A new website in Arizona is the model for legislation introduced Friday in Juneau. State Representative Garan Tarr put forward House Bill 329. If it’s approved, it could make it easier for the public to participate in the legislative process in Alaska. Tarr says the idea is to use social media platforms like Facebook to allow people to comment on legislation. She admits the proposal is based on a program up and running in Arizona.
“We learned about Arizona Voices. It’s a new website. Arizona is the first state to do something. I’m saying it’s like Facebook meets legislative process.”
Tarr says the system she envisions would allow people to use Facebook or other social media platforms to comment on legislation through the current BASIS system.
“On the current BASIS system, when you go to a particular bill page there are clickable links for the text of the bill, clickable links to get documents and fiscal notes. There could be another clickable link to submit comments.”
Tarr says one of the big reasons she put the bill forward is to make it easier for people to participate in the legislative process.
“I represent moderate to low income folks, a lot of people that are working more than one job. They don’t have the opportunity to take time off at 1-pm to participate in a committee hearing. This is a way to give them access to that process.”
House Bill 329 has been referred to the State Affairs committee.