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LR045

Resolve: LR045

Source Root: HJR007

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HJR 7

Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to notice of committee meetings held during the first week of a first regular session.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

* Section 1. Rule 23(a), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, is amended to read:

(a) Written notice of the time, place and subject matter of all meetings of standing, special, and joint committees during a week shall be provided by the person who chairs the committee to the chief clerk or secretary by 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the week of the meeting, except that, during the first week of the first regular session, not less than 24 hours notice must be given [PRECEDING THURSDAY]. The person who chairs the committee to which a bill or resolution is first referred shall provide to the chief clerk or secretary written notice of the time and place of the first public hearing on the bill or resolution at least five days before the hearing. However, this requirement may be waived by motion of the person who chairs the committee to which a bill or resolution is first referred if concurred in by majority vote of the full membership of the house. The chief clerk or secretary shall publish and distribute copies of the weekly schedule of committee meetings and of the five-day notice of hearing.

LR046

Resolve: LR046

Source Root: SJR015

Year: 1998

Source Bill: CSSJR 15(FIN) am H

Relating to reauthorization of the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) substantially revamped the federal-aid highway program and the federal transportation program; and

WHEREAS ISTEA gave more flexibility to state and local governments to apply innovative solutions to the transportation problems that they face; and

WHEREAS ISTEA has shifted the focus of the federal surface transportation program toward preservation of highway and transit systems, increased efficiency of existing transportation networks, and integration of transportation modes to enhance efficiency of the transportation system; and

WHEREAS the states and regional and local governments have invested time and energy in making ISTEA work and this investment should not be lost by significantly altering the programs initiated by ISTEA; and

WHEREAS the ISTEA programs can be strengthened by allowing greater flexibility between programs and within programs, by allowing greater flexibility to address maintenance needs, by reducing time- consuming federal reviews, mandates, and sanctions, and by allowing self-certification at the state level; and

WHEREAS the Federal Highway Administration has adopted a regulation requiring that a major investment study be undertaken by metropolitan planning organizations whenever the need for a major metropolitan transportation investment is identified; and

WHEREAS the major investment study requirement overlaps and duplicates planning and project development processes that are already in place under requirements for long-range planning and congestion management systems; and

WHEREAS Congress should retain the critical role of the federal government to help fund highway, bridge, ferry, and transit projects and to focus the national transportation policy on mobility, connectivity, integrity, safety, and economic competitiveness; and

WHEREAS the State of Alaska receives money under ISTEA for construction and improvement of roads, highways, and the marine highway system and for bridge replacement and rehabilitation, state and metropolitan transportation planning, transit programs, highway safety programs, and enforcement of truck and bus safety requirements; and

WHEREAS the state also receives assistance under ISTEA for transportation projects to alleviate air pollution in two areas of the state where air quality does not meet national ambient air quality standards; and

WHEREAS 4,300 miles, or about 32 percent of the total mileage, of roads in the state are eligible for federal assistance under ISTEA; and

WHEREAS the State of Alaska has relied heavily on federal assistance to support construction and improvement of the surface transportation system in the state; and

WHEREAS continued federal assistance is essential to the establishment of the surface transportation system in the state; and

WHEREAS the existing surface transportation system in Alaska needs significant repair and maintenance in order to remain a safe and efficient system; and

WHEREAS surface transportation in Alaska is subject to extreme Arctic and sub- Arctic climate and soil conditions; and

WHEREAS the State of Alaska cannot maintain or expand the surface transportation system in Alaska without continued federal assistance; and

WHEREAS the funding authorizations for federal assistance and transportation programs under ISTEA expired September 30, 1997;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to reauthorize the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) as soon as possible; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to authorize increased funding for surface transportation projects under ISTEA, if possible, but, in any case, to maintain the current levels of funding available under ISTEA; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to allow for a portion of the enhancement set aside funds to be used to maintain or improve pioneer access trails and historical roadways; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to allow for a portion of the enhancement set aside funds to be used to maintain trails and other facilities that are constructed under that program; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to authorize greater use of ISTEA funds for maintenance and repair of existing roads and highways; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to eliminate the requirement for major investment studies under 23 C.F.R. 450.318 as part of the reauthorization of ISTEA; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to authorize greater flexibility in the construction of low volume roads suited to Alaska's remoteness and sub-Arctic and Arctic environment.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Al Gore, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable John McCain, Chair, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate; and the Honorable Bud Shuster, Chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Rodney E. Slater, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR047

