The Alaska Legislature scheduled adjournment date was Sunday, April 17, 2016, but it continues meeting. During the end of each session, bills that have been held for the end of session negotiations start to break loose. The daily calendar for both the House and Senate can be found here: http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/#tab3.
After looking at the bills voted on for the past week, HCR 21 is not on any calendar. It still sits in the House Finance Committee, but could be released at any time since it doesn't have a fiscal note. All that means is that no funds need to be appropriated if it is passed. However, the House Finance Committee schedule hasn't shown any activity on HCR 21. That means there are probably reasons to hold it back. The one issue I can envision holding it back is our substantial budget deficit. It can't be funded except through an appropriation from what is called the Alaska Constitutional Budget Reserve. Tod make that appropriation requires a 3/4th yes vote from both the House and Senate. In past years, the minority parties have withheld their vote in order to bargain for their priorities.
It is possible that HCR 21 is on a bargaining list and that it could emerge during later negotiations on the budget. Representative Geran Tarr, the sponsor, is an experienced legislator and they have strong leadership in their House Minority Caucus. It the bill is passed, she, her staff and the House Minority should be thanked.
I am hopeful, still. If it does pass, then we need to think about how to advance the mission over the next couple of years in Alaska.
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