(JUNEAU) - Representative Mike Chenault's (R-Kenai Peninsula), HB 209 was the first bill of the session signed into law by Governor Frank Murkowski earlier today.

The legislation allows flexibility for municipalities to reduce tax assessments for property destroyed or damaged by disaster. It broadens the municipalities authority to define "disaster" to include, for example, a fire or flood that occurs in the home.

"I am proud to say that this legislation simply gives the power back to the local governments. Communities should have the ability to relieve some of the anxiety facing individuals and families who are already coping with catastrophes," Representative Chenault said.

He went on to say, "At stressful times, people should not have to be concerned with paying full taxes on destroyed property. This bill gives each local community the ability to act with compassion."

Alaska joins several other states in the country that have enacted similar legislation.

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