Legislature(1993 - 1994)
01/21/1994 01:30 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 222 "An Act relating to landlords and tenants, to 4 termination of tenancies and recovery of rental premises, to tenant responsibilities, to the civil remedies of forcible entry and detainer and nuisance abatement, and to the duties of peace officers to notify landlords of arrests involving certain illegal activity on rental premises." REPRESENTATIVE JEANNETTE JAMES reviewed her sponsor statement. She noted that CSHB 222 (JUD) would allow an expedited eviction of a tenant who damages the premises or fails to pay rent, make the legal obligations of a tenant more stringent, expand the state's nuisance abatement statutes to include more offenses, make the process more accessible for landlords and require peace officers to notify the landlord when a tenant has been arrested for certain criminal offenses. ROBERT VANHATTEN, FAIRBANKS testified via the teleconference network from Fairbanks. He spoke in opposition to CSHB 222 (JUD). He noted that renters would have less time to relocate. BARBARA BENNETT, CHAIR, ALASKA COALITION ON HOUSING AND THE HOMELESS testified via the teleconference network from Anchorage. She maintained that the legislation would exacerbate the problem of homelessness. She noted that there is a 2 percent availability in rental housing in Anchorage. She suggested that mediation be used to resolve difficulties between renters and landlords. Representative James maintained that more landlords would rent their property if legislation supporting stronger landlord rights is passed. ALICE BREWER, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network in support of CSHB 222 (JUD). She asserted that the legislation will help good tenants. She suggested that the 10 day notice on page 2, line 16 be changed to 5 days. She asked that "knowingly" be deleted on page 10, line 4. JOE LAWLOR, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network. He maintained that the current law is sufficient. He asserted that landlords need to screen tenants. He concluded that CSHB 222 (JUD) will increase homelessness. CARL KRONBERG, ALASKA COALITION ON HOUSING AND THE HOMELESS testified via the teleconference network from Ketchikan. He pointed out that there is a rental shortage in Ketchikan. He expressed concerns that there would not be enough time to assure that tenants receive due process of the law. CHARLES LIPPITT, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference 5 network. He spoke in favor of CSHB 222 (JUD). He pointed out that mortgage companies do not allow landlords to pay their mortgage payments only if the rent is collected. He added that landlords must pay a delinquent rate if their payments are late. He observed that landlords may rent properties by phone. BARBARA HOOD, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network. She maintained that current laws are sufficient. She observed that many small landlords are not familiar with existing law. She noted that the legislation does not address abusive landlords. She asserted that the legislation is one-sided. She concluded that landlords have remedies under existing law. Representative Parnell asked the fastest eviction time. Ms. Hood replied that eviction usually takes place 2 to 3 weeks after the rent was due. (Tape Change, HFC 94-10, Side 2) CHRISTINE HOSS, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES testified via the teleconference network from Anchorage. She pointed out that there are problems with abusive landlords. She asserted that the legislation would allow additional abuses. She gave examples of abusive landlords. She argued that 2 weeks is a reasonable time to expect an eviction. She felt that tenants need sufficient time to defend themselves. She maintained that a shorter eviction period would provide an inequality in the landlord\tenant relationship. JOE GRAHAM, ANCHORAGE testified via the teleconference network, in favor of CSHB 222 (JUD). He requested that the notice time be shortened to 5 days. He observed that landlords do not receive a tax break on uncollected rent. He asserted that the homeless are the government's problem. JAMES FISHER, JUNEAU observed that there is a failure to perceive how existing law works. He asserted that renegade tenants will evade a rental contract, regardless of law, existing or proposed. He suggested that legislators would be blamed if the proposed legislation fails to solve the "outlaw" tenant problem. SHERRIE GOLL, ALASKA WOMEN'S LOBBY testified in opposition to CSHB 222 (JUD). She asserted that CSHB 222 (JUD) will dramatically decrease tenant protection in law. She maintained that changes in landlord/tenant law should balance the interests of both sides. She maintained that the legislation will have greater impact on minorities. She emphasized that evictions would take place before tenants could defend themselves. She observed that the legislation 6 is difficult to understand. She maintained that current law presents a balanced representation of landlords and tenants. CSHB 222 (JUD) was HELD in Committee for further discussion.
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