Senate Republican Minority Charges into Session
Pre-filed Bills Address Education, Crime and Communities
JUNEAU - Alaskans would be better protected from identity theft, pay less for a business license, and have more tools available to control truancy under bills introduced today by members of the Senate Republican Minority.
“Our members have taken advantage of their considerable experience in the Legislature to craft bills that will better the lives of residents across the State. Our bills will benefit all Alaskans, regardless of their party affiliation, and we plan to work cooperatively with all members of the Legislature, regardless of their party affiliation,” said Senate Republican Minority Leader Gene Therriault, R-North Pole.
“Alaskans deserve legislation to close all loopholes that would allow their personal information to be compromised,” said Therriault, who re-introduced anti-identity theft legislation similar to that which he co-sponsored last year, but which failed to pass in the final days of the session. Other topics he is working on include the gas pipeline, controlled substances and contributions to non-profits.
Sen. Gary Wilken, R-Fairbanks, has introduced legislation to “Bank a Billion” of the anticipated FY 07 surplus; increase the per student dollar amount; repeal the 2003 business license fee increase; create a sustainable dividend program; and expand the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho medical education program to more students.
Sen. Con Bunde, R-Anchorage, plans to tighten truancy laws by including “interventions” such as parental notification, parent/teacher conferences, a written family agreement, or, for the worst offenders, a court petition to determine juvenile delinquency.
“Chronic truants are often vulnerable to being recruited into gangs. Superintendents around the state have contacted my office for help in dealing with chronic truancy. This legislation assists parents, school administrators and students in tackling school absence issues. It is modeled after other states’ best practices in controlling truancy and keeping kids in school,” Bunde said.
Sen. Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River, will pursue legislation that requires hospitals to declare their discount rates and cost shifts; that makes minors more responsible for restitution to the victims of vandalism; and strengthens cost controls with: spending caps, accountability audits and long-term fiscal planning.
