2022. Public testimony was closed on 2/2/2022. 1:44:37 PM CHAIR HOLLAND moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 32- LS0163\G.2. 32-LS0163\G.2 Marx 2/1/22 AMENDMENT 1 OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HOLLAND TO: CSSB 119(EDC) Page 1, line 2: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 1, line 6: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 2, line 2: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 2, lines 7 - 8: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 2, lines 13 - 14: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 2, lines 19 - 20: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 2, lines 25 - 26: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 3, lines 3 - 4: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 3, lines 10 - 11: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 3, lines 17 - 18: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," Page 3, line 23: Delete ", the Declaration of Independence," SENATOR SHOWER objected for discussion purposes. 1:44:52 PM CHAIR HOLLAND explained that Amendment 1 would remove references to the Declaration of Independence since state law requires public officials to swear an oath to the US Constitution and Alaska Constitution. However, he said the oath that members take does not refer to the Declaration of Independence. As Senator Kiehl pointed out, expanding the required reading list could open the door to any number of materials that anyone might think is essential. 1:45:32 PM SENATOR SHOWER asked the sponsor to comment on Amendment 1. 1:45:49 PM SENATOR LORA REINBOLD, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 119, said that the United States is one nation under God, and it should soar like an eagle. The US Constitution provides the most powerful protection for individual liberties. She said the charter is the mission statement, which is the Declaration of Independence. The US Constitution provides a set of bylaws that accompanies the charter. For example, it outlines due process and how the charter takes place. She opined that the charter and bylaws are inseparable. She characterized it as two wings that allow the eagle to fly. She expressed concern that some justices view the US Constitution as a living document. However, going back to the mission statement clarifies and identifies the goals of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. It protects individuals and keeps the judicial branch in its lane. She said she objects to Amendment 1. 1:47:36 PM SENATOR SHOWER stated his support for Amendment 1 but said he could go either way. SENATOR SHOWER maintained his objection. CHAIR HOLLAND recognized Senator Hughes wished to comment. 1:48:01 PM SENATOR HUGHES offered her view that tying it into oath is important. She said she hopes that anyone who steps up to serve in any elected or appointed position reads and becomes familiar with the Declaration of Independence. However, she did not think it fits in SB 119 because the statutes relate to the oath, and even the short title of the bill is "Oaths of Office." She said she would stick with the readings actually tied to the oath itself. 1:49:47 PM SENATOR MYERS, (via Teams), echoed what Senator Hughes said. He acknowledged that the Declaration of Independence identifies the purpose of government, including the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, which is the most well-known language. However, the vast majority of the Declaration of Independence is a list of grievances against England. And while that's important historically, it isn't as important when it comes to taking an oath. He suggested that other documents that pertain to the point of government, could include John Locke's Second Treatise of Government and similar documents. He offered his view that removing it would help the legislature to narrow the focus to the oath public officials take. 1:51:19 PM SENATOR SHOWER maintained his objection. 1:51:33 PM A roll call vote was taken. Senators Hughes, Myers, Kiehl, and Holland voted in favor of Amendment 1, and Senator Shower voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 1 passed by a 4:1 vote. 1:51:20 PM SENATOR REINBOLD made closing remarks. She offered her view that it is vitally important when the executive branch and judicial branch overreach to understand that the US Constitution was put in place to keep the government "in its lane" and protect individual liberties. She said she hoped that the bill would move from the committee. 1:52:55 PM SENATOR SHOWER moved to report SB 119, work order 32-LS0163\G, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR HOLLAND heard no objection, and CSSB 119(JUD) was reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.