LR015
Resolve: LR015
Source Root: HCR011
Year: 2003
Source Bill: CSHCR 11(FSH) am
Relating to Alaska Wild Salmon Week, June 30 - July 4, 2003._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the State of Alaska has rebuilt salmon runs from levels during latter territorial days when fisheries were under federal control; and
WHEREAS the Alaska wild salmon fishery today constitutes the largest commercial wild salmon fishery in the world, employing more than 29,000 people and having a product value of more than $272,000,000 in 2001; and
WHEREAS Alaska wild salmon shall be managed by maximum sustained yield principles to ensure future runs, ongoing sport, commercial, and subsistence fishing industries, and employment for Alaskans; and
WHEREAS Alaska wild salmon is certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; and
WHEREAS Alaska wild salmon and its habitats are protected to maintain resource productivity; and
WHEREAS the individual harvesting of Alaska wild salmon is an important Alaska tradition with immeasurable economic and personal benefits for hundreds of thousands of Alaskans; and
WHEREAS Alaska wild salmon has historically provided sustenance for generations in our state through traditional subsistence and personal use harvest; and
WHEREAS Alaska wild salmon is recognized as a healthy, nutritious food resource rich in Omega 3 oils and other vital nutrients; and
WHEREAS the Alaska wild salmon fishery supports community economies throughout Alaska;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature designates the week of June 30 - July 4, 2003, as Alaska Wild Salmon Week, and calls on the people of Alaska to observe the week by participating in activities focusing on the catching and eating of salmon.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Frank Murkowski, Governor; Ray Riutta, Executive Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR016
Resolve: LR016
Source Root: HCR007
Year: 2003
Source Bill: CSHCR 7(RLS)
Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to executive sessions of legislative bodies; and providing for an effective date for the amendment._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA: * Section 1. Rule 22(b), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, is amended to read:
(b) A legislative body may call an executive session at which members of the general public may be excluded for the following reasons:
(1) discussion of matters, the immediate knowledge of which would adversely affect the finances of a government unit;
(2) discussion of subjects that tend to prejudice the reputation and character of a person;
(3) discussion of a matter that may, by law, be required to be confidential;
(4) discussion of a matter the public knowledge of which would adversely affect the security of the state or nation, or adversely affect the security of a governmental unit or agency.
* Sec. 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution takes effect immediately.
LR017
Resolve: LR017
Source Root: HCR020
Year: 2003
Source Bill: HCR 20
Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 115, relating to correctional industries._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of Senate Bill No. 115, relating to correctional industries.
LR018
Resolve: LR018
Source Root: SCR009
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCR 9
Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 52, relating to the forfeiture of certain property used in certain crimes._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of House Bill No. 52, relating to the forfeiture of certain property used in certain crimes.
LR019
Resolve: LR019
Source Root: SJR017
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SJR 17Relating to the Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Relations Accord, to annual legislative exchanges, and to continuing intergovernmental work on matters of joint concern and mutual interest._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the citizens of Yukon Territory, Canada, and the citizens of Alaska share many interests and connections and have long enjoyed an extensive and open common border; and
WHEREAS the Yukon Legislative Assembly and the Alaska State legislature have a longstanding tradition of annual legislative exchanges since 1980; and
WHEREAS Pat Duncan, the former Premier of the Yukon, and Tony Knowles, the former Governor of Alaska, signed the Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Relations Accord on September 8, 2000, for Alaska and the Yukon Territory to work together on matters of joint concern and enter into specific cooperative arrangements; and
WHEREAS the Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Relations Accord will expire on September 8, 2003;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the extension of the Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Relations Accord; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature offers to continue to engage in annual legislative exchanges with the Yukon Legislative Assembly and to continue to work with the Yukon Legislative Assembly on matters of joint concern and mutual interest.
A COPY of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Dennis Fentie, Premier of Yukon Territory.
LR020
Resolve: LR020
Source Root: SJR010
Year: 2003
Source Bill: HCS SJR 10(JUD)Relating to the Pledge of Allegiance._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS this country was founded on religious freedom by founders, many of whom were deeply religious; and
WHEREAS the First Amendment to the United States Constitution embodies principles intended to guarantee freedom of religion both through the free exercise of religion and by prohibiting the government's establishing a religion; and
WHEREAS the Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, and was first published in the September 8, 1892, issue of Youth's Companion; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, the United States Congress added the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance; and
WHEREAS President Eisenhower, in adding these words, said "These words will remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man, and upon which our way of life is founded."; and
WHEREAS, for nearly 50 years, the Pledge of Allegiance has included references to the United States flag and the country; this country has been established as a union "under God," being dedicated to securing "liberty and justice for all"; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, the United States Congress believed it was acting constitutionally when it revised the Pledge of Allegiance; and
WHEREAS patriotic songs, engravings on United States legal tender, engravings on federal buildings, and the Preamble to the Constitution of the State of Alaska also contain general references to "God"; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with decisions of the United States Supreme Court, public school students cannot be forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance without violating their First Amendment rights; and
WHEREAS a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has ruled in Newdow v. U.S. Congress that the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance violate the Establishment Clause when recited by students in public schools; and
WHEREAS the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has voted not to have the full court, en banc, reconsider the decision of the panel; and
WHEREAS the Senate of the 108th United States Congress strongly disapproves of a decision by a panel of the Ninth Circuit in Newdow v. U.S. Congress, and the decision of the full court not to reconsider this case en banc; and resolves to authorize and instruct the Senate Legal Counsel either to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, or to file an amicus curiae brief in support of the continuing constitutionality of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature concurs with and supports review by the United States Supreme Court of the decision Newdow v. U.S. Congress.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Theodore B. Olson, Solicitor General of the United States; the Honorable Ted Stevens, President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate and member of the Alaska delegation in Congress; the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR021
Resolve: LR021
Source Root: SJR005
Year: 2003
Source Bill: CSSJR 5(STA)Urging the President of the United States and the Congress to act to ensure that federal agencies do not retain records relating to lawful purchase or ownership of firearms gathered through the Brady Handgun Bill instant check system._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States protects the right of all citizens to keep and bear arms; and
WHEREAS art. I, sec. 19, Constitution of the State of Alaska, clarifies that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right in Alaska; and
WHEREAS the intent of H.R. 1025, known as the Brady Handgun Bill, when passed by the Congress was to create an instant criminal background check system that kept records only on individuals who are prohibited from lawfully owning firearms; and
WHEREAS the Brady Handgun Bill specifically states that, when a call to the instant check system reveals that a person may lawfully own firearms, "the system shall . . . destroy all records of the system with respect to the call (other than the identifying number and the date the number was assigned) and all records of the system relating to the person or the transfer." (18 U.S.C. 922(t)(2)(C)); and
WHEREAS the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicated an intent to keep records gathered through the Brady Handgun Bill instant check system regarding lawful owners of firearms in its data banks for "audit purposes"; and
WHEREAS the actions of the FBI are contrary to both the letter and the spirit of the Brady Handgun Bill and further erode the constitutional right of Alaskans to keep and bear arms;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully urges the President of the United States to ensure that federal agencies comply with the law prohibiting them from maintaining information regarding lawful owners of firearms in violation of the Brady Handgun Bill; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully urges the Congress to make any necessary statutory changes to prevent federal agencies from maintaining information regarding the lawful possession of firearms.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; Robert Mueller, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Honorable Bill Frist, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR022
Resolve: LR022
Source Root: SJR016
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SJR 16
Encouraging the federal government to end the federal subsidy of ethanol, and requesting the Congress of the United States to mandate that land currently used to grow corn for the production of ethanol be returned to its natural state._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS it is usually inappropriate for one state to interfere in the resource development of another state; and
WHEREAS California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin are among the top 20 states that produce ethanol; and
