Legislature(1993 - 1994)
02/24/1994 03:00 PM House HES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES
STANDING COMMITTEE
February 24, 1994
3:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Rep. Cynthia Toohey, Co-Chair
Rep. Con Bunde, Co-Chair
Rep. Gary Davis, Vice Chair
Rep. Al Vezey
Rep. Pete Kott
Rep. Harley Olberg
Rep. Irene Nicholia
Rep. Tom Brice
MEMBERS ABSENT
Rep. Bettye Davis
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Alaska Native Health Board.
*HB 336: "An Act relating to violations of laws by
juveniles."
PASSED OUT OF COMMITTEE
*HB 320: "An Act relating to public school health personal
safety education."
HEARD AND HELD
(* First public hearing.)
WITNESS REGISTER
ANNE WALKER, Executive Director
Alaska Native Health Board
1345 Rudakof Cir., Ste. 206
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Phone: (907) 337-0023
Position Statement: Presented an overview for the Alaska
Native Health Board
ANDY JIMMIE, Member
Alaska Native Health Board
1345 Rudakof Cir., Ste. 206
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Phone: (907) 337-0023
Position Statement: Participant of overview for the Alaska
Native Health Board
JOSEPH DEXTER, Member
Alaska Native Health Board
P.O. Box 916
Nome, Alaska 99762
Phone: (907) 443-3311
Position Statement: Participant of overview for the Alaska
Native Health Board
LINCOLN BEAN, Secretary
Alaska Native Health Board
1345 Rudakof Cir., Ste. 206.
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Phone: (907) 337-0023
Position Statement: Participant of overview for the Alaska
Native Health Board
ROBERT CLARK, Member
Alaska Native Health Board
1345 Rudakof Cir., Ste. 206
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Phone: (907) 337-0023
Position Statement: Answered questions regarding the Alaska
Native Health Board
LANNEA LEE, Representative
Close-Up
P.O. Box 9822
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
Phone: (907) 247-2410
Position Statement: Testified in support of HB 336
DONNA SCHULTZ, Associate Coordinator
Division of Family and Youth Services
Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 110630
Juneau, Alaska 99801-110630
Phone: (907) 465-3191
Position Statement: Answered questions on Title 4 funding
DEBORAH ERICKSON, Chief of Community Health
Division of Public Health
Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 110610
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0610
Phone: (907) 465-3090
Position Statement: Testified in support of CSHB 320
CHERYL KILGORE, Public Health Specialist
Division of Epidemiology
Department of Health and Social Services
1919 Lathrop St. # 23
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Phone: (907) 451-2940
Position Statement: Answered questions on the CS for HB 320
(spoke via teleconference)
HELEN MEHRKENS, Health Promotion Specialist
Division of Education Program Support
Department of Education
801 W. 10th St.
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 465-8730
Position Statement: Answered questions on the CS for HB 320
(spoke via teleconference)
ETTA LARSEN, Peer Educator
P.O. Box 207
King Cove, Alaska 99612
Phone: (907) 497-2263
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
RITA DESOUZA, Executive Director
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
MICHAEL PIERCE, Administrative Assistant
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
BRYCE MORRISON, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
DANIELLE KUAANA, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
DELISA CULPEPPER, Representative
Alaska Health Education Consortium
P.O. Box 196650
Anchorage, Alaska 99519
Phone: (907) 343-6960
Position Statement: Testified on the CS for HB 320
(spoke via teleconference)
ALYSON CAMPBELL, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
ZEFFREY THROWELL, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
LORRI WILSON, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
ALEXIS ROBERTS, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
JANELLE BILLINGSLEA, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
MICHAEL COLE, Peer Educator
Alaskans Living with HIV
174 S. Franklin St. # 208
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 463-5688
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
VINCE BARRY, Director
Division of Education Support Program
Department of Education
801 W. 10th St., Ste. 200
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1894
Phone: (907) 465-8689
Position Statement: Testified on the CS for HB 320
DEBORAH SMITH, Executive Director
Alaska Mental Health Board
431 N. Franklin
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3071
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
KATHY FARIS, President
Alaska School Nurses Association
701 E. Bogard
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Phone: (907) 376-5341
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
ROCKY PLOTNICK, HIV Education Specialist
Division of Education Program Support
Department of Education
801 W. 10th St., Ste. 200
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1894
Phone: (907) 465-2843
Position Statement: Answered questions pertaining to AIDS
MARVIN FARIS, Health Educator
Palmer High School
C/O Palmer High School
P.O. Box 1688
Palmer, Alaska 99645-1688
Phone: (907) 745-3241
Position Statement: Testified in support of the CS for
HB 320
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 336
SHORT TITLE: MINORS COMMITTING CRIMES W/ GUNS & KNIVES
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) BUNDE,Olberg
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/03/94 2015 (H) PREFILE RELEASED
01/10/94 2015 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/10/94 2015 (H) HES, JUDICIARY, FINANCE
02/24/94 (H) HES AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 106
BILL: HB 320
SHORT TITLE: PUBLIC SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY EDUCATION
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) TOOHEY,Hudson,Brice,Bunde,
Finkelstein,Nordlund,Olberg,Porter,Sitton,B.Davis
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/03/94 2011 (H) PREFILE RELEASED
01/10/94 2011 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/10/94 2011 (H) HES, FINANCE
01/21/94 2127 (H) COSPONSOR(S): BRICE, BUNDE,
FINKELSTEIN
01/21/94 2127 (H) COSPONSOR(S): NORDLUND, OLBERG,
PORTER
01/21/94 2127 (H) COSPONSOR(S): SITTON
02/09/94 2328 (H) COSPONSOR(S): B. DAVIS
02/24/94 (H) HES AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 106
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 94-28, SIDE A
Number 000
CHAIR TOOHEY called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m., noted
members present and announced the calendar. She introduced
Anne Walker of the Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB).
