Legislature(2003 - 2004)
04/27/2004 08:11 AM House CRA
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
STANDING COMMITTEE
April 27, 2004
8:11 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Carl Morgan, Chair
Representative Kelly Wolf, Vice Chair
Representative Tom Anderson
Representative Ralph Samuels
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Albert Kookesh
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Pete Kott
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Ben Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14
Requesting the Federal Aviation Administration to fully staff
and maintain flight service stations in Alaska.
- MOVED SJR 14 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25
Recommending that certain federal funding restrictions be eased
so that more villages in Alaska would qualify for assistance
relating to flooding and erosion.
- MOVED SJR 25 OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 227(STA) am
"An Act relating to municipal runoff elections and to municipal
initiative and referendum elections."
- MOVED CSSB 227(STA) am OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 461
"An Act relating to enhanced 911 surcharges and to emergency
services dispatch systems of municipalities, certain villages,
and public corporations established by municipalities."
- MOVED CSHB 461(CRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SJR 14
SHORT TITLE: FAA FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS
SPONSOR(S): SENATOR(S) OLSON
03/24/03 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/24/03 (S) TRA, CRA
04/10/03 (H) TRA AT 1:30 PM CAPITOL 17
04/10/03 (H) -- Meeting Canceled --
04/11/03 (S) TRA RPT 3DP
04/11/03 (S) DP: COWDERY, WAGONER, OLSON
04/23/03 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM FAHRENKAMP 203
04/23/03 (S) Moved Out of Committee
04/23/03 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
04/24/03 (S) CRA RPT 4DP
04/24/03 (S) DP: WAGONER, LINCOLN, ELTON, TAYLOR
03/19/04 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/19/04 (S) VERSION: SJR 14
03/22/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/22/04 (H) TRA, CRA
04/20/04 (H) TRA AT 1:30 PM CAPITOL 17
04/20/04 (H) Moved Out of Committee
04/20/04 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/21/04 (H) TRA RPT 5DP
04/21/04 (H) DP: MASEK, OGG, STEPOVICH, KOHRING,
04/21/04 (H) HOLM
04/27/04 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
BILL: SJR 25
SHORT TITLE: FLOODING AND EROSION CONTROL ASSISTANCE
SPONSOR(S): SENATOR(S) OLSON
02/06/04 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/06/04 (S) CRA, STA
02/25/04 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM FAHRENKAMP 203
02/25/04 (S) Moved SJR 25 Out of Committee
02/25/04 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
02/27/04 (S) CRA RPT 5DP
02/27/04 (S) DP: STEDMAN, LINCOLN, STEVENS G, ELTON,
02/27/04 (S) WAGONER
03/30/04 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 211
03/30/04 (S) Moved SJR 25 Out of Committee
03/30/04 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/31/04 (S) STA RPT 4DP
03/31/04 (S) DP: STEVENS G, COWDERY, STEDMAN, GUESS
04/16/04 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/16/04 (S) VERSION: SJR 25
04/19/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/19/04 (H) CRA, STA
04/27/04 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
BILL: SB 227
SHORT TITLE: MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
SPONSOR(S): SENATOR(S) STEVENS G
05/15/03 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/15/03 (S) CRA, STA
02/18/04 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM FAHRENKAMP 203
02/18/04 (S) Moved SB 227 Out of Committee
02/18/04 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
02/19/04 (S) CRA RPT 4DP 1NR
02/19/04 (S) DP: STEDMAN, LINCOLN, WAGONER,
02/19/04 (S) STEVENS G; NR: ELTON
02/24/04 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 211
02/24/04 (S) Heard & Held
02/24/04 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/26/04 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 211
02/26/04 (S) Moved CSSB 227(STA) Out of Committee
02/26/04 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/27/04 (S) STA RPT CS FORTHCOMING 1DP 2NR
02/27/04 (S) DP: STEVENS G; NR: COWDERY, STEDMAN
03/01/04 (S) STA CS RECEIVED SAME TITLE
03/26/04 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/26/04 (S) VERSION: CSSB 227(STA) AM
03/29/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/04 (H) CRA, STA
04/27/04 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
BILL: HB 461
SHORT TITLE: EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH/911 SURCHARGE
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) HOLM
02/16/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/16/04 (H) CRA, STA
03/02/04 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
03/02/04 (H) Heard & Held <Subcommittee Assigned>
03/02/04 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/27/04 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR DONALD OLSON
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke as the sponsor of SJR 14 and SJR 25.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke as the sponsor of SB 227.
