March 31, 2014

Another busy week in the Capitol!  This week went by just as quickly as the preceding weeks.  I spend much of my time creating the Senator’s Ulu Newsletter, in Judiciary Committee, and Labor and Commerce Committee.  This week has also had considerably nice weather, so I’ve also spent most lunches and after work outside enjoying the sunny weather.

HB 216 Official Languages of the State was heard this week and didn’t seem well received by some of the Representatives in House State Affairs.  It was somewhat disheartening to see, but they did bring up a good point in that they are worried about the potential cost of making all of them official.  It sounds like some work needs to be done to work out some of the kinks.

The two committees Judiciary and Labor and Commerce that I’ve been responsible for were all bills that had been previously heard.  In Judiciary I heard HB 47 Injunction Security:  Industrial Operation, HB 218 Sentencing on Aggravator/Deportation Status, and SB 201 Criminal Trespass on Private Property.  In Labor and Commerce I heard SB 183 Extend Emerging Energy Technology Fund, HB 269 Immunity for Volunteer Health Care Provider, and HB 167 Architects, Engineers, Surveyors.  Seeing the multitude of bills coming through each of the committees is fascinating considering the holes in different laws, or loopholes that people use to get around the law. 

I also just read about my first project I took on in the legislature that involves Katie John.  I put together the packet and presented on Katie John Day which taught me most of what I know about subsistence rights.  In the news today I found out that the Supreme Court decided that it will not review the latest ruling in Katie John case, a blow to the state and a win for AFN!