(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously approved House Concurrent Resolution Seven by a vote 36 to zero on Monday. Sponsored by the House State Affairs Committee, HCR Seven amends the Uniform Rules to allow an executive session among legislators when the discussion could pose a risk to state or national security.

"Make no doubt, we serve the public," House State Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch (R-Juneau) said. "That also means occasionally conducting confidential meetings about security sensitive issues in order to protect the public and make informed policy decisions."

HCR Seven allows a legislative body to exclude members of the public from a meeting when the discussion focuses on the security of the state, the nation, or members of the government. If public knowledge of the subject could pose a security risk, the Uniform Rules would permit an executive session.

"We do not want to keep secrets; however, protecting the state and the nation is part of serving the people," Weyhrauch said.

HCR Seven moves to the Senate."

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