Sponsor Statement for HB 124

HB 124 makes two modifications to the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA).

Section 1 of HB 124 exempts from collective bargaining state services that are contracted out or privatized.

Section 2 of HB 124 will provide a democratic means for the municipalities of Alaska to vote to be covered by the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) or if covered by PERA, a democratic means to opt out of PERA.

Existing legislation as interpreted by the courts has put local governing bodies in a position where one governing body can obligate all future governing bodies. HB 124 would place the decision making process back into the hands of local governing officials and the people.

HB 124 will strengthen the ability of municipalities to represent the citizens of their communities.