Legislature(2019 - 2020)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/10/2020 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB139 | |
| HB68 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 139 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 68 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 68(FIN)
"An Act relating to the division of labor standards
and safety; relating to the division of workers'
compensation; establishing the division of workers'
safety and compensation; relating to employment of a
minor; and providing for an effective date."
9:34:51 AM
GREY MITCHELL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION
DIVISION, stated that the bill proposed the merging of the
Division of Worker's Compensation with the Division of
Labor Standards and Safety. He remarked that the Division
of Labor Standards and Safety was primarily focused on
preventing workplace accidents and enforcing laws related
to workplace safety and wages. He explained that the
Division of Workplace Compensation was focused on the
division administration of benefits. The missions of the
two missions complemented the other. The divisions
historically worked together, and the bill would further
the ability to capitalize on efficiencies.
9:45:27 AM
Co-Chair von Imhof noted the two parts of the bill. She
wondered why a bill was necessary to combine the two
departments when it was already being done successfully.
Mr. Mitchell stated that the majority of the changes would
adjust the director name of the new combined division.
Co-Chair Stedman queried an impact on the fishing industry
with the changes of the child labor issue. He also wondered
what industries were relying on the younger people to work.
Mr. Mitchell responded that the changes would not affect
the fishing industry. He stated that 14- and 15-year-olds
were currently prohibited from working on a fishing vessel
unless that fishing vessel was owned by their parent. He
stated that the main industry that employed 14- and 15-
year-olds was the retail sector.
Co-Chair Stedman queried more clarity on the strictness of
the requirement for young people to only be employed on
their parents' vessels.
Mr. Mitchell replied that it was very strict. The parents
must own and operate the business.
Senator Olson wondered whether grandparents were included
in that provision.
Mr. Mitchell responded that grandparents were currently not
included, but under the proposed adjustment the
grandparents would be included in the exemption.
9:50:07 AM
Senator Olson surmised that a grandparent who hired their
grandchild who was under the age of 16, would be violating
current law.
Mr. Mitchell replied in the affirmative.
Co-Chair von Imhof stressed that the bill addressed that
issue.
Senator Wielechowski wondered how much ownership a parent
or grandparent would need to have in order to be considered
the business owner.
Mr. Mitchell replied that it was 51 percent or more.
Senator Wielechowski queried the definition of "operating."
Mr. Mitchell replied that the parent would be on the vessel
controlling the operations of the vessel.
Senator Wielechowski wondered whether the bill would exempt
grandparent owned business for the protections of young
people against employment in dangerous industries.
Mr. Mitchell responded that the current exemption for
parents applied to all child labor provisions. The proposed
exemptions would exempt 14- and 15-year-olds from all of
the requirements under the child labor provisions of the
business owned and operated by the grandparent.
Senator Wielechowski wondered whether a child work in adult
entertainment business that was owned by their parent or
grandparent.
Mr. Mitchell agreed to provide that information.
Senator Wielechowski looked at the workers compensation
provision and noted that it added to the powers of the
director of the division. He wondered whether it had legal
meaning, or whether it codified the current goals.
Mr. Mitchell replied that the provision was currently under
the authorities for the Division of Worker's Compensation.
He stated that it would combine the first five items of the
powers of duties of the other division.
Senator Bishop wondered whether there would be a sectional
analysis.
Co-Chair von Imhof replied that the fiscal notes would be
discussed, and there could be a sectional analysis. She
encouraged the asking of the question.
9:55:13 AM
Senator Bishop queried the occupations of the bulk of the
permits.
Mr. Mitchell responded that there were 8,700 work permit
applications in FY 19. He stated that approximately 8,200
were approved permits. He remarked that they were all in a
variety of industries.
Senator Bishop surmised that there was no change in the 23
hours a week limit.
Mr. Mitchell replied that there were two standards for
hourly limitations for 14- and 15-year-olds: when school is
in session has a 23 hour per week limit; and a limitation
that was 40 hours per week in the summer months. He stated
that the standard would still apply in the current bill.
Senator Bishop noted the start time for in school workers
had been changed to 7am.
Mr. Mitchell agreed.
Senator Bishop remarked that it was currently 5am.
Mr. Mitchell agreed.
Co-Chair von Imhof surmised that there was not a huge
change to the base labor rules for young people, but the
hours were slightly different and adding grandparents. She
remarked that the other part merged the two departments.
Mr. Mitchell agreed.
Co-Chair von Imhof felt that examination of existing laws
should be done outside of the meeting.
Senator Wielechowski wondered whether there was a
limitation of hours for a child working for their parent or
grandparent.
Mr. Mitchell replied that exemption applied to all Alaska
law, but did not apply to federal law. There was a similar
exclusion under federal law, but it did not apply to the
hazardous occupations of a business owned and operated by a
parent.
Co-Chair von Imhof wanted to address the fiscal note.
Mr. Mitchell discussed the fiscal note.
Co-Chair von Imhof commended the administration to examine
efficiencies and cost savings.
10:04:53 AM
Senator Bishop supported the sunset because he understood
the workload.
Senator Wielechowski remarked that he had a current bill
that would repeal the Workers Compensation Appeals
Committee that would save additional money. He queried
support of an amendment to include that idea in the bill.
Mr. Mitchell replied that he would consult with department
leadership.
Co-Chair Stedman expressed concern about whether the
legislation should be expanded to include more extended
family.
Senator Olson echoed Co-Chair Stedman's concern.
Co-Chair von Imhof discussed the following day's agenda.
CSHB 68(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB139 APFC Statement.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 139 |
| HB 139 APFC Response 5.11.19.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 139 |
| HB139 Testimony - Received by 4.25.19.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 139 |
| HB 139 Sponsor Statement 2.5.2020.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 139 |
| HB 68 Explanation of Changes v. A to U.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 68 |
| HB 68 Sectional Analysis v. U 5.7.2019.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 68 |
| HB 68 Transmittal Letter 2.19.2019.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 68 |
| HB 68 DOLWD Response 2.11.2020.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 68 |
| HB 139 APFC Response SFIN 2.13.2020.pdf |
SFIN 2/10/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 139 |