MONA LISA DREXLER, Clerk
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged the committee to forward [CSSB
227(STA)am].
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 04-14, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIR CARL MORGAN called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:11 a.m.
Representatives Morgan, Wolf, Anderson, Samuels, and Kookesh
were present at the call to order. Representative Cissna
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
SJR 14-FAA FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS
CHAIR MORGAN announced that the first order of business would be
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14, Requesting the Federal Aviation
Administration to fully staff and maintain flight service
stations in Alaska.
Number 0105
SENATOR DONALD OLSON, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SJR
14, paraphrased from the following sponsor statement [original
punctuation provided]:
SJR 14 is a resolution requesting the Federal Aviation
Administration to fully staff and maintain its flight
service stations in Alaska.
Alaska is a vast state that relies on air
transportation for much of its commerce and
connectivity. A substantial portion of the State of
Alaska does not have the road infrastructure to
facilitate the transport of freight and the movement
of people. Furthermore, coastal and river communities
in Western, Central, and Northern Alaska lose their
marine transportation alternative during the 5 to 8
months of winter ice conditions. These communities
then are solely dependent on air transportation for
travel, goods and emergency services for a substantial
part of the year.
Furthermore, there is a large number of Alaskans that
own and fly airplanes. Indeed, Alaska has the highest
percentage of general aviation users per capita in the
United States. General Aviation users depend on FAA
flight service stations to inform them of runway
closures and conflicting runway traffic.
FAA flight service stations are essential for the
continued safety and dependability of Alaska's vital
air transportation network. Both commercial and
private pilots are totally reliant on the expertise
and competence of FAA's flight service personnel. The
state of Alaska has over 180 airports that depend on
flight service stations for weather updates, runway
conditions, and assistance with safe air travel.
I respectfully urge your support for this resolution,
helping to ensure the safety of air travel in Alaska.
CHAIR MORGAN, upon determining there were no questions and no
one wishing to testify, announced that public testimony was
closed.
Number 0364
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF moved to report SJR 14 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, SJR 14 was reported from the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
SJR 25-FLOODING AND EROSION CONTROL ASSISTANCE
CHAIR MORGAN announced that the next order of business would be
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25, Recommending that certain
federal funding restrictions be eased so that more villages in
Alaska would qualify for assistance relating to flooding and
erosion.
Number 0452
SENATOR DONALD OLSON, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SJR
25, provided the following statements:
On November 8, 2003, a winter storm hit western
Alaska. This storm caused considerable damage to
Unalakleet, Shishmaref, and some of Nome's surrounding
areas. While the governor had declared a state of
disaster because of the storm, the continued effects
of the erosion on the villages of Alaska are not being
solved by emergency disaster declarations. Because of
that we need help and a coordinated effort by the Army
Corps of Engineers. One of the difficulties that
we've been facing is that the Army Corps of Engineers
has a cost and benefit analysis for projects in rural
Alaska. SJR 25 is a resolution requesting that the
Army Corps of Engineers go ahead and ease the
restrictions of the cost-benefit analysis for these
projects.
I proposed this resolution in response to many
concerns voiced by my constituents and the
constituents in other parts of Alaska, outside of my
district, with regard to the erosion and flooding
problems that plague rural Alaska. Currently, many of
the villages in western Alaska and throughout the
state are not receiving the assistance needed for the
protection of life and property, and because of that I
urge your support for this resolution to focus
attention on this very serious matter.
CHAIR MORGAN, upon determining there were no questions and no
one wishing to testify, announced that public testimony was
closed.
Number 0613
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON moved to report SJR 25 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, SJR 25 was reported from the
House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
The committee took an at-ease from 8:20 a.m. to 8:21 a.m.
SB 227-MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
CHAIR MORGAN announced that the next order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 227(STA) am, "An Act relating to
municipal runoff elections and to municipal initiative and
referendum elections."
