03/16/2009 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB108 | |
| HB105 | |
| HJR20 | |
| HB19 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 105 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HJR 20 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 108 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 175 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 16, 2009
3:19 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kurt Olson, Chair
Representative Mark Neuman, Vice Chair
Representative Mike Chenault
Representative John Coghill
Representative Bob Lynn
Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch
Representative Lindsey Holmes
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 108
"An Act relating to real property foreclosures, to the sale of
property on execution, and to deeds of trust."
- MOVED CSHB 108(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 105
"An Act relating to the state training and employment program;
and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20
Urging the United States Congress to end daylight saving time.
- MOVED HJR 20 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 19
"An Act exempting the state and its political subdivisions from
daylight saving time."
- MOVED CSHB 19(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 175
"An Act relating to insurance, including treating as
confidential certain information submitted to the director of
insurance by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners; clarifying conditions for the release of insurer
deposits; defining travel insurance that may be sold under a
travel insurance limited producer license; establishing criteria
for licensing of nonresident independent adjusters as resident
adjusters; exempting rewards under a wellness program from
treatment as insurance discrimination or rebating; making
certain insurance required of the Comprehensive Health Insurance
Association permissive rather than mandatory; providing for the
administration of loss reimbursement policies and payments to
guaranty associations during insolvency proceedings; making
certain provisions relating to statements on applications and
guaranteed renewability for individual health insurance
applicable to hospital and medical service corporations; making
public certain forms and related documents filed for approval by
a hospital or medical service corporation after the filing
becomes effective; relating to deposits of self-funded multiple
employer welfare arrangements; repealing reasons that the
director of insurance may use to deny or revoke a license; and
providing for an effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 108
SHORT TITLE: PROPERTY FORECLOSURES AND EXECUTIONS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RAMRAS
02/02/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/02/09 (H) L&C, JUD
02/23/09 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
02/23/09 (H) Heard & Held
02/23/09 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/13/09 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/13/09 (H) Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
03/16/09 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 105
SHORT TITLE: STEP PROGRAM
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) COGHILL
01/30/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/30/09 (H) L&C, FIN
03/02/09 (H) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED
03/02/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/02/09 (H) L&C, FIN
03/16/09 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HJR 20
SHORT TITLE: REPEAL FEDERAL DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) FAIRCLOUGH
02/23/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/23/09 (H) CRA, L&C
03/03/09 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/03/09 (H) Moved Out of Committee
03/03/09 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/05/09 (H) CRA RPT 2DP 3NR
03/05/09 (H) DP: KELLER, MUNOZ
03/05/09 (H) NR: HARRIS, CISSNA, HERRON
03/16/09 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 19
SHORT TITLE: ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) FAIRCLOUGH
01/20/09 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/09
01/20/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/20/09 (H) CRA, L&C
03/03/09 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/03/09 (H) Heard & Held
03/03/09 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/12/09 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/12/09 (H) Moved Out of Committee
03/12/09 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/13/09 (H) CRA RPT 1DP 3NR
03/13/09 (H) DP: HERRON
03/13/09 (H) NR: GARDNER, KELLER, MUNOZ
03/16/09 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
JANE PIERSON, Staff
Representative Jay Ramras
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified and answered questions on HB 108,
on behalf of the prime sponsor, Representative Jay Ramras.
ROBERT SCHMIDT, Attorney
Groh Eggers LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 108.
STEPHEN ROUTH, Attorney
Routh & Crabtree, APC
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Briefly testified during the discussion of
HB 108.
REPRESENTATIVE ANNA FAIRCLOUGH
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as prime sponsor of HJR 20 and HB
19.
CRYSTAL KOENEMAN, Staff
Representative Anna Fairclough
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HJR 20, on behalf of
Representative Anna Fairclough, prime sponsor of the resolution.
ALBERT JUDSON
Haines, Alaska.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HJR 20.
JEFFREY PASCO
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HJR 20.
HENRY NOVAK
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HJR 20.
RICHARD BRAUN, Professional Land Surveyor
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 19.
LYNN WILLIS
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 19.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:19:57 PM
CHAIR KURT OLSON called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:19 p.m. Representatives Buch,
Chenault, Coghill, Holmes, Neuman, and Olson were present at the
call to order. Representative Lynn arrived as the meeting was
in progress.
HB 108-PROPERTY FORECLOSURES AND EXECUTIONS
3:20:01 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 108, "An Act relating to real property
foreclosures, to the sale of property on execution, and to deeds
of trust."
