The Republican-led Majority agreed with our new Governor that the number one priority to revitalize Alaska’s economy and eradicate our growing fiscal problem is to encourage responsible development of our natural resources, especially oil and gas. The Legislature made bold moves to streamline the permitting process and to offer vital incentives to companies to explore and develop otherwise uneconomic fields. The fishing, mining, and timber industries also received attention. We searched for and enacted creative solutions to enable these traditional sectors of the economy to thrive and for Alaskans to have good-paying jobs.

Promoting Oil & Gas Exploration and Development

Alaska has a viable oil industry infrastructure, and the lifespan of the pipeline is long. The National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA) is still mostly unexplored, and we are confident that ANWR will eventually be opened. The predominant focus of the House Resources Committee this session was responding to the oil and gas industry’s concerns that it is too expensive to do business in Alaska. We balanced the interests of independent producers, large corporations, and the people of Alaska, and crafted legislation to make Alaska a more attractive and competitive place to do business.

We passed legislation this session that encourages the opening of the coastal plain of ANWR to responsible exploration and development, and we funded Arctic Power to lobby Congress on our behalf for that purpose. While our Congressional Delegation experienced some severe blows in their attempt to influence their colleagues on our behalf, we are still hopeful that their efforts will prove successful.

Also, several members of the Majority traveled to Washington, D.C to represent the state's interests as a major oil and gas producer at the annual spring meeting of the Energy Council, and to help support oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Energy Council is a legislative organization of ten energy-producing states ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. The member states produce more than 80 percent of United States oil and gas and include leading coal, uranium and renewable energy-producing states. Associate members include Venezuela and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Newfoundland/Labrador. Senator Scott Ogan was elected to be next year’s Chairman of the Energy Council, so our interests will be even better represented.

One of the most important goals of this session was to move us forward on the construction of a natural gas pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to the Lower 48, and we passed important legislation to pave the way, streamline the process, and protect our interests and the environment. In the last election, voters approved the creation of an Alaskan Natural Gas Development Authority to coordinate investors for construction of the pipeline. We allocated funds this session for the initial start up of the Authority, taking us one step closer to beginning one of the largest construction projects in the world.

Alaska’s proven gas reserves total more than 30 trillion cubic feet and another 100 trillion feet are yet to be discovered. The state and oil producers have waited for more than 20 years for improved technology and increased market demand to open the door for developing North Slope natural gas.

It was thought for the last several years that gas development would take place in the context of liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, this is an expensive process that would not be commercially viable without major changes to the state’s oil and gas fiscal system. In 1998 Alaska’s natural gas statutes were amended, and the Stranded Gas Act allowed the state the make financial concessions to oil and natural gas producers to make an LNG project viable. We amended the Act this year so that gas can be developed and transported in any form and so that smaller, independent companies will also be able to participate in a pipeline project. We also extended the application date, which expired in 2001, until March 31, 2005, so we can now resume contract negotiations with the producers.

I.    Opening ANWR and Building a Natural Gas Pipeline

• HB 16 paves the way for the construction of a natural gas pipeline, enables Alaskan companies to be instrumental in the development of our gas, and expands the areas of potential natural gas exploration and development by amending the Stranded Gas Development Act in several important ways: It modifies the current statute so that gas can be developed and transported in any form, not just as a liquid; it expands the potential for smaller, independent companies to become part of the pipeline project by decreasing the amount of capitol net assets and lines of credit that a company must have to participate; and it enables the state and producers to resume contract negotiations for Alaska’s gas development by extending the stranded gas application deadline, which expired on June 30, 2001, until March 31, 2005.
• HB 100 appropriates $1.3 million to Arctic Power for the first six months of 2003 to lobby Congress for the opening of the coastal plain of ANWR to oil and gas exploration and development. As oil production and revenues decline in other parts of the state, the opening of ANWR, as promised by Congress in the ANILCA settlement, is vital to the future of the State of Alaska.
• HB 267 takes Alaska an important leap forward in building a gas pipeline by authorizing the Alaska Railroad to issue up to $17 billion in tax exempt bonds to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipping, or operation of facilities for the transportation of natural gas resources within and outside the state by others.
• SB 151 clarifies that the RCA has the authority to authorize “firm” and “interruptible” services for other Alaskan gas transmission pipelines.
• SJR 4 urges the United States Congress to pass legislation opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development and production.
• SJR 16 urges Congress to end the Federal ethanol subsidy and is meant to send a message to those United States Senators who believe that “saving” 2,000 acres in Alaska is worth more than Alaskan jobs and Alaskans' right to develop our state in the manner we see fit.