Number 0721
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SB
227, explained that his original legislation is found in
Sections 4-6 of CSSB 227(STA)am. The original legislation came
about due to requests from several municipalities that wanted to
find a way to avoid the cost of special initiative elections and
referendums. This legislation would allow the municipality the
option to decide not to have a special election if it was
determined that the issue wasn't so imminent or important and
could wait until the next regular election to be placed on the
ballot. Current law forces municipalities to hold elections on
referendums and initiatives within 75 days. The special
elections can be costly and burdensome for the municipalities
and generate low voter turnout. For example, in the Fairbanks
North Star Borough 46 petitions were filed during a period of
four months and although it resulted in one special election, it
could've been an onerous situation. The cost for a special
election in the Fairbanks North Star Borough is approximately
$35,000 and requires more volunteers as well as additional
workload on municipal employees. Therefore, Sections 4-6 would
create an option for municipalities that streamlines the process
and saves money.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS pointed out that Sections 1-3, which was an
amendment made on the Senate floor, are specific to Anchorage.
Sections 1-3 allow communities with a population under 100,000
to choose by ordinance to elect a mayor with over 40 percent of
the vote. However, the language on page 2, lines 2-4, would
require that a mayoral candidate in Anchorage must receive over
50 percent of the votes, otherwise a runoff election will be
held.
Number 1036
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON asked if Senator Gary Stevens would like
anything in CSSB 227(STA)am to be changed in the House.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS noted that he did vote for the Senate floor
amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON noted that he has received quite a few
e-mails in opposition to requiring a mayoral candidate to
receive 50 percent of the votes because it's costly.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS stated that the original legislation is
quite sound and logical, and therefore he said he would hate to
see the Senate floor amendment dealing with Anchorage's mayoral
race stop the legislation's progress.
Number 1166
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH recalled that there was an election to
determine the [percentages] required for a mayoral election.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS said he believes that is true.
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH questioned why the legislature should
pass legislation overturning what the people of Anchorage
decided on via a vote. He noted his discomfort with such
action.
Number 1321
MONA LISA DREXLER, Clerk, Fairbanks North Star Borough, informed
the committee that she is speaking on behalf of the Fairbanks
North Star Borough Assembly as well as her office. Ms. Drexler
announced that the Fairbanks North Star Borough supports SB 227.
It's important to address the initiative and referendum petition
process that was addressed in the original legislation. She
then turned to what this legislation means to second class
boroughs, second class cities, cities that don't have charters,
and cities that aren't home ruled. Yesterday, the Kenai Borough
municipal clerk approved three petition applications. Without
this legislation, if those petitioners submit petitions by a
certain date, the Kenai Borough will have a special election in
September, which is just prior to the regular October election.
Ms. Drexler related that in the last two weeks she has had three
requests for petition applications, which could result in
another special election in Fairbanks prior to the October
election. Special elections are costly, she emphasized. In
fact, she recalled that the last special election in Fairbanks
cost $60,000, not including the clerk's staff time or other
issues. However, the voter turnout was dismal. Ms. Drexler
said, "We speak in favor of the bill as it was amended with the
local option. That was the intent of those of us that asked for
it to be there all along. We support local options." She urged
the committee to forward [CSSB 227(STA)am].
SENATOR GARY STEVENS asked if any of the issues in Kenai and
Fairbanks are of such importance that they need to be decided in
September rather than October. The issues in Kenai could wait
until October as those deal with some service area issues that
are generally placed on the October ballot. With regard to the
last two special elections Fairbanks had, both of them could've
waited until October. Furthermore, the upcoming issues in
Fairbanks could also wait until October. However, if the
borough assembly felt that it was in the best interest of the
public to place a matter before the public, the borough assembly
can call a special election to make it happen.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF turned to the petitions in the Kenai
Peninsula Borough and inquired as to whether those are being put
forth by special interest groups or individuals.
MS. DREXLER said that she didn't know the issues because she and
the Kenai Peninsula Borough clerk were merely discussing
timelines. Ms. Drexler related that the Kenai Peninsula Borough
Clerk had wanted Ms. Drexler to emphasize the importance of
timing. Under current state law, not having the option to wait
until the October regular election is very costly.
Number 1811
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON informed the committee that Anchorage
had a 50 percent plus rule [for mayoral elections]. However,
during the 2003 mayoral election there was also a charter
amendment to reduce the 50 percent plus rule to 45 percent,
which passed. Therefore, the 45 percent rule afforded Mark
Begich the victory by a slight [margin]. He recalled there
being a view that Mayor Begich didn't receive a true majority
because he wasn't supported by over 50 percent of the
electorate. He explained, "The contention came because folks
said, 'Hey, if you add this 50 percent rule and there are
special elections, it's going to be expensive and there's going
to be a small turnout.'" However, in 2000 the runoff election
for the mayor's race resulted in 6,000 more people voting.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA commented that numerous legislators
haven't received 50 percent of the vote. She, then, questioned
why the legislature should be making decisions for
municipalities.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS pointed out that the state's laws govern
municipal elections, which is what this legislation would amend.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON opined that this is about the idea of
consensus and Anchorage's history illustrates that there can be
increased voter turnout during a special election.
