03/25/1996 01:30 PM Senate JUD

        HB 226 BENEFIT DISCRIM BASED ON SPOUSE OR KIDS                        
                                                                              
 SENATOR GREEN moved to adopt the Senate Judiciary committee                   
 substitute (Cramer, version D) of HB 226.  SENATOR ELLIS objected.            
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR explained the committee substitute was prepared to             
 address questions that had arisen in the House.                               
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE PETE KELLY, sponsor of the measure, reviewed changes           
 made to the proposed committee substitute.  Previous language                 
 provided for different health benefits to employees who have a                
 spouse or dependent children, than to other employees.  The word              
 "different" was changed to "greater."  The second change defines in           
 the Alaskan Human Rights Code "dependent children."                           
                                                                               
 There being no further discussion on the motion to adopt the                  
 committee substitute, the motion carried with Senators Adams and              
 Ellis voting "nay," and Senators Miller, Green and Taylor voting              
 "yea."                                                                        
                                                                               
 Number 475                                                                    
                                                                               
 MILDRED BOESSER testified in opposition to SCSHB 226 because there            
 are no legal or financial reasons to pass the bill, and it is                 
 unnecessary to discriminate on the basis of marital status.  The              
 bill should be amended to include domestic partners, as it was in             
 the House.  It would then follow Judge Green's court decision.                
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR questioned the House action on the amendment                   
 referred to by Ms. Boesser.  MS. BOESSER replied the amendment was            
 added, then removed, in the House and allowed benefits to domestic            
 partners as well as married couples.  Many universities and                   
 businesses have adopted such a policy and find it to be good for              
 business.                                                                     
                                                                               
 SENATOR ELLIS moved to amend SCSHB 226.  SENATOR GREEN objected.              
                                                                               
 SENATOR ELLIS described the amendment as the domestic partners'               
 provision.  The amendment clearly defines what a domestic                     
 partnership is, and requires that financial interdependency must              
 exist for these kinds of relationships to be recognized.  It                  
 addresses economic concerns stated by the sponsor, protects the               
 state's human rights statute and continues the prohibition on                 
 discrimination against Alaskans based on marital status.  In                  
 addition, it promotes long term stable relationships that are of              
 social and financial benefit to the state.                                    
                                                                               
 There being no further discussion on the motion to adopt the                  
 amendment, the motion failed with Senators Taylor, Green, and                 
 Miller voting "nay," and Senators Ellis and Adams voting "yea."               
                                                                               
 SENATOR ELLIS expressed concern about the lack of consideration               
 given to the amendment by the committee.                                      
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR acknowledged Senator Green's previous attempt to               
 move SCSCSHB 226 out of committee with individual recommendations,            
 and objection.  The motion carried with Senators Taylor, Green, and           
 Miller voting "yea," and Senators Ellis and Adams voting "nay."               
                                                                               
 Senator Taylor adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m.