Legislature(2013 - 2014)BARNES 124
03/26/2013 11:15 AM House ECON. DEV., TRADE & TOURISM
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HCR6 | |
| HJR12 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HCR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 12 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE AND
TOURISM
March 26, 2013
11:40 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Shelley Hughes, Chair
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Pete Higgins
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Lance Pruitt
Representative Harriet Drummond
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Kurt Olson
Representative Geran Tarr
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6
Recognizing the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a national
leader in unmanned aircraft research and development; and
relating to a Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
- MOVED CSHCR 6(EDT) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12
Encouraging the manufacture of firearms and firearms accessories
in the state.
- MOVED CSHJR 12(EDT) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HCR 6
SHORT TITLE: EST. LEG. TASK FORCE ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HUGHES
03/15/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/15/13 (H) EDT
03/26/13 (H) EDT AT 11:15 AM BARNES 124
BILL: HJR 12
SHORT TITLE: SUPPORT IN-STATE FIREARMS MANUFACTURING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) CHENAULT
03/14/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/14/13 (H) EDT
03/26/13 (H) EDT AT 11:15 AM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
GINGER BLAISDELL, Staff
Representative Shelley Hughes
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced the proposed committee
substitute (CS) to HCR 6, on behalf of Representative Hughes,
sponsor.
STEVE COLLIGAN, President
E-Terra, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HCR 6.
LISA HERBERT, Executive Director
Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce (GFCC)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HCR 6.
STUART THOMPSON
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HCR 6.
LUKE HOPKINS, Mayor
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HCR 6.
MICHAEL CERNE, Executive Director
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced himself.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CHENAULT
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking as the sponsor, introduced HJR 12.
TOM WRIGHT, Staff
Representative Mike Chenault
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question during the hearing of
HJR 12.
ACTION NARRATIVE
11:40:56 AM
CHAIR SHELLEY HUGHES called the House Special Committee on
Economic Development, Trade and Tourism meeting to order at
11:40 a.m. Representatives Herron, Johnson, Pruitt, Drummond,
Gattis, and Hughes were present at the call to order.
Representative Higgins arrived as the meeting was in progress.
HCR 6-EST. LEG. TASK FORCE ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
11:41:14 AM
CHAIR HUGHES announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6, Recognizing the Alaska Center
for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks as a national leader in unmanned aircraft
research and development; and relating to a Task Force on
Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
11:41:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HCR 6, [Version 28-LS0655\N], Gardner,
3/23/13, as the working document. There being no objection,
Version N was before the committee.
11:42:10 AM
GINGER BLAISDELL, Staff, Representative Shelley Hughes, speaking
on behalf of Representative Hughes, sponsor of HCR 6, informed
the committee of the changes reflected in Version N. Version N
correctly identifies the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Integration by its original title, the Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Program. Also, to facilitate the review of rules and
guidelines for the use of unmanned aircraft, the resolution
establishes a task force consisting of about 15 members from the
aeronautics industry and commissioners or their designees from
agencies that use unmanned aircraft. The proposed task force
would present a preliminary report in January 2014, and a final
report of recommendation in January 2015.
11:43:51 AM
CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony.
11:44:06 AM
STEVE COLLIGAN, President, E-Terra, LLC, said he is a graduate
of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), owns a professional
technology firm, and has been involved with model airplanes
since his youth in Fairbanks. The Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA) is a self-regulating and self-insured organization that
has been following legislation related to unmanned aircraft for
many years. Mr. Colligan said the passage of HCR 6 is the
responsible way to examine rulemaking by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and other agencies, and to finalize
legislation that can support this activity. He opined model
aviation is no different than the commercial use of unmanned
aircraft except for the element of compensation. Both UAF and
Mr. Colligan - as a private individual and business owner - buy
products that are integrated into unmanned aircraft systems.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and AMA
have educational programs to involve youth in aviation
technology and technology development. He pointed out that
similar discussion about regulating model airplanes began in
1910. Mr. Colligan asked the committee to support the
legislation as a responsible way to promote rules and testing,
and to examine related FAA publications.
11:48:00 AM
LISA HERBERT, Executive Director, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of
Commerce (GFCC), informed the committee GFCC represents over 700
businesses and organizations throughout the Interior, and its
primary purpose is business advocacy. In addition, GFCC's
ongoing priority is to increase the military presence in Alaska;
in fact, it believes Alaska's immense land mass and airspace
present opportunities for flight testing and training unmatched
by any other state. She said GFCC supports all aspects of HCR
6.
11:49:56 AM
STUART THOMPSON stated he is a private Alaskan citizen and
voter. Mr. Thompson said the resolution needs work before
passage and that the resolution is a propaganda resolution
similar to that which justified the war in Iraq. Mr. Thompson
expressed his support of establishing a task force to recommend
state and federal regulation of unmanned aircraft systems;
however, the task force must balance special interests with
public representation by the appointment of public members with
constitutionally-driven interests. He suggested that the
membership of the current task force is not fully competent to
advise on citizen privacy. Mr. Thompson said the following
section of the resolution is false and read:
WHEREAS unmanned aircraft systems may present a
substantial risk to privacy, but neither the Federal
Aviation Administration nor any other state or federal
agency currently has specific statutory authority to
regulate privacy matters relating to unmanned aircraft
systems;
MR. THOMPSON stated that constitutions are supreme statutory
authority, and the U. S. Constitution and the Alaska State
Constitution already regulate the use of unmanned aircraft in
conducting population surveillance. He opined that privacy is
also a protected right by the Third Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution. He urged for HCR 6 to be returned to its sponsors
for correction.