JANE PIERSON, Staff, Representative Jay Ramras, Alaska State
Legislature, stated she is staff to Representative Jay Ramras
and is available for questions.
3:21:13 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:21 p.m. to 3:22 p.m.
3:22:35 PM
ROBERT SCHMIDT, Attorney, Groh Eggers LLC, stated that he
previously testified on HB 108. He related his understanding
that two proposed amendments will be introduced, one that would
eliminate bonding requirements and the other to address Internet
websites. He offered that the proposed amendments completely
address his earlier concerns and he now has only minor concerns
with HB 108.
CHAIR OLSON agreed that two proposed amendments were received by
the committee.
STEPHEN ROUTH, Attorney, Routh & Crabtree, APC, stated that he
is also fine with the proposed amendments and is available to
answer questions.
3:24:01 PM
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 108. In response to
Representative Chenault, Chair Olson stated that the proposed
amendments to HB 108 are being submitted by the prime sponsor of
the bill.
3:24:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN made a motion to adopt Amendment 1,
labeled 26-LS0318\A.1, Bannister, 2/26/09, which read:
Page 10, line 13:
Delete "or"
Page 10, line 15, following "AS 21.66.270":
Insert "; or
(3) a state agency, including the Alaska
Housing Finance Corporation and the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority"
CHAIR OLSON objected for purpose of discussion.
3:24:55 PM
MS. PIERSON explained that Amendment 1 states that a state
agency, including the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)
and Alaska Industrial Development Export Authority (AIDEA), does
not have to post bond. Thus, state agencies would not need to
post a bond. In response to Representative Neuman, Ms. Pierson
explained that a bonding requirement exists for trustees.
However, it was determined that state agencies have enough
assets that they do not need to bond. She offered that it would
be similar to how a title insurance company is given an
exclusion.
CHAIR OLSON removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:26:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN made a motion to adopt Amendment 2,
labeled, 26-LS0318\A.2, Bannister, 3/12/09, which read:
Page 2, line 19, through page 3, line 13:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR OLSON objected for purpose of discussion.
3:26:46 PM
MS. PIERSON explained that Amendment 2 deletes all the Internet
publication requirements. She related her understanding that
possibly only one website would qualify. She offered that she
held discussions with realtors and mortgage companies who are
willing to work on the issue to allow others to qualify such as
newspapers, to address cost such as providing free access, and
other options. She opined that the Internet provision will be
reintroduced, but it will represent consensus.
CHAIR OLSON removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 2 was adopted.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES expressed her concern that an owner in
foreclosure must appear two days prior to the sale and could not
appear on the day of the sale to remit funds and stop the
foreclosure.
3:28:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report the HB 108, as amended,
out of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note.
There being no objection, CSHB 108(L&C) was reported from the
House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
3:29:01 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:29 p.m. to 3:31 p.m.
HB 105-STEP PROGRAM
3:31:40 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 105
"An Act relating to the state training and employment program;
and providing for an effective date."
CHAIR OLSON then announced that the bill would be held over
pending distribution of an amendment to the committee.
HJR 20-REPEAL FEDERAL DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
3:32:31 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20, Urging the United States Congress
to end daylight saving time.
3:32:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ANNA FAIRCLOUGH, Alaska State Legislature,
speaking as a joint sponsor of HJR 20, stated that her staff,
Crystal Koeneman would provide a history of daylight saving
time.
CRYSTAL KOENEMAN, Staff, Representative Anna Fairclough, Alaska
State Legislature, speaking on behalf of the prime sponsor of
HJR 20, Representative Anna Fairclough, provided a chronological
history of daylight saving time. She explained that the
Standard Time Act was established in 1918, which established the
observance of daylight saving time. The act was repealed the
next year and daylight saving time was left to local
jurisdictions. The Congress, in an effort to conserve fuel
resources by reducing the need to produce electrical power for
artificial lighting, placed the country on daylight saving time
during World War I. The Congress reinstated daylight saving
time from 1942 - 1945 during World War II. From 1945 to 1966,
no federal law applied and states could decide whether to
observe daylight saving time. The Congress passed the Uniform
Time Act of 1966, which set daylight saving time to begin the
last Sunday of April and end on last Sunday of October. She
mentioned that any state or locality could exempt itself from
daylight saving time. In 1986 the Act was amended to begin on
the first Sunday in April. Following the 1973 oil embargo, the
Congress placed most of the nation on extended daylight saving
time in an effort to conserve energy, such that daylight saving
time was in place for 10 months in 1974 and for 8 months in
1975. Due to public opposition to the late sunrise times in
winter month, daylight saving time was discontinued. In 1976
the nation reverted back to the Uniform Time Act of 1966. In
March 2007, daylight saving time was extended an additional four
to five weeks, beginning on the second Sunday of March until the
first Sunday of November.
