04/16/2024 03:00 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB68 | |
| HB190 | |
| HB330 | |
| HB173 | |
| HB362 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 173 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 330 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 256 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 362 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 190 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 68 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 16, 2024
3:01 p.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Laddie Shaw, Chair
Representative Stanley Wright, Vice Chair
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Jamie Allard
Representative Ashley Carrick
Representative Andi Story
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 68(RES) AM
"An Act relating to public notice for certain state actions and
public hearings; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HCS CSSB 68(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 190
"An Act establishing a violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset
Commission; relating to the duties of the legislature;
establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review and make
recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to state
entities; relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Sunset
Commission; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 190(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 330
"An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices
by prisoners."
- MOVED HB 330 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 173
"An Act relating to public construction contracts; and providing
for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 173 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 362
"An Act relating to the reimbursement rate for prisoner medical
care."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 256
"An Act establishing May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Awareness Month; and providing for an effective date."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 68
SHORT TITLE: PUBLIC NOTICE FOR STATE ACTIONS/HEARINGS
SPONSOR(s): RESOURCES
02/10/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/10/23 (S) RES
03/15/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/15/23 (S) Heard & Held
03/15/23 (S) MINUTE(RES)
03/24/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/24/23 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/19/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/19/23 (S) Heard & Held
04/19/23 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/21/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/21/23 (S) Heard & Held
04/21/23 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/26/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/26/23 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/01/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/01/23 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
05/05/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/05/23 (S) Moved CSSB 68(RES) Out of Committee
05/05/23 (S) MINUTE(RES)
05/08/23 (S) RES RPT CS 3DP 3NR NEW TITLE
05/08/23 (S) DP: BISHOP, GIESSEL, KAUFMAN
05/08/23 (S) NR: KAWASAKI, CLAMAN, WIELECHOWSKI
03/07/24 (S) PRIME SPONSOR CHANGED - SENATE
RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPLACED GIESSEL
03/11/24 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/11/24 (S) VERSION: CSSB 68(RES) AM
03/13/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/13/24 (H) STA
04/04/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/04/24 (H) Heard & Held
04/04/24 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/09/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/09/24 (H) -- Rescheduled to 04/11/24 --
04/11/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/11/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/16/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 190
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION
SPONSOR(s): WAYS & MEANS
05/03/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/03/23 (H) W&M, STA, FIN
05/08/23 (H) W&M AT 6:00 PM DAVIS 106
05/08/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
05/09/23 (H) W&M AT 6:00 PM DAVIS 106
05/09/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/09/23 (H) MINUTE(W&M)
01/24/24 (H) W&M AT 6:00 PM DAVIS 106
01/24/24 (H) Heard & Held
01/24/24 (H) MINUTE(W&M)
01/31/24 (H) W&M AT 6:00 PM DAVIS 106
01/31/24 (H) Heard & Held
01/31/24 (H) MINUTE(W&M)
02/14/24 (H) W&M AT 6:00 PM DAVIS 106
02/14/24 (H) Moved CSHB 190(W&M) Out of Committee
02/14/24 (H) MINUTE(W&M)
02/19/24 (H) W&M RPT CS(W&M) NEW TITLE 4DP 2NR
02/19/24 (H) DP: MCKAY, MCCABE, TILTON, CARPENTER
02/19/24 (H) NR: GRAY, GROH
03/12/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/12/24 (H) Heard & Held
03/12/24 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/26/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/26/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/02/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/02/24 (H) Heard & Held
04/02/24 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/09/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/09/24 (H) -- Rescheduled to 04/11/24 --
04/11/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/11/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/16/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 330
SHORT TITLE: RESTRICT PRISONER ACCESS DIGITAL DEVICES
SPONSOR(s): VANCE
02/15/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/15/24 (H) STA
03/26/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/26/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/02/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/02/24 (H) Heard & Held
04/02/24 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/16/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 173
SHORT TITLE: PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WAGE RATES
SPONSOR(s): MCCABE
04/24/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/24/23 (H) STA, FIN
03/05/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/05/24 (H) Heard & Held
03/05/24 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/26/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/26/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/16/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 362
SHORT TITLE: PRISONER MED CARE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT
SPONSOR(s): PRAX
02/20/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/24 (H) STA
04/09/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/09/24 (H) -- Rescheduled to 04/11/24 --
04/11/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/11/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/16/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
BUDDY WHITT, Staff
Representative Laddie Shaw
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered committee questions related to
CSSB 68(RES) am.