Resolve: LR047

Source Root: HJR039

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HJR 39

Urging the United States Congress to enact legislation that prohibits the President of the United States from extending or establishing national monuments without the express authorization of the Congress.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431 - 433) grants authority to the President of the United States to establish national monuments; and

WHEREAS the Antiquities Act was intended to preserve only historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest; and

WHEREAS the Antiquities Act has been misused repeatedly to set aside enormous parcels of real property; and

WHEREAS the establishment in 1996 of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah set aside 1,700,000 acres of land, despite the objections of public officials in the State of Utah, making it the largest national monument in the continental United States; and

WHEREAS this designation clearly violates the spirit and letter of the Antiquities Act that requires monument lands to "be confined to the smallest area" necessary to preserve and protect historical areas or objects; and

WHEREAS the creation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has resulted in the loss of significant economic resources for the public schools and the taxpayers of the State of Utah; and

WHEREAS the power to establish national monuments can be checked only in limited circumstances; and

WHEREAS, in 1950, the State of Wyoming obtained statutory relief from the further establishment of national monuments without the express authorization of the Congress (16 U.S.C. 431a);

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests that the United States Congress enact legislation prohibiting the President of the United States from further extending or establishing national monuments without the express authorization of the Congress; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the Governor to take action to encourage the federal government to provide the state with statutory relief from the establishment of national monuments in Alaska.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Bill Clinton, President of the United States; the Honorable Al Gore, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Strom Thurmond, President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Trent Lott, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Thomas Daschle, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Dick Armey, Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Richard A. Gephardt, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Orin Hatch and the Honorable Robert Bennett, U.S. Senators of the Utah delegation; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR048

Resolve: LR048

Source Root: HCR019

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCS HCR 19(HES)

Relating to the Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Council.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS Alaska has a long-standing commitment to serving its disabled citizens, including the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind; and

WHEREAS, based on national average rates, Alaska's population probably includes approximately 60,000 people who have hearing loss ranging from mild to severe; and

WHEREAS Alaska lifestyles include many activities that can cause hearing impairment, including travel by air and operation of four-wheelers, chain saws, snow machines, and other equipment; and

WHEREAS, although the hearing impaired represent the largest disability group in the United States, they are one of the most misunderstood and least served disability groups; and

WHEREAS the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind require many types of services, including rehabilitation, education, deaf interpretation, independent living, correctional, and mental health services; and

WHEREAS many deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind Alaskans experience drug and alcohol problems and live in communities with limited or no access to appropriate services; and

WHEREAS the several agencies, offices, and councils that provide services to the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind often develop policies and programs without adequate input from professional providers of these services or their consumers; and

WHEREAS coordination of services for this disability group could result in more efficient and effective service delivery; and

WHEREAS the Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Council (ADC) has been operating unofficially for several years as a referral center and clearinghouse of information for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind; and

WHEREAS several agencies that provide services to Alaska's deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind residents have expressed willingness to expand their financial support of the ADC in order to extend its effectiveness; and

WHEREAS the ADC has obtained a business license and certification as a nonprofit organization under sec. 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code; and

WHEREAS additional visibility in the community of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind, and the providers of professional services to these consumers, would help the ADC attract additional funding through grants, private fund raising, and donations; and

WHEREAS operation of the ADC does not require, nor is expected to require, funding from state government;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature recognizes the Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Council (ADC) as a statewide information clearinghouse and services referral center for issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that private citizens, state agencies, schools, social service providers, private foundations, and all other parties who deal with the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind are encouraged to support the ADC and to use its services whenever appropriate.

A COPY of this resolution shall be sent to the Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Council, 731 Gambell, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501-3754.