3:36:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH offered that the issue of daylight
saving time can be addressed in multiple ways. She related that
since 2007, she has received multiple requests to repeal
daylight saving time in Alaska. She explained that one big
issue is consistency with time in Lower-48. Thus, those in
opposition to the repeal believe that it is important to
maintain communications with rest of the nation. This
resolution would allow Alaska to take steps in that direction to
discuss the issue with the Congress and organizations
nationwide.
3:37:25 PM
CHAIR OLSON asked if daylight saving time is repealed, that
Alaska would be the second state to do so.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH disagreed. She referred to a map in
members' packets of the northern hemisphere, which she opined is
lagging behind the rest of the globe. Some countries are
migrating off DST to Greenwich Mean Time, which is also the same
time as the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). She offered that
Canada is currently discussing repealing DST, with one province,
Saskatchewan that has repealed DST. She mentioned other
countries such as Mexico and most of the Asian markets that are
still discussing repeal. She mentioned that Hawaii is not on
DST, and Indiana is attempting to leave DST, since someone
discovered that it actually cost money to comply with DST.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN inquired as to whether Indiana has repealed
DST.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH related that Indiana is currently on
DST, but a recent study indicated that costs were associated
with DST.
3:39:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES inquired as to whether Alaska is currently
on DST.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH answered that Alaska is currently on
DST as of March 8, 2009. She explained that HJR 20 presents an
opportunity for Alaska to engage in discussions nationally about
the health consequences and the business climates that are
affected by DST. She further explained that it takes 10 days in
Nome to recoup an hour, in Anchorage it takes 12 days, and in
Juneau it takes 13 days. Thus, the value of DST evaporates in a
little over a week.
3:40:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES inquired as to whether any cost to
companies is associated with eliminating DST, specifically for
changing time clocks on computers.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH responded that a universal patch could
be developed on a one-time basis for items such as video
surveillance, cell phones, and other technology. She mentioned
it would be a cost savings for statewide computers since only
one adjustment is necessary. Currently, systems are
reprogrammed twice a year. She stated that the state's
technology group believes that it would save money to repeal the
DST.
3:42:34 PM
ALBERT JUDSON stated that he grew up as a commercial fisherman.
He offered his belief that DST enhances fishing since fishermen
use daylight hours to run to the fishing grounds, and the
regulatory agencies such as Alaska Department of Fish & Game
(ADF&G) use specific hours to determine the openings and
closings. He offered his opposition to HJR 20 and HB 19.
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT related that since ADF&G is using a
clock, that it should not make any difference whether the time
is Alaska Standard Time or DST. He asked for clarification.
MR. JUDSON offered his belief that DST affects people involved
in subsistence fishing since the daylight parallels the clock.
3:46:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN also stated that he did not understand. He
inquired as to how fishing an hour earlier or later would affect
fish runs.
MR. JUDSON related that during DST, the time on the clock
parallels dusk and dawn. He offered his belief that fishermen,
especially subsistence fishermen should be questioned before
abolishing DST.
3:48:12 PM
JEFFREY PASCO commented that he has not fished for some time,
but recalled that he used tides and daylight when he was
fishing. He expressed concern for health and safety issues. He
related that the change to DST affects drivers, and in a recent
drive from Soldotna to Anchorage that he drove in the dark.
However, if the DST did not go into effect, that he would have
had daylight for his morning drive. Additionally, commuters in
Alaska must traverse regions populated with moose. Thus, the
change to DST creates hazards. He opined that repealing DST
would allow Alaskan to drive to/from work in the daylight. He
mentioned that students and drivers are sleep deprived for the
several weeks that it takes to adjust to the time change. He
opined that DST does not make sense in Alaska.
3:50:29 PM
HENRY NOVAK stated that he was born and raised in Alaska. He
recalled when Alaska had five time zones. He related that the
DST "screws him up for about three weeks every time we go back
and forth." He suggested that the time should be left alone
year round, although he did not care if it was Alaska Standard
Time or DST, just that it should remain the same year round.
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HJR 20.
3:52:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report HJR 20, labeled 26-
LS0501\R out of committee with individual recommendations and
the accompanying fiscal note.
