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Legislative Report | Find Your
Legislator
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
In the meanwhile you may review our 2008
legislative session.
To take action on National ACLU issues, click
here.
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