WHEREAS both United States Senators who represent those states voted against including revenue from oil production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in S.Con.Res. 23, the fast-track budget reconciliation bill in the United States Senate, thereby interfering with the resource development of Alaska; and
WHEREAS 6.2 percent of the nation's corn crop is used to produce ethanol; and
WHEREAS growth of the federal budget deficit is harmful to the nation's economy; and
WHEREAS the federal government subsidizes the production of ethanol at 5.3 cents a gallon, resulting in a reduction in federal excise tax receipts of over $1,000,000,000 during fiscal year 2002, and resulting in a loss to the Federal Highway Trust Fund between 1979 and 2000 of between $7,500,000,000 and $11,000,000,000; and
WHEREAS the cost of that subsidy is expected to grow each year; and
WHEREAS 49 percent of ethanol is produced by four corporations, and 35 percent is produced by Archer Daniels Midland alone, causing the federal ethanol subsidy to be a corporate welfare program imposed on consumers and drivers across the nation; and
WHEREAS the federal mandate for oxygenated fuels has increased gasoline prices across the country; and
WHEREAS the use of ethanol leads to emissions of acetaldehyde, a toxic air pollutant, and to carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas; and
WHEREAS the National Research Council recently concluded that including ethanol in gasoline may have little overall impact on reducing ozone formation; and
WHEREAS ethanol leads to a decrease of approximately three percent in vehicle energy efficiency; and
WHEREAS it takes nearly as much energy from fossil fuels to produce ethanol as the ethanol supplies, even if efficient methods of farming and production are used; and
WHEREAS the General Accounting Office has concluded that the ethanol tax incentive has done little to promote energy security; and
WHEREAS the corn grown to produce ethanol is grown on lands that were once wild, supporting many species of animals, insects, plants, and birds; and
WHEREAS those who value wilderness and natural lands gather solace in knowing Alaska's resources are not being developed for profit, for the good of Alaska's people, or for national energy security;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the federal government to end the federal subsidy of ethanol; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature requests the Congress of the United States to mandate that land currently used to grow corn used for the production of ethanol be returned to its natural state for the enjoyment of those Alaskans who might choose to travel to these areas and for the benefit of the environment.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Spencer Abraham, United States Secretary of Energy; the Honorable Thad Cochran, Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; the Honorable Pete Domenici, Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; the Honorable James Inhofe, Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; the Honorable Bob Goodlatte, Chair, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture; the Honorable W. J. "Billy" Tauzin, Chair, U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce; the Honorable Richard Pombo, Chair, U.S. House Committee on Resources; the Honorable Barbara Boxer and the Honorable Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senators from California; the Honorable Bob Graham and the Honorable Bill Nelson, U.S. Senators from Florida; the Honorable Richard Durbin and the Honorable Peter Fitzgerald, U.S. Senators from Illinois; the Honorable Carl Levin and the Honorable Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senators from Michigan; the Honorable Norm Coleman and the Honorable Mark Dayton, U.S. Senators from Minnesota; the Honorable Kent Conrad and the Honorable Byron Dorgan, U.S. Senators from North Dakota; the Honorable Tom Daschle and the Honorable Tim Johnson, U.S. Senators from South Dakota; the Honorable Maria Cantwell and the Honorable Patty Murray, U.S. Senators from Washington; and the Honorable Russell Feingold and the Honorable Herb Kohl, U.S. Senators from Wisconsin; the Governors and Legislatures of the States of California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR023
Resolve: LR023
Source Root: HCR017
Year: 2003
Source Bill: HCR 17Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 25, relating to the acquisition of teachers' housing by regional educational attendance areas and to teachers' housing loan programs in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of Senate Bill No. 25, relating to acquisition of teachers' housing by regional educational attendance areas and to teachers' housing loan programs in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
LR024
Resolve: LR024
Source Root: HCR021
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCS CSHCR 21(FIN)Relating to establishing the Alaska Energy Policy Task Force._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS an adequate, reliable, reasonably priced, and safe supply of electric energy is a basic necessity; and
WHEREAS other infrastructure elements such as water, wastewater, transportation, and telecommunications systems are dependent on an adequate, reliable, reasonably priced, and safe supply of energy; and
WHEREAS meaningful economic development and technological advancement cannot occur in Alaska without an adequate, reliable, safe, and reasonably priced energy supply; and
WHEREAS over 85 percent of the state's electrical consumption occurs in the Railbelt; and
WHEREAS the needs of the non-Railbelt areas of the state include more electrical infrastructure and less expensive power; and
WHEREAS it would be beneficial to examine how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed in Alaska in order to meet the state's existing and future electrical needs in the safest and most efficient manner; and
