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Alaska lawmakers passed just 34 bills this year, affecting dairy cows, abandoned cars, veterans and more

Alaska Dispatch News - 5/22/2021

May 22—JUNEAU — The Alaska Legislature didn't fix the state's major issues during its regular session, and legislation on big, weighty topics — such as election law, abortion, transgender rights and taxes — failed to advance.

With the state House unable to elect a leader for the first quarter of the session and both the House and Senate afflicted by deep divides, lawmakers passed only 34 bills, the fifth-fewest of any year since statehood and almost the same as last year's pandemic-shortened session, which saw 32 bills become law.

Only two of this year's bills — Alaska's COVID-19 emergency legislation and a law allowing corporations to hold virtual shareholder meetings — have been signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who could veto any of the remaining 32.

The clock hasn't started yet for those decisions: None of the bills have yet been sent to his desk.

Even though this year's legislation is comparatively minor, it has the chance to change some aspects of life across the state.

Here are some highlights from what the Legislature passed:

—A legal cow-sharing program. Under a bill from Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage, Alaskans would be able to buy a share of a dairy cow and receive regular shipments of raw, unpasteurized milk directly from a farmer. The program is already authorized by regulation, but putting it in law makes it permanent and akin to community-supported agriculture programs that offer produce. Tarr said she envisions her legislation as a way to help small farmers just starting a dairy business. "We keep talking about diversifying our economy, and this is a way to do it," she said.

—Legal hemp farming. Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, has tried for years to allow industrial hemp farming in Alaska. A previous bill created a test program; this year's legislation creates full-fledged farming. "Hemp is a multibillion-dollar industry globally, and it's time for Alaska to get a piece of the pie," Hughes said.

—A shorter deadline for removing abandoned cars. Legislation from Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, shortens the timeline for someone to take possession of a car that someone else abandons on their property. Currently, it takes six months to formally declare a vehicle "abandoned" and for the property owner to seize the title and dispose of the car. Kiehl's bill shortens that process to 30 days.

—More anti-overdose drugs. Sen. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, successfully led legislation that allows the state's chief medical officer to permanently grant permission for the broad distribution of naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

—Notice of free veterans' services. Companies that charge military veterans for services must now inform them if a free alternative is available. Under legislation from Sen. Josh Revak, R-Anchorage, companies can be fined up to $1,000 for each violation.

—Protections for a Native cemetery. During World War II, hundreds of Alaska Natives were removed from the Aleutian Islands and interned in other parts of Alaska, often in miserable conditions, and many died. Legislation from Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, extends a state park in Southeast Alaska to cover one internment camp cemetery.

—A permanent fee for predator control. Alaska deliberately kills some predators, such as wolves, in an effort to increase the population of game animals in certain areas of the state. This program, part of what's called "intensive management," is funded with a fee on hunting licenses. That fee was set to expire but would become permanent under legislation sponsored by Revak.

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(c)2021 the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska)

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