ANNE WALKER, Executive Director, Alaska Native Health Board
(ANHB), presented an overview for the committee. She said
the board represents 93,000 Alaskan Natives on health care
issues. She said there are six rural hospitals and 170
village clinics. She indicated that a legislative priority
list was provided for the committee members. She said
several board members were present to further explain the
legislative priorities.
Number 108
ANDY JIMMIE, Member, Alaska Native Health Board, stated that
the ANHB presently supports HB 451, HB 332, and the CS for
HB 320. He also said the board supports the increase in
state tobacco taxes, but recommends that the tax be
increased to $1.00 per pack of cigarettes and he felt
smokeless tobacco should be taxed the same. He said the
board supports loan forgiveness for health professionals
(SB 235).
REP. BUNDE asked what the tax would be on smokeless tobacco.
MR. JIMMIE asserted that the tax should be the same for both
tobacco products.
MS. WALKER interjected and said if the price is high enough
for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, it would be more
difficult for youths to access.
REP. BUNDE questioned whether the price ever deters a person
who is addicted, especially adults.
MS. WALKER said studies in Canada and Norway indicated a
decrease in the use of tobacco resulting from a considerable
price increase. She said the focus of the tax is to not
only deter children from using tobacco, but also to deter
them from starting.
Number 280
REP. BUNDE said preschoolers are using tobacco and
questioned if $5.00 for a can of tobacco was deterrent
enough for parents who share their chewing tobacco.
MS. WALKER replied by saying she had seen an older youth
purchase a can of chewing tobacco and proceeded to share it
with younger children. She felt it would be a disincentive
for adults, also, as they would be less likely to share
their tobacco when it is such an expensive commodity.
Number 312
REP. BUNDE maintained that his questions were not intended
to discourage the concept of a tobacco tax.
MS. WALKER said the goal is to emphasize health promotion
and disease prevention.
Number 334
JOSEPH DEXTER, Member, Alaska Native Health Board, addressed
the issues of water and sewer sanitation facilities and also
village clinic renovation and construction. He asserted
that the ANHB considers the construction and rehabilitation
of water and sanitation systems the highest priority. He
maintained that it would remain the top priority until all
villages have an adequate and safe water and sewer system.
He referred to the Rural Alaska Sanitation Coalition and
said the ANHB would be co-sponsoring a sanitation summit
meeting with Alaska State Rural Development, March 14-18,
1994. He urged the attendance of the legislature. He
stated that over 100 communities in rural Alaska still use
honey buckets to dispose of human waste. He also commented
that a village may have a water and sewer system, but may
have to use outhouses and honey buckets also. He asserted
that until the problems are addressed, rural Alaska will
continue to face sanitation related diseases; i.e.,
hepatitis A and meningitis.
MR. DEXTER stated that 170 clinics are utilized by Native
corporations for the health aid system. He said not all the
clinics have water and sewer. He urged that $500,000 be
appropriated for the next two years to address that issue.
He felt that funding for clinics is not equally distributed
throughout the state.
Number 543
LINCOLN BEAN, Secretary, Alaska Native Health Board,
addressed the concerns of health program operations. He
stated that home and community-based services would reduce
the need for institutional services and would result in
"dramatic" savings for the state. He urged the legislature
to provide the medical assistance funding for the
enhancement of these services, and also to support SB 249
and HB 377 for assisted living services. Mr. Bean
maintained that health promotion and disease prevention
initiatives hold the greatest promise for long-term
reduction of mortality, illness, and injury for Alaskans.
He said the aforementioned legislation would provide a
strong foundation for long-term health status improvement
and medical cost containment.
MR. BEAN further commented that it is essential to continue
efforts to resolve the Mental Health Lands Trust so that
sustained state funding would remain available. He
indicated that dependency on the Alaska Psychiatric
Institute (API) would be reduced by allowing rural hospitals
to provide inpatient psychiatric services without financial
risk. He stated that the ANHB endorses HB 341, which would
allow and enhance reimbursement for physician's assistant
services. He explained that Southeast Alaska Regional
Health Corporation (SEARHC) had been successful in
establishing the first program for training physician's
assistants in conjunction with the University of Washington.