II.    Streamlining the Permitting Process

• HB 69 enables the AOGCC to specifically regulate Alaska’s plentiful shallow and unconventional natural gas wells, which are currently regulated as though they are deep hole, high-pressured reservoirs although they are more like low-pressure water wells that produce gas. Alaska possesses tremendous shallow natural gas resources, such as shallow coal bed methane gas. Production involves extraction of methane gas from coal deposits lying at relatively shallow depths of about 3,000 feet. There is an estimated 1.5 trillion tons of coal in the Cook Inlet Region alone, with an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of coal bed methane. Two hundred trillion cubic feet of gas is enough to supply the U.S. natural gas requirements for more than eight years. The entire state has coal-bed methane resources estimated at 1,000 trillion cubic feet. Production of this abundant natural resource will provide a cleaner, locally produced alternative energy source to areas of rural Alaska long dependent upon diesel or fuel oil barged in from distant sources for heat and power.
• HB 191 streamlines the Alaska Coastal Management Program by relying on existing state statutes and regulations as the enforceable policies of the ACMP.
• HB 192 authorizes the DNR to lead and coordinate the permitting activities of all agencies with jurisdiction over development projects, which will result in better communication, more efficient, permitting, consolidated public process, and stable funding for the state's permitting process. All of the large and small oil companies currently developing resources in Alaska have said that obtaining permits in a timely manner has been difficult, expensive, time consuming, and is a negative factor influencing the viability of future exploration and development projects. This is their priority and we have made it ours. This bill is scheduled in House Rules.

III.    Encouraging Increased Exploration, Development, and Product Manufacturing

• HB 28 encourages production of oil and gas fields that might be marginal or not economically feasible under the current system by providing a more flexible method to calculate oil and gas royalties.
• HB 57 encourages 'value-added' processing in the state by amending the manner of determining the royalty received by the state on gas production relating to the manufacture of certain value-added products, which helps provide some certainty in price. This also serves as a catalyst to responsible economic development and helps accelerate exploration and production of gas in the Cook Inlet.
• HB 61 encourages the exploration and development of gas reserves in Cook Inlet and other areas of the state south of the Brooks Range by offering a tax credit on successful efforts. Currently, gas reserves in the Cook Inlet are declining, and the supply no longer meets the demand in the region. There is not enough gas to keep prices low, and this tax credit will level the playing field somewhat with exploration opportunities outside of Alaska. We need investment to mitigate the effects of declining production in order to keep natural gas affordable for Alaskans.
• HB 246 will enable companies to lease and explore acreage in Alaska's frontier basins while still maintaining their interests on the North Slope by increasing the upland acreage limit for oil and gas leases from 500,000 acres to 750,000 acres, except for land north of the Umiat Meridian baseline.
• SB 71 frees up millions of dollars to be available for roadway construction and improvement projects that will allow greater access to potential oil and gas exploration and development.
• SB 185 amends statutes to provide for reduction of royalty on oil produced in certain Cook Inlet fields and platforms as they near the end of their production capability.

IV.    Looking to Alaska’s Future Energy Needs

• HCR 21 creates an Alaska Energy Policy Task Force to review and analyze the state's current and long-term energy needs and help develop a comprehensive long-term energy plan, which is needed for the state to promote more economic development and technological advancement.

Bolstering Alaska’s Seafood Industry

As Alaska’s commercial salmon industry faces more competition from farmed salmon around the world, the state must provide more options to keep its fishermen competitive. The Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force was extended this year for that purpose. They introduced 13 pieces of legislation this session through the Special Committee on Fisheries to help Alaska’s fishermen and the commercial fishing industry. Flexibility within the law, such as allowing fishermen to act as fish transporters, can save time and money for the industry. Tax credits for investments in adding value to salmon will keep Alaska’s wild salmon industry competitive with farmed salmon. Providing a more practical method for fishermen to pay their fisheries tax and protecting them from foreclosure in difficult times both shows support for Alaska’s salmon industry and keeps the market competitive with the rest of the world. While salmon prices are still soft, our salmon runs are still healthy. We are therefore doing everything in our power to reinvigorate Alaska’s fishing industry and to promote Wild Alaskan Salmon throughout the world. We also made great progress in our shellfish mariculture industry this session. Now, opportunities are expanding for shellfish farms and dive fisheries.

I.    Increasing Opportunities for Alaska’s Seafood Industry to Be Competitive

• HCR 6/SCR 3 extends the Joint Salmon Industry Task Force to provide an opportunity to more fully address the issues affecting the commercial salmon industry. They introduced 13 pieces of legislation in the First Session of the Twenty-Third Alaska Legislature that help the industry reclaim lost market share and foster industry expansion into new markets.
• HB 90 improves Alaska’s competitive position in salmon markets through value-added salmon products’ placement in world markets by providing a tax credit for salmon product development. This incentive also encourages fisheries businesses to invest in Alaska.
• HB 118 provides an additional tool for fishermen to cut costs, increases quality while creating efficient and productive businesses, and opens new possibilities for accessing fresh markets. It creates an opportunity for fisherman to work together and consolidate their product for shipment, which may cut down on additional fuel costs and give fisherman the ability to get their fish to market when processors no longer provide tender services.
• SB 139 permanently establishes the Alaska Salmon Price Report in statute.

