Gruenberg’s Lifesaving CO Detector Bill Passes House

The House of Representatives today passed House Bill 351, sponsored [sponsor statement] by Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage) and Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer), an act to require carbon monoxide detection devices in dwellings already required to have smoke detection devices. A recent tragedy in Anchorage where all five members of a family were killed prompted the introduction of this legislation.

The bill adds carbon monoxide detection devices to the requirement in Alaska state stature (AS 18.70.095) that homeowners install and maintain smoke detectors and adds that landlords shall install the devices to be maintained by their tenants.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in American annually and is responsible for 40,000 emergency room visits nationwide.

HB351 moves now to the Senate for consideration.

Senator Olson’s Resolution to Help Rural Communities
Affected by Flooding And Erosion Passes State Affairs

Senate Joint Resolution 25, sponsored by Senator Donny Olson (D-Nome), calls on the federal government to ease the strict cost and benefit analysis rules associated with federal assistance for flood and erosion damage, as discussed by the United States General Accounting Office in its report, and expeditiously move to help communities in the state that are threatened by erosion and flooding. This resolution comes as a result of a report by the General Accounting Office finds that four communities--Kivalina, Koyukuk, Newtok, and Shishmaref--"are in imminent danger from flooding and erosion and are making plans to relocate" at a cost of several hundred million dollars.

SJR 25 now moves to the Senate Floor.

Upcoming Events-
Saturday, April 10 - Senator Davis, Representative Cissna, and Representative Crawford will hold their second constituent meeting from noon to 3 at Russian Jack Elementary School. The entertainment will be provided by music students from Russian Jack Elementary School.

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