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Alerts Page "An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"
23rd Legislature First Session: January - May 2003 HOUSE BILLS
HB 5, Prohibits discrimination by credit rating or credit scoring in insurance rates (House version of SB 13). Sponsored by Representatives Crawford, Gara, and Gruenberg. Consumers have expressed concern over an insurer’s use of credit history for the following reasons: 1. A cause-and-effect relationship between an individual’s credit related behavior and propensity to file insurance claims has not been demonstrated. 2. Access to credit history is considered an invasion of privacy and providing unique identifying information, such as a social security number, potentially exposes the consumer to identity theft. 3. Credit reports may contain incorrect information. 4. Correcting erroneous credit reports can be a long process. 5. Individuals who have exceptional life circumstances that adversely impact their credit (identity theft, medical-related debts, etc.) are doubly penalized. 6. Consumers who do not use credit may pay more for insurance than if their credit history were not considered. 7. Lack of information on what constitutes good or bad credit characteristics and the complexity of the process for calculating an insurance credit score does not allow a consumer to know if he or she is being treated fairly. 8. Shopping around for insurance may cause the consumer’s credit rating for lending purposes to be lower if the lender considers the number of inquiries in calculating a credit score.
HB 11,
Will reduce royalties from
mineral leases, rentals, net profit shares, and bonuses paid to the
HB 16, A TAX BREAK for OIL COMPANIES to develop stranded gas fields! SPONSORS: REPRESENTATIVE FATE, Whitaker, Chenault, Holm, Kohring, Heinze, Crawford, Guttenberg, Lynn, and SENATORS Elton, Wagoner, Seekins, Lincoln, Dyson, Guess, Bunde, Wilken, Green, Cowdery, Stevens B, Ellis, Olson.
HB 19, This bill calls for a separate education budget and requires the legislature approve it by April 1 each year. Sponsored by Representative Stevens. If passed, this would ensure that full education funding is provided, and eliminate it as an end of session bargaining chip!
HB 28, Allows the commissioner to grant oil royalty reductions to include individual sections of otherwise profitable fields. Sponsored by Representatives Kohring and Rokeberg.
HB 35, NEW TAX ON SMALL WINE PRODUCERS. Sponsored by Representative STEVENS and Whitaker.
HB 43, Will provide daycare centers for dependents of state employees. Sponsored by Representative Kerttula.
HB 46, This legislation further defines the CLOSED PRIMARY system, which of course denies freedom of choice for the 50+% that choose to be undeclared or non partisan voters. Sponsored by Representative Hawker. Once again there is no provision for political parties to pay for their closed primary!
HB 49, This special interest legislation requires anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, whether adult or juvenile to provide samples for the DNA identification registration system. Sponsored by Representatives Anderson and Hawker. Some in the legislature will not be happy until EVERYONE (except them of course) is in this data base. "Big Brother" encourages this kind of nonsense legislation!
HB 55,
This special interest legislation
will use public funds to construct a privately operated 1,200
HB 57, This special interest legislation reduces State royalty payments for Agrium, a foreign corporation doing business in Alaska, which will make less money available for state government to provide basic services. Sponsored by Representatives Chenault and Whitaker.
HB 60, This clever "MOVE THE LEGISLATURE" bill gives communities the opportunity to submit competing proposals for supplying the legislature a new office building with $1 a year lease. Sponsored by Representative Rokeberg. Legislature would select the successful proposal, which by default could move the legislature. While this bill could ultimately move the legislature, it still falls way short of the brilliant suggestion detailed in "Thinking Outside the Political Box".
HB 61, TAX CREDIT FOR OIL COMPANIES. Special interest legislation gives additional tax credits for oil and gas exploration or development. Sponsored by Representatives Chenault, Kohring, and Wolf. If approved, out of state oil companies will contribute less taxes to the general fund, which will cause additional burden for state to provide essential services.
HB 70, This legislation raises the municipal bond bank debt ceiling to one half BILLION dollars. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG, Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. After a decade of spending excessively, many communities are in financial trouble. This legislation would allow and possible encourage communities to take on additional debt load than would otherwise be responsible.
HB 75, The operating budget which once again spends considerably more than income! Includes a provision to "borrow" money from our constitutional budget reserve to balance this excessive budget.
HB 79, Extends the termination date of the Alaska regional economic assistance program. Introduced by the House Committee on Community & Regional Affairs: (MORGAN/WOLF, Anderson, Chenault, Samuels, Cissna, and Kookesh). For the next six years, this give-a-way program GRANTS $47,700 to each of 13 communities, plus $30,000 a year for a state bureaucrat to administer the grants. Total cost $3,900,000.
HB 87, Will take that portion of mining revenues which normally go into the General Fund, and deposit them in a new Mining Infrastructure Fund. Sponsored by Representatives CROFT and Crawford. The MIF will be used to build roads for mining projects not currently viable. Taking money out of the General Fund will benefit a few miners, but will take funding away from other desperately needed fundamental government services.
HB 88, This "nanny law" will make it illegal to use a cell phone while driving, unless
phone is of the "hands free" type. Sponsored by Representative WOLF. This will cost a lot of money to
enforce, takes away civil liberties by creating yet another "victimless crime",
and will make offenders subject to DNA testing if HB 49 passes. HB 89, Will create mandatory chilling standards for commercially harvested salmon, and require specific process delivery times. Sponsored by Representatives STEVENS and Wolf. This special interest legislation will cost a lot of money for processors and harvesters to comply with. A financial crisis for the commercial fishing industry will be averted by state GRANTS, and TAX CREDITS. This gives away public money to a small special interest group, at the expense of funding for core government services.
HB 90, TAX CREDIT FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY. This special interest legislation gives additional tax credits for commercial fisherman. Sponsored by Representatives STEVENS and Wolf. Under this legislation fisherman may deduct up to 50% of their "landing tax", which could then be used to partial fund HB 89 above. Commercial fisherman are currently only paying about 1% royalty for the resource harvested.
HB 101, This special interest legislation GRANTS $3,100,000 to Arctic Power, so they may continue their failed campaign to open ANWR for oil and gas exploration. Introduced by the House Finance Committee: (HARRIS/WILLIAMS/MEYERS, Foster, Hawker, Stevens, Stoltze, Whitaker, Croft, Joule, and Moses). Once again using PUBLIC (OUR) money to benefit a PRIVATE company!
HB 105, STATE LOANS FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN TO REPAY PAST DUE FEDERAL TAX BILLS. Sponsored by Representative Stevens.
HB 106,
This special interest legislation will gut
the current laws requiring lobbyist register,
CSHB 106(JUD) am, on May 17, 2003 HB 106 the lobbyist bill morphed into the TELECOMMUNICATIONS & RCA ACTIONS bill. Those responsible are House Judiciary Committee members: Representative MCGUIRE [Chair], and ANDERSON [Vice-Chair]. This is one part of the "telephone wars" equation. Go to APOC and see who received contributions!
HB 112, GIVES A MUNICIPAL TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN ASSETS AND PROJECTS OF THE ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY. Companion of SB 73, allows the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) to authorize bonds in excess of $10,000,000 until 2007, but only with legislative approval. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. Most people know AIDEA because it provided financial support for enterprises such as the failed fish processing plant in Anchorage and MarkAir, among many others! Another cornerstone of Governor Murkowski's resource development plan for Alaska?
HB 119, This municipal welfare gives GRANTS to certain regulated public utilities. Sponsored by Representative Coghill.
HB 126, Automatically grants economic development powers to cities and borough's without an affirmative vote of the taxpayers directly affected. Sponsored by Representative Holm.
HB 131, This special interest legislation gives the non-profit fishing industry organization Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) $40,000,000 from the General Fund. Sponsored by Representative Weyhrauch.
HB 150, This is the CAPITAL projects budget (House version of SB 100). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. It contains several hundred million dollars worth of legitimate government needs and the balance is made up of non-essential government spending, Municipal Capital Matching Grants, and Unincorporated Community Capital Matching Grants. Total spending for HB 150 is a whopping $1,359,843,235 (1 point 4 BILLION DOLLARS!!!
HB 156, INCREASES STATE MOTOR FUEL TAX FROM EIGHT TO TWENTY CENTS PER GALLON, and repeals the special tax rates on blended fuels (House version of SB 112). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. This 150% increase will create 2 new full time government jobs with an annual cost of about $125,000, AND will cost drivers an additional $41 million each year!