II.    Helping Alaska’s Fishermen

• HB 104 assists processors who do not have large property assets in developing their business plans and in managing their tax payment schedule. It encourages new processing investment at a time when the seafood industry needs to expand and diversify in the processing sector.
• HB 118 allows fishermen to obtain secured loans for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) debt retirement, which will help keep Alaska’s fishermen from losing their limited entry fishing privileges to creditors.

III.    Utilizing Our Resources Responsibly

• SJR 12 makes responsible use of Alaska’s halibut by-catch in response to the Alaska Food Coalition's on-going efforts to help those less fortunate with much-needed nutritional assistance.

Assisting the Mining and Timber Industries to Grow

A growing mining industry will create new jobs and bring welcome revenue to the state. The mining industry will be greatly assisted in its growth as we construct new roads throughout the state and as the Alaska Railroad infrastructure expands. Federal money may soon flow towards new roads or rail to the National Missile Defense System at Fort Greeley, which will open new areas to low-cost mining. Congressman Young, who chairs the influential House Transportation Committee, and U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, will potentially steer much-needed dollars to this project.

Although the state’s timber industry has declined drastically in recent years, we are working to find opportunities for important value-added manufacturing options within the state, which will make the industry more viable.

• HB 283 increases the amount of state acreage available for coal leases, which will enable the industry to compete and the state to gain revenue from the leases.
• SB 71 frees up millions of dollars to be available for roadway construction and improvement projects that will allow greater access to resource development.
• SB 88 revises the riparian management standards of the Forest Resources Practices Act (FRPA) for Region III and strengthens protection for fish habitat and water quality in a manner that continues to support both the timber and fishing industries.

2003 Successful Legislation

HR 3 : House Special Committee: Fisheries
Passed House! Hou. Resolve 3
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee

Establishing a House Special Committee on Fisheries.

HR 5 : House Special Committee: Oil & Gas
Passed House! Hou. Resolve 5
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee

Establishing a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas.

HCR 2 : Extend Alaska Railroad To Ft. Greely
Passed Legislature! Leg. Resolve 12
Sponsored by Rep. Bob Lynn

Relating to the extension of the Alaska Railroad to Fort Greely to serve the anti-ballistic missile launch facility.

04-11-03 : The Alaska State Senate approved House Concurrent Resolution 2 by a vote of 16 to one on Friday. Sponsored by Rep. Bob Lynn (R-Anchorage), HCR 2 supports a 70-mile extension of the Alaska Railroad from the vicinity of Eielson Air Force Base to the Fort Greely anti-ballistic missile launch facility near Delta Junction.
Permanently Filed: 05-02-03.

| Sponsor Statement |

HCR 6 : Extend Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force
Passed Legislature! Leg. Resolve 3
Sponsored by Rep. Gary Stevens

Extending the termination date of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force until 2005.

02-26-03 : The Alaska State Senate passed House Concurrent Resolution 6 by a vote of 19 to zero on Wednesday. Sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens (R-KodiaKB], HCR 6 extends the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force until the end of next year's Regular Session.
Permanently Filed: 03-27-03.

| Sponsor Statement for Senate Companion Bill |

SCR 3 : Extend Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force
House Companion HCR6 Passed Legislature!
Sponsored by Sen. Ben Stevens

Extending the termination date of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force until 2005.

| Sponsor Statement |

HCR 10 : Restoration Of Riparian Habitat
Passed House!
Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Wolf

Relating to restoration of riparian habitat that is vital to the fisheries resources of the state.

05-08-03 : The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously approved House Concurrent Resolution 10 by a vote of 35 to zero on Thursday. Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Wolf (R-Kenai/Soldotna), HCR 10 recognizes the importance of maintaining and restoring healthy riparian habitats through partnerships with community groups and nonprofit organizations that raise funds for riparian habitat restoration through corporate contributions.
HCR 10 moves to the Senate.

| Sponsor Statement |

HCR 21 : Alaska Energy Policy Task Force
Passed Legislature! Leg. Resolve 24
Sponsored by Rep. John Harris

Relating to establishing the Alaska Energy Policy Task Force.

05-20-03 : The Alaska State Senate approved House Concurrent Resolution 21 by a vote of 18 to one on Tuesday. Sponsored by Rep. John Harris (R-Valdez), HCR 21 establishes a nine-member Alaska Energy Policy Task Force to review and analyze the state's current and long-term energy needs. HCR 21 returns to the House for concurrence.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 16 : Stranded Gas Development Act Amendments
Signed into Law! Chapter 4 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Hugh Fate

An Act amending the standards applicable to determining whether, for purposes of the Alaska Stranded Gas Development Act, a proposed new investment constitutes a qualified project, and repealing the deadline for applications relating to the development of contracts for payments in lieu of taxes and for royalty adjustments that may be submitted for consideration under that Act; and providing for an effective date.

