Legislature(2023 - 2024)BARNES 124
04/18/2023 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB77 | |
| HB99 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 77 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 99 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 18, 2023
8:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative CJ McCormick, Chair
Representative Kevin McCabe, Vice Chair
Representative Tom McKay
Representative Josiah Patkotak
Representative Justin Ruffridge
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Representative Donna Mears
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 77(CRA) AM
"An Act relating to municipal property tax; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED HCS CSSB 77(CRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 99
"An Act relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on
sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 77
SHORT TITLE: MUNI PROP TAX EXEMPTION/TAX BLIGHTED PROP
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) DUNBAR
02/22/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/22/23 (S) CRA
03/16/23 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/16/23 (S) Heard & Held
03/16/23 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/23/23 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/23/23 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/28/23 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/28/23 (S) Moved CSSB 77(CRA) Out of Committee
03/28/23 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/29/23 (S) CRA RPT CS 5DP SAME TITLE
03/29/23 (S) DP: DUNBAR, GRAY-JACKSON, OLSON,
GIESSEL, BJORKMAN
04/11/23 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/11/23 (S) VERSION: CSSB 77(CRA) AM
04/12/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/12/23 (H) CRA, FIN
04/13/23 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/13/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/13/23 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/18/23 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 99
SHORT TITLE: DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) ARMSTRONG
03/08/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/08/23 (H) L&C, CRA, JUD
03/15/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/15/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/17/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/17/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/17/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/20/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/20/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/20/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/27/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/27/23 (H) Moved HB 99 Out of Committee
03/27/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/29/23 (H) L&C RPT 3DP 3NR 1AM
03/29/23 (H) DP: FIELDS, CARRICK, SUMNER
03/29/23 (H) NR: SADDLER, WRIGHT, RUFFRIDGE
03/29/23 (H) AM: PRAX
04/11/23 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/11/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/11/23 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/18/23 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR FORREST DUNBAR
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented CSSB 77(CRA).
MARGARET AUTH, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 77.
ARI BARGIL, Senior Attorney
Institute for Justice
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on SB 77.
CHRIS SCHUTTE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 77.
SAM SPIEGELMAN, Attorney
Pacific Legal Foundation
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on SB 77.
BETHANY MARCUM
Alaska Policy Forum
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 77.
DENNIS HULL
Americans for Tax Reform
Washington, DC
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 77.
MIKE ROBBINS, Executive Director
Anchorage Community Development Authority
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of SB 77.
BILL POPP, President & CEO
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of SB 77.
JENNIE ARMSTRONG
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 99.
TRISTAN WALSH, Staff
Representative Jennie Armstrong
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on HB 99 on behalf of
Representative Armstrong, prime sponsor.
HAYLEE WILSON
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HB 99.
JOSH SMITH
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HB 99.
MICHAEL FLINT
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HB 99.
MORGAN LIM
Planned Parenthood
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
CRYSTAL HOWARD, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
RANDY GRIFFIN, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 99.
SHAWN GARDNER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
KC CASORT, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
MENEKA THIRU, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
ROSE O'HARA, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
REBECCA BERNARD, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
BRYAN MULKERN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99
MICHAEL GARVEY
Alaska Civil Liberties Union
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
THEA SCALISE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
LIV SWONGER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
ALEX PETKANAS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
RICK ANDERSON, representing self
Nome, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
KATE VEH, representing self
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
KARINA KOWALSKI, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
PHILLIP MOSER, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
BROOK BEVERIDGE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
JESSICA ROZATO, representing self
Denali Park, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
DAN POLSEN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
EARL WILLIAMS JR., representing self
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
JACOB POWEL, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
DOUG KOESTER, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
JESSICA PHILLIPS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
VIKKI JO KENNEDY, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
ED MARTIN, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 99.
MOIRA PYHALA, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
HANNAH WARREN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 99.
JOHN HESSERT, representing self
Willow, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing of HB 99.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:04:14 AM
CHAIR CJ MCCORMICK called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:04 a.m.
