This bill increases the possible number of charter schools from 30 to
60 and allows terms of 10 years instead of 5 years. It provides for one-time
grants of $500 per student. It allows them to meet in facilities that meet
safety standards for public buildings - a reduction from public school
standards. This would permit use of "auditoriums and churches" according
to Sponsor Dyson's testimony in committee and on the floor of the House
HB 195: Alaska Religious Freedom Protection Act.
THis bill requires the State, in pursuing compliance with state and
local civil rights laws, to prove with clear and convincing evidence that
the application of a burden on a person's free exercise of religion is
essential to furthur a compelling government interest and is the least
restrictive means of futhuring that interest. The bill does not protect
against the infringement of the rights of others by a person claiming a
religious exemption to an existing civil rights law.
HB 209:
Since foster care for youths ends at age 18 and many have not
developed adaquate independent living skills, this new program would provided
additional education, vocational training, mentoring and couseling to achieve
elf-sufficiency. Contracts or grants may be provided to "qualified entities"
using resources available from other state and federal agenies. Qualified
entities is defined to include "churches and religious organizations".
SB 183:
This bill is not a church/state issue per se but would essentially
eliminate public interest lawsuits in Alaska courts. It poses a very grave
threat to our ability to bring litigation in the future to defend religious
liberty rights against encroachments by state and local governments.
