Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
04/08/2025 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB162 | |
| HB133 | |
| HCR3 | |
| HJR15 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 133 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HCR 3 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HJR 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 162 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 8, 2025
8:04 a.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Rebecca Himschoot, Co-Chair
Representative Donna Mears, Co-Chair
Representative Carolyn Hall
Representative Ky Holland
Representative Mike Prax
Representative Justin Ruffridge
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Forrest Dunbar
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 162
"An Act relating to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of
products that use digital electronics to operate; adding an
unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer
Protection Act; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 133
"An Act establishing a 30-day deadline for the payment of
contracts under the State Procurement Code; establishing
deadlines for the payment of grants, contracts, and
reimbursement agreements to nonprofit organizations,
municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations; relating to
payment of grants to named recipients that are not
municipalities; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3
Establishing the Joint Legislative Task Force on Artificial
Intelligence.
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15
Urging the Governor, the Department of Natural Resources,
division of forestry and fire protection, the Department of
Public Safety, municipalities of the state and relevant wildfire
planning and response agencies, and the Alaska delegation in
Congress to prepare for the 2025 wildfire season.
- MOVED CSHJR 15(CRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 162
SHORT TITLE: DIGITAL PRODUCT REPAIR
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) DIBERT
03/28/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/28/25 (H) CRA, L&C
04/08/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 133
SHORT TITLE: PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HIMSCHOOT
03/12/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/12/25 (H) CRA, STA
03/25/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/25/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/25/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/27/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/03/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/03/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/03/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/08/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
BILL: HCR 3
SHORT TITLE: AI LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RAUSCHER
02/26/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/26/25 (H) CRA, STA
03/27/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/01/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/01/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/01/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/03/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/03/25 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/08/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
BILL: HJR 15
SHORT TITLE: WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HOLLAND
03/24/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/24/25 (H) CRA
04/01/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/01/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/01/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
04/03/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
04/03/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/08/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
KIP ANGAIAK, Staff
Representative Maxine Dibert
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 162, on behalf of
Representative Dibert, prime sponsor.
JOE TORMA, General Manager
Green Star of Interior Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 162.
BENJAMIN HEDGES, Reuse Specialist
Green Star of Interior Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
162.
HOWARD MAXWELL, Staff
Representative Maxine Dibert
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
162.
ELLA LUBIN, Staff
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave a summary of HB 133 on behalf of
Representative Himschoot, prime sponsor.
PAM HALLORAN, Assistant Commissioner
Department of Health
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Reviewed the fiscal notes for HB 133.
JASON GROVE, Procurement Manager
Department of Health
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
133.
ZOE OLSON
Grants Administration Manager
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
133.
BONNIE JENSEN, Administrative Services Director
Alaska Department of Fish & Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
133.
HANNAH LAGER, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
133.
ANGELA LAFLAMME, Legislative Liaison
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
133.
THATCHER BROUWER, Staff
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave an explanation of changes to HCR 3, on
behalf of Representative Himschoot.
REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions during
the hearing on HCR 3.
CORBIN MORRISON, Staff
Representative Ky Holland
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave an explanation of changes to HJR 15,
on behalf of Representative Holland, prime sponsor.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:04:07 AM
CHAIR REBECCA HIMSCHOOT called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:04 a.m.
Representatives Hall, Holland, Mears, and Himschoot were present
at the call to order. Representatives Prax and Ruffridge
arrived as the meeting was in progress. Also present was
Senator Forrest Dunbar.
HB 162-DIGITAL PRODUCT REPAIR
8:05:18 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 162, "An Act relating to the diagnosis,
maintenance, and repair of products that use digital electronics
to operate; adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade
Practices and Consumer Protection Act; and providing for an
effective date."
8:06:13 AM
KIP ANGAIAK, Staff, Representative Maxine Dibert, Alaska State
Legislature, presented HB 162 on behalf of Representative
Dibert, prime sponsor. He shared the sponsor statement
[included in the committee packet], which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
The inclusion of digital components in modern
equipment has allowed manufacturers to limit consumer
repair opportunities at the expense of Alaskans. House
Bill 162 offers a balanced solution, ensuring fair
access to the information and tools needed to repair
digital equipment including consumer electronics,
household appliances, ATVs, as well as small snow
removal, lawn care, and farm equipment.
