ALASKA – The 27th Alaska Legislature gaveled in for its third special session in Juneau Wednesday.
Governor Sean Parnell called overtime so lawmakers can continue work on a sex trafficking bill, an oil tax bill, and an in-state gas pipeline.
Parnell said he wanted the sex trafficking legislation – already approved by the house – passed by the senate Wednesday, but senators only amended it and gaveled out until Thursday.
They could vote on the bill Thursday.
Parnell also introduced what he said is a compromise between the house and senate on stalled oil tax change, but the mood of the session was set early.
"Bless us with your wisdom and your will to help us to rise above the sound bites and be grounded in the truth, not a piece of the truth, but the whole truth, so help me, god,” said Representative Anne Fairclough (R-Eagle River).
Representative Les Gara said he will be leaving the special session later this month to have surgery in New York for prostate cancer.
Gara said he expects the legislature to still be working when he returns by May 3, and that his prognosis is good.