HB 157,
This special interest legislation will
completely eliminate the Alaska Public Office's
HB 158, Will eliminate the Longevity Bonus Program (House version of SB 117). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. This legislation will help balance the budget, but puts financial hardship directly on the backs of Alaskan Pioneers, many of which are on a fixed income. He could have chosen to let our honored seniors (and the Longevity Bonus Program) go silently into the night. Instead Governor Murkowski is showing favor for the bureaucrats and corporate supporters, who in many cases contributed NOTHING toward opening up Alaska as America's last frontier.
HB 162, This bill will increase the business license from $25 to $200 (House version of SB 114). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. Because 90% of Alaska's businesses have less than 5 employees, and only 2% have more than 20 employees this bill will cause a disproportionately large tax burden on small business, with little or no effect on big business.
HB 163, A TAX FOR WATCHING WILDLIFE! Creates an annual $15 wildlife conservation pass (House version of SB 122). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. Also establishes a dedicated account within the General Fund which may be appropriated by the legislature for the purpose of fish and wildlife management, viewing, and education programs.
HB 169, ADDITIONAL TAX PAID TO THE STATE ON CHARITABLE GAMING REVENUE. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), at the request of Governor Murkowski. Will take about $12.5 million a year away from charities and give it to the government, PLUS add two new full time state positions at a cost of $125,000 a year!
HB 170, This legislation will increase certain motor vehicle registration fees up to 200% (House version of SB 103). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 173, A $10 PER STUDDED TIRE TAX (House version of SB 106). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Governor Murkowski. Would raise about $2 million a year, less a 5% collection fee paid to tire sellers.
HB 187, Extends board of storage tank assistance. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG (Chair), Chenault, Coghill, Kott, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of Legislative Budget & Audit. This bill will cost taxpayers an additional $51,400 per year for a board that should have been eliminated 15 years ago.
HB 194, A TAX CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS. Sponsored by REPRESENTATIVES ANDERSON, Kohring, Wilson, Harris, Foster, Seaton, Hawker, Holm, Wolf, Morgan, Whitaker, Masek, McGuire, and Lynn. Allows corporations up to a $10,000 tax credit for contributions made to regional development organizations.
HB 198, A REDUCTION OF ROYALTY ON CERTAIN OIL PRODUCED FROM COOK INLET SUBMERGED LAND. Sponsored by Representatives KOHRING, Rokeberg, Chenault, Wolf, Holm, and McGuire. Gives (estimated $2,807,000 royalty loss to state over next 6 years) tax break to oil and gas producers when production falls to certain levels.
HB 199, DELETE MINIMUM WAGE INFLATION PROOFING. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of ?
HB 207, WOULD LEVY AN EXCISE TAX OF $100 ON EACH TRIP FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELING ABOARD A COMMERCIAL PASSENGER VESSEL THAT PROVIDES OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS. Sponsored by Representative Gatto.
HB 216, WOULD PROHIBIT MUNICIPALITIES FROM IMPOSING A SALES OR TRANSFER TAX ON MOTOR FUEL TRANSPORTED OUTSIDE THE MUNICIPALITY FOR SALES OR DISTRIBUTION. Sponsored by the House Labor & Commerce Committee: (ANDERSON [Chair], LYNN [Vice-Chair], Dahlstrom, Gatto, Rokeberg, Crawford, and Guttenberg). Also increases loans made from the bulk fuel revolving loan fund to one borrower in any fiscal year by 50%!
HB 218, Gives "peace officer" powers to employees of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula), by request of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee: (Rep. SAMUELS [Chair], Sen. Therriault [Vice-Chair], Reps. Hawker, Kohring, Whitaker, and Kerttula; Senators Ben Stevens, Bunde, Wilken, and Hoffman).
HB 222, Inflation proof education foundation formula. Sponsored by Representatives KAPSNER, Kohring, Guttenberg, Gara.
HB 230, Allows political signs along side roads in direct opposition to measure 5 on the 1998 ballot. Introduced by Representative HOLM. The prohibition of road side advertising signs issue began as an citizen initiative, and was ultimately approved by 72.38% of voters. Once again the legislature is attempting to overturn the will of the people!