Manufacturers have made repairs difficultif not
impossibleby withholding repair documentation and
restricting specialized tools from public access. This
forces Alaskan consumers to replace rather than repair
their equipment, adding unnecessary costs and
inconveniences. These burdens are even greater in
Alaska, where authorized service providers are scarce,
and shipping to out-of-state repair centers is often
unfeasible. In rural and remote areas, equipment like
ATVs, snow machines, and small tractors are critical
to daily life. The barriers to self-repair created by
manufacturers are not only costly but can also be
dangerous.
HB 162 will ensure Alaskans have access to essential
documentation, tools, and parts at fair market prices.
This will empower consumers to repair rather than
replace their equipment, saving money and reducing
waste. Additionally, it will foster a competitive
marketplace for independent repair businesses, keeping
jobs and resources in-state.
Alaskans are known for self-sufficiency and
resourcefulness. We don't just like to make things
workwe need to. HB 162 supports this tradition by
keeping repair options accessible, reducing waste, and
helping Alaskans maintain the equipment they rely on.
I strongly urge you to support HB 162.
8:08:43 AM
MR. ANGAIAK presented the sectional analysis for HB 162
[included in the committee packet], which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
Section 1. Establishes the short title.
Section 2. Amends AS 45.45 Trade Practices by adding
Article 12A. Digital Product Repair and the following
sections:
Sec. 45.45.800 requires that digital product
manufacturers:
• Make documentation, parts, and tools necessary for
diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of digital products
available to independent service providers or owners
their products.
• Include changes to documentation, parts and tools
made through updates, improvements, or repairs.
Sec. 45.45.810 requires digital product manufacturers
to make available documentation, tools, and parts
needed to reset security-related features that may be
disabled during the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair
of the
product.
Sec. 45.45.820 states that digital product
manufacturers don't have to make parts available if
they no longer
have access to the parts.
Sec. 45.45.830 requires digital product manufacturers
to make documentation, parts, and tools available to
independent service providers or owners of the
products at a reasonable price. Manufacturers cannot
charge
independent service providers or owners a price higher
than what they charge authorized service providers for
the same documentation, parts, or tools.
• Farm equipment is exempted from the independent
service provider requirement.
Sec. 45.45.840 states that an independent service
provider:
• Works in the business of diagnosis, maintenance, or
repair of digital products in Alaska
• Is not a digital product manufacturer, doesn't have
a contract or license with, and isn't affiliated with
anyone who has a contract or a license with a digital
product manufacturer.
Sec. 45.45.850 states that a person is an authorized
service provider under AS 45.45.80045.45.890 if they
have:
• A license to offer digital product diagnosis,
repair, or maintenance under the manufacturer's name,
or
• A contract with a digital product manufacturer to
provide diagnosis, repair, or maintenance of the
manufacturer's products.
A digital product manufacturer who offers diagnosis,
maintenance, or repair of its own products is
considered an authorized service provider for the
purposes of AS 45.45.800-45.45.890.
Sec. 45.45.860 states that digital product
manufacturers don't have to disclose trade secrets to
independent service providers or owners unless
necessary to make documentation, parts, and tools
available.
Sec. 45.45.870 states that:
• Agreements that waive, restrict, or limit
obligations of digital product manufacturers are not
enforceable.
• Digital product manufacturers cannot be held liable
for injuries or damages that occur during diagnosis,
maintenance, or repair of products by independent
service providers or owners.
• This act does not apply to the diagnosis,
maintenance, or repair of motor vehicles
Sec. 45.45.880 states that information other than
product documentation in a license or contract between
digital product manufacturers and authorized service
providers isn't required to be made available to
independent service providers or owners.
Sec. 45.45.890 provides definitions.
Section 3. Amends AS 45.50.471(b) by adding violations
of SB 111 Digital Product Repair statutes AS
45.45.800-45.45.890 to the list of unfair methods of
competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices
declared to be unlawful.
Section 4. Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska by adding a section describing the
applicability of this Act.
Section 5. Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska by adding a section stating the Act cannot
change the terms of a license or contract that is in
effect before the effective date of this Act.