04-09-03 : Governor Murkowski signed House Bill 16 into law on Wednesday. Sponsored by Rep. Hugh "Bud" Fate (R-Fairbanks), HB 16 expands the areas of potential gas exploration and development that fall under the Act. Currently, the statute only qualifies natural gas projects that export the gas in liquefied form. HB 16 would allow gas development and transportation in any form and does not specify a pipeline route. HB 16 also extends the June 30, 2001 deadline to March 31, 2005 to allow the state and producers to begin new contract negotiations.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 28 : Oil & Gas Royalty Modification
Signed into Law! Chapter 72 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring, Rep. Norman Rokeberg

An Act relating to adjustments to royalty reserved to the state to encourage otherwise uneconomic production of oil and gas; and providing for an effective date.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 28 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla) and Rep. Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), HB 28 provides a more flexible method to calculate oil and gas royalties so that the State can encourage production of oil and gas fields that might be marginal or not economically feasible under the current system.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 57 : Royalty Gas Contracts
Signed into Law! Chapter 58 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault

An Act amending the manner of determining the royalty received by the state on gas production as it relates to the manufacture of certain value-added products.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 57 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski/Ninilchik/Sterling), HB 57 gives the Commissioner of Natural Resources authority to negotiate royalty contracts on natural gas and includes manufacturers in the negotiating process.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 58 : Reinstatement Of Native Corporations
Signed into Law! Chapter 7 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Richard Foster

An Act relating to the reinstatement of Native corporations; and providing for an effective date.

04-14-03 : Governor Murkowski signed House Bill 58 into law on Monday. Sponsored by Rep. Richard Foster (D-Nome), HB 58 would offer a one-time window for previously dissolved Native Village Corporations to apply for reinstatement and retain their legal standing and assets.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 61 : Oil & Gas Tax Credit For Exploration/Development
Signed into Law! Chapter 61 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault

An Act establishing an exploration and development incentive tax credit for persons engaged in the exploration for and development of less than 150 barrels of oil or of gas for sale and delivery without reference to volume from a lease or property in the state; and providing for an effective date.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 61 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski/Ninilchik/Sterling), HB 61 creates a new income tax credit for exploration and development of natural gas reserves south of the Brooks Range.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 69 : Regulation Of Shallow Natural Gas
Signed into Law! Chapter 45 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring

An Act relating to regulation of shallow natural gas leasing and closely related energy projects; and providing for an effective date.

06-06-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 69 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla), HB 69 ensures that the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has the authority and discretion necessary to regulate shallow gas drilling while also providing for human safety and environmental protection.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 82 : Commercial Electronic Mail
Signed into Law! Chapter 14 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer

An Act making certain activities related to commercial electronic mail unlawful as unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Act enumerating unfair trade practices and consumer protections.

05-01-03 : Governor Frank Murkowski signed House Bill 82 into law on Thursday. Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage), House Bill 82 requires anyone sending unsolicited commercial email with sexually explicit content to include the letters "ADV: ADLT" in the subject line.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 86 : Injunctions Against Permitted Projects
Signed into Law! Chapter 86 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Hugh Fate

An Act relating to permits issued by the state.

06-13-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 86 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Hugh "Bud" Fate (R-Fairbanks), HB 86 makes the party that causes a work stoppage on a project to assume responsibility for their actions, if the court determines the action was improper.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 90 : Tax Credit For Salmon Development
Signed into Law! Chapter 57 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens

An Act relating to a salmon product development tax credit under the Alaska fisheries business tax and the Alaska fisheries resource landing tax; and providing for an effective date.

06-10-03 : Governor Murkowski signed HB 90 in law. Sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens by recommendation of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force, HB 90 provides a tax credit for salmon product development.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 101 : Appropriation: Grant to Arctic Power for ANWR
Passed House!
Sponsored by the Hou. Finance Committee

An Act making a special appropriation for a grant to Arctic Power to promote the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development; and providing for an effective date.

02-26-03 : The Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 101 by a vote of 34 to three on Wednesday. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee, HB 101 appropriates $1.1 million in general funds to Arctic Power to promote the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas developments. The Native Village of Kaktovik and the governor's office will receive $100,000 each for the same purpose. HB 101 moves to the Senate.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 104 : Payment of Fishery Business Tax
Signed into Law! Chapter 55 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Gary Stevens

An Act relating to payment of the fisheries business tax and to security for collection of the fisheries business tax.