11:53:42 AM
LUKE HOPKINS, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, informed the
committee the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) is a signing
partner with UAF on the application to FAA to be one of the six
unmanned aircraft systems program sites, and is undertaking
efforts on its own behalf to continue post-selection on the
applicants' team. Also, FNSB is in full support of the
expansion of the Joint Pacific Range Complex (JPARC) to include
unmanned aerial vehicles. As president of the Alaska Conference
of Mayors, he urged for the addition of a local elected
representative to the membership of the task force.
11:55:33 AM
CHAIR HUGHES, after ascertaining that no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony. She referred to previously-
expressed concerns regarding privacy and said the committee's
intention is to uphold the Constitution. Furthermore, privacy
concerns are of the upmost importance, as is good policy at the
state level.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS expressed her support of HCR 6 because
unmanned aircraft, remote control airplanes, and general
aviation will have an opportunity to work out details.
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND appreciated the previous testimony that
linked this new technology to school districts and programs
promoting science, technology, engineering, and math.
REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS called attention to the fact that travel
and per diem expenses would be paid for members of the task
force. He asked whether the committee will look at expenses
after the task force is established.
12:00:04 PM
CHAIR HUGHES said the resolution is not referred to the House
Finance Committee at this point.
REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS surmised this issue must be addressed
eventually.
CHAIR HUGHES indicated not at this time.
REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT clarified that the task force is created
in the legislature and will become part of the legislative
budget. In further response to Representative Higgins, he said
the resolution will create the task force and the costs
associated "are totally separate from just creating this task
force."
12:01:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON moved to report the proposed CS for HCR 6,
Version 28-LS0655\N, Gardner, 3/23/13, out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, CSHCR 6(EDT) was reported from the
House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade and
Tourism.
12:02:39 PM
MICHAEL CERNE, Executive Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing
Institute (ASMI), introduced himself as the new executive
director and reported on ASMI's successful participation at the
International Boston Seafood Show in Boston, Massachusetts.
HJR 12-SUPPORT IN-STATE FIREARMS MANUFACTURING
12:05:23 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12, Encouraging the manufacture of
firearms and firearms accessories in the state.
12:05:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CHENAULT, Alaska State Legislature, informed
the committee HJR 12 encourages and invites gun and gun
accessory manufacturers to bring their business to Alaska. In
recent months some states have considered enacting legislation
restricting or prohibiting the possession or manufacture of
certain firearms or accessories. It is important for the
administration and the legislature to indicate that Alaska is
ideal for their business because of its excellent constitutional
and statutory provisions for firearm use, possession, and
manufacturing. House Joint Resolution 12 also directs that many
firearm manufacturers are to be provided a copy of the
resolution. Representative Chenault concluded that businesses
are leaving Colorado and Alaska would be a great place for them
to relocate.
12:07:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON suggested adding Magpul and the National
Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses to the list of firearm
manufacturers that will receive a copy of the resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT welcomed additions to the list. He
confirmed that Magpul is relocating from Colorado.
12:08:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved Conceptual Amendment 1 to add
Magpul and the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses to the
above mentioned list.
CHAIR HUGHES objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT asked whether an organization with a
national database, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA),
should be added to the list.
12:09:14 PM
TOM WRIGHT, Staff, Representative Mike Chenault, Alaska State
Legislature, answered that the list in the resolution is
extensive and includes all of the major manufacturers and
accessory manufacturers. The list was provided by the National
Shooting Sports Foundation and HJR 12 will be posted on its web
site.
12:09:53 PM
CHAIR HUGHES removed her objection. There being no further
objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 was adopted.
12:10:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved to report HJR 12, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHJR
12(EDT) was reported out of the House Special Committee on
Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.
CHAIR HUGHES ascertained that no members of the public wished to
testify on HJR 12.
12:10:59 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade and Tourism
meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| AUVSI Code of Conduct.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |
| CS HCR6 work draft 25Mar13.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |
| HCR6 UAS sponsor statement (H)EDT 19Mar13.doc |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |
| IACP_UAGuidelines.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |
| History & Value of UAS to Alaska.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |
| Magpul Pull Out.docx |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| Montana Legislation.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| Montana Resolution.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| Montana Shooting Sports Association.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| Outdoor Channel.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| HJR12 fiscal note 3-25-13.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HJR 12 |
| HCR6 fiscal note 3-25-13.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |
| Letter of Support for HCR6 Unmanned Aircraft Systems.pdf |
HEDT 3/26/2013 11:15:00 AM |
HCR 6 |