He urged that the legislature provide the financial support
necessary to maintain that effort. He continued on to say
that the University of Alaska Anchorage has been successful
in securing support for beginning a Masters in Social Work
degree program in Anchorage. The ANHB endorses approval by
the legislature of $260,000 for the program's
implementation.
Number 673
REP. G. DAVIS said the physician's assistant program is a
positive factor in regards to health care.
MR. BEAN said it costs less to have a physician's assistant
at a clinic.
REP. G. DAVIS also mentioned that he appreciated the point
Mr. Bean had made that those trained in Alaska are more
likely to stay in Alaska.
Number 708
REP. BRICE asked how the cooperation is between the
University of Washington (UW) and the University of Alaska
Anchorage (UAA) in regards to the physician's assistant
program.
MS. WALKER interjected that the rapport was very good. She
mentioned that there are 12 students from Alaska
participating in the program at UW. She also said the
program was trying to be worked into the Alaska university
system rather than having to send participants out of state.
Number 741
CHAIR TOOHEY thanked all those who addressed the committee.
REP. NICHOLIA asked, "How is the program working with the
village behavior of health aides?"
MS. WALKER replied that it is working very well. She said
the concept of involving the community in identifying the
problems of behavioral health has been successful. She said
62 community-based behavioral health specialists were
certified. The health aides work with the communities to
identify high risk families, their problems, and the
solutions to those problems.
Number 770
ROBERT CLARK, Member, Alaska Native Health Board, stated
that the community aides are working their way up to
becoming physician's assistants.
MS. WALKER said having health aides in the rural communities
decreases the need for sending people to API.
Number 831
CHAIR TOOHEY brought HB 336 to the table.
HB 336 - MINORS COMMITTING CRIMES WITH GUNS AND KNIVES
REP. CON BUNDE, Prime Sponsor of HB 336, indicated there was
a committee substitute (CS) for the bill.
REP. G. DAVIS made a motion to adopt the CS for HB 336.
CHAIR TOOHEY, hearing no objections, declared the CS for HB
336 was so moved.
Number 848
REP. BUNDE spoke to the CS. He stated that the legislation
addresses crimes perpetrated by young people, specifically
youths in the local school districts. He said there is a
difficult situation between police departments and school
districts in that they are unable to communicate with each
other regarding the acts or the threat of violent juveniles.
He also said the situation exists between school districts.
He explained a scenario where a youth is suspended for
having a gun on school campus and is expelled from school.
He maintained that the youth could enroll in another school
district, and that the first school district cannot legally
communicate with the second district regarding the youth's
criminal behavior.
REP. BUNDE said his intention is to have the names of youths
who have been convicted of violent crimes known throughout
the community, so the community can protect themselves. He
felt, with that information known, the community can counsel
their children accordingly. He also felt that by making the
names known, it would encourage parents to be more
responsible.
REP. BUNDE said the focus of the CS is contained in page 4
of the proposal. He said the provision states that if an
individual is thirteen years of age or older and in the
possession of a knife or firearm, and has threatened or used
the weapon, the privacy law that protects the privacy of
juveniles would not be applicable, and the youth's name
would be available to the press. School districts could
communicate with one another, and the police could inform
school districts of any arrests made on violent youths.
Number 934
CHAIR TOOHEY clarified and asked if the youth must be
convicted of the violent crime before the name can be
divulged.
REP. BUNDE said yes; they are innocent until proven guilty.
Number 940
REP. KOTT asked again if the police, community, or school
district would not be notified unless the youth is
convicted.
REP. BUNDE said yes.
REP. KOTT was uncomfortable with the idea of a "problem
child," who might be arrested and released back into the
community, into the school district, and into a classroom
setting.
REP. BUNDE said the youth is not a problem child until
convicted. He said the youth would be charged, "much like
you or I", and would be innocent until proven guilty.
REP. KOTT felt that most parents would want to be notified
if a child in the school that their children attends had
been arrested for a violent crime.
Number 977
CHAIR TOOHEY interjected that it would not be legal to
divulge the information without a conviction, but she agreed
with Rep. Kott's sentiment.
REP. KOTT indicated the similarity between SB 54 and HB 336
in regard to disclosure of records.
REP. BUNDE stated that SB 54 deals with murder and HB 336
focuses on the threat or act of a violent crime.
REP. KOTT said, "it also includes other crimes... in
disclosing the names of juveniles."
REP. BUNDE said "If you recall, I had a companion bill and
if it's still similar... it's murder or Class A felonies.
These things (offenses) are not Class A felonies."
Number 007
REP. VEZEY asked Rep. Bunde to clarify the relationship
between the right to privacy and juvenile disclosure laws.
He asked why Rep. Bunde kept referring to the rights of
privacy.