HB 235, WOULD ALLOW THE ALASKA RAILROAD TO ISSUE UP TO $76,000,000 IN BONDS (go into debt) THAT WOULD FINANCE GAS PIPELINES! Sponsored by Representative Weyhrauch. "Bonds of the corporation issued to finance facilities described in AS 42.40.250(31) are issued by a public corporation and an instrumentality of the state for an essential public and governmental purpose".
HB 236, A NEW $100 EMPLOYMENT TAX. Sponsored by Representative Wilson. Would impose a $100 tax each year on every individual 19 years of age or older and employed, including self-employed, in the state. Would force employers to collect, keep additional records, and make payment to the state.
HB 237, Would allow introduction of legislation by any legislator or the governor, but would require fiscal notes be attached stating what the cost will be for the next five years. Sponsored by Representatives CROFT and Gara.
HB 239, Would create a "hacker's magnet" for medical records of every prescription drug transaction in Alaska. This is just another clumsy attempt by "big brother" to protect us from ourselves at the expense of every Alaskan's right to privacy. Sponsored by Representative Chenault.
HB 240, STATE LOTTERY = ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? Establishes state lottery and expands legalized gambling in Alaska. Introduced by the House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism: (HEINZE [Chair] MCGUIRE (Vice-Chair), Dahlstrom, Kohring, Kott, Cissna, and Crawford). Department of Revenue estimates income from a state lottery could be up to 1.8 million a year. Expense to operate the lottery would be about $311,000 a year, and includes 5 new full time state positions. $140,000 a year would come out of the general fund, and $171,000 a year from ticket sales to pay these expenses!
HB 241, MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION. Municipalities my exclude or exempt residential property from taxation by ordinance ratified by the voters at an election, of up to $50,000 for any one residence. May also exempt from taxation up to $20,000 of the assessed value of real property owned by a volunteer fire fighter. Sponsored by Representative Chenault.
HB 266, VOTER REGISTRATION CHANGES ARE INVASION OF PRIVACY, which could result in even LESS people participating in the election process.
HB 267, AUTHORIZES THE ALASKA RAILROAD TO ISSUE UP TO $17 BILLION IN BONDS TO PAY FOR 70% OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NATURAL GAS PIPELINE! Sponsored by Representatives KOHRING, Crawford, and Holm. Annual debt service will be about $1.4 BILLION a year!
HB 271, A 15% PASSENGER VEHICLE RENTAL TAX. Would require one new full time state employee @ $70,000 a year, with estimated revenues of $7.5 million a year. This tax would be paid on the rental of any passenger vehicle, small truck, motor home, or motorcycle. Anchorage already has an 8% rental tax which added to the 15% state tax, would cost renters a cool 23%! Sponsored by Representative KOTT.
HB 279, STUDY NATURAL GAS PIPELINE FROM NORTH SLOPE TO LOWER 48 STATES. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula). Would employ one person for six month study that will cost $150,000.
HB 293, A 3% STATE SALES AND USE TAX. A 3% USE TAX for the privilege of using property in this state. A 3% SALES TAX on the price of sales and rents of tangible personal property and on services. Introduced by the House Special Committee on Ways and Means: (HAWKER [Co-Chair], WHITAKER [Co-Chair], Heinze, Kohring, Rokeberg, Weyhrauch, Wilson, Gruenberg, and Moses). Will cost about $5 million a year for the state to administer, and will take about $341 million a year out of the economy to fund state government. Will also increase motor fuel tax from .08 to .20 cents a gallon.
HB 298, at least 60% of PFD would be used for state government spending, and 40% may be distributed as a dividend to citizens. Sponsored by the House Special Committee on Ways and Means: (HAWKER [Co-Chair], WHITAKER [Co-Chair], Heinze, Kohring, Rokeberg, Weyhrauch, Wilson, Gruenberg, and Moses).
HB 321, INCOME TAX / EMPLOYMENT TAX. Will cost each taxpayer $100 a year, OR 3% of an individual's federal income tax, which ever is greater. Sponsored by Representative WILSON.
HB 333 Expands the University of Alaska land grant program to include a public school trust fund which would be used to help fund K-12 and U of A. Sponsored by Representatives OGG, COGHILL, HOLM, Wilson, Fate, and Heinze.
