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Twenty-one bills from nine legislators were released Friday morning in advance of the start of the 34th Legislature. Interior legislators did not file bills that were released Friday.
Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage) proposed a bill that would require police officers and correctional facility officers to report any incident to the Department of Public Safety in which an officer uses forces, and the Department of Public Safety would then submit reports to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Gray-Jackson told the News-Miner Saturday that while use of force is regulated by department now, leadership could change regulations and if a policy is in statute officers must follow the law. She said that she has been introducing public safety reform bills to protect both residents and police officer since 2019.
Gray-Jackson also wants to establish March as Women’s History Month in Alaska to recognize women and their achievements.
First- and second-class boroughs are required to create comprehensive plans regarding policies, goals and standards, a land use plan, a community facilities plan and a transportation plan to guide the physical, social and economic development of the borough. Sen. Forrest Dunbar (D-Anchorage) proposed adding a housing plan to this list.
Rep. Jamie Allard (R-Eagle River) introduced a bill amending the law about the flag of the United States. The bill would require governmental entities to display the U.S. flag in a position higher than other flags displayed. U.S. flag code requires the U.S. flag to be displayed at the highest point when a group of flags are displayed, unless when flown next to a flag from another nation. The bill would prevent government buildings from displaying “a flag that represents a political viewpoint, including a viewpoint concerning race, sexual orientation, gender, or a politically partisan or political ideology.” Military service members or veterans “may use reasonable force to prevent the desecration, destruction, or removal of the United States flag or to replace the United States flag to a prominent position ... “ and would be immune from criminal or civil liability for using force.
Allard also introduced a bill at the request of the governor to eliminate Daylight Saving Time. Five similar bills have been previously introduced over the last 20 years.
Rep. Calvin Schrage (NA-Anchorage) proposed a bill that would allow for same-day registration for elections, provide a postage-paid return for absentee ballots, eliminate the witness requirement for absentee ballots and adds a new section for curing rejected ballots.
In the App Store Accountability Act, Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) wants app store providers to verify the individual’s age and obtain parental consent before allowing minors to download or purchase of apps. Parents would be able to access parental controls for their children’s devices. If app stores violate these rules, they could pay $2,500 per violation or impose civil penalties up to $10,000. The Department of Law would be required to create an app age rating advisory committee made up of parents, content creators, app developers and representatives of groups focused on child welfare.
In an email to the News-Miner, Vance stated, “The App Store Accountability Act is an important step in ensuring that digital app stores have the same safeguards as brick-and-mortar stores when they are required to limit children from accessing age-restricted content like pornography and tobacco. Parents should have the tools that empower them to make informed decisions about their children’s online experiences, and big tech must be held accountable to uphold these protections.”
A handful of education-related bills were also included in the second round of prefiled bills.
Allard reintroduced her bill from 2024 that would ban transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports. At least two dozen states already have similar laws, and Congress is also considering a ban at the federal level.
Another bill from Allard, HB 39, looks to protect deaf students’ rights in the classroom by requiring that districts provide information to parents on hearing technology and different modes of communication. The bill would also give parents the right to choose which method of communication works best for their child.
Gray-Jackson is proposing a bill that calls on the state school board to establish a “heath and personal” safety education program that would provide guidelines on physical and mental health instruction at all grades in school districts around the state.
“Our kids need and help and they need the help now,” she said.
Contact Haley Lehman at 907-459-7575 or by email at hlehman@newsminer.com.