Section 6. Provides the effective date of January 1,
2026.
8:13:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked whether subparagraph (B) on page 5,
line 6 of the bill includes offroad vehicles or whether it
strictly applies to motor vehicles.
MR. ANGAIAK said the bill sponsor is working on a carveout for
all automobiles and most farm equipment dealers.
8:15:28 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT opened invited testimony.
8:15:47 AM
JOE TORMA, General Manager, Green Star of Interior Alaska, gave
background information on Green Star of Interior Alaska ("Green
Star"), a company that handles almost all the electronic waste
("e-waste") in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Interior
with a mission to encourage communities to reduce waste and
increase recycling. The amount of e-waste is exacerbated by
many of the issues the bill seeks to address. He elaborated on
Green Star's triage system for repurposing certain parts, noting
that they make low-cost systems available, such as computers or
electronic devices, which are made available to low-income
Alaskans and nonprofits through a technology grant program. He
detailed the difficulties of consistent, reliable device repair
in the state and urged Alaska to grant manufacturers access to
the documentation, tools, parts, and necessary authorizations
that allow repairs to be written to keep these devices in
service.
8:21:53 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND inquired about the warranty implications,
the value of those warranties, and how to determine which
devices to fix.
MR. TORMA said most of the devices they see are not under
warranty; nonetheless, in almost all warranty cases, shipping is
prohibited from an organization like Green Star. He shared an
example of a laptop they attempted to fix.
8:24:52 AM
BENJAMIN HEDGES, Reuse Specialist, Green Star of Interior
Alaska, said often times, manufacturers won't honor the warranty
unless the request is submitted by the original owner.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX shared his understanding that many product
manufacturers are concerned about copyright to safeguard their
intellectual property.
MR. TORMA said if a manufacturer is determined to persist in
exclusive ownership, there still needs to be a path for users to
device users make returns and honor the warranty. Many times
consumers are not aware that the device can be repaired, and if
it can be, buying a new product is the easier solution. Without
extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, the gaps would
continue to exist, he said.
8:28:02 AM
HOWARD MAXWELL, Staff, Representative Maxine Dibert, Alaska
State Legislature, noted that often times, intellectual license
and trade secrets are protected by federal legislation. He
stated that the bill makes some protections for trade secrets
and emphasized that the goal is to help everyday Alaskans repair
their products.
8:29:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HALL asked how many companies in Alaska do this
type of work.
MR. TORMA responded only Green Star.
8:30:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked whether a manufacturer would honor
the warranty on a device that the user attempted to repair.
MR. MAXWELL offered to follow up with the requested information.
In response to a series of follow up questions, he clarified
that the bill would make some allowances for software but not
code. There would also be carveouts for advanced medical
devices. He offered to follow up on a question about protecting
access to security functions and how to avoid creating security
vulnerabilities.
8:37:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX opined that defining "intellectual property"
would be important.
MR. MAXWELL pointed out that without an actual service provider
in the state, it's easier and cheaper for users to buy a new one
than repair it, which may be intentional on the manufacturers
part.
8:40:47 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked what happens with e-waste right now.
MR. ANGAIAK offered to follow up with the requested information.
8:42:16 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE inquired about the broad definition of
"digital equipment" and how it would include offroad vehicles,
for example.
MR. ANGAIAK reiterated that the sponsor is working in proximity
with Senator Dunbar's office to create a carveout for all
automobiles, most farm equipment, and other offroad vehicles.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked whether "carveout" means
exempting or including them in the bill.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT pointed out that most modern vehicles are
computerized.
MR. MAXWELL said currently, anything with a digital element
would be included in the bill. All automobiles are completely
exempt, but the idea is to empower local dealers to sell parts,
software, and allow people in remote areas to make repairs.
8:46:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE sought to better understand the
carveouts.
MR. MAXWELL clarified that the intent is not to exclude them.
Dealers are worried that they would be "side stepped" if people
obtained wholesale parts. The goal is to find a compromise that
allows dealers to make profit while enabling the everyday person
to make repairs to their equipment without shipping to an
authorized dealer.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE pointed out that there would be no
benefit to being an authorized service provider if the bill were
to pass.
