Legislature(2009 - 2010)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/06/2010 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB73 | |
| HJR53 | |
| HB225 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 73 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 225 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HJR 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 73-FIREFIGHTER/EMT LICENSE PLATES
9:04:54 AM
CHAIR MENARD announced the first order of business to come
before the committee was HB 73 [CSHB 73(FIN)].
REPRESENTATIVE BOB LYNN, sponsor of HB 73, said the purpose of
the bill is to recognize and thank volunteer and paid
firefighters and emergency services persons. A "side effect" of
HB 73 is to encourage volunteerism.
CHAIR MENARD recognized Senator Kookesh as joining the meeting.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said the bill packet includes petitions
signed by over 200 supporters.
9:07:29 AM
CHAIR MENARD asked if this had been effective in recruiting more
firefighters.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN has heard that is the case anecdotally.
NANCY MANLY, staff to Representative Lynn, said that the
Firefighters Association thinks the license plate will work for
them.
CHAIR MENARD said she was curious about how many other states
have done something similar.
SUZIE KOKLICH, Alaska State Firefighters Association and the
National Volunteer Fire Council, said recruitment and retention
has been a big problem nationwide. People want to belong to
something good and be proud of it; a perk like a license plate
does help. HB 73 is a feel good bill to help people feel better
about what they are doing. A license plate is a small gesture
for people who give their lives or take time away from their
families in training.
9:10:16 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN said he likes the idea of public recognition. He
noted that volunteers are also first responders in rural Alaska
and identification on their vehicles can provide the easier
access to the scene.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said he believes Senator Paskvan is correct.
SENATOR MEYER asked what kind of proof a person must present to
get the license plate.
MS. KOKLICH replied a form will be available at the fire
department or possibly from the Division of Motor Vehicles
(DMV). The fire chief or EMS director will verify that the
applicant is an active member or is retired. She noted that
supporter plates will also be available and don't require proof.
9:12:45 AM
SENATOR MEYER asked commented that he was sure the DMV would
administer the program but he wonders how difficult it will be.
He commented that the plate costs a little extra which balances
the DMV's extra time; the fiscal note is zero.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said Whitney Brewster, with the DMV, has
testified in HB 73's previous hearings.
CHAIR MENARD said it would be helpful to hear from the DMV.
SENATOR MEYER said he will take the sponsor's word for it that
the DMV has testified favorably previously.
CHAIR MENARD said she would do so as well.
SENATOR KOOKESH said HB 73 is a feel-good bill. He appreciates
the bill and has no objection to it.
9:15:04 AM
CHAIR MENARD closed public testimony.
SENATOR MEYER moved to report HB 73 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). There
being no objection, CSHB 73(FIN).
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