Legislature(1993 - 1994)
03/03/1994 08:00 AM House STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 392 - PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND PROGRAM CHAIRMAN VEZEY opened HB 392 for discussion. A new committee substitute is being prepared, however, it is not yet completed. CHAIRMAN VEZEY said the committee did have a Version O of the committee substitute dated 2/24/94, before them, which incorporated the change from a previous hearing on page 5, line 7. The committee substitute adds the bright-line distinction that an individual is not eligible for a dividend and each of the five dividends preceding that dividend, if the individual is absent for more than 180 days during the qualifying period. He clarified an individual could only have an excused absence for five years. After that time, the dividend would be denied, except for medical reasons as outlined in lines 10-13. CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated another discussed amendment from the previous hearing, however not adopted, was placed into the committee substitute on page 4, line 11. He felt Version O of the committee substitute dated 2/24/94, should not be adopted by the committee, but the committee should vote to adopt the wording found on page 5, lines 7-13, of Version O, of the committee substitute, dated 2/24/94. REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS asked if the change was under allowable absences. Number 145 CHAIRMAN VEZEY responded the change was under allowable absences, drawing a bright-line at five years, unless out of the state for medical reasons. Number 147 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS asked if it meant five consecutive years. Number 148 CHAIRMAN VEZEY confirmed REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS. He believed the committee was in favor of a bright-line distinction at the last hearing. Number 156 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS felt five years may be too long. He would prefer to "ratchet down" as many allowable absences as possible. Number 171 REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG gave an example of a career military pilot in his district who has no intention of relinquishing his Alaskan residency, but may spend most of 20 years outside of Alaska. He periodically comes back to visit family. CHAIRMAN VEZEY responded, the change states, in essence, if a person is out of the state for five years, they are not eligible for a dividend. Currently, if a person is absent for 180 days a year or more than five years, they are considerably scrutinized by the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) Division. Number 191 REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG stated number 6, serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, is an allowable absence. His constituent, however, is having difficulty getting his dividend. REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS clarified that REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG's constituent was active. Number 197 CHAIRMAN VEZEY believed REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG's constituent would have received a dividend under subparagraph 6 of section 5, "serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces," but he has probably been out of the state for five years. The PFD gives considerable scrutiny to those persons. The intent of the change is to merely codify a bright-line at five years, there is no administrative judgment involved. REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG did not have a problem with the change. CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated the new committee substitute would be drafted and he would expect the committee to adopt it and pass it out. HB 392 - PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND PROGRAM CHAIRMAN VEZEY announced HB 392 would be readdressed at a later date. HB 392 - PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND PROGRAM CHAIRMAN VEZEY opened the discussion on the new Version O, dated 3/3/94 of committee substitute (CS) for HB 392. The amendments to the CS allow exemptions for individuals outside the state receiving medical treatment and individuals outside the state accompanying a minor who is receiving medical treatment. Number 167 RICHARD VITALE clarified the CS, presently before the committee, is the final version according to the Permanent Fund Dividend Division. Number 172 CHAIRMAN VEZEY understood the committee could take action on the CS for HB 392 if the committee desires. Under the current CS for HB 392, the only persons who would be eligible for a dividend under category 9, if absent from the state for 180 days a year, or five years or more, would be a member of the U.S. Congress from Alaska. Number 208 REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG stated on page 5, line 8, allows absences under categories 7-9. Number 216 CHAIRMAN VEZEY clarified category number 9 is serving as a member of the United States Congress. An absence under categories 7-9 is a waiver of the five year line. Number 227 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS moved to adopt Version O, dated 3/3/94 of CSHB 392, to the House State Affairs Committee. Number 240 CHAIRMAN VEZEY recognized the motion, the secretary called the roll, and the CSHB 392 was adopted by the House State Affairs Committee. Number 245 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS moved CSHB 392 be passed from committee with individual recommendations. Number 250 CHAIRMAN VEZEY recognized the motion, the committee secretary called the roll, and CSHB 392 was passed from the House State Affairs Committee with individual recommendations. Having no more business before the committee, CHAIRMAN VEZEY adjourned the meeting at 9:54 a.m.
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