REP. BUNDE stated he was using a more generic term of
privacy, indicating that the current statute does not allow
the disclosure of information. He said the term privacy was
used to help in describing the problem being experienced
between the police department and the Anchorage school
district. He said he was not referring to the
constitutional right to privacy.
Number 040
REP. VEZEY said the bill was an improvement over the
existing law, but he felt that juveniles should not be
protected at any level.
REP. BUNDE asserted that previous legislation had decided
that some children are capable of rehabilitation, and that
making their offenses known publicly would impede the
rehabilitation process by brandishing them as a criminal.
Number 067
CHAIR TOOHEY asked if the bill should be held over and if a
subcommittee should be formed, or should it be passed on to
the Judiciary Committee.
REP. BUNDE said, "I don't think your Co-Chair is anxious to
do that."
REP. VEZEY said his comments spoke to the legislation in a
general way, but he would support the bill as he felt it was
a definite improvement to existing law.
Number 096
CHAIR TOOHEY asked for further testimony.
Number 100
LANNEA LEE, Representative, Close-Up, testified in support
of HB 336. She explained to the committee that the members
of Close-up conducted a "mock trial" that passed legislation
on HB 336. To enable the passage, they substituted the word
firearm with deadly weapon. She said deadly weapon would
include a knife, an axe, a club, metal knuckles, or an
explosive. She felt that the majority of crimes are
committed with something other than a firearm. She
associated herself with the intentions of Rep. Bunde to have
the juveniles' names made public. She felt the publicity
would decrease criminal offenses. She further stated that a
youth is in the same state of mind that an adult is in when
committing a violent crime.
Number 165
CHAIR TOOHEY said she would like to close public testimony
and urged those who did not testify to follow the
legislation to the Judiciary Committee.
REP. NICHOLIA asked, if the bill was passed, could the
federal government cut all Title 4 funds if there is too
much information disclosed on minors?
Number 200
DONNA SCHULTZ, Associate Coordinator, Division of Family and
Youth Services, Department of Health and Social Services
(DHSS), replied that she was unsure if there would be an
impact on Title 4 funding, and said she would find out as
soon as possible. She said there are other instances where
federal funding could be cut due to records and information
disclosure.
TAPE 94-28, SIDE B
Number 000
REP. NICHOLIA referred to Lannea Lee and clarified that
HB 336 addresses violent crimes with the threat of death,
not murder.
CHAIR TOOHEY asked the pleasure of the committee.
REP. G. DAVIS made a motion to pass the CS for HB 336 with
fiscal note to the next committee of referral with
individual recommendations.
Number 245
REP. NICHOLIA said the body of the bill has changed from the
original bill and asked if there would be a relative change
in the fiscal note.
REP. BUNDE said no.
REP. BRICE indicated that there have been concerns that the
Department of Health and Social Services may have federal
funding problems that won't be reflected in the fiscal note.
CHAIR TOOHEY said the issue could be addressed by the
Finance or Judiciary Committee if that would be acceptable
to Rep. Brice.
REP. NICHOLIA said that was acceptable and recommended
sending a note to the next committee of referral.
Number 288
CHAIR TOOHEY, hearing no objections, stated that the CS for
HB 336 was so moved.
(Note: Rep. Bunde assumed the position of Chair for the
remainder of the meeting.)
Number 315
CHAIR BUNDE brought HB 320 to the table and announced that
there would be testimony heard via teleconference and from
Juneau as well.
HB 320 - PUBLIC SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY EDUCATION
Number 327
REP. CYNTHIA TOOHEY, Prime Sponsor oh HB 320, stated that
she wanted to propose a committee substitute (CS) for
HB 320.
REP. VEZEY made a motion to adopt the CS for HB 320.
CHAIR BUNDE, hearing no objections, said the CS for HB 320
was so moved.
Number 353
REP. TOOHEY said she has become increasingly concerned and
alarmed about the health of Alaska's youth. She proceeded
to list statistics that indicate that as compared to youths
nationwide, rates of abuse of addictive substances and
problems with public health are far greater for Alaskan
youths. She said 70% of Alaskan students in grades 10
through 12 reported using alcohol at some time; and %62 of
youths have tried cigarettes compared to 38% nationally. As
much as 25% of all deaths in Alaska are drug related. She
indicated an increasing rate of suicide among Natives and
white youths under 18 years of age. Alaska has the second
highest pregnancy rate for 15-19 year old youths, and the
mean age of first intercourse for males is 13.2 and for
females it is 14.0.
REP. TOOHEY further stated that 204 Alaskans have been
confirmed as having AIDS, and 489 Alaskans have been
diagnosed HIV positive. She maintained that 25% of those
with AIDS contracted it in their teens. Teens and women are
the fastest growing group of individuals who are contracting
AIDS. Rep. Toohey asserted that if healthier lifestyles are
not promoted for Alaskan youths, health care costs will
continue to escalate. She compared the situation to that of
Africa, where all that is left of some villages are children
who themselves are infected with HIV/AIDS. She stated that
the CS for HB 320 would expand the list of recommended
topics to be taught and would establish health education
curriculum advisory committees at the district level to
advise the district school boards about the health
curriculum at their schools. She said the bill would
mandate the teaching of age appropriate HIV/AIDS with an
emphasis on appropriate behavior. For parents who do not
want their children to participate in the program, there is
an opt-out section.