LR049

Resolve: LR049

Source Root: HJR026

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HJR 26

Urging support of the 1998 International People First Conference.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the 1998 International People First Conference will be held in Anchorage on April 23 - 25, 1998, at the Egan Convention Center; and

WHEREAS this conference is expected to link at least 1,000 participants from 41 countries in an effort to develop the leadership skills of developmentally disabled persons so that they can help themselves and other developmentally disabled persons to self-advocate and live independently; and

WHEREAS the conference is co-chaired by Joe Pichler, treasurer of People First of Alaska, and Beverly Tallman, University of Alaska Anchorage, Center for Human Development; and

WHEREAS the positive economic effect of the conference on the Anchorage area could be as high as $1,000,000; and

WHEREAS the success of the conference will depend on the involvement of corporations, businesses, and others in advance planning, funding, and the various activities necessary to accommodate a conference of this type;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature commends the involvement of the committee members who are working on this international conference, including members of The ARC of Anchorage, Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Access Alaska, Special Olympics Alaska, Hope Cottages, the Alaska division of vocational rehabilitation, and PARENTS; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges corporations, businesses, service clubs, school groups, and other persons to offer support to help make the conference an example of the finest welcome that the state has to offer.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to People First of Alaska, c/o The ARC of Anchorage, 2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508; and to the 1998 International People First Conference, Conference Headquarters, 2330 Nichols Street, Anchorage, AK 99508.

LR050

Resolve: LR050

Source Root: HCR005

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCS CSSSHJR 49(RES)

Relating to opposition to a moratorium on the building of roads in the roadless areas of national forests.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the Clinton Administration has directed the United States Department of Agriculture to establish an interim policy regarding roadless areas in national forests; and

WHEREAS the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, is considering a proposed two-year moratorium on the building of roads in those roadless areas; and

WHEREAS the National Forest Management Act of 1976 requires that amendments to a forest plan be done in accordance with regulations that, among other things, allow the public to participate in the development, review, and revision of land management plans for national forests such as the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest; and

WHEREAS the Chugach National Forest land management plan revision was initiated in April of 1997, and this plan revision process is the appropriate venue for addressing road building and roadless area issues in the Chugach National Forest; and

WHEREAS, after an extensive public process, the Tongass Land Management Plan has already considered the management of roadless areas on the Tongass National Forest; and

WHEREAS the application of such a moratorium to the Tongass National Forest would be a unilateral amendment to the Tongass Land Management Plan, which the Forest Service has just revised at a cost to taxpayers exceeding $13,000,000; and

WHEREAS, under the Tongass Land Management Plan, the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, plans to offer an average of only 200,000,000 board feet of timber annually, which is far below the 300,000,000 board feet needed for the timber industry as determined by the Governor�s Timber Task Force; and

WHEREAS the proposed moratorium could eliminate the timber industry that remains in Southeast Alaska by reducing the allowable sale quantity on the Tongass National Forest to nearly zero; and

WHEREAS application of the proposed moratorium in the state also violates the spirit of the "no more" provision of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which prohibits federal agencies from establishing new wilderness areas in the state without an act of Congress;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature opposes any moratorium on the development of the roadless areas of national forests that overrides the forest planning process provided for by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, which allows full public participation in decisions affecting the multiple use of national forest lands; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature opposes any moratorium, restriction, or unilateral amendment to the Tongass Land Management Plan and the Chugach Land Management Plan that overrides the forest planning process required by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, which allows full public participation in decisions affecting the multiple use of national forest lands.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Bill Clinton, President of the United States; the Honorable Al Gore, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR051

Resolve: LR051

Source Root: SCR002

Year: 1998

Source Bill: CSSCR 2(RES)

Relating to management of Alaska's wildlife resources.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the Constitution of the State of Alaska requires that the replenishable resources of Alaska shall be managed on a sustained yield basis; and

WHEREAS the elected leaders of Alaska have the responsibility to protect the people, land, and resources of Alaska by ensuring that the constitutional mandate for sustained yield management of Alaska's resources is followed; and

WHEREAS shortages currently exist in numerous wildlife populations in Alaska and are continuing unabated; and

WHEREAS it is in the best interest of all Alaskans that the replenishable resources of Alaska are biologically managed for abundance; and

WHEREAS an abundance of wildlife will benefit all user groups and will greatly reduce competition among Alaskans for wildlife resources; and

WHEREAS the Alaska Board of Fisheries, the Alaska Board of Game, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have the responsibility for management of Alaska's wildlife resources;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature declares its intent to do everything within the scope of its powers, duties, and responsibilities to manage Alaska's wildlife resources on a biological basis for abundance; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests Governor Tony Knowles, the Alaska Board of Fisheries, the Alaska Board of Game, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game do everything within the scope of their powers, duties, and responsibilities to manage Alaska's wildlife resources on a biological basis for abundance; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests Governor Tony Knowles, the Alaska Board of Fisheries, the Alaska Board of Game, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to use their significant powers and influence to develop and implement regulations, policies, and programs to restore an abundance of wildlife in Alaska using all methods and means available to accomplish this goal, as quickly as possible.