Representatives McKay, Patkotak, Mears, McCabe, and McCormick
were present at the call to order. Representatives Himschoot
and Ruffridge arrived as the meeting was in progress.
SB 77-MUNI PROP TAX EXEMPTION/TAX BLIGHTED PROP
8:05:19 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK announced that the first order of business would
be CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 77(CRA) am, "An Act relating to
municipal property tax; and providing for an effective date."
8:05:35 AM
SENATOR FORREST DUNBAR, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented SB 77, which is the companion to HB 84 from
Representative Sumner that would provide two optional tools to
municipalities for the purposes of (indisc.) construction and
property development. He offered his understanding that there
may be an amendment offered today in reference to defining the
term "blighted".
8:06:58 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK opened public testimony on CSSB 77(CRA).
8:07:20 AM
MARGARET AUTH, representing self, testified in support of SB 77.
She explained she has lived in Spenard [Anchorage], Alaska, for
35 years and is an active member of the Spenard Community
Council. She described her activity working in code enforcement
to try to get some movement on abandoned and derelict
properties, as well as working with the assembly to make housing
more affordable. She pointed out that the abandoned houses tend
to be used for drug dens and squatters, which in turn can also
become fire hazards and lead to lower property values.
8:10:59 AM
ARI BARGIL, Senior Attorney, Institute for Justice, stated his
concern is that there is no definition of "blight", and his
interest is in finding out what the proposed amendment will
contain.
8:13:17 AM
CHRIS SCHUTTE, representing self, testified in support of SB 77.
He stated the timing of the bill is critical; housing is in dire
need in Alaska, and the costs of construction of new homes are
at all-time highs. He encouraged the committee to pass the bill
and allow the state to help develop neighborhoods and
communities across Alaska.
8:14:35 AM
SAM SPIEGELMAN, Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation, cautioned
that the lack of definition for any sort of "blight" opens
floodgates for local abuse of the definition.
8:17:54 AM
BETHANY MARCUM, Alaska Policy Forum, testified in opposition to
SB 77. She stated the bill under consideration would give
Alaska's boroughs and municipalities "carte blanche" to call
commercial and some personal properties "blighted," and then
levy taxes on those properties. As written, there are no
guardrails for defining what constitutes "blighted" property to
protect Alaska property owners from this "government overreach."
8:20:51 AM
DENNIS HULL, Americans for Tax Reform, testified in opposition
to SB 77. He stated that it would be one of the broadest
frameworks for local blight tax authorizations in the nation,
and municipalities would have to ability to adopt any definition
of "blight" that they like, as well as impose a very heavy new
tax burden amongst the 60 percent.
8:23:32 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK, after ascertaining that there was no one else
who wished to testify, closed public testimony on SB 77.
8:23:47 AM
MIKE ROBBINS, Executive Director, Anchorage Community
Development Authority, gave invited testimony in support of SB
77. He explained the first part of the bill is an economic
incentive to help drive housing development across the state.
The second part of the bill he called a "blighted incentive."
He explained that currently, municipalities have no tools
available to encourage redevelopment of blighted properties, and
the blighted section of the bill would give municipalities the
tools they need to help redevelop needed housing and other
commercial property.
8:27:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked Mr. Robbins to explain how the bill
would benefit more than just Anchorage.
MR. ROBBINS explained that he had been involved in conversations
as the Community Development Authority contemplated the
legislation, and blighted in Bethel, Alaska, is different than
blighted in Anchorage, Alaska. Local municipalities need to
have some leeway to be able to define what that means within
their jurisdiction. The amendment would provide the right kind
of guardrails for that.
8:29:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCKAY expressed that he is a defender of private
property rights, and asked if there is a mechanism for appeal -
to give the property owner a place to say whether a property is
blighted or not.
MR. ROBBINS replied it is not the intention of the bill to
violate private property rights. He envisioned that for each
locale would be an arduous but complete public process. The
municipality would go through steps to notify the property owner
ahead of time with ample time to submit a plan.
