(Juneau) - HB 175, legislation to establish a civil legal services fund, passed the House of Representatives earlier today, 33-2. The legislation is sponsored by Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage).

“This bill is an investment in fair jurisprudence and expedience in the court room. As we continue to strive for budget discipline and efficient government, HB 175 is a creative approach to financing these important services,” said Representative McGuire.

The fund would allow the Legislature to make appropriations to organizations that provide civil legal services to low-income Alaskans. It is anticipated that the funds will come from the state punitive damage award accounts. Alaska law requires that 50% of the punitive damage awards be turned over to the state. The inherent logic of the bill lies in the fact that the funds remain in the civil court system to further its efficient operation.

Representative McGuire went on to say, "Keeping Alaska Legal Services unfunded is a disservice to Alaska and the justice system. When citizens enter the courtroom unrepresented, this causes a delay and expense to the system as a whole. This bill is an effort to ensure that the elderly, victims of domestic violence, and children have access to a fair and just legal system."

HB 175 will now move to the Senate.

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