DONNA ARDUIN, Staff
Representative Ben Carpenter
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Explained proposed amendments to CSHB 190
(W&M) on behalf of the bill sponsor, the House Special Committee
on Ways and Means, on which Representative Carpenter serves as
chair.
MEGAN WALLACE, Chief Counsel
Legislative Legal Services
Legislative Affairs Agency
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
190.
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions during
the hearing on HB 330.
APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Corrections
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
330
DON HABEGAR, Community Coordinator
Juneau Reentry Coalition
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 330.
MARSHA OSS, Reentry Coordinator
Fairbanks Reentry Coalition
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 330.
CHRIS DIMOND
Western States Carpenters Union
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 330.
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 173.
DON ETHRIDGE, Lobbyist
Alaska AFL-CIO
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 173.
CHRIS DIMOND
Western States Carpenters Union
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 173.
SCOTT DAVIS, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 173.
RUSTIN KRAFFT, Purchasing Director
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 173.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE PRAX
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 362.
TERI WEST, Director
Administrative Services
Department of Corrections
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
362.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:01:55 PM
CHAIR SHAW called the House State Affairs Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. Representatives Wright, Allard,
Story, and Shaw were present at the call to order.
Representatives Carpenter, C. Johnson, and Carrick arrived as
the meeting was in progress.
SB 68-PUBLIC NOTICE FOR STATE ACTIONS/HEARINGS
3:03:10 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the first order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 68(RES) am, "An Act relating to public
notice for certain state actions and public hearings; and
providing for an effective date."
3:03:33 PM
CHAIR SHAW moved to adopt Amendment 1 to CSSB 68(RES) am,
labeled 33-LS0412\D.A.1, Bullard, 3/16/24, which read:
Page 1, line 1, following "notice":
Insert "requirements for museums and"
Page 1, following line 3:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Section 1. AS 14.57.210(b) is amended to read:
(b) To acquire title under (a) of this section,
the museum shall publish a notice for at least four
consecutive weeks on a dedicated Internet webpage
maintained by the museum responsible for the
undocumented property and at least once a week for
four consecutive weeks either in a newspaper of
general circulation in the judicial district where the
museum is located or on a social media account
maintained by the museum. The notice must include
(1) a brief and general description of the
property;
(2) the date or approximate date, if known,
of the acquisition of the property by the museum;
(3) the name, address, electronic mail
address, and telephone number of the museum
representative to contact for more information or to
make a claim of ownership;
(4) the initial date of publication on the
Internet webpage [DATE OF THE LAST PUBLICATION OF THE
NOTICE UNDER THIS SUBSECTION]; and
(5) a statement that the museum will
acquire title to the property if a valid claim of an
owner to the property is not received by the museum
within 45 days from the date of the last publication
of the notice under this subsection."
Page 1, line 4:
Delete "Section 1"
Insert "Sec. 2"
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected.
3:03:46 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:03 p.m. to 3:07 p.m.
3:07:46 PM
BUDDY WHITT, Staff, Representative Laddie Shaw, Alaska State
Legislature, answered committee questions related to CSSB
68(RES) am. He suggested Chair Shaw table Amendment 1 and await
further information related to the proposed amendment.
3:08:34 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the committee would [table Amendment
1]. There being no objection, Amendment 1, with pending
objection by Representative Wright, was tabled.
3:08:38 PM
CHAIR SHAW [moved to adopt] Amendment 2 to CSSB 68(RES) am,
labeled 33-LS0412\D.A.2, Bullard, 4/6/24, which read as follows:
Page 7, line 21, following "circulation":
Insert ", and in other appropriate information
media,"
Page 7, lines 22 - 23:
Delete "The department"
Page 7, lines 24 - 26:
Delete "] may also publish the notice [BE
PUBLISHED] in other appropriate information media."
Insert "MAY ALSO BE PUBLISHED IN OTHER APPROPRIATE
INFORMATION MEDIA.]"
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected for the purpose of discussion.
3:08:51 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:08 p.m. to 3:09 p.m.
3:09:14 PM
MR. WHITT, on behalf of Chair Shaw, explained that Amendment 2
would clean up language in Section 10, on page 7 of the bill.
He said that the proposed amendment is a clarifying amendment to
straighten out unclear language currently in CSSB 68(RES) am.