06-10-03 : Governor Murkowski signed HB 104 in law. Sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens by recommendation of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force, HB 104 allows fish processing applicants to avoid posting a bond for twice the estimated fisheries business tax if they: remit all tax obligation on a monthly basis by paying the taxes due on or before the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which the tax liability is incurred, and file a bond in the amount of $50,000; or provide the Department of Revenue with proof that the applicant is the owner of real property in the state at a value of at least $100,000.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 105 : Commercial Fishing Loans
Signed into Law! Chapter 56 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Gary Stevens

An Act relating to loans to satisfy past due federal tax obligations of commercial fishermen and to the commercial fishing loan program.

06-10-03 : Governor Murkowski signed HB 105 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens, HB 105 allows fishermen to obtain secured loans for Internal Revenue Service debt retirement.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

HB 124 : Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers/Employer
Signed into Law! Chapter 36 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Jim Holm

An Act relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers and their employers and to railroad-highway grade crossings; and providing for an effective date.

06-02-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 124 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Holm, HB 124 conforms Alaska commercial driver law to federal standards to avoid the loss of between $20 million and $40 million. HB 124 requires certain commercial vehicles to approach with flashers and stop at all highway railroad crossings. The bill prohibits an employer of a commercial vehicle from knowingly allowing, authorizing, or encouraging the driver to violate any federal, state, or municipal code or regulation relating to highway railroad crossings. HB 124 also requires the court to disqualify a commercial motor vehicle driver for certain periods of time upon conviction of such violations.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 146 : Child Support/Social Security Numbers
Signed into Law! Chapter 37 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Lesil McGuire

An Act repealing the termination date of certain provisions that require the reporting of social security numbers and automated data matching with financial institutions for child support enforcement purposes; and providing for an effective date.

05-05-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 146 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), HB 146 repeals a sunset law on reporting social security numbers and automated data matching with financial institutions for the purpose of child support enforcement. By continuing to report this information, Alaska will continue to receive federal funds to finance the state child support program and the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

HB 184 : Individual Deferred Annuities
Signed into Law! Chapter 101 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. John Coghill

An Act relating to individual deferred annuities; and providing for an effective date.

06-16-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 184 into law. Sponsored by Rep. John Coghill (R-North Pole), HB 184 is a proposed insurance code revision. HB 184 adjusts guaranteed minimum interest rates that determine minimum values that holders of a fixed annuity product must receive upon policy surrender.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 191 : Coastal Management Programs
Signed into Law! Chapter 24 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to the Alaska coastal management program and to policies and procedures for consistency reviews and the rendering of consistency determinations under that program; relating to the functions of coastal resource service areas; creating an Alaska Coastal Program Evaluation Council; eliminating the Alaska Coastal Policy Council; annulling certain regulations relating to the Alaska coastal management program; relating to actions based on private nuisance; relating to zoning within a third class borough covered by the Alaska coastal management program; and providing for effective dates.

05-21-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 191 into law. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee by recommendation of the governor, HB 191 seeks to streamline the Alaska Coastal Management Program by relying on existing state statutes and regulations as the enforceable policies of the ACMP. HB 191 first allows municipalities to retain their existing land use authorities to regulate private activity within their jurisdiction. Second, the bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the implementing agency, to adopt local ordinances as enforceable policies to be applied in consistency reviews of federal projects and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) development. The DNR would consult with the local government when interpreting and applying the local ordinance as part of a consistency review. Third, the bill would specifically adopt certain existing coastal district policies for federal OCS development as state enforceable policies.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 192 : DNR Lead Resource Development Projects
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act designating the Department of Natural Resources as lead agency for resource development projects; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

04-25-03 : House Bill 192 moved out of the House Finance Committee on Friday. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee on request of the Governor, HB 192 authorizes the DNR to lead and coordinate the permitting activities of all agencies with jurisdiction over the project and would repeal existing statutes regarding permit coordination. The result of the DNR's efforts as lead agency will be better communication, more efficient permitting, consolidated public process, and stable funding for the state's permitting process. HB 192 moves to the House Rules Committee.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 246 : Limit On Oil & Gas Lease Acreage
Signed into Law! Chapter 92 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to the limitation on upland acreage that a person may take or hold under oil and gas leases; and providing for an effective date.

06-13-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 246 into law. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee on request of the Governor, HB 246 increases the upland acreage limit for oil and gas leases from 500,000 acres to 750,000 acres, except for land north of the Umiat Meridian baseline.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 267 : AK Railroad Bonds For Natural Gas Transport
Signed into Law! Chapter 71 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring

An Act relating to the Alaska Railroad; authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipping, or operation of facilities for the transportation of natural gas resources within and outside the state by others; authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue bonds to finance those facilities; and providing for an effective date.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 267 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla), HB 267 authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipping, or operation of facilities for the transportation of natural gas resources within and outside the state by others. HB 267 also authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue bonds to finance those facilities.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 283 : Coal Leases
Signed into Law! Chapter 91 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Hugh Fate

An Act relating to limitations on coal leases.