8:31:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCKAY stated his belief that it is important for
a property owner to have a chance to defend themself and not get
"railroaded."
MR. ROBBINS affirmed this is not a punitive measure. The goal
through the bill would be that cities can work with property
owners to encourage redevelopment - not take anything away.
8:33:22 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS observed in the amendment several
opportunities for remediation and working with local governments
to improve things.
MR. ROBBINS agreed and said the intention behind the bill is to
offer multiple opportunities for the property owner to work with
the city for redevelopment.
8:34:26 AM
MR. ROBBINS, in response to a question from Representative
McCabe, reiterated that as the legislation was contemplated,
municipalities would have the ability to create a system of
support. The intention behind the bill is not to collect more
tax, but to encourage redevelopment.
8:37:12 AM
MR. ROBBINS, in response to Representative Himschoot, related
that there are at least 18 states that have defined "blighted"
to varying degrees, but it has worked in most of those states.
The first resort would not be to "whack someone with a blighted
tax," he remarked. In response to a follow-up question, he said
the other states have provided a guide for municipalities to
manage their own processes at the local level.
8:39:36 AM
BILL POPP, President & CEO, Anchorage Economic Development
Corporation, testified in support of SB 77, in particular the
tax abatement language in the bill is an important new tool
added to the "limited toolbox" that already exists.
8:41:25 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK moved to adopt Amendment 1 to CSSB 77(CRA),
labeled 33-LS0416\S.A.3, Dunmire, 4/17/23, which read:
Page 2, line 13, following "blighted;":
Insert "the standards must include the following
requirements:
(A) the condition of the property endangers
public health and safety;
(B) the property has been declared a public
nuisance under a local housing, building, plumbing,
fire, or other related code or ordinance;
(C) the property has been vacant for not
less than one year;
(D) the unsecured, vacant, or deteriorated
state of the property has caused it to become the
subject or center of repeated illegal activity; and
(E) the property is
(i) open to the elements;
(ii) unfit for occupancy; or
(iii) a fire hazard;"
8:41:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PATKOTAK objected for the purpose of discussion.
CHAIR MCCORMICK withdrew his motion to adopt Amendment 1, in
response to Representative McCabe pointing out he was the maker
of the amendment.
8:42:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 1 to CSSB
77(CRA), labeled 33-LS0416\S.A.3, Dunmire, 4/17/23, [text
previously provided]. He explained Amendment 1 would define
"blighted" and set the controls that are necessary to flesh out
Section 2 of the bill, regarding "blighted tax".
8:43:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT inquired about the intent of a
conceptual amendment for Amendment 1 [in the committee packet
and not yet offered].
8:44:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 1. There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 1
to Amendment 1 was adopted. [Included in the committee packet
is a page from Representative McCabe that describes the intent
of Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 1, and which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
This is a conceptual amendment. Legislative Legal is
directed to make any changes or deletions to the
suggested language, including technical, conforming,
or bill title changes, in order accomplish the intent.
INTENT OF AMENDMENT: To add language clarifying that
the definition of "blighted" may include one, some, or
all of the items listed on the amendment. As currently
written, it could be interpreted that all of the
descriptions in the amendment are necessary in order
for a property to be deemed "blighted".
Suggested Language:
Page 1, line 9, following "activity;"
Delete "and"
Insert "or"
8:45:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PATKOTAK removed his objection to Amendment 1,
[as amended]. There being no further objection, Amendment 1, as
amended, was adopted.
8:46:03 AM
SENATOR DUNBAR, in closing, expressed appreciation for the
comments heard and the work done by the committee to help
improve the bill. He stated he hoped everyone can move forward
together and increase the amount of housing in the state.
8:47:28 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE reemphasized that under the proposed
legislation, a municipality would not "take your home from under
you," and the language assures that.
8:48:39 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:48 a.m. to 8:51 a.m.
8:51:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to report CSSB 77(CRA), as amended,
out of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes, and to authorize Legislative Legal
Services to make any conforming and technical changes necessary
to implement the intent of the committee.
8:52:21 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PATKOTAK objected.