WHEREAS the financial resources of the state are limited;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature establishes the Alaska Energy Policy Task Force to review and analyze the state's current and long-term energy needs; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consider how best to incorporate state-owned Railbelt energy assets as part of the solution for the Railbelt's current and long-term electrical needs; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall also address those elements of the state's long-term energy needs that can be solved through action on the part of industry, government, or both industry and government working together, such as through pooling and integrated resource planning; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall develop a long-term energy plan for Alaska that will efficiently enhance the state's economic future; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be composed of nine members as follows:
(1) one member from the directors of the Alaska Energy Authority, selected by the directors;
(2) the commissioner of revenue or the commissioner's designee;
(3) two members chosen by the governor who are not members of the legislature;
(4) three members chosen by the president of the senate who are not members of the legislature, one of whom must be from a list of three names proposed jointly by the minority leaders of the house of representatives and the senate, and the appointment from the list shall be made after consultation with the speaker of the house of representatives;
(5) two members chosen by the speaker of the house of representatives who are not members of the legislature; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that members shall be chosen in such a manner that a utility will not have more than one representative on the task force, but at least one member will be from a Railbelt electrical utility, and at least one member will be from a non-Railbelt electrical utility; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall select a chair from among themselves; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that task force members who are not state employees are entitled to per diem and travel expenses as for members of boards and commissions under AS 39.20.180; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that a staff member and other resources shall be provided to the task force, as necessary, by the legislature; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit a report of its findings regarding a Railbelt energy plan to the legislature by December 31, 2003, and may make any interim reports on Railbelt energy issues it considers advisable; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit reports of its finding regarding energy plans for areas of the state other than the Railbelt to the legislature by March 31, 2004, and may make any interim reports it considers advisable; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is terminated at 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2004.
LR025
Resolve: LR025
Source Root: HCR023
Year: 2003
Source Bill: HCR 23Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 85, relating to sentencing and to the earning of good time deductions for certain sexual offenses._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of Senate Bill No. 85, relating to sentencing and to the earning of good time deductions for certain sexual offenses.
LR026
Resolve: LR026
Source Root: HJR014
Year: 2003
Source Bill: CSHJR 14(STA)Urging that the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games be held in Anchorage, Alaska._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS wheelchair sports play an important role in the lives of disabled people; and
WHEREAS the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is a multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competitions due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, or certain neurological problems; and
WHEREAS the National Veterans Wheelchair Games provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and associate with other wheelchair athletes; and
WHEREAS the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world; and
WHEREAS the United States Department of Veterans Affairs sponsored the National Veterans Wheelchair Games from 1981 through 1984; and
WHEREAS, since 1985, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America have co-sponsored the National Veterans Wheelchair Games; and
WHEREAS the 2002 National Veterans Wheelchair Games drew more than 500 competing veterans; and
WHEREAS the sponsors are tentatively planning to hold the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Anchorage, Alaska; and
WHEREAS 550 to 600 disabled veterans are expected to participate in the week-long events that are part of the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games; and
WHEREAS the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games are expected to bring approximately 1,300 to 1,500 visitors, participants, and families to the Municipality of Anchorage; and
WHEREAS the Municipality of Anchorage is a warm, hospitable, wheelchair accessible city with plenty of space for accommodating visitors, families, and participants in the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games; and
WHEREAS the Municipality of Anchorage is within driving distance of many parts of the state, which offers all visitors, families, and participants tremendous recreational viewing, wildlife, sporting, cultural, and other visitor opportunities;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Joseph L. Fox, Sr., President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, to hold the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Anchorage, Alaska.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, United States Secretary of Defense; the Honorable Anthony Principi, United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs; the Honorable Craig Campbell, Adjutant General, Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs; Joseph L. Fox, Sr., President, Paralyzed Veterans of America; the Honorable George Wuerch, Mayor of the Municipality of Anchorage; the Honorable Mark Begich, Mayor-elect of the Municipality of Anchorage; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR027
Resolve: LR027
Source Root: HJR022
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCS CSHJR 22(JUD)Relating to the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the State of Alaska, and the civil liberties, peace, and security of the citizens of our country._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the State of Alaska recognizes the Constitution of the United States as our charter of liberty, and that the Bill of Rights enshrines the fundamental and inalienable rights of Americans, including the freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and privacy; and
WHEREAS each of Alaska's duly elected public servants has sworn to defend and uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS the State of Alaska denounces and condemns all acts of terrorism, wherever occurring; and
WHEREAS attacks against Americans such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, have necessitated the crafting of effective laws to protect the public from terrorist attacks; and
WHEREAS any new security measures of federal, state, and local governments should be carefully designed and employed to enhance public safety without infringing on the civil liberties and rights of innocent citizens of the State of Alaska and the nation; and
WHEREAS certain provisions of the "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001," also known as the USA PATRIOT Act, allow the federal government more liberally to detain and investigate citizens and engage in surveillance activities that may violate or offend the rights and liberties guaranteed by our state and federal constitutions;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the government of the United States of America in its campaign against terrorism, and affirms its commitment that the campaign not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties of citizens of this country contained in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the policy of the State of Alaska to oppose any portion of the USA PATRIOT Act that would violate the rights and liberties guaranteed equally under the state and federal constitutions; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that, in accordance with Alaska state policy, an agency or instrumentality of the State of Alaska, in the absence of reasonable suspicion of criminal activity under Alaska state law, may not
(1) initiate, participate in, or assist or cooperate with an inquiry, investigation, surveillance, or detention;
(2) record, file, or share intelligence information concerning a person or organization, including library lending and research records, book and video store sales and rental records, medical records, financial records, student records, and other personal data, even if authorized under the USA PATRIOT Act;
(3) retain such intelligence information; the state Attorney General shall review the intelligence information currently held by the state for its legality and appropriateness under the United States and Alaska Constitutions and permanently dispose of it if there is no reasonable suspicion of criminal activity; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that an agency or instrumentality of the state may not,
(1) use state resources or institutions for the enforcement of federal immigration matters, which are the responsibility of the federal government;
(2) collect or maintain information about the political, religious, or social views, associations, or activities of any individual, group, association, organization, corporation, business, or partnership, unless the information directly relates to an investigation of criminal activities and there are reasonable grounds to suspect the subject of the information is or may be involved in criminal conduct;
(3) engage in racial profiling; law enforcement agencies may not use race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin as factors in selecting individuals to subject to investigatory activities except when seeking to apprehend a specific suspect whose race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin is part of the description of the suspect; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature implores the United States Congress to correct provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act and other measures that infringe on civil liberties, and opposes any pending and future federal legislation to the extent that it infringes on Americans' civil rights and liberties.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable John Ashcroft, Attorney General of the United States; the Honorable Frank Murkowski, Governor of Alaska; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR028
Resolve: LR028
Source Root: HJR027
Year: 2003
Source Bill: CSHJR 27(STA)Relating to support for a federal appropriation for expansion of the Anchorage Jail._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the Alaska Department of Corrections and the United States Marshals Service have identified the need for additional prison bed space in the state, including pretrial prison bed space for federal defendants in the Anchorage area; and
WHEREAS the United States Marshals Service currently incarcerates approximately 100 federal prisoners in the state and expects these numbers to grow in the coming years; and
WHEREAS the state currently contracts with the United States Marshals Service to provide 50 federal prisoner beds; the current contract with the United States Marshals Service is met or exceeded at all times; the Alaska Department of Corrections does not have enough prison bed capacity to expand the contract for federal prisoners, forcing Alaska pretrial federal defendants to be transported out of state; and
WHEREAS the United States Marshals Service transports Alaska federal prisoners to and from the SeaTac Federal Detention Center approximately six times a month, thereby increasing the costs to the federal government and increasing the risk to the public and officers during these transports; and
WHEREAS the United States Marshals Service has expressed an interest in contracting for additional prison bed space with the Alaska Department of Corrections; and
WHEREAS the nature of federal prisoners often requires them to be housed separately from their codefendants, requiring more housing options within the Alaska prison system and additional bed capacity statewide; and