06-13-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 283 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Hugh "Bud" Fate (R-Fairbanks), HB 283 increases the amount of state acreage available for coal leases.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 242 : Exam For CPA's
Signed into Law! Chapter 139 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Hawker

An Act relating to licensing of certified public accountants.

07-10-03 : Governor Murkowski signed House Bill 242 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Hawker (R-Anchorage), HB 242 updates Alaska Statute to recognize changes in the standardized testing procedures for Certified Public Accountants (CPA) adopted by the Society of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 243 : Evaluation Of Agency Programs
Signed into Law! Chapter 52 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act establishing state agency program performance management and audit powers in the Office of the Governor for the evaluation of agency programs; and providing for an effective date.

06-06-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 243 into law. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee on request of the Governor, HB 243 establishes powers in the office of management and budget necessary to evaluate program performance by executive branch agencies. These powers include express authorization for the exercise of internal audit powers. HB 243 also makes certain audit records confidential.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 248 : Salary Of Chief Procurement Officer
Signed into Law! Chapter 53 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to the annual salary of the chief procurement officer; and providing for an effective date.

06-06-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 248 into law. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee on request of the Governor, HB 248 requests an increase in the salary of the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). The CPO now will head the division of general services in the Department of Administration; the director position of that division is being eliminated.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 250 : State Contracts
Signed into Law! Chapter 144 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Jom Holm

An Act relating to protests of state contract awards, to claims on state contracts, to the arbitration of certain state construction contract claims, and to hearings and appeals under the State Procurement Code; making conforming amendments in the State Procurement Code; and providing for an effective date.

07-18-03 : Governor Murkowski signed HB 250 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Holm (R-Fairbanks), HB 250 HB 250 modifies the procurement code pertaining to construction claims.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 257 : Disclosures By Real Estate Licensees
Signed into Law! Chapter 128 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Norman Rokeberg

An Act relating to the disclosure requirements for real estate licensees, to disciplinary action against real estate licensees, to private actions against real estate licensees, and to real estate licensee agency relationships, fiduciary duties, and other duties; and providing for an effective date.

07-01-03 : Governor Murkowski signed HB 257 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), HB 257 makes several changes to the disclosure statute. First, all references to a real estate "agent" have been replaced with real estate "licensee" to conform with the rest of the real estate statutes which use the term "licensee." Second, references to lessors and lessees have been added to the statute to reflect that the disclosure statute also applies to real estate lease transactions. Finally, HB 257 clarifies that a failure to disclose or obtain written consent as required by the statute does not give rise to a private cause of action, but can result in a disciplinary action against the licensee. However, in cases of fraud, misrepresentation or deceit, a person can bring an action against the real estate surety fund for damages. After a reconsideration vote, HB 257 will return to the House for concurrence.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

HB 266 : Elections
Signed into Law! Chapter 113 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to elections, questioned ballots and questioned voters, voter registration, training of election officials, preparation of election materials, voter identification, absentee voting, counting ballots, and the primary election; and providing for an effective date.

06-16-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 266 into law. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee on request of the Governor, HB 266 amends the state election code statutes as required to comply with a recently enacted federal law, the "Help America Vote Act of 2002."

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 269 : Safety Code Task Force
Signed into Law! Chapter 129 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom

An Act establishing the Safety Code Task Force; and providing for an effective date.

07-01-03 : Governor Murkowski signed HB 269 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom (R-Anchorage/Birchwood), HB 269 establishes a nine-member Safety Code Task Force that will discuss the features of the available published safety codes and recommend one family of codes to be adopted for the state. HB 269 moves to the Governor.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Full Bill Text |
| Final Report |

HB 270 : Pharmacist Licensing
Signed into Law! Chapter 140 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom

An Act relating to the licensure of pharmacists; and providing for an effective date.

07-10-03 : Governor Murkowski signed House Bill 270 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom (R-Anchorage/Birchwood), HB 270 gives the Board the authority to deny a license to a new applicant if they find that the applicant has committed fraud, deceit, falsely advertised, convicted of a felony, etc. as listed in Alaska statute.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 272 : Motor Vehicle Dealers
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch

An Act relating to motor vehicle dealers.

Version: SCS CS HB 272 (L&C)
Contact: Linda sylvester, 465-3744
Action: 05-04-04: (S)L&C » (S)RLS

HB 280 : Commercial Motor Vehicles: Regulations
Signed into Law! Chapter 80 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Hou. Finance Committee

An Act relating to the regulation of commercial motor vehicles to avoid loss or withholding of federal highway money, and to out-of-service orders concerning commercial motor vehicles; amending Rule 43.1, Alaska Rules of Administration; and providing for an effective date.