3:11:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT removed his objection to the motion to
adopt Amendment 2. There being no further objection, Amendment
2 was adopted.
3:11:32 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:11 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
3:15:59 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the committee would [take Amendment 1
off the table].
3:16:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, [who had not been present when Chair
Shaw moved to adopt Amendment 1], made a second motion to adopt
Amendment 1 [text previously provided].
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT made a second objection for the purpose of
discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, as the original sponsor of Amendment 1,
explained how the proposed amendment would affect CSSB 68(RES)
am. She said that Amendment 1 aims to change Alaska Statute
(AS) 14.57.210 to make online postings of museum collections
more practical and noticeable to people living in rural areas of
Alaska. She referred to the amendment as "friendly" and
encouraged the committee's consideration.
3:18:44 PM
CHAIR SHAW asked Representative Wright if he maintained his
objection.
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT said, "I do."
3:18:51 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:18 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
3:20:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT withdrew his objection to the motion to
adopt Amendment 1 to CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 68(RES) am. There
being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:21:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report CSSB 68(RES) am, as
amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and
the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HCS
CSSB 68(STA) was reported out of the House State Affairs
Standing Committee.
HB 190-ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION
3:21:37 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 190, "An Act establishing a violation for
hindering the Alaska Sunset Commission; relating to the duties
of the legislature; establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to
review and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes
to state entities; relating to the powers and duties of the
Alaska Sunset Commission; and providing for an effective date."
[Before the committee was CSHB 190(W&M).]
3:21:52 PM
The committee took two back-to-back at-eases from 3:21 p.m. to
3:25 p.m.
3:25:16 PM
CHAIR SHAW stated that CSHB 190(W&M) was in its third hearing
and the committee was to hear two proposed amendments from
Representatives Carpenter and Story.
3:25:40 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:25 p.m. to 3:34 p.m.
3:34:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER moved to adopt Amendment 1 to CSHB
190(W&M), labeled 33-LS0685\S.8, Wallace, 4/16/24, which read:
Page 5, lines 6 - 10:
Delete "records, documents, and files of any
entity of the state, including any record, document,
or file that is
(1) attorney work product;
(2) an attorney-client communication; or
(3) made privileged or confidential by law"
Insert "books, accounts, reports, or other
records, whether confidential or not, of any entity of
the state"
Page 5, following line 10:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(d) The commission has the power to hold public
hearings, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel
the attendance of witnesses and production of papers,
books, accounts, documents, and testimony, and have
the deposition of witnesses taken in a manner
prescribed by court rule or law for taking depositions
in civil actions."
Page 5, line 27:
Delete "For purposes of this subsection, a
communication"
Insert "In this subsection, "communication""
Page 7, line 9, following "appropriate.":
Insert "Unless confidentiality is expressly waived by
the entity of the state, the report may not contain
any confidential information obtained by the
commission under AS 44.99.710(c)."
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected for the purpose of discussion.
3:34:41 PM
DONNA ARDUIN, Staff, Representative Ben Carpenter, Alaska State
Legislature, explained proposed amendments to CSHB 190 (W&M) on
behalf of the bill sponsor, the House Special Committee on Ways
and Means, on which Representative Carpenter serves as chair.
She detailed the goals of CSHB 190 (W&M) and said the proposed
amendment would allow for subpoena power to come from
legislative audits and rewrite certain statutes relating to the
Alaska Sunset Commission (ASC).
3:36:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY commented that she was grateful for
Representative Carpenter's decision to remove language regarding
the ASC's power to disregard legal rulings. She added that she
has not had a chance to review the language being changed by the
proposed amendment and asked to hear legal counsel from Megan
Wallace of Legislative Legal Services. She asked for Ms.
Wallace's opinion on the legality of the proposed ability for
the ASC to issue a subpoena.
3:37:13 PM
MEGAN WALLACE, Chief Counsel, Legislative Legal Services,
Legislative Affairs Agency, in response to Representative Story,
said that ASC's proposed subpoena power is similar to the
subpoena power granted to Legislative Council or the Legislative
Audit Division and explained that the difference between the
aforementioned examples and the ASC is that the commission is
established in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, which
would leave the duty of oversight of the subpoenas being issued
to a presiding officer of the commission, not the commissioners
themselves.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked Ms. Wallace if she thought Amendment
1 would give the state legal protections and further questioned
whether the proposed amendment would "give the state something
to be cautious of."