HB 336 Eliminates protection or limits the rights of anyone operating a motor vehicle without required insurance. This restricts a driver’s right to redress injury through the legal system, even if you are not at fault. Sponsored by Representative MEYER.
HB 343 Will establish another 10 member board with the power to create additional regulations that govern the competency of certain skilled labor. This will create additional bureaucracy and expense to workers and their employers. Sponsored by Representative FATE.
HB 352 Would extend the Longevity Bonus Program for one year. Public opinion surveys support and previous legislatures have honored this program, seen as an implied contract between the State of Alaska and its senior citizens. There has never been inflation proofing of this program. Annual payments declined each year and the program should have sunset upon the death of last eligible senior citizen, not at a whim of the governor. Sponsored by Representatives GUTTENBERG, BERKOWITZ, CISSNA, CRAWFORD, CROFT, GARA, GRUENBERG, JOULE, KOOKESH, KERTTULA, KAPSNER, LYNN, and Moses.
HB 358 Would repeal provisions of statutes that place income from Amerada Hess settlement into the Permanent Fund principal. Sponsored by Representative Gruenberg.
HB 372 While the outcome of this advisory vote could provide guidance to the legislature, it failed to ask the question, “Should the size and cost of government be reduced to match existing revenue”? Sponsored by Representative GARA.
HB 375 Operating Budget would appropriate funds in excess of revenue available (deficit budget). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 376 Capitol Budget would appropriate funds in excess of revenue available (deficit budget). This spends $1,494,855,608 of which $1,296,248,105 is federal match mostly for municipal projects that should provide the local match instead of relying on state funding. Introduced by the House Rules
Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by
request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 379 Would provide legal aliens with information on employment and tips for dealing with job
related claims. This would increase budget and bureaucracy for the benefit of a small segment of the population. Sponsored by Representatives WEYHRAUCH, Anderson, and Foster.
HB 382 If NOT passed will cost the state money because DNR will not be able to require
reimbursement for out of pocket expense incurred during the pre application process for pipeline
right a ways. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott,
McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 384 Will speed up the proposed 5 year oil and gas lease sales which could shorten time
required for new projects to become reality. Introduced by the House Rules Committee:
(ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by
request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 386 Would exempt contract of the Alaska Natural Gas Authority from state procurement code. With this exemption, contracts paid for with public funds would not need competitive bids. Sponsored by Representatives CROFT, Crawford, Harris, and Heinze.
HB 392 Would repeal section of seat belt law that currently prohibits automobile stops without probable cause. Sponsored by Representative HEINZE.
HB 393 Statutory amendment would reduce Longevity Bonus payment by 80% in fiscal year 2008. Sponsored by Representative WOLF
HB 395 Sets monthly fees for wellheads and compressors, mandates required surety bond and payment in full of all damages to ground water, etc., but fails to allow property owners to any rights to negotiate for higher fees or address payments for crossing private land and setting up production there. Sponsored by Representatives HARRIS, Gatto, Stoltze, Seaton, and Kohring.
HB 399 Establishes user fees for Department of Environmental Conservation inspections and certification. More clearly defines DEC scope of inspection powers. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 401 Would create a vehicle for funding the Capital Budget to provide required project match with state grants. Shifts revenue generated by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation from the good of all citizens such as education, towards a benefit for a few. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 406 Creates a new 11 member commission that will make recommendations to the governor and to the legislature on ways to mitigate the constraints, including governmental constraints, on development of the commercial seafood industry in the state. Cost will include travel and per diem which should be supported by industry fees or taxes. Sponsored by Representative HEINZE.
HB 413 Reverses the nonsense “smoke and mirrors” transfer of funds from accounts and sub funds to allow passage of deficit budget without ¾ vote required to withdraw money from the Constitutional Budget Reserve. It was nonsense in 2003 and this reversal is nonsense now! Sponsored by Representatives CROFT, Harris, and Morgan.
HB 426 This special interest legislation will create a new tax on rental cars, a portion of which will be directed to the tourism industry for their marketing purposes. If established the tourism industry could end the tax if they don’t like it. Sponsored by Representatives KOTT, McGuire, Harris, Williams, Fate, Foster.