8:52:25 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:52 a.m.
8:52:30 AM
[The objection by Representative Patkotak was treated as
removed.]
CHAIR MCCORMICK announced there being no objection, HCS CSSB
77(CRA) was reported out of the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee.
8:53:04 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:53 a.m. to 8:56 a.m.
HB 99-DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.
8:56:34 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 99, "An Act relating to and prohibiting
discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or
expression."
8:56:56 AM
JENNIE ARMSTRONG, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor,
presented HB 99. She stressed that the bill would make sure
that sex means the same thing across all the subject areas. She
noted there is not one community of people that would have a
special or protected class; the bill would encompass all [based
on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression]
to be treated the same.
8:58:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE requested more of a description of what
"gender expression" means.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMSTRONG replied that as defined in the bill,
and confirmed with Legislative Legal Services, "gender identity
or expression" means having or being perceived as having or
expressing a gender, self-image, appearance, or behavior,
regardless of whether that gender, self-image, appearance, or
behavior is different from that traditionally associated with
the sex assigned to that person at birth. She reiterated an
example from the last hearing regarding different perceptions of
what it is to be "feminine" or " masculine," and the idea that
gender is not something that can be used as a way to
discriminate against anyone.
9:01:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE brought up a scenario on someone's
appearance hindering them from buying a house and the resulting
lawsuits it could create. He stated his concern that [the
definitions in the bill] are not "narrow" enough.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMSTRONG replied that half of the state is
already under non-discrimination ordinances, and she stressed
there is a very high bar for proof in such a scenario.
9:03:06 AM
TRISTAN WALSH, Staff, Representative Jennie Armstrong, Alaska
State Legislature, expanded on the answer to Representative
McCabe and referenced [Bostock v. Clayton County] regarding
gender identity.
9:04:46 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK welcomed invited testimony on HB 99.
9:05:22 AM
HAYLEE WILSON, representing self, provided invited testimony in
support of HB 99. She gave a background of her career as a
health clinician and explained her experience working directly
with Alaska residents thus giving her the opportunity to see
people from various demographics throughout the state. She
described the impact discrimination has on the labor force and
stated that workplace moral impacts mental health. She stated
that HB 99 would not only positively impact the workplace and
mental health of the lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer,
plus (LBGTQ+) community but also reduce the economic burden of
those whom legislation had previously not protected.
9:10:39 AM
JOSH SMITH, representing self, gave invited testimony in support
of HB 99 and provided his background as a tenured U.S. Air Force
veteran, where he had enlisted under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
(DADT) policy. He described the emotional turmoil and
discrimination he experienced both personally and professionally
before the culture shifted. He explained while there were some
developing workplace regulations addressing discrimination on
the base, none existed outside. He became concerned about
"bigger events in his life," such as when he purchased a home.
He opined that it is time for the state government to recognize
that discrimination has no place in Alaska, and language
matters.
9:15:21 AM
MICHAEL FLINT provided invited testimony in support of HB 99.
He described one of his experiences with discrimination when
purchasing a home with his VA Home Loan with his husband, and
the banker tried several times to convince him to remove his
husband from the loan. He ended up going with a national bank
for the loan. He stressed that the message should be that all
are welcome in Alaska, and the LBGTQ+ community just wants the
same protections as anyone else.
9:19:17 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK opened public testimony on HB 99.
9:19:41 AM
MORGAN LIM, Planned Parenthood, testified in support of HB 99.
He thanked the committee members for their leadership in
addressing this issue and urged them to pass the bill.
9:22:01 AM
CRYSTAL HOWARD, representing self, testified in support of HB
99, noting the state does not currently have a civil rights law
that explicitly includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
9:23:39 AM
RANDY GRIFFIN, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
99, describing the bill as a "sneaky" law, changing the
definition of sex; it should just say "sexual orientation." He
stated he is against all anti-discrimination laws directed at
the private sector.
9:26:12 AM
SHAWN GARDNER, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
She noted Alaska being at the forefront of civil rights, and she
posited that the state should keep following that path.