MR. MAXWELL said there's a lot of warranty work and repair
services that would still be offered by the authorized service
provider. He pointed out that in rural Alaska, many people go
without critical devices because they're not empowered to make a
repair.
8:52:38 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT shared a personal anecdote announced that the
bill was held over.
HB 133-PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS
8:53:36 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the next order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 133, "An Act establishing a 30-day
deadline for the payment of contracts under the State
Procurement Code; establishing deadlines for the payment of
grants, contracts, and reimbursement agreements to nonprofit
organizations, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations;
relating to payment of grants to named recipients that are not
municipalities; and providing for an effective date."
8:54:13 AM
ELLA LUBIN, Staff, Representative Rebecca Himschoot, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Himschoot, prime
sponsor, said HB 133 would bring parity to nonprofits, Alaska
Native organizations, and municipalities for prompt payment from
the state that extends to contracts, grants, and reimbursements.
The issue is longstanding and systemic.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT requested an explanation of the Department of
Health (DOH) fiscal notes.
8:56:33 AM
PAM HALLORAN, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Health
(DOH), explained that a number of factors are contributing to
the delays: the high volume of grants; the division's capacity
to produce quality invoices and documentation in a high turnover
environment; and budgetary issues that take time, such as the
RPL process. She reported that in an effort to improve
timelines, new leadership has been hired in the grants and
contracts section who are committed to providing training and
additional resources to staff to speed up time, identify gaps,
and improve the situation. When calculating the fiscal note,
the 10.5 percent annualized interest rate was applied to the
number of late days resulting in over $1.5 million in interest
owed by the department from unrestricted general funds (UGF).
She said DOH has requested one position within each division to
allow the federal funding sources to be properly allocated,
ensure compliance with federal guidelines, and make sure that
contractors and grantees are paid on time.
9:01:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the department has a
performance standard for paying contracts.
MS. HALLORAN responded in the affirmative, adding that the
department's current standards could be improved upon
particularly within the grants and contracts section.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether there is a standard timeline
for paying bills or whether it varies by contract.
9:04:06 AM
JASON GROVE, Procurement Manager, Department of Health (DOH),
said the standard is payment within 30 days receipt of a proper
invoice.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether there is a late payment
penalty established in each contract.
MR. GROVE answered generally, no.
9:06:21 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS opined that many of the state's systems are too
complex. She added that she is broadly supportive of investing
to improve the state's systems in the short-term to ensure that
there is more money for programs in the long term and less money
spent on administering money.
9:07:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE questioned the total dollar amount of
grants [in 2025].
9:08:13 AM
ZOE OLSON, Grants Administration Manager, Department of Health
(DOH), said the department is administering $140 million in
grants in fiscal year 2025 (FY 25). In response to a series of
follow up questions, she said the department employs eight
fulltime employees to administer those grants. Typically,
grants are made on a 3-year cycle and renewed on an annual basis
that follows the state fiscal year. The department aims to
issue the grant awards on July 1and within the following month,
fully execute the grant agreement and issue the initial
payments.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked how many grants are applied for
in a fiscal year.
MS. OLSON said on a given fiscal year, the department processes
the applications for grants in either a continuation year or at
the start of a new 3-year cycle. Currently, this year, there
are approximately 440 awards spread across 80 grant programs.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE questioned what's causing the delay.
MS. OLSON said the proposed PCNs would help build out the
accounting staff's capacity. She shared her belief that there
are two primary reasons for delays: logistics and communication.
9:15:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE said the fiscal notes seem to indicate
that it's the accounting, not logistics or communication, that's
causing the delays. He asked how hiring 6 new accountants would
help with the logistics and communication.
MS. HALLORAN said current staff are "maxed out" and have too
many things to balance. She shared an example and said
accounting staff is needed to more effectively manage the
department's budget so payments can be timely. She added that
efficiencies are needed to effectively anticipate forthcoming
costs that the department has obligated itself to.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT reiterated tha the goal is not to generate
interest, but to bring payments in on time and lesser the impact
on operations.
9:19:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND sought to clarify whether the new
accounting positions are to supplement an accounting section
that is fully staffed or vacant positions.
