Governor Signs Meth-Marijuana Bill and Legislation Increasing Number of Superior Court Judges
Governor Signs Meth-Marijuana Bill and Legislation Increasing Number of Superior Court Judges
Governor Frank H. Murkowski today signed into law HB 149, a bill that recriminalizes the use and possession of marijuana and tightens up on activities related to the manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine. At a bill signing event at the Woodland Park Boys and Girls Club in midtown Anchorage, the governor also signed SB 237, which increases the number of Superior Court judges in four areas of the state.
"We are signing these bills at the Boys and Girls Club because they will have a direct and lasting beneficial impact on the youths of Alaska," Murkowski said. "The growing use of marijuana among teenagers and even younger kids cannot be ignored. There is always a great temptation to do what other kids are doing, and that includes using marijuana. When the courts have said personal use of this drug is okay in Alaska, that sends the wrong message to young people. We believe House Bill 149 will allow the state to successfully defend the outlawing of today's stronger and more dangerous marijuana in the courts."
The bill also makes it more difficult to acquire the ingredients to make methamphetamine and adds to the list of prohibited steroids.
"The meth problem is growing out of control in some parts of our state," the governor said, "but House Bill 149 takes a very important step to regain control and shut down the meth labs. Again, the use and manufacture of this insidious drug reaches far beyond the addicts who use it - they endanger their children and everyone else around them."
The governor also signed SB 237, which adds two new Superior Court judges each in Anchorage and Palmer, and one each in Kenai and Fairbanks. The bill also increases the compensation for justices and judges throughout the Alaska Court System.
"The courts have been overwhelmed with cases, particularly in Anchorage and Mat-Su, so the new Superior Court judges are a welcome addition," Murkowski said. "And I believe it is only right that they be paid at a level commensurate with the very important work they do in our criminal justice system."
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=2420