LR052

Resolve: LR052

Source Root: HCR029

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HCR 29

Authorizing a recess by the Senate and the House of Representatives for a period of more than three days.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS art. II, sec. 10, Constitution of the State of Alaska, provides that neither house may adjourn or recess for longer than three days unless the other house concurs; and

WHEREAS Rule 52, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, provides that adoption of a concurrent resolution by a majority vote of the full membership of each house constitutes concurrence;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the Senate and the House of Representatives may be in recess during March 14, 15, 16, and 17 of 1998 and that each house concurs in this four-day recess by the other.

LR053

Resolve: LR053

Source Root: HCR030

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HCR 30

Authorizing a recess by the Senate and the House of Representatives for a period of more than three days.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS art. II, sec. 10, Constitution of the State of Alaska, provides that neither house may adjourn or recess for longer than three days unless the other house concurs; and

WHEREAS Rule 52, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, provides that adoption of a concurrent resolution by a majority vote of the full membership of each house constitutes concurrence;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the Senate and the House of Representatives may be in recess during April 10, 11, 12, and 13 of 1998 and that each house concurs in this four-day recess by the other.

LR054

Resolve: LR054

Source Root: SCR021

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCR 21

Relating to declaring March 1998 as Sobriety Awareness Month.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS it is the policy of the State of Alaska, underAS 47.37.010 , "to recognize, appreciate, and reinforce the example set by its citizens who lead, believe in, and support a life of sobriety"; and

WHEREAS sobriety has been defined to mean "a positive, healthy, and productive way of life, free from the devastating effects of alcohol and drugs" by more than 50 profit and nonprofit organizations, community groups, and student governments throughout the state; and

WHEREAS these organizations, community groups, and student governments constitute what is commonly referred to as a growing "sobriety movement"; and

WHEREAS the "sobriety movement" is interpreted as "The collective effort on the part of individuals, families and communities, and public and private agencies, affected by, concerned with, and working toward the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse, who by example encourage and support others in leading a life of sobriety"; and

WHEREAS the benefits of leading a life of sobriety to Alaska's citizens are threefold:

(1) improvement in the quality of life and health of individuals, families, and communities;

(2) reduction in the incidence of alcohol and drug related crimes;

(3) reduction in the burden on government by not having to exhaust its resources to pay for the pervasive problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse; and

WHEREAS March has been designated "Sobriety Awareness Month" by the Alaska State Legislature and Governor Knowles every year since 1995 to recognize, appreciate, and reinforce the example set by citizens who lead, believe in, and support a life of sobriety;

BE IT RESOLVED that the month of March 1998 should be proclaimed as Sobriety Awareness Month; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that Governor Tony Knowles is requested to proclaim the same and have copies of the proclamation sent to all the respective departments and departmental agencies within the administration that fund or have contact with youth, schools, family services, or provide rehabilitation or correctional services; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that all Alaska citizens who lead, believe in, or support a life of sobriety are urged to indicate so by wearing a white ribbon of their choosing so that they may be readily recognized and appreciated during Sobriety Awareness Month 1998.

LR055

Resolve: LR055

Source Root: SCR019

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HCS CSSCR 19(FIN)

Relating to the use of prototype designs in public school construction projects.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS art. VII, sec. 1, Constitution of the State of Alaska, requires the state to establish and maintain a system of public schools to meet the educational needs of children throughout the state; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature recognizes the crucial role that local school districts serve in the state in meeting this most important constitutional responsibility; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature understands the challenges school districts face to ensure Alaska�s children have skilled teachers, quality curriculum, and safe schools; and

WHEREAS continued growth is projected in the state�s school age population that will increase the need for new schools and place further pressure on school district budgets; and

