Session: State Capitol, Room 125 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-6600 Fax: (907) 465-3805 Interim: 600 E. Railroad Ave. Wasilla, AK 99654-7035 Phone: (907) 376-3370 Fax: (907) 376-3157

Sponsor Statement for SB 204
Wildfires and Natural Disasters

An Act Relating to Wildfires and Other Natural Disasters

SB 204 was introduced to address the concerns of private property owners and residents during emergency management of wildfires and disaster areas. This legislation places language in statute that more equitably balances the rights of private property owners and residents with the demands of emergency personnel to protect life and property.

The bill establishes statutory guidelines for private property owners and emergency personnel during wildfires and natural disasters. SB 204 provides that an adult resident or property owner:

• May choose not to evacuate an area:
• Shall be permitted to enter a threatened area, if entry does not interfere with emergency personnel; the resident or land-owner provides proof of residency or property ownership; and is informed that entry or reentry is at the resident's own risk.

SB 204 also provides statutory protections for all emergency personnel from liability if a property owner or resident is injured or killed due to choosing not to evacuate or choosing to reenter an are threatened or affected by wildfire or natural disaster.

# # #

Attachments:

• Print Friendly Version
  Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 12K
  

| Sen. Green's Page |

| Top | Home | Site Search | Breaking News | Legislators | Bills |
| Committees | E-Newsletter | Surveys | Research | Help |

The Official Web Site of the House and Senate Legislative Majorities
for the 22nd Alaska State Legislature
To Report Technical Problems or Contact Webmasters