Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-02-06 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-02-06 Senate Journal Page 0177 SB 59 SENATE BILL NO. 59 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the licensing of runaway shelters; relating to advisors to the board of trustees of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority; relating to the sharing of confidential health information between the Department of Health and the Department of 2023-02-06 Senate Journal Page 0178 Family and Community Services; relating to the duties of the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health Governor's transmittal letter dated February 2: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the implementation of Executive Order 121. Executive Order 121 separated the Department of Health and Social Services into the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS). This bill would facilitate administration of the resulting departments by enacting a statute to allow the departments to share identifiable health information necessary for the operation of state programs. It would correct an error wherein licensing authority for runaway shelters was assigned to DFCS. The bill would also add the Commissioner of DFCS as a board advisor to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. In addition to these substantive changes, the bill contains clarifying amendments to properly identify or assist with identification of the new departments in statute. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor