House Gathers Behind Representative Guttenberg's Patriot Act Resolution

House Joint Resolution 22, introduced by Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks), passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 32 to one on Monday.
Rep. Guttenberg's resolution expresses concerns about provisions of the US Patriot Act that address individual civil liberties. Several communities across the state, including Fairbanks, Gustavus, North Pole, and Juneau, have also passed resolutions in defense of civil liberties.

Congress passed the 342-page USA Patriot Act soon after the September 11 attacks and before many lawmakers read or fully understood the implications of the law. Since then, citizens have become increasingly concerned by several of the law’s features. Many disagree with provisions that increase detention and surveillance of citizens and allow government access to financial, medical, and even library lending records.

HJR 22 states that the Alaska State Legislature does support the United States government in its campaign against terrorism; however, it also opposes any part of the USA Patriot Act that would violate the rights and liberties guaranteed equally to all U.S. citizens under the state and federal constitutions. The resolution forbids any state agency from information gathering that is not warranted by a criminal investigation. HJR 22 also reiterates the state’s opposition to racial profiling of any sort.

There is a companion resolution in the State Senate, SJR 15, offered by Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage).

House Joint Resolution 22 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Representative Joule's Resolution Asks- Should Alaska Have a New Seal?

House Concurrent Resolution 5, introduced by Representative Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue), would create a special task force of citizens to solicit ideas for redesigning the Alaska state seal, which was created by a territorial governor in 1910 and carried over for use by the State of Alaska in 1959. The Official Seal of Alaska includes mountain and ocean scenes as well as a sailing ship, steam engine and a horse and plow. The seal includes no depiction of modern Alaska cities, industries or its diverse cultures.

Recommendations from the public would be forwarded to the Legislature by next January, when a new seal could be commissioned. The task force established under House Concurrent Resolution 5 would include two representatives of the Department of Education and Early Development, two from the Alaska Historical Commission, two from the Alaska Native Heritage Center and one from the Pioneers of Alaska.

House Concurrent Resolution 5 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Senator Lincoln's Resolution to Protect PFD Passes State Affairs Committee

Senate Joint Resolution 19, introduced by Senator Georgianna Lincoln (D-Rampart), proposes a constitutional amendment that would give constitutional protection to the dividend program of the Alaska Permanent Fund. SJR 19 would require a majority vote by Alaskans before the Legislature could spend any of the Permanent Fund earnings that currently go to the dividend or to inflation proof the fund. The amendments contained in the resolution would come before the voters in the next general election.

There is a companion resolution in the House, House Joint Resolution 3, introduced by Representatives Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage) and Eric Croft (D-Anchorage).

Senate Joint Resolution 5 now moves to Senate Judiciary Committee.