There being no objection, HJR 20 was reported from the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
3:53:19 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:53 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
HB 19-ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
3:55:45 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 19, "An Act exempting the state and its political
subdivisions from daylight saving time."
3:56:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ANNA FAIRCLOUGH, Alaska State Legislature,
recalled that the Anchorage Fire Department would remind people
to change batteries in their smoke detectors twice annually
during the time change. She related that she received
overwhelming response to a survey question related to DST from
her constituents at end of the last legislature. She related
during the summer, many Alaskans asked her to exempt Alaska from
DST. Thus, HB 19 was introduced. Additionally, surveys were
conducted in 2004 and 2005 by Hellenthal & Associates and
Dittman Research & Communications Corporation, which resulted in
favorable results to repeal DST. She mentioned that a KTUU poll
ran last week that showed 70 percent of Alaskans who responded
to the poll favored repealing DST. However, she recalled the
State Chamber of Commerce did a poll and 70 percent of
businesses were opposed to the repeal since communication with
the rest of the nation and world would be adversely affected.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH related that her survey resulted in
442 responses, of which 329 supported the repeal of DST, or
approximately 71.4 percent of those surveyed. She added that 75
responded in opposition to the repeal of DST, 15 supported a
year round DST, and the remainder provided other comments such
as indicating a preference to be 3 hours behind the East Coast.
She mentioned that her outreach was to municipalities and
various chamber of commerce organizations.
3:59:22 PM
MS. KOENEMAN elaborated that an e-mail was sent to
municipalities, school districts various chamber of commerce
organizations. The e-mails were subsequently forwarded to
others, she stated.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH also offered that she was contacted by
many others including the Fairbanks Daily New-Miner, a Soldotna
radio station, and Anchorage Daily News with respect to the
issue. She said that she asked those who spoke in opposition to
the repeal due to time change between Alaska and the East Coast.
She related that the analysts who work with the New York
financial market begin work at 5 a.m. since it is 9 a.m. on the
East Coast when the financial markets open. She related that HB
19 would impact the analysts such that they would begin work at
4 a.m. or lose an hour of interaction with the financial market.
However, she noted that Dan Cuddy, who is the president of First
National Bank Alaska, spoke in support of the repeal of DST.
She related that he provided a letter of support in favor of the
repeal.
4:01:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH expressed that another concern raised
was safety. She explained that she researched safety. She
explained that First Student, Inc. sends new alerts to notify
school bus drivers. She noted that the Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities provided accident rates. She
stated that accident rates were initially down in the first week
of DST in the spring, variable to the weather and climate with
an increase in accidents in the fall. She indicated that on
March 15, 2009, the DOT&PF noted, 839 crashes prior to DST, and
516 accidents after the spring change, dependent on weather.
However, in the fall when an hour of daylight is lost, accident
rates increase from 988 prior to the fall time change and 1,020
after the fall time change. Additionally, she stated the
Anchorage municipal chief of police advises that accidents
decrease with an added hour of daylight. She recalled testimony
that related to the effects of being thrown into an additional
hour of darkness during driving hours, which she related
represents a valid observation. However, she reminded members
that her research did show fewer accidents.
4:03:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH recalled discussions with
Representative Holmes about technology questions. She
reiterated that the state's central main frame sets an internal
"heartbeat" in its system so that all computers in the system
have the same time stamp. She related that the Department of
Administration anecdotally believed that eliminating DST would
save labor and money. She opined that one reason for DST is to
achieve increased recreational time for daylight in the evening.
However, in Alaska, the Land of the Midnight Sun, "that just
doesn't play out." She maintained that in about ten days, most
of the state makes up the entire hour. She opined that largest
disadvantage is in western and northern Alaska. She opined that
during DST, a person's internal time clock in western Alaska is
three hours off. She related that teachers see increased
disruption, even in Anchorage, inside the classroom, as well as
tardiness by staff and students, increased absences, and lower
productivity which is generally disruptive.
4:06:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH pointed out that the average person
adjusts to the time change in about 12 days. She reiterated
that the largest reason to oppose the repeal of DST is for those
who wish to minimize the time difference between Alaska and the
East Coast. She also reiterated that the biggest reason to
repeal DST is for health reasons.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH related that the northern hemisphere
receives little advantage to DST, but experiences not only a
loss of productivity, but a two to four percent increased risk
for heart attacks, according to a study done in Stockholm,
Sweden. She reiterated that Indiana has the energy study that
indicates that indicates that it costs more, that it is not
doing what it was supposed to do in saving energy.