WHEREAS prudent stewardship of state resources requires that every effort be made to get the best value for each state dollar spent; and

WHEREAS use of prototype school designs has enabled the Municipality of Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough school districts to more quickly respond to their district�s need for new schools while realizing cost savings; and

WHEREAS the use of prototype school designs reduces future maintenance cost by improving a school district�s maintenance program through the use of standardized building components, systems, and products; and

WHEREAS school districts experience substantially fewer problems during the school year in a prototype school, thereby reducing the school district�s costs and improving the learning environment for teachers and students; and

WHEREAS public facilities should be designed to accurately reflect the unique needs of our subarctic and arctic environments, and northern design principles can help minimize annual operating and maintenance costs;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages school districts to use prototype school designs wherever feasible so future school classrooms can be constructed more quickly and funds maximized; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is requested to direct the Department of Education to develop prototype school designs in consultation with engineering and architecture design professionals, including their statewide and regional organizations, who are familiar with the unique regional climatic conditions in this state as well as other conditions that affect application of appropriate school designs; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is requested to direct the Department of Education to identify components within prototype building designs that can be standardized and can be incorporated into the school design in those instances where a prototype design may not be appropriate; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is requested to direct the Department of Education to consult with the bond reimbursement and grant review committee established underAS 14.11.014 in developing incentives for school districts to use prototype school designs in school construction funded through the educational facilities maintenance and construction fund (AS 37.05.560); and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that, if statutory changes are necessary to implement these incentives, the Department of Education is requested to report suggested statutory changes to the legislature by April 1, 1998, so the changes can be considered by the Second Regular Session of the Twentieth Alaska State Legislature.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to Shirley J. Holloway, commissioner of education, to the Alaska State Board of Education, and to the school board of each school district.

LR056

Resolve: LR056

Source Root: SJR033

Year: 1998

Source Bill: CSSJR 33(RES)

Supporting reduction of fishing capacity in the Bering Sea fishing fleet and Americanization of the fishing fleet through passage of S. 1221, the "American Fisheries Act," by the United States Congress.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS overcapitalization of fish harvesting capacity in the Bering Sea has resulted in highly compressed, derby-style fisheries; and

WHEREAS overcapitalized fisheries typically lead to excessive exploitation of a fishery resource, often resulting in a precipitous decrease in the economic yield of the fishery resource; and

WHEREAS the State of Alaska values sustainable fishery management principles, which include minimizing bycatch and waste, maximizing utilization of the fishery resources harvested, minimizing adverse effects of fishing gear on fish habitat, and maximizing economic returns on the public fishery resource for the benefit of Alaska communities and the citizens of the United States on the whole; and

WHEREAS Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has, with the cosponsorship of Senators Murkowski, Breaux, and Hollings, introduced S. 1221, the "American Fisheries Act"; and

WHEREAS S. 1221 would effectively limit fishing capacity in the Bering Sea fishing fleet through vessel size limitations and ownership requirements; and

WHEREAS S. 1221 would limit the maximum length, tonnage, and shaft horsepower of vessels engaging in domestic fisheries in the United States navigable waters and exclusive economic zone; and

WHEREAS S. 1221 would require that at least 75 percent of the controlling interest of a vessel engaged in the fisheries in the United States navigable waters and exclusive economic zone be owned by citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS S. 1221 would correct a loophole in the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Anti-Reflagging Act of 1987 that allowed vessels that were rebuilt in foreign shipyards to enter the fisheries off Alaska; and

WHEREAS S. 1221 would permanently prohibit federal loan guarantees for any vessel intended for use as a fishing vessel that does not meet size, tonnage, horsepower, and domestic ownership criteria; and

WHEREAS S. 1221 would effectively promote further Americanization of the fisheries of the United States;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports those provisions of S. 1221, the "American Fisheries Act," that would reduce the fishing capacity of the Bering Sea fishing fleet and promote the Americanization of the fisheries of the United States; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to pass S. 1221.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Al Gore, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Strom Thurmond, President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR057

Resolve: LR057

Source Root: HJR029

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCS HJR 29(RLS)

Supporting an increase in federal funding for prostate cancer research.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS, except for skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men; and

WHEREAS one out of every five American men will develop prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS the American Cancer Society estimates that, in 1998 in the United States, approximately 209,900 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and that approximately 41,800 prostate cancer related deaths will occur; and

