JUNEAU -- The Senate Judiciary Committee heard mostly supportive testimony Monday of a measure to make hatred, bias and prejudice an aggravating factor in crimes committed in Alaska.
Anchorage Sen. Bettye Davis, a Democrat, is the sponsor. She said she's not the first to introduce hate crimes legislation, but hopes she'll be the last.
Supporters included representatives of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality group and mental health organizations.
The one outright critic, a former Alaska military policeman, testified that the bill is inconsistent with the concept of equal protection under the law and that he disagreed with criminalizing motives.
The committee held the bill for additional consideration.
-- The Associated Press
Committee near done with operating budget
JUNEAU -- The House Finance Committee is completing its version of an operating budget. It passed amendments Monday that slash travel budgets for most state agencies by 10 percent and includes money for foster children and domestic violence programs.
One of the more controversial line items -- funding for the state's instate gas program -- is expected to be considered today. Floor debate is expected later this week.
-- The Associated Press
Hearings begin on bill to expand Legislature
JUNEAU -- The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing Monday on a constitutional amendment to add 12 seats to Alaska's 60-seat Legislature.
Chairman Bert Stedman, a Sitka Republican, says the bill has his attention.
Experts have testified that the upcoming decennial redistricting process may have irreconcilable problems. Population shifts to the Railbelt and disparate rules in the state Constitution and federal Voting Rights Act on how to redraw the lines are the cause.
Without changes, districts with stagnant and shrinking populations -- like Stedman's -- may face dissolution in favor of new Railbelt districts. With the additional legislators, those districts would likely remain intact while the Railbelt gained the new seats.
-- The Associated Press
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