HB 429 Expand the definition of political parties by granting additional ways for groups to gain party recognition. Sponsored by Representatives STOLTZE, and McGuire. HB 431 This legislation establishes a new Municipal Dividend Fund within the Department funded from the earnings reserve account of the Permanent Fund. After transferring income from the earnings reserve account for Permanent Fund Dividends (AS 37.13.145(b)) and Inflation Proofing (AS 37.13.145(c)), the Permanent Fund Corporation shall transfer to the municipal dividend fund the amount needed to fully fund municipal dividends ($157 to $166 million) for the next fiscal year, or the balance of the earnings reserve account, whichever is less. The Department shall pay each municipality a dividend equal to $250 for each person residing in the municipality, while providing for a minimum dividend of $40,000. If the amount appropriated is not sufficient to fully fund the municipal dividends for a fiscal year, the dividends shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis. This would impact dividends beginning with the second year of this program. Sponsored by Representative MOSES.
HB 434 This legislation would benefit drug companies and “recognized” medical industry at the expense of Homeopathic care providers and Native Shaman. Sponsored by Representatives HOLM, Gruenberg, Wolf, and Guttenberg.
HB 437 This legislation will grant additional powers to the government by violating the public’s right to privacy. Would assign a ten digit number to each child whether in public school or not, then require tracking and reporting of attendance or progress. Sponsored by Representative CHENAULT.
HB 441 Would make modest changes to the severance tax paid by oil companies. See “hot button issue” for complete details. Sponsored by Representatives GARA, Croft, Guttenberg, and Kerttula.
HB 445 Attorney Lien would give preference to lawyers claim over the prevailing party of a suit.
Sponsored by Representative MCGUIRE. HB 448 Would change definition of lobbyist to mean anyone attempting to influence the legislature
that spends 10 hours in a 30 day period, which is currently 40 hours in a 30 day period. Would reduce
campaign contribution limits to levels more consistent with a previous citizens initiative. This bill
helps reduce the influence of special interest groups on our legislature. Sponsored by Representatives CRAWFORD, Croft, Guttenberg, and Gara
HB 449 This bill will benefit a small percentage of the population, and will allow AIDEA to sell $76 million
in bonds to finance some utility projects. AIDEA has a VERY bad track record when it comes to
supporting boondoggles with public money. This type of project should be financed by the communities
directly involved. Sponsored by Representative HARRIS BY REQUEST, and McGuire.
HB 451 Would start two pilot therapeutic courts to explore the possibility of a more effective method for dealing with alcohol and drug abuse addicted repeat offenders. If successful, could reduce court and corrections cost. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of ?
HB 455 supplemental and other appropriations including:
A lot of this stuff is nonsense and should NOT be paid by the state. Funding sources: $1,927,800 from airport revenue, AIDEA, and Student loan fund Dividend. The balance of $81,100,000 is from FEDS (remember that's us!). Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor Murkowski.
HB 461 An Act relating to enhanced 911 surcharges and to emergency services dispatch systems of municipalities, certain villages, and public corporations established by municipalities. A municipality with a population of 100,000 or more, an enhanced 911 surcharge may not exceed 50 cents per month for each wireless telephone number or 50 cents per month for each local exchange access line for wireline telephones, and an additional $1.35 for emergency services dispatch if that is also provided. For a municipality with fewer than 100,000 people, an enhanced 911 surcharge may not exceed 85 [75] cents per month for each wireless telephone number or 85 [75] cents per month for each local exchange access line for wireline telephones, and an additional $2.15 emergency services dispatch if that is also provided. There are no provisions for opting out. Sponsored by Representative HOLM.
HB 462 A four year phase out of the Longevity Bonus program. This fails to fund original program is anti-seniors and breach of contract between legislature and those affected. Sponsored by Representative KOHRING.
HB 463 Changes rules for legislator calling special session. AS 24.60.030 is amended by adding a new subsection to read (i) Failure by a presiding officer to make public the results of a poll on a question of calling a special session and the vote of each legislator as required under AS 24.05.100(a)(2) constitutes a violation of this chapter. Would force a vote and make results public. The people should know the position of their legislator’s on issues of importance. Sponsored by Representative BERKOWITZ.