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH echoed earlier concern with regard to the
legislature overturning a local government's decision.
Number 2140
CHAIR MORGAN added that [the legislature] has had no problem
dictating what should occur in rural Alaska. He highlighted
"boroughization" and forced accounting as examples. With regard
to a legislator winning by less than 40 percent, Chair Morgan
noted that he had to go through a primary before the regular
election. Chair Morgan noted that he agreed with Representative
Kookesh.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON said that he didn't believe this
legislation would impair any future elections because there
would be knowledge of it. Representative Anderson commented
that this is good legislation.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS deferred to Senator Ben Stevens regarding
any questions concerning Sections 1-3.
CHAIR MORGAN, upon determining there were no further questions
and no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony.
Number 2345
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA moved that the committee adopt Amendment
1, which read:
Page 1, Line 12-Page 2, Line 6; delete all material
Renumber sections accordingly.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA explained that Amendment 1 would maintain
local power.
REPRESENTATIVES ANDERSON AND WOLF objected.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA indicated that this is an unfunded
mandates. Representative Cissna said that these type of
decisions should be local decisions.
Number 2617
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON maintained his objection to Amendment 1,
and opined that the adoption of Amendment 1 would discourage
voter turnout. He related his belief that Senator [Ben] Stevens
[offered the amendment to CSSB 227(STA) on the Senate floor] in
order to encourage voter turnout and embrace a majority
consensus in an election. As policymakers, Representative
Anderson opined that it's in the legislature's purview to work
with municipalities, which the legislature funds in many ways.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF maintained his objection as well, and
expressed the need to adhere to people's wishes in regard to
electing someone with the majority of voters.
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH interjected that Representative Wolf
should vote for Amendment 1 because the people in Anchorage
voted for a certain percentage.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Cissna and Kookesh
voted in favor of Amendment 1. Representatives Anderson,
Samuels, Wolf, and Morgan voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 1 failed by a vote of 2-4.
Number 2758
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON moved to report CSSB 227(STA)am out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
zero fiscal note.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA objected.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wolf, Anderson,
Samuels, and Morgan voted in favor of reporting CSSB 227(STA)am.
Representatives Cissna and Kookesh voted against it. Therefore,
CSSB 227(STA)am was reported out of the House Community and
Regional Affairs Standing Committee by a vote of 4-2.
The committee took an at-ease from 8:55 a.m. to 8:58 a.m.
HB 461-EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH/911 SURCHARGE
CHAIR MORGAN announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 461, "An Act relating to enhanced 911 surcharges
and to emergency services dispatch systems of municipalities,
certain villages, and public corporations established by
municipalities."
Number 2830
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF moved that the committee bring out of
subcommittee CSHB 461, Version 23-LS1633\W, Cook, 4/21/04.
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
CHAIR MORGAN remarked that Version W doesn't really fix the
problem in the Bush, and therefore the committee packet includes
an amendment that would provide a solution for the Bush. He
indicated that he has spoken with Representative Kott on the
matter as well as Bush constituents.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON disclosed that he worked on contract
with the Alaska Telephone Association last summer, and therefore
he requested that he not have to vote on this matter.
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS objected, and therefore Representative
Anderson was required to vote.
CHAIR MORGAN explained that the amendment would result in the
state providing a toll-free statewide default public safety
answering point (PSAP) for areas in which there is no local or
regional PSAP. The amendment [Amendment 1] read as follows:
Page 5, line 2, following "enhanced,":
Insert "for areas where there is no local or
regional public safety answering point, the state
shall provide a toll-free, statewide default public
safety answering point to which"
Page 5, lines 3 and 4:
Delete "that provides wireline service to an area
outside a municipality"
Page 5, line 4, following "base":
Insert "."
Page 5, lines 5 and 6:
Delete all material.
Number 2942
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked if this amendment would result in a
fiscal impact.