06-12-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 280 into law. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee, HB 280 transfers certain authority to regulate motor vehicles from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 295 : Regulations: Notice And Distribution
Passed House!
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to the publishing and furnishing of certain public notices regarding regulations or rules of certain state agencies; relating to distribution of the Alaska Administrative Code, Alaska Administrative Register, and supplements to the code or register; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS HB 295 (STA) Am
Contact: Mike Tibbles, 465-4021
Action: 05-09-04: (S)FIN » (S)RLS

The Alaska House of Representatives approved House Bill 295 by a vote of 28 to seven on Saturday. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee on request of the Governor, HB 295 allows certain state agencies to publish, in a newspaper or other publication, an abbreviated notice of proposed regulatory changes that clearly describes the changes and how an interested person may obtain more detailed information through the Internet or in written form. HB 295 also amends a variety of state statutes to allow agencies the flexibility of sending out individual notices by means other than regular mail. HB 295 moves to the Senate.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 313 : State Procurement Pilot Program
Signed into Law! Chapter 51 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Lesil McGuire

An Act authorizing a pilot program relating to state procurement and the use of electronic commerce tools; and providing for an effective date.

06-06-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 313 into law. Sponsored by House Judiciary Chair Rep. Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), HB 313 allows the Department of Administration to try an electronic system of acquiring goods and services in a three-year pilot project. The project will include no more than two state departments and two other state-managed agencies or corporations that rely on procurement and supply management.

| Sponsor Statement |
Sectional Analysis |

SB 13 : Insurance Discrimination By Credit Rating
Signed into Law! Chapter 150 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. John Cowdery, Sen. Kim Elton

An Act prohibiting discrimination in insurance rates based on credit rating or credit scoring; and providing for an effective date.

08-06-03 : Governor Murkowski signed SB 13 into law. Sponsored by Sen. John Cowdery (R-Anchorage) and Sen. Kim Elton (D-Juneau), SB 13 would prohibit insurance companies in Alaska from using credit scores in underwriting or rate setting for car or home insurance.

| Sponsor Statement | [PDF - 1 page - 23 KB]

SB 20 : Extend Board Of Marine Pilots
Signed into Law! Chapter 10 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Gene Therriault, Sen. Fred Dyson

An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Marine Pilots; and providing for an effective date.

04-22-03 : Governor Murkowski signed Senate Bill 20 into law on Tuesday. Sponsored by Sen. Gene Therriault (R-North Pole), SB 20 would extend the termination date of the Board of Marine Pilots.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 41 : Medicaid Costs And Crimes
Signed into Law! Chapter 66 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green

An Act relating to medical care and crimes relating to medical care, including medical care and crimes relating to the medical assistance program.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed SB 41 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green (R-Mat-Su), SB 41 provides the legal tools for the fiduciaries of the Medicaid program to establish program integrity and maintain maximum fiscal control.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 43 : Extend State Medical Board
Signed into Law! Chapter 20 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Donny Olson

An Act extending the termination date of the State Medical Board.

SB 47 : Extend Board Of Nursing
House Companion HB74 Signed into Law!
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wagoner

An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Nursing.

02-25-03 : Senate Bill 47 passed out of the Senate Labor and Commerce committee Tuesday. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Wagoner (R-Kenai/Soldotna), SB 47 would extend the termination date of the Board of Nursing.
SB 47 moves next to the Senate Finance Committee.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 48 : Extend Board Of Midwives
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wagoner

An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.

02-25-03 : Senate Bill 48 passed out of the Senate Labor and Commerce committee Tuesday. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Wagoner (R-Kenai/Soldotna), SB 48 would extend the termination date of the Board of Midwives.
SB 48 moves next to the Senate Finance Committee.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 51 : Bonds Of Bond Bank Authority
Signed into Law! Chapter 3 SLA 03
Sponsored by the Sen. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to revenue bonds issued by the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority and the total amount of bonds and notes outstanding of that authority; and providing for an effective date.

| Bill Backup: Deven Mitchell @ 465-3750 |
| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

SB 71 : Transportation Enhancement Projects
Signed into Law! Chapter 135 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. Ben Stevens

An Act relating to funding for transportation enhancement projects.

07-10-03 : Governor Murkowski signed Senate Bill 71 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Ben Stevens (R-Anchorage), SB 71 would decrease the amounts allocated for the TRAAK program and other enhancement projects to free up millions of dollars to be available for roadway construction and improvement projects.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 79 : Extend Alaska Minerals Commission
Signed into Law! Chapter 17 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Ben Stevens

An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission.

05-06-03 : The Alaska State Governor signed into law Senate Bill 79 on Tuesday. Sponsored by Sen. Ben Stevens (R-Anchorage), SB 79 would extend the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 82 : Alcoholic Beverage Tax For Wine & Others
Passed Senate!
Sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens

An Act relating to the state alcoholic beverage tax for certain wine and other beverages.