WHEREAS, with an estimated 9,000,000 men currently afflicted, the prevalence of prostate cancer makes it epidemic in the United States; and

WHEREAS African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence of prostate cancer of any population in the world; and

WHEREAS there is a need for equal access to recognized forms of prostate cancer treatment; and

WHEREAS the number of prostate cancer cases diagnosed has increased significantly over the past 35 years, partly as a result of the widespread use of improved screening techniques, including screening for the prostate cancer antigen; and

WHEREAS superior diagnostic and prognostic techniques are needed; and

WHEREAS the American Cancer Society is a founding member of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, a network of prostate cancer patients, advocates, and supporting organizations, which is gathering l,000,000 signatures to present to President Bill Clinton;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature joins the National Prostate Cancer Coalition and other organizations and individuals in supporting increased federal funding for prostate cancer research; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests President Bill Clinton to support increased funding for prostate cancer research.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Bill Clinton, President of the United States; the Honorable Al Gore, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR058

Resolve: LR058

Source Root: HCR025

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCS SSHCR 25(HES) am S

Relating to Step Family Day.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS, by the year 2000, according to the United States Bureau of the Census, more than one- half of all Americans will be living in step families instead of nuclear families; and

WHEREAS step families provide loving relationships for thousands of Alaska parents and children, enriching their lives and strengthening the fabric of our society; and

WHEREAS the legislature believes that the invaluable contributions that step families have made to our state and to our nation should be recognized throughout the year but especially on a day set aside for step families in particular; and

WHEREAS there is a nationwide movement to set aside September 16 as a special day for recognition of the importance of step families in the United States;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Governor to proclaim September 16 of each year as Step Family Day; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges schools, religious organizations, community groups, and other public and private agencies and individuals to observe September 16 with appropriate activities that honor the role of step families in our society.

A COPY of this resolution shall be sent to the International Headquarters, Stepfamily Foundation, Inc., 333 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023.

LR059

Resolve: LR059

Source Root: SJR003

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HCS CSSJR 3(FIN)

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska limiting the rights and protections of prisoners to those required under the Constitution of the United States.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

* Section 1. Article I, Constitution of the State of Alaska, is amended by adding a new section to read:

Section 25. Rights of Prisoners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution, the rights and protections, and the extent of those rights and protections, afforded by this constitution to prisoners convicted of crimes shall be limited to those rights and protections, and the extent of those rights and protections, afforded under the Constitution of the United States to prisoners convicted of crimes.

* Sec. 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be placed before the voters of the state at the next general election in conformity with art. XIII, sec. 1, Constitution of the State of Alaska, and the election laws of the state.

LR060

Resolve: LR060

Source Root: SCR020

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCR 20

Relating to support of the State of Alaska�s areawide leasing program.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the Nineteenth Alaska State Legislature unanimously passed and the Governor signed legislation (House Bill 388) that acknowledges areawide leasing as a policy that is in the best interest of the state; and

WHEREAS the state must contend with a highly competitive global market for oil and gas exploration and development; and

WHEREAS areawide leasing encourages substantial economic investment in the state by offering businesses some certainty through annual bidding opportunities over a period of 10 years; and

WHEREAS areawide leasing brings efficiency to government by eliminating the need to make a best interest finding for leasing in regions that have already had extensive leasing; and

WHEREAS the areawide leasing process does not reduce the public's right or opportunity to comment but, in fact, adds opportunities to comment through an annual request for new information from the public; and

WHEREAS the oil and gas industry provides 80 percent of the state�s unrestricted revenue base; and

WHEREAS a prosperous business environment and employment for Alaska's people depend on the continued health of the state�s oil and gas industry; and

WHEREAS areawide leasing helps promote a healthy oil and gas industry in the state; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature supports a strong Alaska economy and opportunities for Alaska businesses;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature endorses the State of Alaska's areawide leasing program for the Cook Inlet, North Slope, and Beaufort Sea regions.

