Alaska legislators have already filed 68 bills and resolutions before the Jan. 17 session starts date.
These bills cover a broad range of issues including political contributions, election security, and electric bicycles.
One resolution has been filed to amend an outdated section of the Alaska Constitution. states that marriage is only between “one man” and “one woman”.
The resolution was sponsored by Andy Josephson, an Anchorage Democrat and House Rep. It was particularly important for him because the U.S. Supreme Court had struck down abortion protections last Summer.
“The Supreme Court has abolished civil rights for the first time ever in history. He said that it would be foolish for us to watch them do this and not intervene in order to protect civil liberties of our citizens.”
Since 2014, Alaska has recognized same-sex marriage. Last month, President Joe Biden signed a federal law recognizing interracial and same-sex marriages. Josephson stated that he doubts that the Supreme Court will eventually overturn that law.
Josephson introduced similar legislation before to recognize gay marriage in state constitutions, but it was defeated each time. While he isn’t optimistic that the amendment will be on the 2024 ballot, he believes it’s important to inform voters about the position of lawmakers on the issue.
Kodiak Republican Senator Louise Stutes filed three bills related to fisheries. These bills were intended to help develop fisheries in the state, and lower commercial vessel registration fees. The third bill was proposed by the House and would allow Board of Fish and Board of Game members who have conflicts of interests to take part in the discussions. However, they cannot vote on the matter.
She said, “Why would you choose to have a board member who is an expert in a particular area and not allow him to share that expertise with other board members?” “It’s crazy.”
Representative Genevieve Mina, Anchorage Democrats, and Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson submitted parallel bills to create October as Filipino American Heritage Month.
Mat-Su Republican Senator Mike Shower filed a number of bills related to voter registration, election security and voting machines.
Friday, January 13th will see the release of more prefiled bills. On the first day of each chamber’s organization, prefiled legislation will also be officially introduced.
