(JUNEAU) - Representative Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su) and Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer) have introduced legislation that would broaden and strengthen state laws under the FRANK Initiative.

Established by voters, the FRANK Initiative requires a statewide election to approve any costs associated with moving the state capital out of Juneau. House Bill 48 would require voter approval of the costs for construction of a new building or legislative hall in the current capitol city.

"House Bill 48 is a technical amendment to the citizen initiative approved by 77% of Alaska's voters in 1994. This amendment clarifies the intent of the voters all across the state," said Stoltze.

"We already require a vote of the people before spending any money to move the capitol out of Juneau. It makes good sense to have the same requirement before spending $100 million to build a new capitol building within Juneau," added Gatto.

HB 48 has been referred to the House State Affairs and Finance Committees.

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