MS. WALLACE explained that Legislative Legal Services did not
identify any specific legal problems with the proposed amendment
but advised that there was a legal risk in allowing ASC to issue
subpoenas.
3:43:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked Representative Carpenter whether the
Texas Sunset Commission had the ability to issue subpoenas as he
proposed for ASC.
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER answered that he would have to follow
up with information later and clarified that the aim of the
proposed legislation was to be able to compel the executive
branch to participate in the process of reviewing a given
organization under audit.
3:45:46 PM
MS. ARDUIN added her understanding that there would be a risk to
not having the proposed subpoena language in Amendment 1 because
there would be no way to get state departments to cooperate with
ASC.
3:46:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT removed his objection. There being no
further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:46:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER moved to adopt Amendment 6 to CSHB
190(W&M), labeled 33-LS0685\S.6, Wallace, 4/15/24, which read:
Page 7, line 28:
Following "unit":
Insert "in the executive branch"
Following "Alaska":
Insert ", but does not include an agency in the
judicial or legislative branch of state government"
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTAITVE CARPENTER explained that Amendment 6 would
maintain a separation of powers between the branches of the
Alaska State Government by keeping ASC limited to the executive
branch.
3:47:35 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:47 p.m. to 3:48 p.m.
3:48:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said she would not be offering her
amendment because her concerns were addressed by previously
adopted amendments.
3:48:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER noted that [Amendment 6] was still
before the committee.
3:49:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT withdrew his objection to the motion to
adopt Amendment 6. There being no further objection, Amendment
6 was adopted.
3:49:26 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:49 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
3:50:46 PM
CHAIR SHAW clarified that Amendment 6 was adopted.
3:51:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY reiterated that she would not be offering
her amendment.
3:51:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report CSHB 190(W&M), as amended,
out of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB
190(STA) was reported out of the House State Affairs Standing
Committee.
3:52:02 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:52 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
HB 330-RESTRICT PRISONER ACCESS DIGITAL DEVICES
3:55:50 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced the next order of business would be HOUSE
BILL NO. 330, "An Act relating to the use and possession of
electronic devices by prisoners."
3:56:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 330,
labeled 33-LS0761\H.2, C. Radford, 4/8/24, which read:
Page 3, line 16, following "purpose":
Insert "or as a substitution for in-person visitation,
receiving mail, or other in-person communication"
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY explained that Amendment 1 would ensure
that prisoners' rights are protected by allowing them to have
the option of receiving in-person visitation or mail and that an
electronic device would not replace any sort of physical
correspondence.
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT asked to hear from the bill sponsor.
3:57:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, of HB 330, expressed apprehension to the wording of the
proposed amendment and said it could inadvertently restrict any
sort of visitation if electronic visitation is the only
available form of correspondence.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY explained that the word "or" in Amendment 1
leaves the use of different types of visitations as options.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE responded that the Department of
Corrections (DOC) had concerns about physical mail being
transmitted from prisons and said it could be problematic to put
these rights into statute if they already pose a consternation
to DOC.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said she took great concern with DOC
wanting to restrict physical mail correspondence.
4:01:26 PM
APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Corrections,
explained that DOC currently has contraband issues that come
through the mail; however, it was not the intent to replace 100
percent by utilizing the tablets for mail services. She
described it as an enhancement that would be one option of many.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY stated her intention was that the amendment
would strengthen in statute that it could still be allowed.
MS. WILKERSON replied that DOC did not intend to eliminate
current processes by utilizing the tablets. She reiterated that
the intention was to enhance current operations by using the
tablet for video visitations or streaming mail. She clarified
that there would still be mail that would need to be copied and
delivered.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY stressed that she did not want tablets used
as a substitute for receiving an in-person visitation or mail
and other communications.
4:03:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD stated that she was "not a fan" of HB 330.
She asked what level offenders would qualify to use tablets.
MS. WILKERSON explained that there would be a limited aspect of
the tablets. They are on a dedicated network and do not connect
to the Internet, and in no way able to send e-mails and the
like.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD restated that she sought to know at what
level offenders have access to a tablet.
MS. WILKERSON said the intent was to get tablets in the hands of
any offender and it is not based on conviction levels. She
assured that security is being looked into currently and the
tablet would not allow the offender to utilize it for criminal
enterprise or connect inappropriately with victims.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD emphasized her concern over offenders
having tablets and the possible ramifications.