HB 464 Fiscal note shows 2 employees and $28,000 a year in expenses. The bill extends the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers to June 30, 2008. In accordance with AS 08.03.020, funding is extended one year following the termination date allowing the Board to conclude its affairs. The information above identifies direct expenditure and revenue information included in the FY 2005 Operating Budget request. New funds are not required to implement this bill. Just another board costing money to operate, with no advantage to citizens! Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Legislative Budget and Audit Committee (Rep. SAMUELS [Chair], Sen. Therriault [Vice-Chair], Reps. Chenault, Hawker, Kohring, and Kerttula; Sens. Ben Stevens, Bunde, Wilken, and Hoffman).
HB 465 amending the purpose of the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority to include planning, developing, constructing, managing, or operating an economically viable gas pipeline project from the North Slope which would allow connection with pipelines in Canada. This was passed in 02 by “citizens” initiative terminating in Prince William Sound. State involvement in this project is subject to question. The state does not have a good track record for ‘economic development”. Potential liability will be in the $BILLIONS. Introduced by the House Resources Committee: (DAHLSTROM [Co-Chair], MASEK [Co-Chair], HEINZE [Vice-Chair], Gatto, Lynn, Stepovich, Wolf, Kerttula, and Guttenberg)
HB 466 "An Act relating to investments of Alaska permanent fund assets; authorizing the Board of Trustees of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to loan permanent fund assets to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority for use in developing North Slope natural gas resources and in transporting the natural gas. Liability is too great and return on investment may not follow prudent investor rule. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Legislative Budget and Audit Committee (Rep. SAMUELS [Chair], Sen. Therriault [Vice-Chair], Reps. Chenault, Hawker, Kohring, and Kerttula; Sens. Ben Stevens, Bunde, Wilken, and Hoffman).
HB 469 Increases certain deposits to Permanent Fund. Sponsored by Representative KOHRING.
HB 470 INCOME TAX on individuals and fiduciaries. Sponsored by Representatives MOSES, Joule, Kapsner, Kookesh, and Foster.
HB 471 Would increase education funding formula by 2%. Introduced by the House Health, Education, & Social Services Committee: (WILSON [Chair], GATTO [Vice-Chair], Coghill, Seaton, Wolf, Cissna, and Kapsner)
HB 475 Would establish guidelines for hiring freeze of state employees. Sponsored by Representative KOHRING.
HB 476 Will spend public money for a bi-centennial celebration in 2009. Sponsored by Representatives ANDERSON, and Foster.
HB 479 Would establish an education fund and a land endowment for public education purpose. Sponsored by Representative KOHRING.
HB 480 Establish and determine the boundaries of regional educational areas. A regional educational attendance area must have 1,000 or more students in average daily membership. Sponsored by Representative KOHRING.
HB 482 Would allow levying and collecting a tax on certain North Slope natural gas in place if certain requirements relating to its sale and delivery are not met. Would cost oil companies 2% a year to sit on natural gas not being produced. Sponsored by Representative CROFT
HB 486 Would create an state assurance fund for certain mining operations which would be in direct competition to private sector companies that currently provide this service. The state may not require the same level of protection that a for profit assurance bond provider would. This could leave tax payers at risk. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor MURKOWSKI.
HB 488 Would restrict the public’s ability to make actionable claims against state employees, because it would allow indemnification of state employees and former employees with respect to claims arising out of conduct that is within the scope of employment, and would allow further amending the Public Employment Relations Act regarding claims against the state or state employees. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor MURKOWSKI.
HB 493 Would allow use of Permanent Fund earnings for state government. While it does mention a strong Permanent Fund Dividend program, it fails to specify what exactly that means. Sponsored by Representatives HARRIS, Gruenberg, Anderson, Gatto, Wilson, McGuire, Kookesh, Joule, Chenault, Cissna, Kott, Meyer, Samuels, Kapsner, Heinze, and Holm.
HB 498 Would create one full time and two part time positions costing about $120,000 a year with little or no benefit to the public. Sponsored by Representative SEATON.
HB 501 A statutory change that would cause the Permanent Fund to be inflation proofed FIRST, and pay dividends second, an improvement on the current system. Sponsored by Representative HOLM.
