This Week In Alaskan History: A mere three weeks after then President Dwight Eisenhower signed the proclamation which granted statehood to Alaska, the first Alaska State Legislature convened on January 26, 1959.
Alaska’s First State Legislature Convened
At the state’s first Legislature, Alaskan lawmakers took it upon themselves to not only organize a state government but pass the State Organization Act of 1959. The Act created twelve executive departments: administration, law, revenue, health and welfare, labor, commerce, military affairs, natural resources, public safety, public works, education, and fish and game. The first Legislature also:
- Created the Supreme Court along with Superior and District Magistrate Courts
- Passed the Alaska Lands Act
- Created the Seal of the State
- Set the drinking age at 21, and
- Established numerous professional licensing boards, among other things.
Alaska’s State Legislature Currently
Currently, the Alaska State Legislature consists of sixty members in two houses: The Senate (20 Senators) and the House of Representatives (40 Representatives). The head of the Senate is the President of the Senate and the head of the House is Speaker of the House.
A Legislature consists of two regular sessions. A first Regular Session convenes in odd-numbered years while a second Regular Session convenes during the following, even-numbered year. Meanwhile, any special sessions are also held during the even-numbered year. Alaska’s Constitution requires the Legislature adjourns 120 days after the day it convenes unless extended for up to 10 days by a two-thirds vote by both the Senate and the House. Regular sessions begin in the month of January – the same month the first Alaska State Legislature occurred.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: Akleg.gov and Legis.State.Ak.Us
Photo Source: Vilda.Alaska.Edu