MS. HALLORAN said turnover impacts DOH greatly and vacancies
vary by division.
MS. OLSON conveyed that there are open positions in the grant
team; however, they play a different role than the accountants.
9:23:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the bill is asking the
department to do something that can't be done and whether there
is an alternative way to do this aside from putting it in
statute.
MS. HALLORAN answered yes, the department is looking at other
solutions, such as the launch of the Parascope system, which
helps procurement on the front end by standing up and tracking
grants. The end goal is to integrate the system with the IRIS
accounting system to streamline the work and link the contracts
and grants sections. The department is also in collaboration
with two other departments to purchase a new grant system with
the hope of integrating it with the accounting system to help
streamline processes and improvements.
9:27:43 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT inquired about Alaska Department of Fish &
Game's (ADF&G's) zero fiscal note.
9:28:18 AM
BONNIE JENSEN, Administrative Services Director, Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), said the department submitted
a zero fiscal note because it's difficult to determine why
contract payments were late. She further noted that ADF&G does
not have granting authority, so payments are strictly for
contractual agreements.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked Ms. Lager to explain the Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic Development (DCCED) fiscal note.
9:29:31 AM
HANNAH LAGER, Director, said the DCCED fiscal note is
indeterminate at this time because it's hard to determine future
impact and how to resolve it. The change in revenue reflects
the advances in Section 3 of the bill, which discusses the
advances of grants to named recipients resulting in a small loss
of interest to the general fund (GF).
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether there is an internal standard
for paying on time.
MS. LAGER answered yes, the goal is to pay invoices within 30
days based on both statutory and Alaska Administrative Manual
guidance. In response to a series of follow up questions, she
explained that DCCED has made some shifts to ensure that
invoices come to shared inboxes where multiple people can access
them, and a shift to procurement cards so that payments are made
on the front end and reconciled on the back end.
9:32:21 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX posed the same questions to Ms. Jensen,
asking whether ADF&G has performance measures for timely
payments and whether the percentage of late payments are
tracked.
MS. JENSEN agreed that invoices should be paid within 30 days of
receipt and that invoices are difficult to track.
9:34:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked for the total grant dollar amount
in contracts within Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
(DMVA), how its administered, and how four new positions would
help.
9:35:28 AM
ANGELA LAFLAMME, Legislative Liaison, Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs, explained that outside of the Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Office of
Veterans Affairs manages grants with no late payment issues.
For regular contracting and bill pay, the same 30-day
procurement standard is followed per the Alaska Administrative
Manual with established inboxes for invoices and procurement
cards for timely payments of utility bills and reconciliation.
She discussed the administration of federal and state disaster
declaration funding, which is managed by a small team of seven
in the grant administration section. In response to a follow up
question from Representative Ruffridge, she confirmed that the
new positions would be proactive rather than reactive and would
allow the department to process payments on the front end more
timely.
9:40:34 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that HB 133 was held over.
HCR 3-AI LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE
9:40:55 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the next order of business
would be HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3, Establishing the
Joint Legislative Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
9:41:09 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS moved to adopt the proposed Committee Substitute
(CS) for HRC 3, Version 34-LS0603\G, Walsh, 4/5/25, as the
working document.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX objected.
9:41:35 AM
THATCHER BROUWER, Staff, Representative Rebecca Himschoot,
Alaska State Legislature, on behalf of Co-Chair Himschoot, gave
an explanation of the three primary changes in Version G:
including "generated images" as part of artificial intelligence;
creating a common set of terms and definitions as a foundation
of the task force work in future legislation; and creating a
zero-cost task force to bring the fiscal note to zero by
removing the per diem allowance and allowing virtual attendance.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked to hear from the bill sponsor on
Version G.
9:44:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor of HCR 3, said he would not oppose any of the
changes in Version G and anticipated the bill moving forward
with their inclusion.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX expressed concern about the zero fiscal note
because "you get what you pay for" and asked whether it sets a
realistic expectation for the task force.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER pointed out that past task forces have
operated on zero dollars.
9:46:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked who paid for the hard copies of
the final report for the [Alaska Food Strategy Task Force].
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER said it was printed through the
legislative print shop.
9:47:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX removed his objection. There being no
further objection, Version G was before the committee.