Version: CS SB 82 (L&C)
Contact: Doug Letch, 465-1283
Action: 04-05-04: (S)Floor » (H)Floor

SB 82 unanimously passed the Senate April 5. It exempts up to 100 gallons of wine per month from the $2.50 a gallon alcohol tax. Amended on the Senate floor to tighten the title.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 86 : Interest On Delinquent Taxes
Sponsored by the Sen. Finance Committee

An Act relating to the rate of interest on delinquent taxes.

03-25-03 : Senate Bill 86 moved out of the Senate Labor and Commerce committee Tuesday. Sponsored by the Senate Finance committee, SB 86 would eliminate the 11 percent minimum interest rate reference and retains the 12th District discount rate plus 5 formula as the only option for calculating interest on delinquent taxes. SB 86 moves next to the Senate Finance committee.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 88 : Forest Resources & Practices Standards
Signed into Law! Chapter 123 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Seekins

An Act relating to standards for forest resources and practices; and providing for an effective date.

06-18-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed SB 88 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Seekins (R-Fairbanks), SB 88 would revises the riparian management standards of the Forest Resources Practices Act (FRPA) for Region III by strengthening protection for fish habitat and water quality in a manner that continues to support both the timber and fishing industries.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 89 : Definition Of Lobbying
Signed into Law! Chapter 115 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Seekins

An Act amending the definition of 'lobbyist' in the Regulation of Lobbying Act, and as it applies in the act setting standards of conduct for legislators and legislative employees, to define 'regular' and 'substantial' as those terms describe activities for which a person receives consideration for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action.

06-18-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed SB 89 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Seekins (R-Fairbanks), SB 89 would provide a more reasonable level of access for Alaska businessmen and women to their elected representatives, their staffers, and state agency personnel.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 93 : Adverse Possession
Signed into Law! Chapter 147 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wagoner

An Act relating to limitations on actions to quiet title to, eject a person from, or recover real property or the possession of it; and providing for an effective date.

05-19-03 : Senate Bill 93 passed the House of Representatives Monday. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Wagoner (R-Kenai/Soldotna), SB 93 would repeal the Doctrine of Adverse Possession, giving private property owner's security in knowing their property can not be taken by squatters. SB 93 moves next to the governor for his signature.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |
| Legal Memo 1 |
| Legal Memo 2 |

SB 95 : 72-Hour Notice Of Teacher Strike
Signed into Law! Chapter 130 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green

An Act relating to strikes by employees of a municipal school district, a regional educational attendance area, or a state boarding school, and requiring notice of at least 72 hours of a strike by those employees.

07-01-03 : Governor Murkowski signed SB 95 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green (R-Mat-Su), SB 95 would require public school employees to provide a school district with written notice of an impending strike at least 72 hours prior to any labor action. This bill would protect students and give parents adequate time to be notified of a change in the school schedule.
SB 95 moves next to the Governor.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 128 : Common Carrier Liquor License
Signed into Law! Chapter 151 SLA 2003
Sponsored by Sen. John Cowdery

An Act relating to licensing common carriers to dispense alcoholic beverages; and providing for an effective date.

08-06-03 : Governor Murkowski signed SB 128 into law. Sponsored by Sen. John Cowdery (R-Anchorage), SB 128 would apply to issuance of a new common carrier dispensary license or renewal of a common carrier dispensary license that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 139 : Alaska Salmon Price Report Program
Signed into Law! Chapter 32 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Fred Dyson

An Act repealing the termination date of the Alaska salmon price report program; and providing for an effective date.

05-28-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed SB 139 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River) SB 139 would repeal the sunset date and will permanently establish the Alaska Salmon Price Report in statute.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 151 : Gas Pipeline Transportation Tariffs
Signed into Law! Chapter 60 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wagoner

An Act relating to the regulation of natural gas pipelines under the Pipeline Act.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed SB 151 into law. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Wagoner (R-Kenai/Soldotna), SB 151 would clarify that the RCA has the authority to authorize "firm" and "interruptible" services for other Alaskan gas transmission pipelines.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

SB 185 : Royalty Reduction On Certain Oil
Signed into Law! Chapter 59 SLA 03
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wagoner

An Act providing for a reduction of royalty on certain oil produced from Cook Inlet submerged land.

06-11-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed SB 185 into law. Sponsored the Senator Tom Wagoner (R-Kenai/Soldotna), SB 185 would amend statutes to provide for reduction of royalty on oil produced in certain Cook Inlet fields and platforms as they near the end of their production capability.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Amendment Offered in Senate Finance | [PDF file - 4 Pages - 168 KB]
| Explanation for Amendment | [PDF file - 1 Page - 30 KB]

SB 156 : Pregnancy Alcohol Warning
Sponsored by Sen. Fred Dyson

An Act relating to the posting and giving of certain warnings about drinking alcohol during pregnancy when selling or dispensing pregnancy testing kits, birth control devices, or birth control prescriptions.

04-23-03