Number 514
CHAIR BUNDE noted that there were approximately 20 people
who wanted to testify and asked that individual testimony be
limited to two to three minutes.
CHAIR BUNDE asked if the fiscal note was relative to the CS
for HB 320.
REP. TOOHEY said the original fiscal note was approximately
$500,000 and felt it was not economically feasible. She
said the new proposal indicates a fiscal note for
approximately $38,000.
CHAIR BUNDE indicated that the fiscal note for the CS was in
the bill packets.
Number 572
DEBORAH ERICKSON, Chief of Community Health, Division of
Public Health, Department of Health and Social Services,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
emphasized that behavior and lifestyle account for the large
percentage of death and injury among youths, and that
behaviors established during childhood are related to
leading causes of major health problems and death later on
in life. She said approximately 26% of Alaskans diagnosed
with AIDS are age 22 to 29 and probably contracted the HIV
virus in adolescence. She said of those Alaskans diagnosed
with AIDS, 85% of those cases are a direct result of unsafe
sex and I.V. drug use. She stated that comprehensive health
education is an effective way of changing behaviors and
attitudes. She said the DOE is supportive of the concept of
comprehensive health education, but she would have to defer
to the DOE to make a position statement.
Number 647
REP. G. DAVIS asked what degree of AIDS education was being
taught throughout the various school districts.
MS. ERICKSON deferred to Cheryl Kilgore on teleconference.
Number 652
CHERYL KILGORE, Public Health Specialist, Division of
Epidemiology, Department of Health and Social Services,
spoke via teleconference from Fairbanks. She deferred to
Helen Mehrkens.
HELEN MEHRKENS, Health Promotion Specialist, Division of
Education Program Support, Department of Education,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She stated
that the data pertaining to AIDS education in schools was
not particularly accurate. She indicated a study was soon
to be underway that would answer the question.
Number 677
CHAIR BUNDE acknowledged that Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kodiak,
and Sitka were on teleconference.
REP. NICHOLIA asked Ms. Erickson if she supported the CS for
HB 320.
MS. ERICKSON stated that DHSS is supportive of the concept
and the DOE is the lead agency for the administration in
terms of voicing the administration's position on the
legislation.
REP. NICHOLIA asked if DHSS had a position on the proposal.
MS. ERICKSON said the DOE is responsible for submitting the
position paper for Governor Hickel's administration.
REP. TOOHEY explained that the reason the DHSS is mute on
the point is because the department is not comfortable with
the mandate.
Number 723
REP. G. DAVIS said if a mandate is in statute, DHSS would
have no choice but to abide.
CHAIR BUNDE noted that Ms. Erickson stated that 85% of all
the AIDS cases in Alaska are "self-inflicted or is
preventable."
MS. ERICKSON agreed and said it was more directly related to
personal behaviors.
CHAIR BUNDE clarified and said it was personal
responsibility.
REP. TOOHEY clarified and said woman do not get tested for
HIV because they are often the innocent victim, pointing out
that there may have only been a single encounter with an HIV
infected partner. She said it would be ten years before the
women are identified within the population as having AIDS.
CHAIR BUNDE explained that he should have said
"preventable."
Number 753
MS. WALKER, Executive Director, Alaska Native Health Board,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
stressed that there should be emphasis on the prevention of
adolescent health problems and the promotion of healthy
lifestyles. She asserted that there needs to be a change in
the method in which health care is promoted and delivered.
She felt that no one sector could accomplish the task alone.
She urged the collaboration of families, health providers,
legislators, public agencies, and schools. She felt the CS
for HB 320 was a great beginning and said the ANHB supported
it and the companion bill, SB 314. She said there should be
a strong and direct link between health and safety programs
and schools. She related to the committee that by the age
of 16 more than 50% of Alaskan youths have had sex and that
three Alaskan teenagers per day give birth. She said health
promotion and disease prevention would decrease the budget
and change the way the state spends money.
Number 842
CHAIR BUNDE asked for further testimony.
Number 845
ETTA LARSEN, Peer Educator, King Cove, Alaska, testified in
Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She said she
attended a youth symposium last year for AIDS prevention
that was sponsored by the ANHB. She said 30 youths from
around the state were trained as peer educators to teach
about HIV/AIDS within their communities. She felt the
training worked well and that she has helped youths to
understand the critical importance of prevention and health
care.
CHAIR BUNDE asked for further testimony.
Number 887
RITA DESOUZA, Executive Director, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
referred to Rep. Toohey's statement that there are 489
people in the state with HIV, and noted that less than 10%
of the population of Alaska has been tested. She suggested
to Chair Bunde that perhaps the phrase "self-inflicted" is
an inappropriate choice of words, as she felt the real
problem is that young people do not perceive themselves at
risk. She stated in 1992 a 43% increase was reported in
Alaska Natives for the HIV/AIDS virus. She addressed the
mandate specified in the CS for HB 320. She asserted that
the state mandates the use of seatbelts and the prohibition
of drinking and driving to avoid harm and death to Alaskans.
She said some people choose to balk when it comes to
mandating a bill that will provide every young person with
the knowledge to avoid becoming infected with HIV. She
stated that it is the state's moral responsibility to ensure
that every young person knows how to protect themselves.
MS. DESOUZA stated that most of the concern is being placed
on the $40,000 fiscal note. She asked what the cost would
be in human suffering, death, devastation of families, and
the medical costs that would be shared by all if the state
does not mandate the proposed legislation. She maintained
that it costs an average of $119,000 for lifetime medical
costs for AIDS treatment for one individual. She said the
program would pay for itself thousands of times over. She
then posed the question: How many more young Alaskans will
have to suffer and die before something is done? She urged
immediate action.
Number 992
CHAIR BUNDE said most every high school aged youth knows
that unsafe sex is dangerous, but they continue to practice
unsafe sex, regardless. He said he still felt it is a
personal decision that causes the infection.
Number 000
MICHAEL PIERCE, Administrative Assistant, Alaskans Living
with HIV (ALHIV), testified in Juneau in support of the CS
for HB 320. He stated that he had a letter from the
President of the Alaska State Medical Association that
endorses the CS for HB 320. He read an excerpt of the
letter that expressed the need for preventative medicine
comprehensive health care and strongly urged that emphasis
be put on the education of youths in regards to HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Pierce brought to the attention of the committee the
Open Hearts Project that ALHIV initiated. The program will
sponsor Ginny White's visit to Alaska. He said Ginny White
was the mother of Ryan White, her son who contracted AIDS
through a factor transfusion to treat hemophilia. Ryan died
at age 19 of AIDS. He said Ms. White now travels the United
States as an AIDS educator teaching parents and children
about HIV/AIDS. He further stated that the project mailed
cut-out hearts across the state and has received
approximately 600 in return that will be used along with
thousands more to decorate the Senate Finance Committee when
she addresses the legislature March 24, 1994. He said the
hearts would be a visual sign of support. Mr. Pierce stated
that 96% of Alaskans favor HIV/AIDS education. He further
stated that in 1992 a study showed that only 52% of the
parents polled said their children were receiving AIDS
education.
Number 071
BRYCE MORRISON, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. He
stated that as part of the training for being a peer
educator, those being trained were introduced to a person
with full blown AIDS. He said it was a very "convincing"
experience. He said the gentlemen was in constant physical
pain and had to take at least 16 different medications. He
said he never wants to see his friends subjected to the
disease.
CHAIR BUNDE mentioned that, much like himself when he was
young, youths think they are immortal. He asked if the
message was getting through to Bryce Morrison's peers.
BRYCE MORRISON replied yes.
Number 096
DANIELLE KUAANA, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
stated that teens and women are the fastest growing
demographic for the contraction of AIDS. She said some of
her girlfriends are at high risk because of their behavior,
and that was a motivating factor for her becoming a peer
educator. She does not want to see anyone suffer.
CHAIR BUNDE referred to the growing abstinence movement in
the U.S. He asked Danielle Kuaana if abstinence was
becoming a goal of youths her age.
DANIELLE KUAANA said in order for people to abstain they
must be taught why and how.
REP. TOOHEY stated that the proposal stresses abstinence and
the teaching of skills of how to abstain.
Number 129
DELISA CULPEPPER, Representative, Alaska Health Education
Consortium, testified via teleconference from Anchorage on
the CS for HB 320. She stated she had concerns regarding
mandates for health education, but thanked Rep. Toohey for
bringing the issue of adolescent health problems to
everyone's attention. She expressed concerns for having a
mandate for only one area and also the lack of specificity
regarding age related curriculums, and who would decide the
curriculum. She further questioned the amount of the fiscal
note and what it supports. She felt there needed to be more
specificity for the bill to be passed and implemented
effectively. She said a concern was that there are many
other health issues that need to be addressed in schools and
hoped that the proposal would not edge out those issues.
Ms. Culpepper said she supported the concepts, but felt
there needed to be clearer guidelines.
Number 179
REP. TOOHEY said the language was intended to be broad to
allow school districts to decide what the parents, teachers,
and administrators want to teach their students. She said
the legislation would be mandated by the school district and
that each district will come up with their own plan.
CHAIR BUNDE suggested that Ms. Culpepper express her
concerns in writing to Rep. Toohey.
Number 201
CHAIR BUNDE asked if there was further testimony from
Anchorage. There was none.
