"An Act relating to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee."

AS 24.20.201(a)(3) states that the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee has the power to "require all state officials and agencies of state government to give full cooperation to the committee or its staff in assembling and furnishing requested information." Unfortunately, this well-intentioned statute is unenforceable because it lacks any penalties for those who are uncooperative or who undermine the work of this committee. Senate Bill 45 is designed to remedy this by providing prosecutors with the necessary tools to deter and punish those who hinder the investigative work of the legislative budget and audit committee.

Senate Bill 45 also clarifies the process by which privilege is claimed and the process by which it is determined.

When the legislature created the Legislative Budget and Audit committee, it envisioned this committee would have full access to all information necessary to carry out their work. Senate Bill 45 helps to ensure that this vision can occur.

I urge your support and swift passage of this important legislation.

Last Updated: 05/01/2003

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