Interior Delegation Chair

Pete Kelly

Weekly Legislative Update Contact: Lorna Ramert (907) 465-2327 February 19, 1997

HB 69 Outlaws Date Rape Drug

Legislation introduced by Rep. Al Vezey classifies Flutnitrazepam, the "date rape" drug, as a controlled substance. The bill would classify the drug as a schedule IV (A) controlled substance and makes possession of the drug a felony. HB 69 has passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and is awaiting action by House Finance. Currently use of Rohyphol is covered under federal law. Alaska does not have any state law governing its use. Flutnitrazepam, trade name Rohyphol, is known by street names that include Roaches, Roches, Rocha, Rophies, Roofies, Ruffies, Ropes and Ribs. The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory is in the process of verifying evidence believed to be the first evidence of Rohypnol's presence in Alaska from the first arrest involving the possession of Rohypnol. The drug induces sleep and causes amnesia. Victims of drug-induced rape cannot identify their victims and convictions are difficult and rare. HB 69 sends a clear message that those who would perpetrate sexual abuse in our society will not be tolerated. One way to make safer communities is to make sure that drugs like Rohyphol are classified as controlled substances and the offenders are punished as felons.

Rep. James participates in Teleconference with Gingrich

A Valentine's Day teleconference at the State Capitol brought together members of the Western State Coalition and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Representative Jeannette James was one of Alaska's representatives. The focus of the teleconference was the widespread concern about quietly eroding sovereignty and each participant voiced concerns about the erosion of their own State sovereignty. It is not only the federal government that has a choke hold on our abilities to responsibly develop our lands, manage our fish and game, and provide jobs for people, we are now dealing with International entities. Over 40 million acres in the State of Alaska are classified national parks and sixty-eight percent of the US national parks, preserves and monuments have been designated to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites, without congressional approval. The goals of UNESCO appear innocent, and if they are, Congress can certainly approve of them. The constitutional authority of the Congress as elected representatives of the people over the land of the United States must be reaffirmed. Whatever is done with our lands should only be done with oversight and Congress should make the decisions with a public process; the decisions should not be made quietly and without recourse by the President or his appointees.

House Happenings

The Interior's representatives are hard at work on various issues and committees as well as sponsoring several bills each. If you have concerns about the legislation you may contact the sponsoring representative or the Legislative Information Office in Fairbanks. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have, tell you where the bills are in the legislative process, and inform you of upcoming hearings. We appreciate your participation!

Interior Representatives Sponsor Legislation to Benefit You

Representative Pete Kelly has introduced the following pieces of legislation:

HB 4 DNR/Fish & Game Permits/Plans/Disposals

HB 5 Criminal Prosecution of Minors

HB 6 Release of Information about Minors

HB 16 Juvenile Delinquency Procedures

HB 37 Parental Consent before Minor's Abortion

HB 45 Runaway and Missing Minors

HB 46 Mining Claims on Public Lands

HB 62 Child Care by Welfare Recipients

HCR 4 Separate Records for Delinquents

Rep. Kelly has co-sponsored the these bills:

HB 3 Disclosures: Felony Arrests of Minors

HB 28 Repeal Coastal Zone Management

HB 51 Regulations of DEC

HB 63 Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption

HB 68 Voluntary Flex Work Plan: Overtime

HB 116 Workers Comp Self-Insurance Group

HCR 1 North Slope Natural Gas Project

Representative Jeannette James has introduced the following:

HB 17 DNR Approval of Plats in Unorganized Borough

HB 18 State Procurement Disability Preferences

HB 52 Increase Tobacco Taxes

HB 81 Perm. Fund Board Members & Staff

HJR 2 Repeal of Regulations by Legislature

HJR 14 Support American Land Sovereignty

Rep. James has cosponsored these bills:

HB 2 Permanent Fund Dividend Eligibility

HB 46 Mining Claims on Public Lands

HCR 1 North Slope Natural Gas Project

HJR 12 Leases in National Petroleum Reserve

Representative Gene Therriault is sponsoring:

HB 28 Repeal Coastal Zone Management

HB 63 Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption

HB 68 Voluntary Flex Work Plan: Overtime

HB 109 Management of State Land and Resources

HJR 4 Limiting Terms of State Legislators

Rep. Therriault has signed on to co-sponsor these pieces of legislation:

HB 6 Release of Information about Minors

HB 46 Mining Claims on Public Lands

HCR 1 North Slope Natural Gas Project

Representative Al Vezey introduced the following bills:

HB 69 Rohypnol as Schedule IVA Drug

HB 96 BDS Fisheries & Game Qualifications

HB 101 Trusts & Property Transfers in Trust

HB 112 Amend Definition of "Political Party"

HB 214 PERA: Local Exemption and Non-negotiable Items

HJR 16 Support Federal Balanced Budget

Rep. Vezey is co-sponsor of:

HB 4 DNR/Fish & Game Permits/Plans/Disposals

HB 6 Release of Information about Minors

HB 37 Parental Consent before a Minor's Abortion

HB 68 Voluntary Flex Work Plan: Overtime

HCR 1 North Slope Natural Gas Project

HJR 14 Support American Land Sovereignty

Representative John Davies has sponsored one bill:

HB 36 Permanent Fund Dividend Eligibility

Rep. Davies is co-sponsoring:

HB 2 Permanent Fund Dividend Eligibility

HB 63 Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption

HCR 1 North Slope Natural Gas Project

Representative Tom Brice is the sponsor of:

HB 34 Legislative Per Diem

HB 38 Conveyance of Land Selection to Boroughs

HB 44 Admission to Pioneers' Homes

HB 80 Alaska Transportation Commission

HCR 3 Regional Diversity Supreme Court

HJR 8 Prisoner Rights Limited to Federal Rights

Rep. Brice has signed on as co-sponsor of:

HCR 1 North Slope Natural Gas Project

HJR 15 AK National Guard Youth Corps Challenge Program

Brown Bag Lunches

Brown bag lunches for the Interior Delegation to meet with constituents visiting the capitol are scheduled for the following Thursdays:

Please come join us if you will be in Juneau. We are happy to schedule lunches for an off Thursday. Just let us know!

Teleconferences

Legislative Teleconferences with the Interior Delegation are scheduled for the following alternate Tuesdays from 7-8pm:

These meetings are broadcast over KUAC and we welcome you to participate. You may go to the LIO on Cushman St. or call 1-800-478-7612. We hope to hear from you!

We're on the Internet

Come see our web pages! The members of the Interior Delegation are accessible via the Internet! You will find legislation, speeches, sponsor statements, photos, profiles and more! Please come visit majority members at:

http://www.akrepublicans.org

All members at:

http://www.state.ak.us