TAPE 94-29, SIDE A
Number 000
CHAIR BUNDE asked for further testimony.
Number 010
ALYSON CAMPBELL, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
stated that the more she attended meetings pertaining to
HIV/AIDS education, the more she realized that she would not
risk her life just for the pleasure of it, and she would
wait to become sexually active after she marries. She felt
that what she was teaching her peers was having an impact.
CHAIR BUNDE stated that sex may be great, but it isn't any
worth dying for.
Number 077
ZEFFREY THROWELL, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. He
stated that the reason he was addressing the committee was
because a lot of his friends are dying and they don't know
it yet, because the HIV epidemic is spreading. He said the
legislation was the only plan at this time that could
effectively stop the spread of AIDS. He reiterated that it
would cost $40,000 to educate thousands of youths for the
prevention of the spread of AIDS, as opposed to the $119,000
it costs to "string along" the life of a person suffering
with full blown AIDS.
Number 130
LORRI WILSON, Peer Educator, Alaskans LIving with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
felt that her teachings are having successful results for
the peers she is reaching, but the legislation should be
passed so that everyone would be educated to prevent the
spread of AIDS. She felt many lives will be saved.
Number 163
ALEXIS ROBERTS, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
stated that she is thirteen years old and that she has
friends 13 and 14 years old that are sexually active. She
said those individuals do not know the consequences of their
actions. She related the expressions of regret on her
friends faces when she informed them of the realities of
HIV/AIDS being a sexually transmitted disease. She said if
the legislation does not pass, the disease will spread
faster than the education will.
CHAIR BUNDE stated that the bad news is that there are 13
year old "babies" trying to make babies, and the good news
is that Alexis Roberts is trying to prevent it from
happening.
Number 200
JANELLE BILLINGSLEA, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with
HIV, testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320.
She stated HIV/AIDS is a young person's disease, too. She
said she couldn't describe the pain and agony that those who
are infected suffer. She indicated that her teacher signed
her up to take the training to be a peer educator because
her teacher doesn't know enough about AIDS. She said if her
teacher doesn't know enough, "then we're lost."
CHAIR BUNDE referred to the high teenage pregnancy rate and
asked Janelle Billingslea, if the sexual transmission of
AIDS can be prevented, could there be considerable
prevention of unwanted pregnancies?
JANELLE BILLINGSLEA replied yes.
Number 250
MICHAEL COLE, Peer Educator, Alaskans Living with HIV,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. He
stated that he had previously thought he knew a lot about
AIDS until he attended the training for peer educators. He
said he has been doing presentations at school and helping
to educate his friends. He said his friends need the
education because many are not willing to remain abstinent.
He said the education is not in the schools and that the
students desperately need it. He said many of his friends
ask him who in the school has AIDS. He tells them that
everyone in the school who is sexually active is a potential
AIDS victim.
CHAIR BUNDE asked if Michael Cole's friends listen to him or
is it "uncool to be an educator?"
MICHAEL COLE said "it's very cool" to be a peer educator.
Number 345
VINCE BARRY, Director, Division of Education Program
Support, Department of Education, testified in Juneau on the
CS for HB 320. He stated that the legislation would require
each school district to establish a health education
advisory committee. He said the DOE does support the
requirement for the establishment of a health education
curriculum advisory committee for the districts. He said
the advisory committee would ensure that the district
receives the best advice from local health experts, parents,
and other community members. He maintained that the DOE
recognizes the importance of a structured health curriculum
and agrees that students need to be instructed in HIV
prevention and other important health risks. However, he
expressed concerns regarding the content of the curriculum,
the age appropriateness of the curriculum, and the level of
emphasis on the content. He asserted that these issues
would be best decided by the local school boards in
consultation with parents, local health providers, and
community members. He further stated that because of the
aforementioned reasons, the DOE continues to oppose the
imposition of state level curriculum mandates.
Number 412
REP. KOTT asked Mr. Barry if he was in a position to address
the fiscal note.
MR. BARRY said if he's not, Helen Mehrkens could answer.
REP. KOTT asked what the $38,000 under the contractual line
was for.
MR. BARRY answered that it was for training. He said the
compliance issue is not factored into the fiscal note.
REP. KOTT asked if the bill calls for the increase of at
least one person in the DOE.
REP. TOOHEY indicated that page 2, behind the fiscal note,
would provide an explanation.
Number 467
REP. KOTT said, "I see the contractual arrangement on page
2, but I'm just curious as to how the department plans on
increasing one person.. .and that has been, in fact,
addressed in the fiscal ramifications, but still..."
MR. BARRY said the fiscal note assumes the districts would
pick up all the training costs for their staff. He
commented that a limited survey among seven of the largest
districts estimates the total training costs to be $262,000
for K-12. He also said it would cost an additional $54,600
to send a local trainer to an academy. He asked Helen
Mehrkens if the figures were correct.
Number 495
HELEN MEHRKENS agreed with the numbers.