Additionally, the Stockholm study shows a health risk. She
stated that she received several comments from people: one
discussing the biological clock, while several doctors related
that due to the circadian rhythm sleep disruption causes
problems for Alaska. She also mentioned that Anchorage School
District administrators and principals and teachers support the
repeal, including school board president Jeff Friedman and
superintendant Carol Comeau. She related that one dissenting
comment was that the time/date stamp is off on surveillance
security systems. However, she noted that results in a one-time
fix, rather than the necessity to go back and forth in spring
and fall.
4:10:57 PM
CHAIR OLSON inquired as to whether the sponsor spoke to Alaska
Airlines.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH surmised that passengers would need to
show up an hour earlier.
CHAIR OLSON inquired as to whether HB 19 would have an impact on
transfers within Alaska.
MS. KOENEMAN related that the airlines operate in Hawaii and in
Arizona and make the schedules work.
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL commented that he currently is impacted
in Fairbanks and frequently has a lengthy layover in Anchorage.
He surmised that Alaska Airlines would not be concerned about
any impacts time changes would have on its passengers.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES offered that the state is challenged since
it is so large. She inquired as to whether the sponsor has
received general comments from Southeast Alaska.
4:13:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH pointed out that support and
opposition to repealing the DST is specific to geographical
differences. She opined that people in Southeast Alaska are
overwhelmingly opposed to the repeal in part due to Seattle time
and the west coast, which participate in DST. She further
opined that Alaskans who reside in Northern and Western Alaska
overwhelmingly favor the repeal of DST. She pointed out that
the resolution provides the means for a national discussion on
health issues. A second reason to repeal the DST in Alaska to
better align our internal clocks, and a third reason is to look
at Alaska perhaps having different time zones. She asserted
that her intent is not to disenfranchise Southeast Alaska.
However, she pointed out that the remainder of the state is
disenfranchised by DST for over a decade.
4:15:42 PM
RICHARD BRAUN, Professional Land Surveyor, stated that HB 19 is
a really bad idea for Southeast Alaska. He opined it would be
nice not to change time twice a year, and he supports one time,
but not Alaska Standard Time. He opined that he would prefer to
leave the time year round on DST. He opined Alaska is a big
state that stretches across three time zones. Thus, someone
will be inconvenienced. He pointed out that the geographic
location of two states that repealed DST, Hawaii, and Arizona,
but both are states with lots of sunshine.
MR. BRAUN professed that Alaska Standard Time is not ideal for
Southeast Alaska. He opined that the natural time zone for
Southeast Alaska is the Pacific Time Zone. In the summer, we
arise too late to take advantage of sunlight. However, the
recreational time ends too early due to early darkness. He
further opined that DST corrects that problem a little. He
related that HB 19 would keep Alaska on Alaska Standard Time
year round. Thus, when the rest of the country is on DST,
Alaska will be two hours later than Seattle and five hours later
than the East Coast. He noted that Whitehorse in the Yukon
Territory, Canada, is further west than Juneau, but under the
bill would be two hours ahead of Juneau. He said, "HB 19 is
politics ignoring geography." He maintained that HB 19 might be
a good idea for Southcentral and Western Alaska but it is a bad
idea for Southeast Alaska. He said, "Southeast also has a lot
fewer sunny days. Every minute of sunlight is precious to us."
He surmised that in 1983, a compromise was achieved for state
unity. This bill completely ignores that compromise, he said.
He suggested that Alaska should not change without the rest of
the nation and Canada also changing their time since it will
make it awkward to conduct business. He highlighted that when
he is conducting business with the East Coast and a five hour
time gap exists, only three hours overlap and one of those falls
over the lunch hour. Thus, he related that he only has two
hours to conduct his business with people and businesses on the
East Coast. He suggested the legislature should examine how
much this will affect Southeast Alaska. He said, "It's not a
good idea for Southeast Alaska."
4:20:20 PM
LYNN WILLIS related that he has no financial interest in the
legislation and has submitted written testimony, as well. He
stated that twice annually, the law to change clocks impacts
every Alaska resident, regardless of age, gender, or location.
