Rep. Tuck Introduces Bill to Allow Witnesses to Airport Security Pat-downs
"Having a witness at private pat-down searches will prevent inappropriate procedures"

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation (HB 348) to allow travelers to request that a witness be present during private pat-down airport security searches.

"This bill would give travelers the right to have a witness of their own choosing, including an airport police officer, present at a private security pat-down," said Rep. Tuck. "This will help protect Alaskans from inappropriate procedures by security officers which is in violation of state law."

The bill states that security screening personnel may not refuse a request for a witness and that a witness can be anyone of the traveler's choosing including airport police officers.

HB 348 was referred to the Transportation and Judiciary committees.

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February 22, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Democrats’ Resolution Calls on Governor to Opt-Out of No Child Left Behind

“The federal program has never worked for Alaska. It’s time we set our own standards”

February 22, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rep. Petersen Bill Would Allow Repayment of Energy Upgrades on Utility Bills

Bill would make it easier for Alaskans to pay off loans for upgrades that lower their energy bills

JUNEAU – Rep. Pete Petersen introduced legislation this week to allow Alaskans to pay off home energy upgrades with the savings they earn on their utility bills from the improvements.

“With energy costs as high as they are these days, we need to do everything we can to make it easier for Alaskans to make their homes more efficient and lower their energy bills,” said Rep. Petersen.

The bill (HB 334) would allow energy utilities to partner with third party lenders to make loans available to their customers for energy efficiency improvements and to allow customers to repay these loans through installments on their regular utility bills. Individuals and business can achieve significant long term savings from upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes, buildings, and appliances, but high up-front costs too often make these efficiency improvements hard to afford.

“Too often, the up-front costs of energy retrofits prevent Alaskans from making the improvements,” said Rep. Petersen. “If we can make it easier for Alaskans to finance those up-front costs, we can help more people lower their energy bill for years to come.”

In order to qualify for one of these loans, customers would need to have their property inspected by an energy rater, and they must use the loan to pay for improvement recommended by the rater using a rating system approved by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.

These loan programs would complement the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s successful Home Energy Rebate program and the Alaska Energy Authority’s new Commercial Energy Audit program, by providing a convenient financing option to pay for the costs not reimbursed by these programs.

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Protecting Public Access To Alaska’s Fishing Streams:
House Bill 144 Moves Out of Committee

Today Representative Les Gara’s legislation to ensure future public access to Alaska’s fishing streams, House Bill 144, moved from the Senate Resources Committee. The bill passed the House last year with a vote of 38 Yeas, and tonight passed the Senate Resources Committee.

This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 274, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes that will bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.