MR. BARRY asked Ms. Mehrkens about the addition of one
person to the DOE.
MS. MEHRKENS stated that the fiscal note for the CS for
HB 320 does not include any additional personnel.
Subsequently, she said, there would be no plans for
providing compliance monitoring. She then indicated that
federal grants could fund the training of educators for the
promotion of HIV prevention in school programs.
Number 521
REP. KOTT asked if the education specialist indicated on
page 3 of the CS was funded by the federal government.
REP. TOOHEY stated that line 18, page 3, indicates that the
position of education specialist is already established in
statute.
CHAIR BUNDE asked for further public testimony.
Number 567
DEBORAH SMITH, Executive Director, Alaska Mental Health
Board, testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320.
She stated that the board supported the fact that mental
health education is a part of the proposal, although, she
said, the board would prefer suggested curriculums, not
mandated curriculums.
Number 578
KATHY FARIS, President, Alaska School Nurses Association,
testified in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. She
stated that many students come to her during school hours
with concerns about being pregnant or having venereal
diseases, but rarely do they approach her asking if they
need to be tested for AIDS. She said there is a lack of
concern from youth today. She suggested that any bill that
helps youths with life skills is worth any amount of money.
Number 605
REP. G. DAVIS asked Ms. Faris how much AIDS education is
being taught in the schools.
MS. FARIS said in the Mat-Su Borough there is a health
curriculum with mandated personal safety and life skills
that addresses AIDS and abstinence. She said at certain
grade levels the teaching is minimal. She felt the issue
should be addressed on a continuing basis, year to year.
CHAIR BUNDE said there is AIDS education at the kindergarten
level in the Anchorage school district, but it is very
nonspecific.
Number 656
REP. TOOHEY asked Rocky Plotnick how many schools have an
AIDS education curriculum.
Number 675
ROCKY PLOTNICK, HIV Education Specialist, Division of
Education Program Support, Department of Education, answered
questions in Juneau on the CS for HB 320. She said there is
not a concrete number because there are so many different
ideas of what HIV prevention/health education is.
Number 760
CHAIR BUNDE said when he was 13 years old he could not be
held by gunpoint to listen to a group of adults discuss
sexually transmitted diseases. He also asked Ms. DeSouza to
thank the students who testified.
REP. G. DAVIS related that he was a tutor at one time and
occasionally AIDS education was part of his work. He felt
the materials he used were very good. He said there is
always the possibility of teachers out there who don't care
and their attitude will be reflected in how they teach an
AIDS education curriculum.
Number 818
CHAIR BUNDE asked Ms. Plotnick how she addresses those
people who believe that AIDS education curriculums promote
sexual activity.
MS. PLOTNICK answered that her response is that the number
one way to prevent the spread of HIV is sexual abstinence;
and in fact, there is more emphasis in programs to postpone
sexual involvement. She maintained that it is easier to
encourage people to postpone sexual activity than to get
them to stop once they are already active.
Number 841
CHAIR BUNDE asserted that the earlier a person becomes
sexually active, they are more likely to have multiple
partners. He also said children of single parent homes tend
to be sexually active at earlier ages.
MS. DESOUZA said the World Health Organization has done 19
studies in six different countries, including the United
States, addressing the question of whether or not teaching
about HIV/AIDS education increases earlier sexual activity
or increases sexual activity at all. She said none of the
studies showed that there was an increase in either and that
most studies showed a decrease in sexual activity as a
result of education. She said it is a myth to believe that
education will increase sexual activity.
Number 881
MS. PLOTNICK said her education program is age appropriate
and that she teaches people not to be fearful.
CHAIR BUNDE asked Rep. Toohey if her legislation encourages
peer counselling.
REP. TOOHEY said the provision encourages students against
using peer pressure negatively.
Number 900
CHAIR BUNDE said obviously a 13 year old will listen to
another 13 year old before listening to an adult.
REP. TOOHEY added that the language is broad so the
districts can decide for themselves.
CHAIR BUNDE suggested that the language be more specific
pertaining to peer counselling.
Number 942
MARVIN FARIS, Health Educator, Palmer High School, testified
in Juneau in support of the CS for HB 320. He stated that
there is a concern among educators in general that they are
not properly trained and therefore not capable of providing
the informational services necessary.
CHAIR BUNDE closed public testimony and asked the pleasure
of the committee.
REP. G. DAVIS said he would like more time to study the bill
as he was uncomfortable with the mandate section and the
lack of specifics as to how a district is going to
disseminate information and the grade level appropriateness.
CHAIR BUNDE suggested that a subcommittee be formed. He
further suggested that Rep. Toohey include specific language
in the bill regarding peer education. Chair Bunde asked for
Representatives Toohey and Gary Davis to form a subcommittee
and said it was his intention to bring the bill up again at
the earliest convenience of the committee. He then
indicated that CSHB 320 would be held over.
Seeing no further business before the committee, CHAIR BUNDE
ADJOURNED the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
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