CHAIR MORGAN replied yes, and suggested that perhaps two people
would be needed [to staff a statewide default PSAP].
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS inquired as to whether the [staff for a
statewide default PSAP] could be incorporated with the Alaska
State Troopers.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA pointed out that the Alaska State Troopers
are already stressed.
CHAIR MORGAN informed the committee that in Aniak if one dials
911, the only response is for fire and life-threatening
situations. However, a felony or a crime which necessitates the
Alaska State Troopers results in a long-distance call to Bethel
so that the sergeant approve [the dispatch to Aniak].
TAPE 04-14, SIDE B
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF asked if anyone knew where a 911 call from
Pilot Station would be directed.
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS assumed that it would go to the Alaska
State Troopers headquarters in Anchorage.
CHAIR MORGAN interjected that he wasn't sure a 911 call for
Pilot Station would be directed to anyone, unless the local
telephone company directed it to the local village public safety
officer (VPSO). In response to Representative Kookesh, Chair
Morgan specified that the amendment would fix the
aforementioned. He related that the Bush telephone companies
believe 911 is a good idea, but they also believe someone has to
available to answer the call.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF related his assumption that a 911 call from
Levelock would be routed to King Salmon or Naknek, which is a
distance. He surmised that the amendment wouldn't require a
short-time response.
CHAIR MORGAN agreed, and clarified that the amendment merely
provide a person [to answer the 911 call].
Number 2894
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS opined that it makes sense for a 911 call
to be routed to King Salmon or Naknek where there is a police
department. He asked if the statewide default PSAP should be
routed to the closest borough police department, where there is
already a 24-hour dispatch person. Therefore, the language "the
state shall provide" means that the closest police department is
where the call will be directed.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked whether changing the language to
refer to a regional public safety hub rather than "the state"
would eliminate the need for a fiscal note, and therefore
possibly have a chance of passing. She predicated that a
referral to the House Finance Committee would kill the
legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH pointed out that there is a
constitutional requirement for the state to provide public
safety in this state. If VSPOs and Alaska State Troopers aren't
going to be placed in every community, then there should at
least be a way in which to contact Alaska State Troopers, which
is what this amendment would achieve.
Number 2776
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON expressed concern that the members of
the Alaska Telephone Association would have to fund this,
although it's for public safety. Therefore, the telephone
providers were nervous because they didn't feel that they could
afford this. However, he agreed with Representative Kookesh
that there has to be some sort of public safety. If this is the
best means at this juncture, he announced that he would support
the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA suggested changing the language of the
amendment such that it refers to a "regional public safety
point" rather than specifying that "the state shall provide".
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS pointed out that the language "the state
shall provide" doesn't mean that the state has to man a PSAP.
There may be some communities that would prefer 911 calls to be
routed to a specific location rather than a regional PSAP.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON interjected that such a language change
would probably cause boroughs to feel that they are forced to
pay for this system by employing staff.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA clarified that she isn't suggesting that
it be the borough, but rather the regional state [PSAP].
CHAIR MORGAN said that's what the amendment does.
Number 2622
REPRESENTATIVES CISSNA and WOLF moved that the committee adopt
Amendment 1 [text provided previously].
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF objected for discussion purposes.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked if a conceptual amendment specifying
that the language "the state" refers to the next highest local
regional state entity" could be referred to the next committee
of referral.
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH opined that the amendment is worded fine.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON explained that the amendment means that
if there isn't a local or regional PSAP, the state would have to
provide a toll-free PSAP. However, he noted that the toll-free
PSAP may be a dispatch point. He related his presumption that
it would be covered by the Department of Public Safety.
Number 2543
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF asked if the amendment is allowing
communities in rural Alaska to opt-out of the fee proposed in HB
461 for enhanced 911 services.
CHAIR MORGAN related that the rural telephone operators to which
he spoke aren't going to opt-out because they don't mind paying
the $1.00 fee.
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS said that he read the amendment to
specify that the phone call is free, but the $1.00 per line
would still be paid.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF withdrew his objection.
There being no further objections, Amendment 1 was adopted.
The committee took a brief at-ease.
Number 2428
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF moved to report CSHB 461, Version 23-
LS1633\W, Cook, 4/21/04, as amended, out of committee with
individual recommendations, the accompanying fiscal note, and a
forthcoming fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHB
461(CRA) was reported from the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 9:16 a.m.
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