We encourage our members to become involved in our advocacy efforts. Write, call, or visit your Alaska State Senators and Representatives to make sure that Alaskans’ fundamental civil liberties remain intact.

HELP THE ACLU STOP DISCRIMINATORY HB 3! A driver’s license primary purpose is to allow its bearer lawfully to drive a car, it is not intended as a document to relate to one’s immigration status.

House Bill 3 would require the State of Alaska both to determine whether someone is legally present in the country and to speculate on how long that individual may stay. It’s once-a-year requirement to renew a driver’s license for those present for an indefinite period of time imposes an unlawful and unfair burden on legal immigrants, and invites racial profiling by state employees.

PLEASE TAKE TWO MINUTES RIGHT NOW TO CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SENATOR AND LET HER KNOW YOU OPPOSE HB 3! Take action »

Here are some other bills the ACLU is working on:

HB 88: The bill’s sponsor contends this legislation is needed to protect against an “example of an offending transnational law . . . sharia – authoritative Islamic law.” But, Alaska’s Attorney General agrees with the ACLU that HB 88 “might affect a foreign entity’s willingness to do business . . . in Alaska,” and questions “whether the legislation is necessary.” This bill runs afoul of First Amendment protections for freedom of religion. To find out how bad this bill is, read our written testimony.

SB 14: Another unnecessary bill that threatens health and safety of Alaskans – particularly in rural areas – by sanctioning refusals to provide needed care. To learn more, read our written testimony.

SB 16/SB 93: while one version of these bills would be viewpoint neutral, and allow “choose life,” “pro family, pro-choice,” or other message plates, some in the Legislature are seeking to promote an anti-choice message. Our review of these bills is, Lynn & Kller: SB 93 and Wielechowski SB 16.

ACLU to Testify Before Anchorage Assembly Regarding Legal Requirements for Protection of Homeless Persons Property. On Tuesday, May 25 after 6:00 p.m. at the Loussac Library in Anchorage, the ACLU will provide testimony to the Assembly regarding necessary changes to the Municipal Ordinance on posting homeless encampments for property removal. Click here for a copy of the ACLU’s written testimony which outlines the legal deficiencies with the Municipality’s current ordinance. The public may also testify.

Summary of ACLU Priorities for 26th Legislature, >

ACLU Seeks Amendment of Hate Crimes Legislation to Protect Free Speech and Associational Rights. The ACLU provided testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on the constitutional balance between protecting historically disfavored groups from violence and harassment, and ensuring First Amendment rights – no matter the viewpoint – are protected. To see the complete written testimony click here.

ACLU Advises Legislature of Unconstitutionality of Proposed Drug and Alcohol Testing Scheme. The ACLU testified in Juneau regarding the standards for drug and alcohol testing, and advised the House Health & Social Services Committee that proposed legislation ran afoul of federal and state standards. To see the ACLU ‘s written testimony click here. Download PDF >

ACLU Urges Inclusion of Same-Sex Domestic Partners in Benefits Conferred by SB 278.  In keeping with the Alaska Supreme Court’s ruling in Alaska Civil Liberties Union v. Alaska, regarding the conferral of benefits by the State on legally married spouses, the ACLU has asked the Alaska Legislature to recognize and honor the service of military families headed by couples in same-sex committed partnerships. Download PDF >

TAKE ACTION —

The actions you take online have a major impact on the protection of civil liberties for all Americans. Five minutes can make all the difference!

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that has multiple constitutional flaws. The House Judiciary Committee has passed the bill with Amendments that make it even worse. Your urgent help is needed to let your Representatives know to oppose HB 298. For more information you can review the ACLU of Alaska’s written testimony to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees opposing HB 298, and the Senate version, SB 222.

In addition, the ACLU of Alaska is opposing SB 252 and HB 324, which would unconstitutionally restrict the rights of the criminally accused. ACLU testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing this legislation is also available.

PLEASE send this information to friends!

Let your Legislators know you oppose the HB 35, the ill-advised and unconstitutional "Parental Notice & Consent" Bill, which would harm teenagers. Take action now!

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that affects the most fundamental constitutional right - the right to vote. Please take 2 minutes to let your Legislators know you support laws that grant the franchise to members of our community who need to be involved in democratic society.

Please help make sure that Capital Punishment is not brought to Alaska.  Write your elected officials now!

ACLU Opposes HB 9 Efforts to Introduce Death Penalty to Alaska. > Read the ACLU’s Statement in Opposition

To take action on National ACLU issues, click here.