He said, "I personally believe that absent a compelling reason
for its continued use in Alaska this practice should now end. I
further believe that personal convenience and benefit are not
compelling reasons to keep using daylight saving time in
Alaska." He pointed out that energy savings is the primary
reason that states are allowed to use DST. However, its impact
on commerce can not be ignored, he stated. He offered that
since 1967 that Alaska has been using DST. He asked what the
compelling reason is to continue its use to enhance state
commerce. He surmised one reason might be to enhance business
communications. However, in 1967, business communications
relied on hardwired office telephones and telegrams. He related
that Alaskans now have cell phones, the Internet, and other
advances that allow commercial transactions to be made 24 hours
a day. Another reason to consider DST might be to compensate
for the time zone differences in other areas.
MR. WILLIS provided a brief history of time differences such
that in 1967, businesses in Anchorage and Fairbanks were two
hours behind Seattle and Juneau. Without observing DST, the
time difference between the Railbelt and Seattle was three
hours, and for Nome and Bethel the difference was four hours.
However, in 1983 Alaska's current time zone was created by
merging the Yukon, Alaska, and Bering time zones. Except for
the Aleutian Islands, Alaska has been one hour behind Seattle,
he noted. If DST is repealed, Seattle would be ahead of Alaska
by two hours for only a portion of the year. The 1983 time zone
change overcame a compelling reason to keep using DST in Alaska.
Finally, another reason to consider DST might be that in 1967,
minimizing the time differences was essential for Alaskan
businesses primarily oriented towards the Lower 48 states.
However, in 2009, Alaskans participate in international commerce
with nations of the Pacific Rim including Japan and China, where
DST is not used.
MR. WILLIS said, "When we spring forward towards Seattle and New
York, we leap away from China and Japan." He related that for
purpose of finance, Alaska sits at the crossroads of the world.
He offered that during normal business hours, a person can
contact others ranging from New York City to Beijing, China.
However, only without DST does Beijing become accessible at 4
p.m. Alaska time, thus, allowing time for communication. He
maintained that time to conduct business with this range of
nations can only be accomplished without DST. He concluded by
stating that the compelling reasons to minimize the time
difference between Alaska and the Lower 48 have been muted by
the changing world economy.
4:23:52 PM
JEFF PASCO stated that he is not surprised at the opposition by
the chambers of commerce. He recalled earlier opposition by the
organizations on prior similar legislation. He related that he
agrees with Mr. Willis's testimony.
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 19.
4:25:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN made a motion to adopt Amendment 1,
labeled 26-LS0188\A.1, Bannister, 3/13/09, as follows:
Page 1, line 1, following "time":
Insert "; and providing for an effective date"
Page 1, following line 10:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 2011."
CHAIR OLSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH explained the purpose of Amendment 1
is to allow an opportunity for organizations such as the
chambers of commerce and businesses to be prepared for the time
change.
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL inquired as to whether the Amendment 1,
would place Alaska in the Alaska Standard time zone.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH agreed.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN suggested that it is might be better to do
this in October.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH agreed that would be the time that
most would change from DST to Alaska Standard Time. She offered
that there may be some anomalies and Amendment 1 would allow
people three months to make changes.
CHAIR OLSON removed his objection.
There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
4:27:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report HB 19, labeled 26-
LS0118\A, as amended, out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being
no objection, CSHB 19(L&C) was reported from the House Labor and
Commerce Standing Committee.
4:27:41 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
4:27 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 01 HJR20 ver R.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 20 |
| 01 HB19 ver A.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 01 SSHB0105 ver E.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 02 SSHB105 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 03 SSHB105 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 04 SSHB105 AK Workforce Investment Board Recommendations.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 03 HJR20 FISCAL NOTE-LEG-COU-3-2-09[1].pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 20 |
| 04 HJR20 Study-Does_Daylight_Saving_Save_Energy[1].pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 20 |
| 02 HB19 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 03 HB19 Fiscal Note GOV-OMB.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 04 HB19 Backup.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 05 HB19 sun times -Juneau.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 05 HJR20 DST World Map.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 20 |
| 05 SSHB105 AK Workforce Investment Board Resolution.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 06 HB19 sun times - Miami.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 06 SSHB105 29 USC 50 Apprentice Labor Federal Law.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 06 HJR20 Myocardial Infarction DST.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
|
| 07 CSSSHB105.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 105 |
| 07 HB19 sun times - Phoenix.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 08 HB19 sun times - NY.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 09 HB19 DST vs Attnd.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 10 HB19 sun times - Anchorage.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 11 HB19 sun times -Nome.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 12 HB19 Elevated Safety Alert DST.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| 13 HB19 Amendment - effective date.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 |
| Mar 16 Packet Information.pdf |
HL&C 3/16/2009 3:15:00 PM |
HB 19 HB 105 HJR 20 |