LR061

Resolve: LR061

Source Root: HJR051

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCS CSHJR 51(RES)

Relating to support for H.R. 2924, which allows certain Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans and the Elim Native Corporation to select land under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS Representative Don Young has introduced H.R. 2924, which amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to allow additional land selections to be made under that Act by certain Alaska Natives who are Vietnam era veterans and by the Elim Native Corporation; and

WHEREAS H.R. 2924 will allow Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans who missed their opportunity to make selections of native allotments while in military service to the United States to make selections under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the provisions of H.R. 2924 that amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to allow Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans who missed their opportunity to make selections to make native allotment selections.

LR062

Resolve: LR062

Source Root: HJR052

Year: 1998

Source Bill: SCS HJR 52(RES)

Relating to opposition to the designation of any rivers in Alaska as American Heritage Rivers under the American Heritage Rivers initiative.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the President of the United States has by Executive Order 13061 created the American Heritage Rivers initiative; and

WHEREAS the initiative allows a local river community to nominate its river for designation by the President as an American Heritage River; and

WHEREAS the initiative provides no meaningful protection of state or private property along designated rivers; and

WHEREAS the initiative creates a new layer of federal bureaucracy and engages 12 federal agencies in its implementation;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature opposes any attempt by the federal government to further designate or label state property in Alaska or to further federalize public land in Alaska; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature opposes the nomination or designation of any river in Alaska as an American Heritage River under the American Heritage Rivers initiative.

LR063

Resolve: LR063

Source Root: SCR014

Year: 1998

Source Bill: HCS CSSCR 14(RLS) am H

Establishing the Alaska Task Force on Parity for Mental Health.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS persons in Alaska with mental health disorders and their families face disparity in the adequacy, scope, and coverage of private health insurance that they need; and

WHEREAS it is estimated that mental health disorders cost the Alaska economy $187,272,000 in 1996 in lost productivity, absenteeism, disability, and early death; and

WHEREAS other states that have adopted insurance parity laws for mental disorders have demonstrated that costs of parity have been far less than projected and that savings to the public through decreased costs of Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs have far outweighed the additional costs; and

WHEREAS the Alaska Mental Health Board estimates there are over 44,000 children, youth, and adults in the state who experience serious mental illnesses and emotional disorders; and

WHEREAS the Congress passed the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 that does address parity for lifetime benefits and annual reimbursement limits for mental health services, but does not address differentiation between mental and physical illnesses with respect to co-payments, deductibles, and benefit design; and

WHEREAS 15 other states have established laws addressing mental health parity in insurance practices, and 25 other states introduced bills on the subject in 1997;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the Alaska Task Force on Parity for Mental Health is established for the purpose of studying, after defining the terms "mental disorders," "mental illness," "serious mental illness," "mental injury," and "mental health consumers" for purpose of its work,

(1) differential treatment in health insurance coverage between a person with a mental disorder and a person with a physical disorder;

(2) costs of mental health coverage in relation to other health care insurance, with special emphasis on parity, and the extent of such coverage, including deductibles and co-payments, disorders and conditions to be covered, and other pertinent issues;

(3) ways to define and quantify unmet mental health needs in the state and recommending meaningful ways to measure the efficacy of treatment of mental health needs by analyzing possible outcome data collection measures;

(4) the positive and negative effects on mental health consumers if parity for mental health coverage is mandated in Alaska;

(5) the feasibility of implementing any recommendations of the task force through legislation; and

(6) the effect of the September 30, 2001, sunset date for the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 on matters set out in (1) - (5) of this clause; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be composed of 11 members, as follows:

(1) two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; one member shall be a member of the majority, and one member shall be a member of the minority;

(2) two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; one member shall be a member of the majority, and one member shall be a member of the minority;

(3) the commissioner of health and social services, or a designee;

(4) one member representing the Alaska Mental Health Board appointed by the Alaska Mental Health Board;

(5) one member representing the state Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse appointed by the state Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse;

(6) two members representing the insurance industry appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; one member may be the director of insurance; and

(7) two members representing mental health consumers and community-based mental health providers appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; one member shall be a consumer, and one member shall be a provider; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that no general fund money shall be expended to support the task force; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that a simple majority of the members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and all actions of the task force shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force may conduct its work during the legislative session and the interim between sessions, may use the teleconference network, and may conduct public hearings to receive testimony about issues relative to parity for mental health; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall provide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations on these matters not later than January 1, 1999; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is terminated at 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 1999.