9:47:43 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that CSHCR 3, Version G, was held
over.
HJR 15-WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
9:48:05 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the final order of business
would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15, Urging the Governor, the
Department of Natural Resources, division of forestry and fire
protection, the Department of Public Safety, municipalities of
the state and relevant wildfire planning and response agencies,
and the Alaska delegation in Congress to prepare for the 2025
wildfire season.
9:48:30 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS moved to adopt the proposed Committee Substitute
(CS) to HJR 15, Version 34-LS0726\G, Dunmire, 4/6/25, as the
working document.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX objected.
9:49:01 AM
CORBIN MORRISON, Staff, Representative Ky Holland, Alaska State
Legislature, summarized the explanation of changes to HJR 15
from a written explanation of changes [included in the committee
packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 1, line 9: Deleted "immediate and severe." And
added "Increased" to better fit the tone of
Resolution.
Page 1, line 10: Added "Southeast Alaska" to list of
high-risk places
Page 2, lines 27-31 of version I: Deleted ";
conducting full reviews of available response
equipment, joint response agreements, ad water
resources; identifying opportunities for additional
water storage and access points; and inspecting and
treating aircraft landing zones and roadways,
especially those that are single-access routes to
large."
Page 2, line 24-25 of version G: Added ", with special
attention to single-access routes to" to better
encompass firefighting response goals.
Page 3, line 17 of version I: Deleted "before May 1,
2025."
9:51:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND, as prime sponsor, thanked
Representatives Hall and Ruffridge, as well as their staff, for
their support and involvement on Version G.
9:52:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked about tabletop drills and whether
there is adequate time to accomplish this.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND said the new language attempts to
accommodate that point by removing the May 1, 2025, deadline.
9:55:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX commented on the importance of increasing
preparedness in each member's respective district. He removed
his objection. There being no further objection, Version G was
adopted.
9:56:51 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 9:57 a.m.
9:57:01 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS moved to report CSHJR 15, Version 34-LS0726\G,
Dunmire, 4/6/25, out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being
no objection, CSHJR 15(CRA) was reported out of the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
9:58:08 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 9:58 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 133 Sponsor Statement - Version G.pdf |
HCRA 3/25/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 - Version G 3.8.25.pdf |
HCRA 3/25/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Sectional Analysis - Version G.pdf |
HCRA 3/25/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Research - Impact of Delayed Payment.pdf |
HCRA 3/25/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Testimony - Received by 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOA-OPPM 3.21.25.pdf |
HCRA 3/25/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DFG-DAS 3.29.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DNR-SSD 3.28.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - LAW-WASD 3.28.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOLWD-CO 3.28.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DCCED-DAS 3.28.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - MVA-HLS 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HCR 3 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 3 |
| HCR 3 Version A.pdf |
HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 3 |
| HCR 3 Work Draft CS - Version G 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 3 |
| HCR 3 Explanation of Changes - Version A to G 4.7.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 3 |
| HCR 3 Fiscal Note - LEG-COU-3.26.25.pdf |
HCRA 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/10/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 3 |
| HJR 15 Version I Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Version I.pdf |
HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Work Draft CS - Version G 4.6.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Explanation of changes Version I to G 4.7.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Fiscal Note 4.1.2025.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| DNR Response to HRES re wildland fire at 3.14.25 meeting.pdf |
HCRA 4/3/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Presentation 4.01.2025.pdf |
HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Factsheet Anchorage Wildfire.pdf |
HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Factsheet Fairbanks Wildfire.pdf |
HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 Emergency Fire Season Declaration 3.5.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/1/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HB 162 Sponsor Statement 4.2.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 162 |
| HB 162 Version A 3.28.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 162 |
| HB 162 Sectional Analysis - Version A 4.2.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 162 |
| HB 162 Fiscal Note - LAW-SLA 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 162 |
| HB 162 Testimony Received by 4.7.2025.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 162 |
| HJR 15 Explanation of Changes -Version I -Updated 4.7.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOH-AS 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOH-BHA 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOH-MAA 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOH-PAA 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOH-PHA 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note - DOH-SDSA 4.4.25.pdf |
HCRA 4/8/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 133 |