Legislature(1997 - 1998)
03/11/1998 01:40 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. 261 "An Act relating to a surcharge imposed for violations of state or municipal law and to the Alaska police training fund." Representative Davis provided members with Amendment 3 (copy on file). Co-Chair Therriault noted that Amendment 3 incorporates Amendment 2, which was offered on 3/9/98. Representative Davis MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 3. Amendment 3 clarifies that misdemeanors, which carry a small fine and no jail time would be included with infractions. Co-Chair Therriault noted that "misdemeanor or" would be added on page 2, line 28 and page 3, line 1. "Or a misdemeanor" would be added on page 2, line 28. The amendment also provides that fines or bail forfeitures of $30 dollars or more would have a $15 dollar surcharge. If the fine or bail forfeiture is less than $30 dollars the surcharge would be $5 dollars. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 3 was adopted. Co-Chair Therriault noted that the Alaska Court System submitted a new fiscal note for a onetime $5 thousand dollar appropriation. The Alaska Police Standards Council submitted a new fiscal note, which deletes the prior year carryover. Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 261 (FIN) out of Committee with the accompanying fiscal notes. Representative Kohring OBJECTED. He spoke against increasing fees. He acknowledged the importance of supporting public safety. He asserted that the surcharge is the same as a tax. JAMES WELCH, DEPUTY CHIEF, FAIRBANKS POLICE DEPARTMENT, FAIRBANKS stressed the need for well-trained police officers and state troopers. He observed that a surcharge is the only mechanism available to provide the high level of training required for police officers throughout the state. He noted that the Fairbanks police force is half of its optimum size. He stressed that the burden would be placed on the person who uses the criminal justice system. The legislation is needed to meet today's training needs and the training needs of the next five years. A training center is being developed for Interior Alaska. He emphasized the need to support this effort. Representative Davies observed that it is not inappropriate for those that are causing the problem to provide support. A roll call vote was taken on the motion to move CSHB 261 (FIN) from Committee. IN FAVOR: Moses, Davies, Davis, Grussendorf, Foster, Kelly, Therriault OPPOSED: Kohring Co-Chair Hanley and Representatives Martin and Mulder were absent from the vote. The MOTION PASSED (7-1). Representative Kelly noted that it is better to tax the individual, who because of their drunkenness has been arrested, then to tax the industry. He saw the legislation as a user fee, not a tax. CSHB 261 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with two fiscal impact notes, one by the Department of Public Safety, Alaska Police Standards Council and one by the Alaska Court System; and two zero fiscal notes, one by the Department of Public Safety and one by the Department of Administration, dated 3/4/98.
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