The Alaska Watchman is tracking these bills which are all scheduled for hearings this week. To publicly comment on any of these bills, click here to find a Legislative Information Office near you to testify by phone.

TRIBAL CONTROL OF VILLAGE SCHOOLS

Senate Bill 136, which grants tribal leaders greater control over public education in Alaska’s villages, is scheduled for a hearing on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 9 a.m. in the Senate Education Committee. The bill has the support of Gov. Mike Dunleavy and would allow tribes to oversee K-12 grade schools, while infusing classroom education with a combination of Western and millennia-old tribal education models. Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, is the prime sponsor.

EASING MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

House Bill 148, which changes marriage requirements by eliminating the need two witnesses of a marriage to sign the marriage certificate, is scheduled for a hearing on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. in the House State Affairs Committee. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, who is a vocal and active supporter of same-sex marriage and the more radical elements of the LGBT political agenda.

NO RIGHT TO ABORTION IN AK CONSTITUTION

Senate Joint Resolution 13, which proposes a constitutional amendment clarifying that nothing in the State Constitution may be “construed to secure or protect a right to abortion” or abortion funding, is set for a hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 1:30 p.m. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Wasilla.

CHANGING THE STATE SONG

House Bill 193, which alters Alaska’s state song by adding a second verse suggesting there are “bars among our cultures,” while pledging allegiance to “Nature’s” flag, is set for a hearing on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 8 a.m. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau.