05/01/2025 03:15 PM House HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB138 | |
| HB195 | |
| HB64 | |
| HB141 | |
| HB64 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 138 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 195 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 141 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
May 1, 2025
3:23 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Genevieve Mina, Chair
Representative Andrew Gray
Representative Zack Fields
Representative Donna Mears
Representative Mike Prax
Representative Justin Ruffridge
Representative Rebecca Schwanke
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 138
"An Act establishing a behavioral health crisis services
surcharge; establishing the behavioral health crisis services
fund; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 138 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 195
"An Act relating to the prescription and administration of drugs
and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for
pharmacists; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 195 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for
an effective date."
- MOVED HB 64 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 141
"An Act relating to universal changing facilities in public
buildings."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 138
SHORT TITLE: BEH. HEALTH CRISIS SURCHARGE & FUND
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
03/17/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/17/25 (H) HSS, L&C, FIN
04/24/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
04/24/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/24/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
05/01/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
BILL: HB 195
SHORT TITLE: PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
04/15/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/15/25 (H) HSS, FIN
04/29/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
04/29/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/29/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
05/01/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
BILL: HB 64
SHORT TITLE: SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TOMASZEWSKI
01/24/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (H) HSS, JUD
03/13/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
03/13/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/13/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
04/29/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
04/29/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/29/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
05/01/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
BILL: HB 141
SHORT TITLE: PUBLIC BUILDINGS: CHANGING FACILITIES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) CARRICK
03/21/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/21/25 (H) HSS, L&C
04/15/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
04/15/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/22/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
04/22/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
05/01/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106
WITNESS REGISTER
SUSANNA MARCHUK, Executive Director
Careline Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 138.
KATY GIORGIO, Staff
Representative Genevieve Mina
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Mina, prime
sponsor, answered questions regarding HB 138.
BRANDON SPANOS, Deputy Director
Tax Division
Department of Revenue
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the hearing
on HB 138.
KARA GAGNON, Director of Pharmacy
North Star Behavioral Health
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 195.
AIMEE YOUNG, Pharm.D.
Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 195.
DAN HARTMAN, M.D., Medical Director
Southcentral Foundation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 195.
STEVEN PEARCE, Director
Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 195.
PAM VENTGEN, Executive Director
Alaska State Medical Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 195.
BRITTANY KARNS, Pharm.D.
Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 195.
ERIC HOLLAND, Student
Doctor of Pharmacy Program
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 195.
PAUL ZANTO, Pharmacy Manager
Fred Meyer
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 195.
MARY KLIX, M.D., Board Member
Alaska State Medical Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 195.
KAREN MILLER, Pharm.D.
Foundation Health Partners
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 195.
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Pharm.D., Executive Director
Alaska Pharmacy Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
195.
BRITTANY KEENER, President
Alaska Pharmacy Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
195.
ASHLEY SCHABER, Pharm.D., Director
Alaska Board of Pharmacy
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
195.
REPRESENTATIVE FRANK TOMASZEWSKI
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, provided a wrap-up
statement on HB 64.
REPRESENTATIVE ASHLEY CARRICK
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 141.
GRIFFEN SUKKAEW, Staff
Representative Ashley Carrick
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Carrick, prime
sponsor, presented HB 141.
CHELSEA BURKE, Health and Social Services Planner
State of Alaska Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special
Education
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 141.
JUDY EDWARDS, Campaign Advocate
Changing Spaces - Alaska Chapter
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 141.
WENDY CLOYD, Board Member
Key Coalition of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 141.
CHRISTOPHER HODGIN, Statewide Public Facilities Chief
Division of Facility Services
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
141.
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
141.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:23:28 PM
CHAIR GENEVIEVE MINA called the House Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:23 p.m.
Representatives Schwanke, Ruffridge, Mears, Gray, Fields, and
Mina were present at the call to order. Representative Prax
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
HB 138-BEH. HEALTH CRISIS SURCHARGE & FUND
3:24:05 PM
CHAIR MINA announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 138, "An Act establishing a behavioral health
crisis services surcharge; establishing the behavioral health
crisis services fund; and providing for an effective date."
3:24:55 PM
SUSANNA MARCHUK, Executive Director, Careline Alaska, testified
in support of HB 138. She described Careline Alaska and the
resources they provide to individuals contemplating suicide.
She said that Careline Alaska employs only Alaska residents,
emphasizing their ability to understand the unique mental health
challenges of living in Alaska. She also described the training
that Careline Alaska responders receive. She said that Careline
Alaska collaborates with other agencies, including 911
responders and local tribal authorities. She said that HB 138
is a lifeline that would ensure that no Alaskan experiences a
crisis alone. She emphasized that HB 138 would keep Careline
Alaska alive and expanding.
3:28:43 PM
MS. MARCHUK, in response to questions from Representative
Fields, said that in urban areas, mental health resources are
more readily available, but Careline Alaska will provide follow-
up services to any caller for as long as their crisis lasts.
She said that her team is very creative and has supported high-
risk callers until the proper level of care is available for
them. She emphasized that her team will incorporate an
individual's support network in their own community when
necessary. She said that Careline Alaska has been grant-funded
in the past and is now funded through a contract with the
Department of Health (DOH) and the Division of Behavioral Health
(DBH).
3:31:50 PM
MS. MARCHUK, in response to a series of questions from
Representative Prax, said that Careline Alaska does not require
formalized education to work for the call center. She
emphasized the value of peer-support in her line of work. She
said that Careline Alaska partners with Alaska 211 so that they
can connect callers to all information in the Alaska 211
database. She emphasized that all the information in the Alaska
211 database is available to Careline Alaska employees, which
can be forwarded to callers. She said that 911 call centers can
directly transfer calls to Careline Alaska call centers. She
said that most calls Careline Alaska receives are connected
through 988, rather than 911.
3:36:37 PM
MS. MARCHUK, in response to a question from Representative
Schwanke, said that she has some statistics on the location of
where calls to Careline Alaska come from, but the majority are
from private or blocked phone numbers. She said she can follow
up with the data she does have.
3:37:43 PM
CHAIR MINA opened public testimony on HB 138. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, she closed
public testimony.
3:38:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked what the next committee of referral
would be for HB 138.
KATY GIORGIO, Staff, Representative Genevieve Mina, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Mina, prime sponsor,
responded that the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee
would be the next committee of referral for HB 138.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX responded that the committee should clarify
some details regarding the funds associated with HB 138 with
legislative legal services first.
3:39:15 PM
MS. GIORGIO responded that she did request a legal memo from
legislative legal services, but she does not believe HB 138
would create a dedicated fund. She directed the committee to
subsections (h) also (g) to clarify this point.
3:40:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE said that he has a lingering question,
which would be better addressed by the next committee. He asked
if HB 138 would best be administered under the Tax Division or
the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).
3:40:56 PM
CHAIR MINA deferred to Mr. Spanos.
3:41:21 PM
BRANDON SPANOS, Deputy Director, Tax Division, Department of
Revenue, responded that RCA does not administer the 911
surcharge, which he was previously unaware of. He said that
they would not be more efficient at administering the 988
surcharge than the Tax Division, so the Tax Division would
administer it. He said that the 911 surcharge is administered
by individual municipalities across the state.
3:43:15 PM
MR. SPANOS, in response to questions from Representative
Schwanke, said that he does not know who administers the 911
surcharge in areas of Alaska without a municipality.
3:43:54 PM
MS. GIORGIO responded that she also does not have that
information available.
3:44:09 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:44 p.m. to 3:45p.m.
3:45:16 PM
CHAIR MINA expressed interest in changing the effective date of
HB 138 currently stated on page 4, line 14 to 2026. She said
that she would work on having that date changed under the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
3:46:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report HB 138 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 138 was reported out of the
House Health and Social Services Standing Committee.
3:46:36 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:46 p.m. to 3:49 p.m.
HB 195-PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
3:49:27 PM
CHAIR MINA announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 195, "An Act relating to the prescription and
administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to
reciprocity for pharmacists; and providing for an effective
date."
CHAIR MINA noted those available for questions.
3:50:18 PM
CHAIR MINA opened public testimony on HB 195.
3:50:42 PM
KARA GAGNON, Director of Pharmacy, North Star Behavioral Health,
described her experience working in the behavioral health system
in Anchorage, Alaska, emphasizing a lack of available providers
and resources. She testified in support of HB 195, emphasizing
that it would help meet the needs of Anchorage's community
members.
3:52:19 PM
AIMEE YOUNG, Pharm.D., Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public
Health Service, testified in support of HB 195. She said that
working for the Indian Health Service has allowed her to
practice at the top of her abilities. She described her
experience of providing vaccines and pain management treatments.
She said that her medication-related expertise has made her
skills highly valuable and emphasized that pharmacists are the
most accessible healthcare providers out there. She urged the
committee to support HB 195 to allow pharmacists to better serve
their communities.
3:53:57 PM
DAN HARTMAN, M.D., Medical Director, Southcentral Foundation,
testified in support of HB 195. He said that HB 195 would allow
pharmacists to practice at the scope and level of their
training. He described the training and education that
pharmacists are required to undergo. He emphasized the
important roles that pharmacists play in administering
healthcare at Southcentral Foundation. He said the HB 195 would
increase access to care for patients and expand the healthcare
workforce. He asked the committee to support HB 195.
3:56:26 PM
STEVEN PEARCE, Director, Citizens Commission on Human Rights,
expressed concern regarding the over-prescription of "mind-
altering drugs" to patients experiencing mental health issues.
He said that it is very easy to prescribe psychiatric drugs to
kids and that HB 195 would make it easier for pharmacists to
also administer these drugs. He said that psychiatric issues
should be treated in other ways that medication and should be
limited to psychiatrists and other mental health experts.
3:58:42 PM
MR. PEARCE, in response to a question from Representative Prax,
said that medical doctors defer too much to psychiatrists. He
said that he would not advocate for medical doctors to prescribe
psychiatric drugs when there are other treatments available for
behavioral health issues.
4:00:30 PM
PAM VENTGEN, Executive Director, Alaska State Medical
Association, testified in opposition to HB 195. She said that
HB 195 would allow pharmacists to practice medicine without a
medical license. She said that pharmacists already have
provisions for collaborative practice authority and HB 195 would
eliminate the need for collaboration. She emphasized that
pharmacists are currently over-worked in Alaska.
4:02:58 PM
BRITTANY KARNS, Pharm.D., Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center,
described her education and training in pharmacy. She said that
every profession has a scope of practice. She said that she is
asking for prescriptive authority within her scope of practice,
as a pharmacist. She said that pharmacists are often asked for
their advice on prescription dosages by medical doctors. She
emphasized that providers are being over-worked and pharmacists
could help fill the gaps in care that providers cannot.
4:05:27 PM
ERIC HOLLAND, Student, Doctor of Pharmacy Program, University of
Alaska Anchorage, testified in support of HB 195. He described
his training in Idaho, where pharmacists enjoy full prescriptive
authority. He said that HB 195 would modernize Alaska's laws,
allowing pharmacists to treat illnesses within their scope of
training and expertise. He emphasized that pharmacist students
in his program want to stay in Alaska, but they also want to
practice within their full scope of practice. He said that HB
195 would help keep pharmacists practicing in Alaska.
4:07:07 PM
PAUL ZANTO, Pharmacy Manager, Fred Meyer, testified in support
of HB 195. He described the services Fred Meyer stores provide
to the communities they operate in and stated that HB 195 would
help expand those services. He said Fred Meyer pharmacists
would welcome this ability to further care for their patients.
He described the extent of training that is required by
pharmacists, preparing them for more prescriptive authority. He
said that Fred Meyer strongly supports HB 195.
4:09:22 PM
MARY KLIX, M.D., Board Member, Alaska State Medical Association,
said that pharmacists do not attend medical school and are not
trained as physicians. She described the extent and intensity
required of physicians. She said that pharmacists do not have
diagnostic training and giving them prescriptive authority could
be dangerous. She said that pharmacists should engage in
collaborative practice agreements if they want to test and treat
patients.
4:11:45 PM
KAREN MILLER, Pharm.D., Foundation Health Partners, described
her experience working as a pharmacist in Fairbanks, Alaska.
She emphasized the long wait times for patients looking to
receive primary healthcare, forcing many into emergency
departments. She said that under HB 195, pharmacists would be
able to help prevent patients from seeking emergency room
services. She urged the committee to support HB 195.
4:13:37 PM
DR. KLIX, in response to questions from Representative Prax,
said that there are many medications that both oncologists and
family medicine doctors prescribe. She said that the knowledge
to prescribe anti-cancer treatments requires an additional two
to three years of training, but that training is not a licensed
requirement.
4:15:33 PM
CHAIR MINA, after ascertaining there was no one who wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 195.
4:16:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY thanked Chair Mina for sponsoring HB 195.
He expressed strong support for HB 195.
4:17:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX said that he does not believe HB 195 would
allow pharmacists to prescribe medication outside of their scope
of practice
4:18:59 PM
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Pharm.D., Executive Director, Alaska
Pharmacy Association, at the invitation of Chair Mina to express
concerns regarding scope of practice, stated that HB 195 would
require pharmacists to either collaborate with or refer to
another physician when faced with concerns outside of their
scope of practice. She added that pharmacists often receive
certifications to further their scope of practice in psychiatry,
oncology, and other specialties.
4:21:09 PM
BRITTANY KEENER, President, Alaska Pharmacy Association, said
that pharmacists receive trainings in diagnostics and medication
management, and they receive specific trainings based on the
specialty areas they may practice within.
4:22:28 PM
ASHLEY SCHABER, Pharm.D., Director, Alaska Board of Pharmacy, in
response to a question from Representative Schwanke, said Idaho
and Montana have similar provisions in place and neither has
experienced safety issues related to pharmacists having
prescriptive authorities.
4:23:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY provided an anecdote regarding a pharmacy
student that studied medicine alongside him. He emphasized that
pharmacists do have the training required for prescriptive
authority.
4:24:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report HB 195 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 195 was reported out of the
House Health and Social Services Standing Committee.
4:24:56 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:24 p.m. to 4:27 p.m.
HB 64-SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE
4:27:48 PM
CHAIR MINA announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 64, "An Act relating to the surrender of infants;
and providing for an effective date."
4:28:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FRANK TOMASZEWSKI, Alaska State Legislature,
thanked the committee for the opportunity to present HB 164.
4:28:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY expressed interest in expanding HB 164 to
include anonymous births.
CHAIR MINA asked which would be the next committee of referral
for HB 164.
REPRESENTATIVE TOMASZEWSKI said that the next committee of
referral would be the House Judiciary Standing Committee.
4:29:39 PM
CHAIR MINA emphasized that HB 164 is about ensuring the safety
of surrendered babies and she is interested in discussing
maternal safety also in the future.
4:30:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report HB 64, as amended, out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 64(HSS) was
reported out of the House Health and Social Services Standing
Committee.
4:30:48 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:30 p.m. to 4:33 p.m.
HB 141-PUBLIC BUILDINGS: CHANGING FACILITIES
4:33:38 PM
CHAIR MINA announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 141, "An Act relating to universal changing
facilities in public buildings."
4:34:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ASHLEY CARRICK, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, briefly presented HB 141. She said that HB 141
would require the installation of at least one changing facility
that is universal in all public buildings during renovation or
construction that costs over $30,000. She said that the
addition of these changing tables would foster inclusion for all
people, regardless of age, disability status, or medical
condition. She added that seven states have passed bills
similar to HB 141 into law.
4:35:29 PM
GRIFFEN SUKKAEW, Staff, Representative Ashley Carrick, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Carrick, prime
sponsor of HB 141, stated that there are many benefits of
universal changing facilities, including ensuring all people are
treated with dignity, regardless of age, disability status, or
medical condition. He said that these facilities would require
private, safe, hygienic restroom spaces for all individuals. He
stated that they would also increase public involvement by
increasing inclusion and decreasing isolation of individuals,
their families, and their caretakers. He then displayed images
for the committee to better understand the installation process
and stated that they typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
4:37:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK said that she included Alaska's deferred
maintenance listed in her slideshow to illustrate the scope of
what would be fixed under HB 141.
4:38:02 PM
MR. SUKKAEW said that seven states have already passed
legislation relating to the use of universal changing
facilities. He listed those states as well as the four states
pending similar legislation.
4:38:51 PM
CHAIR MINA, in response to Representative Carrick, asked for the
presentation of the sectional analysis.
4:39:07 PM
MR. SUKKAEW gave the sectional analysis for HB 141 [included in
the committee file], which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Section 1. Amends AS 18.35 by adding a section
18.35.150 which relates to universal changing
facilities in public buildings.
Subsection a. Establishes requirements for the
instillation of at least one universal changing
facility in all public buildings during any new
construction or remodel that costs over $30,000. These
requirements include
-buildings having at least one public restroom with a
universal changing facility
-buildings having at least one universal changing
facility in both the men's and women's
restroom if all restroom in the building are divided
by gender
Subsection b. Establishes exemptions to subsection a.
These exemptions include
-if the instillation of a universal changing facility
is not practicable
-if the instillation of a universal changing facility
would cause the restroom to no longer meet accessible
building standards
Subsection c. Establishes that the owner or building
tenant must report the location of the universal
changing facility
Subsection d. Establishes that the department must
include the location of the universal changing
facility on the departments publicly accessible
website
Subsection e. Requires that the department adopt
regulations which establish the standards of universal
changing facilities
Subsection f. Establishes that the violation of these
requirements results in an individual right to sue,
with court ordered awards that may include prevailing
plaintiff injunctive and declaratory relief, actual
damages, and attorney fees and costs
Subsection g. Definitions
-establishes the "department" to be the Department of
Transportation and Public facilities
- establishes "public building" to be a building that
is owned, controlled, and held by the state or
political subdivision of the state for public use, or
a public transportation facility which is supported by
public finds
-establishes a "universal changing facility" to be a
table or device that is suitable for providing
personal care for both a child and an adult
4:41:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY, referring to page 1, line 15, in Section 1
of HB 141, expressed concern that the "not practicable" language
would provide an "easy out" to avoid universal changing
facilities. He asked if there is a standard for what would be
considered practicable or not.
4:42:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK responded that this is one issue with the
current language of HB 141, stating that it would be up to the
committee to define what would be practicable and not. She
added that "practicable" is commonly used in statute.
4:43:17 PM
MR. SUKKAEW, in response to questions from Representative Gray,
stated that the fourth floor of the Capitol does not have a
universal changing facility; it is just a larger youth changing
table. He said that the weight limit for a universal changing
facility should hold up to 400 pounds and measure 70 inches by
30 inches.
4:44:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, in response to Representative Gray,
stated that the cost of installing a universal changing facility
can vary, depending on the different styles of the facility.
She added that the larger, gender neutral bathroom on the ground
floor of the Capitol would be the most effective renovation
location.
4:46:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, in response to Representative Prax,
stated that universal changing facilities are not required under
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but there are many
state facilities that do not currently meet all ADA
requirements.
4:46:38 PM
CHAIR MINA announced invited testimony on HB 141.
4:46:54 PM
CHELSEA BURKE, Health and Social Services Planner, State of
Alaska Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education,
testified in support of HB 141. She said that HB 141 would
address the right that all Alaskans have to safe, sanitary, and
hygienic restroom facilities. She said that currently, many
individuals with complex disabilities are required to change in
unsafe, unsanitary, and undignified ways in public buildings,
including often on the floors of restrooms. She emphasized that
HB 141 would ensure privacy and dignity, and would allow
individuals with disabilities, their families, and their
caregivers to participate more fully in community life, without
constantly worrying if sanitary accommodation would be
available. She referred to Judy Edwards, another invited
testifier, and her personal story that inspired change in the
Anchorage community. She said that HB 141 would send the clear
message that all Alaskans are welcome, wanted, and included in
public spaces.
4:50:20 PM
JUDY EDWARDS, Campaign Advocate, Changing Spaces - Alaska
Chapter, testified in support of HB 141. She shared a personal
anecdote about a medical trip she took with her son, during
which she had to change him on the Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport bathroom floor in the middle of the night.
She described the experience for both herself and her son as
risky, difficult, and demeaning. She said that when she knows
there might not be a proper changing facility available, she
limits her son's intakes to avoid the need for a restroom while
traveling, which is unsafe for him. Ms. Edwards added that her
other options include leaving her son in spoiled clothing, which
is extremely unsanitary, or avoiding social situations in
general. She emphasized that even hospitals lack proper
changing facilities for people with complex disabilities and
emphasized the committee to support HB 141.
4:53:55 PM
MS. EDWARDS, in response to a question from Chair Mina, said
that she is only aware of a few universal changing facilities in
Alaska, including at the Arts Center in Anchorage and the Mat-Su
Health Foundation in Wasilla.
4:54:40 PM
WENDY CLOYD, Board Member, Key Coalition of Alaska, testified in
support of HB 141. She described her professional and personal
experience advocating for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. She said that many with
intellectual and developmental disabilities experience
incontinence and universal changing facilities would ensure
equity and inclusion for all individuals in public spaces. She
shared a story of changing her son in a public restroom tucked
in a tiny stall for privacy and shared that many individuals and
caregivers must leave events when they lack sanitary changing
facilities. She emphasized that universal changing facilities
provide dignity, privacy, and safety for personal care. She
said that the Key Coalition of Alaska strongly supports HB 141.
4:57:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX requested a call to discuss the practical
aspects of HB 141.