9:27:50 AM
KC CASORT, representing self, testified in support of HB 99, and
she stated she would be "overjoyed" if it passed this year.
9:29:58 AM
MENEKA THIRU, representing self, testified in support of HB 99,
and she expressed concern about discrimination against
unprotected communities.
9:31:21 AM
ROSE O'HARA, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
She stated the LGBTQ community is not asking for extra, just
equal, and she urged support for HB 99.
9:33:32 AM
REBECCA BERNARD, representing self, testified in support of HB
99 and expressed her view that this is a commonsense bill that
would extend legal protections from discrimination to people who
are not already covered.
9:35:23 AM
BRYAN MULKERN, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
He stated there is no logical reason to continue to permit
discrimination that is arbitrary against Alaska citizens, and
Alaska law should protect all of Alaska.
9:38:26 AM
MICHAEL GARVEY, Alaska Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), testified
in support of HB 99. He expressed his belief that HB 99 would
put LGBTQ people in a better position to have what anyone else
wants: a home, economic security, and to feel welcome in their
community.
9:40:13 AM
THEA SCALISE, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
She stated she echoed the testifier statements of support that
preceded hers.
9:41:17 AM
LIV SWONGER, representing self, testified in support of HB 99
and stated the bill is "truly a beacon of hope and light."
9:43:11 AM
ALEX PETKANAS, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
He stated all LGTBQ+ Alaskans deserve explicit protection from
discrimination.
9:45:20 AM
RICK ANDERSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
He stated he would like to see the state provide all citizens a
safe place to live.
9:45:57 AM
KATE VEH, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
9:47:43 AM
KARINA KOWALSKI, representing self, testified in support of HB
99, not only for herself but for her children's safety.
9:49:01 AM
PHILLIP MOSER, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
9:51:32 AM
BROOK BEVERIDGE, representing self, testified in support of HB
99.
9:53:02 AM
JESSICA ROZATO, representing self, testified in support of HB 99
and voiced her support for human rights for all of Alaska.
9:53:54 AM
DAN POLSEN, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
He stated groups left vulnerable to discrimination would also
magnify economic harm, and if the bill passed, it would bring
Alaska law in harmony with federal law.
9:56:38 AM
EARL WILLIAMS JR., representing self, testified in support of HB
99.
9:57:06 AM
JACOB POWEL, representing self, testified in support of HB 99,
and stated his belief that the bill is part of a fiscal plan for
Alaska.
9:59:34 AM
DOUG KOESTER, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
10:00:45 AM
JESSICA PHILLIPS, representing self, testified in support of HB
99, and stated if there is a way to stop discrimination, then it
should be done.
10:01:09 AM
VIKKI JO KENNEDY, representing self, testified in support of HB
99. She stated the bill should finally be passed so "we" can
"move on."
10:02:53 AM
ED MARTIN, representing self, testified in opposition to HB 99.
He referenced the Alaska constitution and pointed out the
various rights already in place.
10:05:29 AM
MOIRA PYHALA, representing self, testified in support of HB 99,
because, she opined, it is "morally correct."
10:07:42 AM
HANNAH WARREN, representing self, testified in support of HB 99.
10:08:14 AM
JOHN HESSERT, representing self, testified during the hearing on
HB 99.
10:10:30 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK noted the email address public testifiers are to
use if they were unable to testify today and still wished to do
so.
10:10:55 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK closed public testimony on HB 99.
10:11:24 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 10:11 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 99 Letters of Opposition as of 0930 4.17.23.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 99 |
| HB 99 Letters of Support as of 0930 4.17.23.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 99 |
| SB 77 Letter of Opposition as of 0930 4.17.23.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
SB 77 |
| SB 77 Letters of Support as of 0930 4.17.23.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
SB 77 |
| SB 77 Amendment S.A.3.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
SB 77 |
| HB 99 Amendment B.4.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 99 |
| SB 77 Conceptual Amendment to Amendment 1.pdf |
HCRA 4/18/2023 8:00:00 AM |
SB 77 |