Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/25/2005 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB26 | |
| HB167 | |
| HB213 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 26 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 167 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 213 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 25, 2005
1:49 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 1:49:21 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Richard Foster
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Jim Holm
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Carl Moses
Representative Bruce Weyhrauch
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Eric Croft
ALSO PRESENT
Adam Berg, Staff, Representative Carl Moses; Representative
Bob Lynn; Representative Max Gruenberg; Philip Mitchell,
Section Chief, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Department of
Health and Social Services; Jane Perrson, Staff,
Representative Jay Ramras; Representative Jay Ramras; Mark
Vinsel, Executive Director, United Fishermen of Alaska
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Jerry Beale, Veterans' Service Officer, Division Service
Manager, Military and Veterans Affairs; Paul Shadura,
President, Kenai Peninsula Fisherman's Association
SUMMARY
HB 26 "An Act relating to short-term commercial fishing
crewmember licenses; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 26 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a
"do pass" recommendation and with fiscal impact
note #1 by the Department of Fish and Game, and
with an indeterminate fiscal impact note #2 by the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
HB 167 "An Act relating to providing a death certificate
for a deceased veteran without cost."
CSHB 167 (STA) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal
impact note #1 by the Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, and with a new zero fiscal
impact note by the House Finance Committee for the
Department of Health and Social Services.
HB 213 "An Act relating to alcohol server education."
HB 213 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal impact
note by the Department of Public Safety.
1:51:32 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 26
"An Act relating to short-term commercial fishing
crewmember licenses; and providing for an effective
date."
ADAM BERG, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MOSES, related that HB 26
allows for a seven-day license for commercial fishing
crewmembers for $30. The bill provides an option to charge
tourists to work on a commercial boat. It would also help
fishers who need short-term help, by allowing visitors,
relatives, and friends a more affordable way to help. He
pointed out that under the House Resources Committee's
version of the bill, a clause was added that would prohibit
short-term license holders from being compensated.
1:53:48 PM
Representative Weyhrauch described a possible scenario as to
how this bill would work. Mr. Berg explained that currently
a person could go on and watch for free, but if they want to
participate, they must have a license. Representative
Weyhrauch called it "dude" fishing. He asked if there are
any survival training requirements. Mr. Berg replied that
the permit holder is responsible for that training.
Representative Weyhrauch asked if the person would be
subject to remuneration from the fishermen's fund if they
were injured. Mr. Berg replied that they would.
1:57:00 PM
PAUL SHADURA, PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA FISHERMAN'S
ASSOCIATION, testified (via teleconference) in support of
the bill, but not the amendment that would restrict
compensation for commercial fishing. He noted that many
boats rely on the casual laborer. He suggested striking the
language on page 2, lines 17-19. He noted his
responsibilities to have insurance and training provided for
his crewmembers. He called this bill a necessity for his
industry.
2:01:07 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked about other compensation such
as a portion of the catch. Mr. Berg replied that the
current language would prohibit all types of compensation.
2:01:41 PM
Representative Holm inquired about the reason behind not
compensating these crewmembers. Mr. Berg replied that was a
change to the bill in the Resources Committee by
Representative Seaton. He read from that earlier amendment
and stated disagreement with it.
Representative Holm asked for an explanation of the other
side of the issue. Mr. Berg opined that crewmembers should
be paid for their work, whether they are tourists or not.
2:04:06 PM
MARK VINSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED FISHERMEN OF ALASKA,
stated support for the bill as it was originally drafted.
The intent was to fill in gaps in commercial fishing crews.
He spoke in favor of paying temporary crewmembers.
2:07:35 PM
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1 A:
Page 2, Lines 17-19
Delete: "may not be paid, receive crew shares, or
receive other compensation for work performed under the
license and"
Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes. Co-Chair
Chenault explained that the amendment would allow a captain
to bring short-term crew on board and be compensated.
Representative Weyhrauch asked how the current crewmember
license and the proposed crewmember license compare, and how
much money is saved. Mr. Berg related that the cost used to
be $60 for a resident and $180 for a non-resident. Now it
would be $30 for both. Representative Weyhrauch inquired if
they could get a regular Fish and Game commercial fishing
crewmember license. Mr. Berg said they could.
2:10:50 PM
Co-Chair Chenault clarified that a crewmember license is
different than a sport fishing license.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopt Amendment 1
A. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 A was adopted.
2:11:23 PM
Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1, which
would require the owner/operator of the boat to sign a
statement of participation in random drug testing, to hold a
federal merchant marine license, and that the vessel is in
compliance with requirements for safety equipment and other
passenger-for-hire rules.
Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Representative Weyhrauch explained his reasoning behind the
amendment.
Mr. Berg stated opposition to Amendment 1. He referred to
an email from the Coast Guard (copy on file), which states
that the crew is subject to drug testing. He stressed that
it is unnecessary to spell it out in statute. He called it
a little extra hassle.
2:14:44 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked Representative Weyhrauch if charter
operators are currently required to have a form asking about
license fees and drug use. Representative Weyhrauch replied
that they are not. Co-Chair Chenault noted that a six-pack
operator is. Representative Weyhrauch explained that it
would cause a competitive disadvantage. It would open up a
whole new area. Co-Chair Chenault replied when he had to
buy a crew license it was not required.
2:17:28 PM
Mr. Berg noted that any commercial operator who is going to
take people out for money has to follow the same
requirements that the charter operator has to follow.
2:18:27 PM
Representative Hawker opined that this legislation is not
creating a new competitor for the charter industry because
the existing language in the bill, as amended, prohibits rod
and reel fishing while on a commercial fishing vessel. Mr.
Berg said that's the way he sees it.
2:20:36 PM
Representative Holm asked what a six-pack license is. Mr.
Berg explained that it is an operator's license required by
the Coast Guard.
Representative Weyhrauch explained the differences in
requirements of charter boats and commercial boats. This
bill addresses the commercial boat experience. Mr. Berg
noted that Coast Guard requirements are the same for both
boats.
2:23:31 PM
Representative Weyhrauch WITHDREW Amendment 1 and stated
that he would not offer Amendment 2.
Representative Moses MOVED to report CSHB 26 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 26 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with fiscal impact note #1 by the
Department of Fish and Game, and with an indeterminate
fiscal impact note #2 by the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development.
2:25:39 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 167
"An Act relating to providing a death certificate for a
deceased veteran without cost."
REPRESENTATIVE BOB HOLM, sponsor, explained that HB 167
provides a death certificate, without cost, to a surviving
spouse or relative of a deceased veteran. It also provides
for a program honoring deceased veterans.
2:26:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG explained that the bill was
introduced by the House Military and Veterans' Affairs
Committee and melds two bills together. He related that
Section 1 is modeled on an Arizona statute and makes things
easier for the deceased's family. The second part is
modeled on federal law. It permits the Department of
Military and Veteran's Affairs to honor the memory of a
deceased veteran who was a state resident by sending a
certificate bearing the governor's signature to the next of
kin.
2:29:19 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked about the requirement for 5 copies.
Representative Gruenberg related a personal story about
receiving a free death certificate.
2:29:57 PM
Representative Joule spoke about members of Native
Corporations and their need for more than one original copy
of a death certificate. Representative Gruenberg suggested
that the number could be limited.
2:31:28 PM
Representative Lynn noted that it is not intended to enhance
a genealogical quest.
2:31:50 PM
PHILLIP MITCHELL, BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS, DIVISION OF
PUBLIC HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES,
reported on the fiscal note and the average number of
certificates requested. He noted that it might take time
for people to become acquainted with this program. He
related that there has been a 5 percent increase in the
number of deaths.
2:34:01 PM
Representative Holm asked if there have been any requests
for this to be a free service. Mr. Mitchell said no.
2:34:38 PM
Representative Hawker referred to a statement about no
general funding being budgeted. He clarified that the FY06
has $84,000 budgeted. He pointed out that there would be a
decrease of $50,000 in receipt services. He suggested that
a zero or indeterminate note would be better. Mr. Mitchell
agreed that there could be a change to reflect that.
Representative Hawker explained the budget process. He said
it is a grey area. He suggested a zero note.
2:37:54 PM
Representative Kelly opined that the note could be a zero
note. He debated the issue.
2:39:04 PM
Representative Hawker put it in the context of the bureau's
budget and the effect on the governor's $2 million budget.
Representative Weyhrauch stated his appreciation as to how
the bureau is being managed. He asked for an interpretation
of "one death certificate". Mr. Mitchell explained that his
understanding that one is provided per every request.
2:40:46 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked if they would be certified copies.
Mr. Mitchell said yes. Co-Chair Chenault related a personal
story. Representative Weyhrauch asked if the first one is
free and the rest are not. Mr. Mitchell said that would be
correct if one individual is making the request.
2:41:53 PM
JERRY BEALE, DIVISION SERVICE MANAGER, MILITARY AND VETERANS
AFFAIRS, testified (via teleconference) in favor of HB 167.
He spoke of the Veterans Administration's requirements.
2:43:13 PM
Representative Hawker asked the committee to approve two
zero fiscal notes to HB 167. He MOVED to ADOPT a House
Finance Committee zero note to the Department of Health and
Social Services. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
2:43:35 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 167 (STA) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 167 (STA) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal impact note #1
by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and with
a new zero fiscal impact note by the House Finance Committee
for the Department of Health and Social Services.
2:45:55 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 213
"An Act relating to alcohol server education."
JANE PERRSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, explained
that HB 213 would make it easier for competent alcohol
servers to renew their alcohol server education card without
retaking the full course, provided they pass the test. It
would save time and expense in the service industry.
Co-Chair Chenault asked if this is referring to the TAMS
card. Ms. Perrson replied yes.
2:47:40 PM
Representative Hawker inquired if the individual would need
to be retested. Ms. Perrson replied yes.
Representative Kelly noted that commuter airlines require a
test. He asked if this test is similar.
2:48:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, related that he employees
personnel servers who have to take the 3-hour course and
then take the exam. He said that there are thousands of
hours lost by having to take the course over again. The
bill would eliminate most of the course and the servers
could take the test and be awarded a new certification.
2:52:09 PM
Representative Kelly asked if the test contains the same
material as the course. Ms. Perrson replied yes.
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the ABC board is ok with this.
Representative Ramras said he believes that Labor and
Commerce supports this bill.
2:53:26 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked if the test is the same every time.
Mr. Ramras compared it to a CPR course; always the same.
Co-Chair Chenault stated that if new information is included
in the test, he supports the bill.
2:54:48 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked if there are accommodations
for blind bartenders. Representative Ramras said an
amendment could be entertained for alternate methods of
testing. Representative Weyhrauch inquired if proof of
completion could be a card or something else.
Representative Ramras explained that presently everyone is
issued a card. Troopers can request that the cards be
shown, so cards are used to keep it simple.
2:57:55 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to report HB 213 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note.
HB 213 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a zero fiscal impact note by the
Department of Public Safety.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 2:59 PM.
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