4:57:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK noted that there is a nationwide map
online that shows only two universal changing facilities in
public facilities in Alaska.
4:58:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS asked how the renovation limit on cost was
decided.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK responded that that threshold was
suggested by the Governor's Council on Disabilities and that she
supports the proposed limit.
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS asked if there is an international building
code or other standard for the construction of universal
changing facilities.
CHAIR MINA noted that there are individuals online available to
answer questions.
5:00:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK deferred to someone online to answer
Representative Mears' question.
5:01:11 PM
CHRISTOPHER HODGIN, Statewide Public Facilities Chief, Division
of Facility Services, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOT&PF), responded that he is not aware of a
standard for universal changing facilities within the
international building codes.
5:02:38 PM
MR. SUKKAEW added that there is code regarding universal
changing facilities in the 2024 international building code,
under Section 1110.4
5:03:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, in response to a question from
Representative Prax, said that $30,000 is not a lot for
construction or renovation projects, and the intent of HB 141
would indeed be to install as many universal changing facilities
as possible.
5:05:10 PM
MR. HODGIN said that the majority of DOT&PF's remodels and
renovations cost over $30,000.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked if there is a threshold when a repair
would exceed "normal maintenance" covered under the operating
budget.
MR. HODGIN responded that he is unaware of a threshold of that
kind.
5:06:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, in response to a question from
Representative Gray, said that questions regarding the fiscal
note could be directed to the department. She agreed that
having one free-standing changing table in every public facility
in Alaska could be a cost-effective way to mitigate this
problem.
5:09:28 PM
CHAIR MINA asked about the cost of installing the universal
changing facility at Ted Stevens Anchorage International
Airport.
5:09:57 PM
MR. HODGIN responded that the installation cost $70,000. He
said that it included extending the restroom space and
electrical system.
5:10:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHWANKE said that the words "public building"
are very broad and that many public buildings in the state have
no public restrooms.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK responded that she shares those concerns
and she supports the committee working to clarify language in HB
141.
CHAIR MINA thanked DOT&PF for its work on the fiscal note. She
noted that there are 706 public facilities in Alaska, and she
said that she supports narrowing the language of the bill. She
asked Mr. Mills to provide clarity on the fiscal note.
5:13:56 PM
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, responded
that the fiscal note illustrates the interagency funding that
would be required for the installation of a universal changing
facility. He said he appreciates Representative Gray's problem
solving.
CHAIR MINA asked what the funding mechanism in the budget is
that would enable the installation of these facilities.
MR. MILLS responded there would be exemptions for the case where
the installation of a universal changing facility is not
practicable. He said that he would help analyze and define what
the threshold for what "practicable" conditions for installation
would be.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, in response to Representative Gray, said
that her intention, as prime sponsor, would be to have at least
one universal changing facility in every public-school building,
and two to three facilities for each university campus in the
state. She reiterated that she is very interested in working
with the committee to refine the language of HB 141. She
emphasized that if cost were not a barrier, she would like to
see a universal changing facility in every single public
building.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX commented that he thinks HB 141 is a good
idea but is way too broad of an idea. He expressed concern
about laws being abused.
CHAIR MINA clarified that someone's disability cannot always be
identified by their appearance and that not all disabled
individuals use a wheelchair.
5:21:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK emphasized, "You can't use what is not
available for you to use." She said that this is a clear and
present need and that the legislature should do what it can to
address this need.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX agreed that this is a need and expressed
hope to accommodate it. He emphasized that the legislature
cannot accommodate all needs.
5:22:37 PM
CHAIR MINA announced HB 141 was held over.
5:23:17 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 5:23 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.
HB 64-SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE
5:24:58 PM
CHAIR MINA announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 64, "An Act relating to the surrender of infants;
and providing for an effective date."
5:25:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS made a motion to rescind the committee's
action in reporting HB 64 from committee. There being no
objection, it was so ordered.
5:25:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report HB 64 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, HB 64 was reported out of the House
Health and Social Services Standing Committee.
5:25:52 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Health and Social Services Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB141 Sectional Analysis version A.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB141 Sponsor Statement version A.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB141-DOT-DFS-04-12-2025.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB 141 Combined Bill Packet 04.30.25.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB 141 Letters of Support 04.14.25.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB 141 Version A.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB141 Presentation.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 141 |
| HB 195 Letters of Support 04.30.25.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 195 |
| HB 138 Letters of Support 04.30.25.pdf |
HHSS 5/1/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 138 |