Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/06/2002 08:03 AM House EDU
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HCR 11-UNIFORM RULES: STANDING COMMITTEES [Contains discussion of what became HCR 23] Number 1366 CHAIR BUNDE announced the next order of business to be HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11, Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to the Education Committee, a standing committee of the legislature. Number 1326 REPRESENTATIVE GUESS, sponsor of HCR 11, noted that she was not present for previous committee discussion on this subject. She indicated many committee members have communicated to her their interest in seeing this bill move forward. She announced her willingness to reintroduce this as a committee bill and offered to do the work necessary. CHAIR BUNDE noted his understanding that HCR 11 would require adjustments [to become a committee resolution]. Number 1291 REPRESENTATIVE GUESS offered that she would seek direction from more seasoned members. House Concurrent Resolution 11 has a companion in the Senate [SCR 3]. She outlined two options: The committee could go forward with this resolution, see what the Senate does, and perhaps amend it later; or the committee could amend it now [to address the establishment of a House Education Standing Committee]. She said that she has not explored this subject with the Senate; she noted her willingness to do so. CHAIR BUNDE requested members' comments on the subject. Number 1238 REPRESENTATIVE PORTER suggested that if the House wished to consider a standing education committee for the House alone, a resolution would be needed to establish a special committee. CHAIR BUNDE clarified that it would be a standing committee. REPRESENTATIVE PORTER offered that he didn't have a preference regarding [the education committee's remaining a special committee or becoming a standing committee], but said it is a worthwhile discussion. Number 1180 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON said her experience as a member of both the House Special Committee on Education (HEDU) and the House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee (HHES) is that both committees "have their hands full." So many issues exist that it is difficult to adequately address them all in one committee. She pointed out that most states separate education and health and social services, as two committees. CHAIR BUNDE concurred with Representative Wilson. He noted that as a former chair of HHES, he'd received surprised responses from legislators of other states upon their discovery that [Alaska's legislature combines education with health and social services]. Number 1124 REPRESENTATIVE GUESS echoed Representative Wilson's remarks in response to Representative Porter's comment. She offered an example. There was a good policy debate in HEDU on HB 211; the resolution will now move to HHES for the same policy debate. However, the debate now should be a fiscal policy issue. She expressed concern that if HEDU remains a special committee, the policy debate will continue to be duplicated in HHES; she questioned whether this is the best thing for the House. With two standing committees, one group would focus on education and the other on health and social services matters. Number 1089 REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS furnished that much had already been said that he had wanted to say. He noted that the three freshmen members on HEDU might not have the same perspective as longer- serving members. He conveyed his appreciation for the establishment of the HEDU committee, where members have been able to concentrate on important issues. These issues are not going away, he said, and education is a large portion of the budget. The education issues would have been cumbersome in HHES in combination with health and social services issues. He indicated his support for establishing a standing education committee. CHAIR BUNDE requested that this be addressed as only a House issue to be brought before HEDU for consideration. Number 1020 REPRESENTATIVE GUESS inquired whether Chair Bunde preferred a House committee resolution or for her to resubmit this resolution. CHAIR BUNDE indicated his preference to create a resolution to establish a standing education committee in the House; the Senate can do likewise if it deems it necessary. Number 0978 REPRESENTATIVE PORTER raised the question of whether the House can establish a standing committee that requires a rule change without affecting the Senate. He suggested this issue be broached with Legislative Legal and Research Services. CHAIR BUNDE agreed with Representative Porter's suggestion. He added that this proposed resolution might be stronger as a committee resolution. REPRESENTATIVE GUESS indicated her concurrence to make this a committee resolution. Number 0927 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON inquired about the committee placement of early-development issues; she said she was not present for that discussion. She offered her understanding that most states put it in a health and social services committee. REPRESENTATIVE PORTER offered that this administration has given the Department of Education and Early Development (EED) a title that includes early development; this may not always be the case, however. He remarked, "I don't think we should probably get that adventurous at this stage." Number 0865 REPRESENTATIVE GUESS expressed her understanding that the Uniform Rules specify the departments; right now, early development is in with education. If that changes, then the Uniform Rules would change, she said. [The committee resolution under discussion was introduced later as HCR 23.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|