Alaska’s legislative session is about to come to a close this evening.

It’s doubtful legislators will be done while you’re eating Easter dinner, or even while watching prime time Sunday T.V., but the hope for many Alaskans is that they finish their business and accomplish much.

 

More likely than not, our state representatives and senators will be pressed to scoot right up against the midnight hour before closing shop. That’s been the case in sessions past. It is guaranteed that every single member of the Legislature, whether in the House or Senate, has a bill, amendment, or combination of both that is important to them. Hundreds of eager special interest groups, unions, non-profits, companies, and advocacies are keeping a close eye on the finale.

 

Some of our legislators are in a scurried rush to beat the clock and affect a bill in process, pro or con. Legislators would love the Easter Bunny to make an appearance this evening with a fat basket filled with policy successes and ‘yes’ votes on measures they support or sponsored. Maybe they’ve authored legislation that is a signature policy or passion. Perhaps it’s a member of the House or Senate Minority, desperate to add an amendment or block a measure.

 
The feeling is palpable, and anxiety is tense this evening for our public servants in the state capitol, and possibly even more for their staff. Been there, done that (in both capacities).

 

APE encourages you to send some positive thoughts to Juneau (but don’t call or email – they’re too busy this late in the game to greet sweet nothings).

 

Just think about a state legislator’s mindset, potentially after two years of hard work on an issue. For most it’s a bill or resolution that staff worked tirelessly researching, presenting, organizing, and then hopefully passing through the policymaker’s talent and networking. The process can be arduous, typically requiring a journey through both bodies and multiple committees, including the intimidating Finance committees, and the gatekeeping Rules chair of both House and Senate, and then the nerve-racking floor vote in two separate chambers.

Logjams in hearings arise for many reasons, ranging from limited committee time, to member questions that may require research and response. There’s also the classic unspoken reason: a chair of a committee simply doesn’t like you or your legislation.

The fate of a cluster of pending legislation in the waning hours of the final session often rests with a few powerful standing committee chairpersons and the leadership.

Back in 2006, voters passed an initiative establishing a 90-day session in statute, which took effect in 2008. It’s still unclear if reducing the session from 120 days to 90 days has made a difference with efficiency, thoroughness, or fiscal responsibility. This determination depends on the viewpoints of the policy maker, benefactor of legislation and the advocacies urging support. In other words, if your bill or capital budget request doesn’t come to fruition by tonight, you may be less than enthused with a 90-day limit to Alaska legislative session.

But what if the Legislature doesn’t finish its business tonight? If enough legislators, or at least the important ones in leadership positions, don’t get passed what they deem critical for their constituent and political agendas, is a special session plausible?

 

Here’s the link to Alaska statute sections referencing special session:

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/statutes.asp#24.05.100

 

One cautionary note: If the Legislature continues past midnight, even a minute after, then a domino effect would happen when it comes to the initiatives on the ballot. Why? Because they will be pushed to the General Election in November. Add to the mix 24-hour budget rules, and the lack of consensus in stressful times, and one never knows. The presumption is that neither body would delay the opportunity for Alaskans to vote in the August Primary Election on minimum wage, marijuana and the Bristol Bay mining ban. But legislators may not have a choice based on the rules and Alaska Constitution. As for the repeal of the Oil and Gas Production Tax (former SB 21) referendum, this one will be safe for the Primary per Alaska’s Constitution no matter when adjournment occurs.

APE suspects the Legislature will go over midnight and the ballot propositions will be pushed to the November election.

 
Becky Bohrer from the Associated Press apparently referenced this same possibility in an article yesterday published in the Anchorage Daily News stating:

“If work runs past midnight, the placement of initiatives on this year’s ballot could be affected. Alaska’s primary date moved up a week, to Aug. 19 this year, under a bill passed last session. Legislative attorney Alpheus Bullard, in a memo last month to French, said if the session lasts beyond 90 days, the three initiatives slated to appear on the primary ballot will get bumped to the next statewide election. A special legislative session, if called instead, would not affect the placement of the initiatives, he said.”  http://www.adn.com/2014/04/19/3433377/lawmakers-aim-to-complete-work.html?sp=%2F99%2F100%2F&ihp=1

 

Whether we witness political posturing into the wee hours of night or a clean adjournment, be prepared for the onslaught of campaign messaging and fundraising invites in the coming weeks as the August Primary is the next big gig. Envision T.V., radio, online, via phone and email, and postal service…Oh Joy!  We in the political communications world have so many delightful ways to make contact with you.
Watch Gavel-to-Gavel if you want to see the real-time deliberations tonight:

 http://www.360north.org/

Happy Easter!