MS. WILKERSON replied that solid infrastructures are being
followed to ensure the security of the system, and she offered
to share information from the vendor about their security
network. She added that everything that would come through the
tablet would be tracked, monitored, and recorded.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked whether the tablet would be safer
than paper mail.
MS. WILKERSON clarified that on a tablet, mail generates a
different picture than a manual process.
4:08:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT maintained his objection.
4:08:30 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representative Story voted in favor
of Amendment 1 to HB 330. Representatives Carpenter, C.
Johnson, Allard, Wright, and Shaw voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 1 failed by a vote of 1-5.
4:09:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 330,
labeled 33-LS0761\H.3, C. Radford, 4/8/24, which read:
Page 3, line 17, following "kind":
Insert ";
(4) allow a state correctional facility
operated by the state to charge a fee for electronic
mail or electronic visitation services"
Page 3, following line 17:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 2. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
APPLICABILITY. AS 33.30.015(a)(4), enacted by sec. 1
of this Act, applies to services used by a prisoner on
or after the effective date of this Act."
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT requested to hear from the bill sponsor.
4:10:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE stated she agreed that she does not want
exorbitant fees imposed on the offenders; it is a matter of what
is fair and balanced. She offered her belief that if Amendment
2 were adopted, it would limit flexibility as the department
works through the pilot program.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY expressed concern about families on limited
budgets with loved ones who are incarcerated.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE referred to a video that was played during
the introduction of HB 330 and recapped that there were
companies that work in partnership with the vendors of the
tablet who would fund educational opportunities at no expense to
the inmate. She noted there are a variety of options available
for different services.
4:13:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER commented that he did not want to see
inmates or family members getting charged large fees, but there
was value in having a convenience user fee to participate in the
system that would otherwise be free if they were local. He
opined that more family interactions with prisoners could occur
with the tablet. He stated opposition to Amendment 2.
4:14:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD opined that criminals should not be
rewarded in prison and should continue to pay their debts to
society. When they are released is something different, she
said. She restated that she did not support Amendment 2.
4:14:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY requested to hear from Ms. Wilkerson
regarding those who do not have funds to provide services but
are charge fees.
MS. WILKERSON expounded on the inmate telephone system and how
it is written into a contract. She further noted that there are
a number of free calls per week.
4:16:45 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Story voted in
favor of Amendment 2 to HB 330. Representatives Wright,
Carpenter, C. Johnson, Allard, and Shaw voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 2 failed to be adopted by a vote of 1-5.
4:17:20 PM
CHAIR SHAW opened public testimony on HB 330.
4:17:41 PM
DON HABEGAR, Community Coordinator, Juneau Reentry Coalition,
testified in support HB 330 on behalf of himself and the
coalition and opined that it is a much-needed piece of
legislation. He noted the need for access for the community to
a facility and certain things prevent this. The reentry process
must have necessary community support, he said. He acknowledged
concerns about security, but advanced technology better
safeguards the community, and he encouraged the passage of HB
330.
4:20:15 PM
MARSHA OSS, Reentry Coordinator, Fairbanks Reentry Coalition,
said she supported the previous testifier's statements. She
added that HB 330 would allow DOC increased access to technology
inside Alaska's prisons and allow the department to provide
services to more individuals, which would help address DOC's
staffing challenges. She thanked Representative Vance for
introducing the bill.
4:22:16 PM
CHRIS DIMOND, Western States Carpenters Union, testified in
support of HB 330. He said the type of curriculum would give
inmates who are about to be released a pathway to an actual
career that could help them. The end goal is to get someone to
stay out of prison when they are released, and these tools and
technology should continue to be looked into, he opined.
4:23:23 PM
CHAIR SHAW, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony on HB 330.
4:23:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE gave closing comments. She recognized many
of the concerns surrounding the proposed legislation but said
she added tighter restrictions. She noted the difficulties
prisoners endure, such as separation from family, and that there
must be better reentry processes. She pointed out that page 3
in the bill addressed many concerns. She said there is a
responsibility from the state to help rehabilitate prisoners so
they are not a burden to communities and to trust that the
legislature would make the best decisions moving forward.
4:26:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report HB 330 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.
4:27:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD objected.
4:27:42 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Story, Wright,
Carpenter, C. Johnson, and Shaw voted in favor of moving HB 330
out of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. Representative Allard voted against
it. Therefore, HB 330 was reported out of the House State
Affairs Standing Committee by a vote of 5-1.
4:28:21 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:28 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
HB 173-PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WAGE RATES
4:30:52 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 173, "An Act relating to public construction
contracts; and providing for an effective date."
4:31:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HB 173. He paraphrased the sponsor statement
[included in the committee packet], which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
House Bill 173 seeks to modernize an outdated statute
to better address the specific challenges of
construction in Alaska. Specifically, it updates the
Little Davis Bacon Act (LDBA) public construction
contract thresholds in our state. The current
threshold of $25,000 is deemed inefficient due to
various Alaska-specific factors and inflationary
pressures over the past 11 years. Many states have
either eliminated thresholds altogether or raised them
to $1 million.
This bill proposes raising the threshold to $150,000
to better reflect inflation and current industry
costs. This adjustment would streamline processes,
reduce administrative burdens, and enhance efficiency
in public construction projects statewide. Moreover,
it would encourage smaller contractors to bid on
contracts and help address the labor shortage in the
construction industry in Alaska.
Furthermore, the increased threshold would address
unique challenges faced in Alaska, such as high
transportation costs in rural areas. Currently, even
minor projects, like repairing 20 potholes, may
necessitate compliance with LDBA regulations due to
exceeding the threshold.
Support for House Bill 173 is crucial for adapting
regulations, ensuring equitable participation for
local contractors, and fostering economic development
in the face of inflation and workforce shortages.
Let's modernize our approach to public construction
contracts and propel Alaska forward.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
4:33:51 PM
CHAIR SHAW opened public testimony on HB 176.
4:34:36 PM
DON ETHRIDGE, Lobbyist, Alaska AFL-CIO, testified in opposition
to HB 173 on behalf of himself and his organization, Alaska AFL-
CIO. He stated his main concern was that the employees would
"pay the price," not the contractor. He noted abuse of projects
to "bid them out."
4:35:53 PM
CHRIS DIMOND, Western States Carpenters Union, testified in
opposition to HB 173. He said that he agreed with the previous
testifier and added that increasing the threshold would do
nothing to save the state money but would [negatively] impact
Alaska construction workers.
4:37:23 PM
SCOTT DAVIS, representing self, provided a brief professional
background and testified in opposition to HB 173. He said the
threshold gets abused and it is a "race to the bottom" for the
workers and unfair to responsible contractors who pay prevailing
wages. He opined that it could make it more difficult to
attract workers and would guarantee lower wages for the workers.
He said it is not the time for this type of bill and Alaska
families deserve better.
4:39:17 PM
RUSTIN KRAFFT, Purchasing Director, Matanuska-Susitna Borough,
noted the current labor shortage in Alaska, and that small
companies could be more competitive without the additional
administrative costs and filing fees associated with the Little
Davis-Bacon Act while still paying competitive market rates for
jobs. The fees, he said, are passed directly to the taxpayers,
not taken out of the pockets of the workers. He thanked the
committee for the opportunity to testify.
4:40:40 PM
CHAIR SHAW, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony on HB 173.
4:40:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report HB 173 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY objected.
4:41:06 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wright, Carpenter,
C. Johnson, Allard, and Shaw voted in favor of moving HB 173 out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. Representatives Story voted against
it. Therefore, HB 173 was reported out of the House State
Affairs Standing Committee by a vote of 5-1.
4:41:44 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:41 p.m. to 4:43 p.m.
HB 362-PRISONER MED CARE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT
4:43:59 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 362, "An Act relating to the reimbursement rate
for prisoner medical care."
4:44:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE PRAX, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HB 362 and read from the sponsor statement
[included in the committee packet], which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
HB362 proposes to cap the reimbursement rate for
prisoner medical care costs in Alaska at the rate
established under federal law, 42 U.S.C 1396-1396w-7
(Title XIX, Social Act), thus presenting a strategic
approach to address the ever-growing costs of
healthcare in our prisons.
Capping the reimbursement rates with those established
under Title XIX of the Social Act, we can expect cost
savings. This alignment ensures cost-effectiveness and
brings predictability to the budgeting processes. In
addition, the provision allowing the commissioner to
negotiate contracts for higher rates allows
flexibility when needed.
HB362 presents a balanced and strategic approach to
managing healthcare costs in prisons while ensuring
the provision of necessary care. It is a step towards
a more sustainable and effective healthcare system
within our prisons.
