Crawford Bill Requires Driver's License
Display for Problem Drinkers

House Bill 190, sponsored by Representative Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage), that will keep problem drinkers from buying booze was heard yesterday in the House Labor and Commerce Committee.

House Bill 190 requires a display on a driver's license if a person is prohibited by court order from purchasing alcohol. There currently is no method by which a bartender or sales clerk would know whether the courts have prohibited a person from purchasing alcohol. Crawford's bill provides a means for them to comply with current law.

"Alaskans are being injured or killed by problem drinkers," said Representative Crawford said. "We've got to stop them from illegally purchasing alcohol."

Members of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Commission Against Drunk Driving testified supporting the bill.

HB 190 was held over for additional committee work and public testimony.

Davis Works to Restore Voting Rights for Disenfranchised

Senate Bill 26, sponsored [statement] by Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage), will help hundreds of Alaskans that are turned away from voting booths. The people turned away are overwhelmingly Alaska Natives. They were convicted of a felony, but didn't have their right to vote restored after completing their sentences. This can go on for years, even a decade, after release from incarceration. Senate Bill 26 reverses this injustice.

"The loss of voting rights in Alaska lasts beyond prison, long after the person has been living in the community again," says Senator Davis. "This person is paying taxes, fulfilling family obligations, and contributing to the community. They have paid their debt to society."

Over 4,000 otherwise qualified voters in Alaska are denied the right to vote, even though they are no longer incarcerated. In fact, the loss of voting rights does not even end at the completion of parole, but continues throughout the probationary period.

The racial disparities are stark among Alaska's disenfranchised. While Alaska Natives make up 15.6 percent of Alaska's total population, Alaska Natives make up 37.4 percent of the disenfranchised population. African Americans make up 3.5 percent of Alaska's population, but account for 8.2 percent of people who have lost their right to vote.

Senate Bill 26 has been referred to Senate State Affairs. No hearing has been scheduled yet. For more information, please call Senator Davis at 800-770-3822.

Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward