"An Act relating to a determination of costs attributable to relocating the legislature or the state capital or of constructing a new capitol building in the present capital city, and to a determination of all costs of retaining the existing capitol building and keeping the state capital and legislature in the present capital city; relating to voter approval of certain bondable costs; and providing for an effective date. "

The most recent version of the FRANK statute was approved by voters in 1994, and has been the key component in thwarting efforts to move the capital out of Juneau in recent statewide elections-most recently in 2002. Existing law only requires voter approval for costs associated with moving the capital from Juneau but does not address costs for constructing a new capitol building in Juneau.

Today, the City of Juneau is moving forward with a plan to build a new legislative hall. Prompted by this action, House Bill 48 will enable the voters of Alaska to decide on any state cost that might be incurred with the moving of the legislature out of its current building.

The changes proposed to the FRANK initiative will:

• Include constructing a new legislative hall or capitol in the current capitol city.
• Expand the scope of the costs examined to include all other costs associated with relocation, not just bondable costs.
• Set the commission to determine all costs attributable to constructing a new capitol in the capital city.

I ask for your consideration and support of HB 48 to enable the voters of Alaska to either approve or disapprove on the costs for construction of a new building or legislative hall in the current capital city. Trust the people.

Bill Version: 24-LS0183G

# # #