"This bill will double the number of student representatives on the eleven-member University of Alaska Board of Regents, from one to two," said Representative Guttenberg. "This effort reflects the students' desire to be treated equitably and become more involved in university matters. HB72 is a direct way to generate more student involvement," said Guttenberg.

HB 72 adds another "junior" regent to the requirement in Alaska state statute (AS14.40.120 – 14.14.200) to provide for a second student regent, whose term of office covers a two-year period that is not the same as the term of the existing student regent. The legislative confirmation of the regent shall occur in a different year.

"The first year, the new student regent is a nonvoting apprentice regent and the second as a full-fledged voting member. The terms overlap by a year," explained Representative Guttenberg. "This means there will always be one member who votes while the other serves in an active non voting capacity."

HB 72 moves now to the House Floor for consideration.