4:46:05 PM
CHAIR SHAW opened public testimony on HB 362. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed
public testimony.
4:46:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY questioned whether medical professionals
provide care for individuals who are incarcerated with the low
reimbursement rate.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX said the Department of Corrections (DOC)
could start negotiations at the Medicaid rates.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked Representatives Prax whether he
talked with the department regarding the ability to lower rates
with the proposed legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX deferred the question to DOC staff.
4:47:47 PM
TERI WEST, Director, Administrative Services, Department of
Corrections, stated that she believed the services could be
provided at lower rates and that currently, several providers
provide fees for services and some have a letter of agreement
(LOA) for discounted rates. She said DOC believed that this
would continue should the bill pass.
4:49:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER inquired about negotiated contracts at
higher rates and how it worked.
MS. WEST replied that she did not fully understand the question
but stated that DOC had both higher and reduced contract rates,
and some allow for 10 to 30 percent discounts.
4:50:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX corrected his opening statement by saying
the bill would allow the department to negotiate a base rate
starting with Medicaid rates, it does not necessarily cap the
rate.
4:52:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked whether there were established
statistics so that the legislature could determine after passage
of the bill that there was improvement.
MS. WEST answered that if the bill passed, the department could
see where the cost savings would be.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY questioned how it would be documented.
MS. WEST stated she could get back to the committee with an
answer at a later date.
4:53:55 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced HB 362 was held over.
4:54:09 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
State Affairs Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 4:54
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB190 Alaska Sunset Commission Presentation 3.12.2024.pdf |
HSTA 3/12/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| CSHB 190 Sectional Analysis Version B.pdf |
HSTA 3/12/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| HB 190 - Sponsor Statement Version S.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| HB 190 Verison S.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| HB 190 Fiscal Note - Office of Gov.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| HB 190 Amendment 5 Story HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| SB 68 Fiscal Note DEC 3.7.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/4/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 68 |
| SB 68 Fiscal Note DNR 3.7.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/4/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 68 |
| SB 68 Sectional Analysis, version D.A.pdf |
HSTA 4/4/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 68 |
| SB 68 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 4/4/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 68 |
| Difference between SB 68 and HB 287.pdf |
HSTA 4/4/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 287 SB 68 |
| SB 68 Amendment 1 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 68 |
| SB 68 Amendment 2 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 68 |
| HB0173A.2.19.24.PDF |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.SectionalAnalysis.2.19.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.SponsorStatement.2.19.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 Ver A - US Dept of Labor. Dollar Threshold Amount for Contract Coverage.3.21.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 Ver A - ABC State Prevailing Wage Laws Map 3.21.24.jpg |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 Ver A - Newsline ABC Members Survey.3.21.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 Fiscal Note DOLabor.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.Letter of Support and Resolution RS 24-042 MatSu Borough 4.9.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.Letter of Support NFIB 4.9.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.Letter of Support Wasilla Chamber 4.9.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.SupportingLetter AML 4.9.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 - Opposition Letter Alaska District Council of Laborers.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 - Opposition Letter IBEW Local 1547.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 - Opposition Letter Operating Engineers Local 302.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 - Opposition Letter Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB 330 Supporting Document - Improving Public Safety.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Supporting Document - Inspire_Tablet_Program_Write_Up.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Supporting Document - Not a luxury.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Supporting Document - RAND.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Supporting Document - Research in Support of Digital Access (2).pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Version H Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Version H Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Version H.pdf |
HSTA 3/26/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/2/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB362 Support Document - 18 USC 4006_ Subsistence for prisoners.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/30/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 362 |
| HB 362 Sectional Analysis Version A.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/30/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 362 |
| HB362 Sponsor Statement 03.28.24.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/30/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 362 |
| HB362 Support Document - UFCR Medicare Rate Limitation.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/30/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 362 |
| HB362 Support Document - Washington State Medical Contracts for services.pdf |
HSTA 4/9/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/11/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/30/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 362 |
| HB 362 Fiscal Note DOC.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/30/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 362 |
| HB 190 - Amendment 4 Carpenter HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| HB 330 Amendment 1 Carrick HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 330 Amendment 2 Carrick HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 330 |
| HB 190 - Amendment 4 Carpenter HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 190 |
| HB173 - Opposition Letter Teamsters Local 959.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |