Legislature(2013 - 2014)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/11/2014 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB216 | |
| HB268 | |
| SB209 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 216 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 209 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 268 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 32 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HCR 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 209
"An Act prohibiting smoking in certain locations; and
providing for an effective date."
9:42:20 AM
SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, explained the legislation. He
stated that SB 209 was designed to provide a smoke-free
work environment for most employees in Alaska. Second hand
smoke kills more people in the United States than
automobile accidents. He stressed that, even though many
municipalities had ordinances against second hand smoke, a
large number of Alaskans may still be subject to second
hand smoke in the workplace. He remarked that the
legislation did not subtract from the rights of the smoker,
it simply protected the right of the nonsmokers from the
choices of others. He stressed that there were staggering
statistics about the exposure to second hand smoke. He
stressed that second hand smoke killed five times more
people in the U.S. each year than drunk driving and all
combined highway fatalities. He pointed out that he had to
figure out for himself if the legislation was the proper
form of government, and he felt that the regulations were a
safety concern. He added that he was a fiscal conservative,
so the legislation would help to alleviate medical costs
for people with conditions resulting from second hand
smoke.
Senator Dunleavy looked at page 3, line 5 of the bill, and
wondered if commercial fishing vessels were exempt. Senator
Micciche replied in the affirmative. He stated that they
were exempt, because the high seas in the outdoors may be
more dangerous than the second hand smoke.
Senator Dunleavy stressed that those individuals may be
subject to second hand smoke. Senator Micciche agreed, but
felt that there was a consideration of what had the
greatest health risk.
9:47:46 AM
Co-Chair Meyer queried the other exemptions that were
included in the bill. He felt that the fishing vessel
exemption was troubling. He surmised that the exemption was
a safety issue. Senator Micciche replied that the primary
concern was safety on the fishing vessel. He stressed that
the larger boats, like the ferries, made it easier for
people to smoke outside.
Co-Chair Meyer he felt that the cold weather in Fairbanks
may also be a health and safety issue. He wondered if the
local option was made through the committee process.
Senator Micciche responded in the affirmative.
Senator Dunleavy surmised that the unorganized boroughs
would be governed by the state. Senator Micciche agreed.
Senator Olson wondered if the employer could smoke in the
workplace. Senator Micciche replied that the employer could
not smoke in the workplace only if the employer had
employees.
Senator Olson asked if a smoke shop owner would be exempt.
Senator Micciche replied in the affirmative.
Senator Olson commented that he was not condoning smoking;
he was merely inquiring the exemptions.
Co-Chair Meyer stressed that he was concerned about the
health of the employees of the smoke shop.
SB 209 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.