WHEREAS the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted a study on the feasibility of building a federal prison in Alaska and determined not to proceed further due to an insufficient number of Alaska prisoners within the Federal Bureau of Prisons system; and
WHEREAS it is in the best interest of all parties to expand the available prison bed space in the Anchorage area, thereby lowering the costs to the federal government, reducing the overcrowding on the current system both in Alaska and at the SeaTac Federal Detention Center, and improving public and officer safety through fewer transports; and
WHEREAS AS 33.30.025 requires the Alaska commissioner of corrections to notify each community council of the Department of Corrections' plans to locate a prison facility or contract for the operation of a facility within one-half mile of the community council's boundaries;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the proposed expansion of law enforcement activities throughout Alaska planned by the United States Marshals Service, the United States Attorney's office, and other federal criminal justice agencies operating in Alaska; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the United States Congress to appropriate the $30,000,000 necessary to fund the expansion of the Anchorage Jail to house up to 200 Alaska federal prisoners; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature requests the Alaska commissioner of corrections to notify all community councils within one-half mile of the Anchorage Jail if the Department of Corrections plans to expand the jail to house additional federal prisoners, because such an expansion is within the spirit, if not the letter, of AS 33.30.025.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Bill Frist, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Thomas Daschle, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR029
Resolve: LR029
Source Root: HJR028
Year: 2003
Source Bill: HJR 28 am
Urging the United States Congress to support the granting of official Observer Status to the Republic of China at the World Health Assembly Annual Conference to be held at Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2003, and to support negotiation of a free trade agreement with the Republic of China._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the United States, including the State of Alaska, and the Republic of China, in Taiwan, have long been valued and close partners in trade and cultural exchanges; and
WHEREAS the Republic of China is the eighth largest trading partner of the United States and is a significant trading partner of the State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS the Republic of China is showing signs of significant potential for increasing trade with the United States and the State of Alaska as the world economy continues to recover from recession; and
WHEREAS free trade among the peoples of the world is of vital importance to the United States, including the citizens of Alaska, and to the Republic of China; and
WHEREAS the importance of free trade is strongly acknowledged in Alaska; the Municipality of Anchorage and the City of Taipei having signed a Partner Cities Agreement to encourage trade and cultural exchange; and
WHEREAS the United States and the Republic of China have, for decades, been willing signers of mutual defense treaties; and
WHEREAS the health of the peoples of the world is of vital importance to the United States, including the citizens of Alaska, and to the Republic of China; and
WHEREAS the people of the United States and the Republic of China have generously contributed to programs that benefit the health of the peoples of the world; and
WHEREAS it would be mutually beneficial to the people of the United States, including Alaska, and the people of the Republic of China to both assist and realize a continuation of international efforts the goal of which is to expand and further develop health-related knowledge; and
WHEREAS today there is a strong need for the rapid and complete international dissemination of health-medical information and research results in view of the recent outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), considered to be a worldwide health threat;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the United States Congress to authorize the United States to endorse the request by the Republic of China to be granted Observer Status at the World Health Assembly Annual Conference in May 2003 at Geneva, Switzerland; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the United States Congress to encourage the administration of President George W. Bush to negotiate a free trade agreement with the Republic of China.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China; the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Colin Powell, United States Secretary of State; the Honorable Tommy Thompson, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services; the World Health Assembly; the World Health Organization; Jack K. C. Chiang, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, 2001 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2410, Seattle, WA 98121; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR030
Resolve: LR030
Source Root: HJR029
Year: 2003
Source Bill: HJR 29
Relating to the establishment of Reserve Officer Training Corps programs in Alaska by the United States Coast Guard._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the United States Coast Guard is responsible for maritime law enforcement, drug interdiction, and fisheries protection, in addition to providing maritime search and rescue, saving countless lives in Alaska and other United States waters; and
WHEREAS the United States Coast Guard is the branch of the armed services with primary responsibility for protecting the maritime borders of the United States; and
WHEREAS the United States Coast Guard performs a tremendous amount of work in Alaska and provides critical services that affect the daily lives of the citizens of Alaska; and
WHEREAS the United States Coast Guard today has a heavier workload due to the increased security measures necessary to protect the safety of the citizens of the United States; and
WHEREAS a training program for reserve officers for the United States Coast Guard Ready Reserve would help the United States Coast Guard provide essential services in times of national and state emergency; and
WHEREAS a Reserve Officer Training Corps program would enhance educational and career opportunities for students at the University of Alaska Southeast and other University of Alaska campuses; and
WHEREAS an ROTC program would enhance the ability of the University of Alaska to recruit high-level students from around the country; and
WHEREAS a high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program would provide valuable education and career opportunities to Alaska high school students; and
WHEREAS the United States Coast Guard has had over 10 years of experience operating a public high school JROTC program at the Maritime and Science Technology Academy in Miami, Florida; and
WHEREAS Juneau, Alaska, is the headquarters for the Seventeenth Coast Guard District; and
WHEREAS Kodiak, Alaska, is the largest United States Coast Guard installation in the Seventeenth Coast Guard District; and
WHEREAS both programs would capitalize on the excellent relationship between the United States Coast Guard and the communities in Alaska and further strengthen those ties;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the United States Coast Guard to create an ROTC program at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the United States Coast Guard to expand its JROTC program by adding units at Juneau-Douglas High School in Juneau, Alaska, and Kodiak High School in Kodiak, Alaska; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature strongly urges the United States Congress to show its support for the United States Coast Guard and its missions by funding these programs; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the United States Coast Guard to explore the feasibility of establishing ROTC and JROTC programs in other coastal communities in Alaska.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Bill Frist, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Thomas Daschle, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Tom Ridge, United States Secretary of Homeland Security; Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard; Rear Admiral Kenneth Venuto, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources of the United States Coast Guard; Rear Admiral Robert C. Olsen, Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy; Rear Admiral James W. Underwood, Commander of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District; Brigadier General Craig E. Campbell, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs; the Honorable Mark Hamilton, President of the University of Alaska; John Pugh, Chancellor of the University of Alaska Southeast; Betty Walters, Superintendent of the Kodiak Island Borough School District; Margaret "Peggy" Cowan, Superintendent of the Juneau School District; Bob Meade, Principal of Kodiak High School; Deborah Morse, Principal of Juneau-Douglas High School; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR031
Resolve: LR031
Source Root: SCR013
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCR 13
Encouraging the Department of Corrections to provide canned Alaska pink salmon to inmates of the Alaska prison system._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS pink salmon is an inexpensive source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, inflammatory processes, and certain cancers; and
WHEREAS Alaska salmon has been linked to improvements in or prevention of certain kinds of cancer, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, arthritis, asthma, lupus erythematosus, depression, and certain kinds of mental illness; and
WHEREAS most people can improve their health by consuming salmon in their diet two to four times a week; and
WHEREAS improved health of inmates will reduce medical treatment costs for inmates of the Alaska prison system; and
WHEREAS salmon is a traditional Alaska food; and
WHEREAS Alaska prisoners who are housed outside of the state receive little or no Alaska foods in their diets; and
WHEREAS inventories of canned Alaska pink salmon are available in the state for Alaska correctional facilities and in Seattle for shipping to correctional facilities outside of Alaska that house Alaska prisoners, including the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona; and
WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2003 salmon fishing season, a projected stock of 60,000,000 tall (14.75 ounce) cans of pink salmon will remain in surplus, with another strong year of pink salmon returns predicted for the 2003 fishing season;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully encourages the Department of Corrections to provide canned Alaska pink salmon to Alaska inmates housed in correctional facilities in the state and to Alaska inmates housed in correctional facilities outside of the state three times a week to promote inmate health and cultural well-being.
LR032
Resolve: LR032
Source Root: SCR015
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCR 15
Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 229, relating to special medical parole and to prisoners who are severely medically or cognitively disabled._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of House Bill No. 229, relating to special medical parole and to prisoners who are severely medically or cognitively disabled.
LR033
Resolve: LR033
Source Root: SCR033
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCR 16
Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 232, relating to mercury classics._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of House Bill No. 232, relating to mercury classics.
LR034
Resolve: LR034
Source Root: SCR018
Year: 2003
Source Bill: SCR 18
Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 195, relating to the state health insurance plan._______________
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of House Bill No. 195, relating to the state health insurance plan.