HB 507 This $53 million bond issue for the 2004 ballot will pay for expansion and major maintenance projects mostly for University of Alaska. This should have been paid from the general fund, NOT by general obligation bonds. Will negatively impact future budgets by reducing the amount available for basic services. Sponsored by Representatives HAWKER and Harris.
HB 515 Would remove Anchorage Water & Waste Water Utility from review by the Regulatory commission of Alaska, resulting in reduction of cost to municipality rate payers. Introduced by the House Labor & Commerce Committee: (ANDERSON [Chair], GATTO [Vice-Chair], Dahlstrom, Lynn, Rokeberg, Crawford, and Guttenberg)
HB 521 Would provide an appropriation to the Department of Education and Early Development for grants to school districts to pay the additional costs of employee retirement programs; make appropriations to the Alaska Court System and to the University of Alaska in the amount of about $46,400,000. Introduced by the House Health, Education, & Social Services Committee: (WILSON [Chair], GATTO [Vice-Chair], Coghill, Seaton, Wolf, Cissna, and Kapsner).
HB 523 Would make it more difficult for citizens to put initiatives on the ballot. Initiatives are one of the primary “checks and balances” available for voters to make their desires known when the legislature fails to adequately represent the public. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor MURKOWSKI.
HB 526 Would use public money to identify, survey, and acquire land for a railroad corridor from Fairbanks to Alaska/Canada border, and allow extension of Alaska Railroad to connect with the North American rail system. Introduced by the House Transportation Committee: (HOLM [Chair], Kohring, Masek, Ogg, Stepovich, Kapsner, and Kookesh)
HB 533 Grants legal protection to individuals stuck in the bureaucratic red tape of state agencies. Introduced by the House State Affairs Committee: (WEYHRAUCH [Chair], HOLM [Vice-Chair], Coghill, Lynn, Seaton, Berkowitz, and Gruenberg).
HB 534 repeals the scheduled termination date of the office of victims' rights, at an annual cost of $541,600 which is withdrawn from the permanent fund. While this agency may provide a needed service, it is inappropriate to use the permanent fund as a source of government revenue. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee: (Rep. SAMUELS [Chair], Sen. Therriault [Vice-Chair], Reps. Chenault, Hawker, Kohring, and Kerttula; Sens. Ben Stevens, Bunde, Wilken, and Hoffman)
HB 537 While AK Voters normally oppose new taxes without appropriate cuts to the size and cost of state government, this tax bill will return to the people a small amount of revenue from the tourism industries use of public resources. This tax is neither unreasonable nor excessive and should not damage the tourism industry. Tourism sales and use taxes in other popular destinations around America are generally much higher than the proposed 5%, and have no negative impact on the tourism industry. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor MURKOWSKI.
HB 538 This tax levies excessive penalties on a specific group of citizens and creates additional bureaucracy and potential criminal activities for those tempted to smuggle cigarettes in avoidance of this additional tax. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor MURKOWSKI.
HB 541 This "pay as you go" bill would require new legislation with a fiscal impact to identify offsetting revenue increases or budget reductions. The fiscal impact of this bill will depend on the cost of future legislation, but in general would improve the state's fiscal situation by requiring new legislation to pay for itself. Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (ROKEBERG [Chair], Coghill, Kott, McGuire, Morgan, Berkowitz, and Kerttula) by request of Governor MURKOWSKI.
HB 552 Special interest legislation would allow an Anchorage promoter to open a casino in the old fish processing plant. Would require formation of a new commission with an Executive Director, seven audit staff, four investigators, an analyst programmer and three technical and administrative staff for a cost of $1.5 million each year. Projections show revenue to the state could range from $8.6 to $10.4 million a year after the casino is fully operational. Introduced by the House Finance Committee: (HARRIS [Co-Chair], WILLIAMS [Co-Chair], MEYERS [Vice-Chair], Chenault, Fate, Foster, Hawker, Stoltze, Croft, Joule, and Moses).
HB 553 POMV measure with up to a 50% payout split for dividends and education |
Permanent
Fund from 50% to 25%. Sponsored by Representative Rokeberg,
Seaton, Hawker, McGuire.
The remaining 75% will go directly to the legislature! Section 5 was added
as an amendment to mitigate citizen complaints about loosing part of divident,
but does not reflect the majorities real intentions which is to completely
ELIMINATE THE DIVIDEND
within a few years!