Walker asks lawmakers to extend opioid disaster declaration

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Gov. Bill Walker has introduced legislation to keep in place the public health disaster declaration he issued in response to rampant opioid abuse in Alaska.
The bill cites a state law limiting disaster emergency proclamations to 30 days unless extended by the Legislature. Walker signed his declaration Feb. 14. He is seeking a one-year extension.
Walker has said the declaration would allow the state to provide standing medical orders allowing for broader distribution o