Legislature(1993 - 1994)
03/25/1993 03:00 PM House L&C
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE
STANDING COMMITTEE
March 25, 1993
3:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Rep. Bill Hudson, Chairman
Rep. Joe Green, Vice Chairman
Rep. Brian Porter
Rep. Eldon Mulder
Rep. Bill Williams
Rep. Jerry Mackie
Rep. Joe Sitton
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
*HB 96: "An Act extending the termination date of the
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board."
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE
*HB 139: "An Act establishing a loan guarantee and interest
rate subsidy program for assistive technology."
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE
*HB 190: "An Act relating to grants awarded by the Alaska
Science and Technology Foundation."
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE
*SB 53: "An Act relating to payment for abortions under
Medicaid and general relief medical assistance;
annulling changes made by certain regulations
adopted by the Department of Health and Social
Services relating to funding of abortion services
under the general relief medical program."
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE
(* First public hearing.)
WITNESS REGISTER
REP. JERRY SANDERS
Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-4945
Position Statement: Prime Sponsor of HB 96
DAN LABROUSE
Deaf Community Services
1405 Cowan Street
Fairbanks, Alaska 99501
456-5913
Position Statement: Testified in support of HB 139
PAULA SMITH, Facilities Coordinator
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Education
801 West 10th
Juneau, Alaska 99801
465-2814
Position Statement: Supported HB 139
MARY VOLLENDORF, Staff
Rep. Terry Martin
Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-3783
Position Statement: Read sponsor statement on HB 190
MICHAEL DAVIS
Southeast Alaska Independent Living
8800 Glacier Highway, 236
Juneau, Alaska 99801
789-9665
Position Statement: Supported HB 139
REP. JOHN DAVIES
Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-4457
Position Statement: Prime Sponsor of HB 139
TOM TORVIE
ACCESS Alaska
P.O. Box 83951
Fairbanks, Alaska 99501
474-8436
Position Statement: Supported HB 139
JOHN SIBERT, Executive Director
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
550 W. 7th Ave.
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
272-4333
Position Statement: Presented statement on HB 190
and answered questions
TED DEATS
P.O. Box 87
Juneau, Alaska 99802
463-3262
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
RITA COX
825 B St.
Juneau, Alaska 99801
463-3160
Position Statement: Supported SB 53
BILL BURK
P.O. BOX 240742
Douglas, Alaska 99824
780-6019
Position Statement: Supported SB 53
JOHN MONAGLE
P.O. BOX 210527
Auke Bay, Alaska 99821
789-5910
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
SID HEIDERSDORF
P.O. Box 020658
Juneau, Alaska 99802
789-9858
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
KATHY DENNIS
P.O. Box 020533
Juneau, Alaska 99801
463-3546
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
CHRISTINA KAY SMITH
2865 Mendenhall Loop Rd., D-12
Juneau, Alaska 99802
789-9324
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
MICHAEL CROAN
4435 Columbia Blvd.
Juneau, Alaska 99801
789-2695
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
HAROLD NEVERS
8148 Pinewood Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99802
789-9853
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
SHERRIE GOLL
Alaska Women's Lobby
P.O. Box 22156
Juneau, Alaska 99802
463-6744
Position Statement: Supported SB 53
RICHARD SHUTT
P.O. Box 34941
Juneau, Alaska 99803
789-1823
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
KEN MATTSON
1125 Slim Williams Way
Juneau, Alaska 99801
789-5224
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
ROBIN STEVENS
P.O. Box 33637
Juneau, Alaska 99801
463-5131
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
DALE ANDERSON
9040 Glacier Highway
Juneau, Alaska 99801
790-3253
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
JULIE WARD
9225 Gee St.
Juneau, Alaska 99801
789-2711
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
KATHY POLK
P.O. Box 020196
Juneau, Alaska 99801
463-4846
Position Statement: Supported SB 53
AL JUDSON
No address or phone number given
Position Statement: Opposed SB 53
IDA BARNUCK
Alaskans for Life, Inc.
P.O. Box 32186
Juneau, Alaska 99803-2186
Position Statement: Opposed to SB 53
GREG MIDDAY
643 Sunset Drive North
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
225-2290
Position Statement: Supported SB 53
JUDY JENKINSON, Vice-Chair
Democratic Party of Ketchikan
P.O. Box 5342
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
225-5839
Position Statement: Supported SB 53
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 96
SHORT TITLE: EXTEND ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) SANDERS,Green
TITLE: "An Act extending the termination date of the
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/29/93 177 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/29/93 177 (H) LABOR & COMMERCE, FINANCE
02/03/93 224 (H) COSPONSOR(S): GREEN
03/18/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 17
03/25/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 124
BILL: HB 139
SHORT TITLE: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN GUARANTEES
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) DAVIES,Brice,Brown,B.Davis,
Grussendorf,James,Larson,Nordlund,Sitton,Ulmer,Menard,Hudson
TITLE: "An Act establishing a loan guarantee and interest
rate subsidy program for assistive technology."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/08/93 254 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
02/08/93 254 (H) LABOR &COMMERCE, HES, JUDICIARY,
FINANCE
03/25/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 124
BILL: HB 190
SHORT TITLE: AK SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION GRANTS
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) MARTIN
TITLE: "An Act relating to grants awarded by the Alaska
Science and Technology Foundation."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
03/01/93 493 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
03/01/93 493 (H) LABOR & COMMERCE, HES
03/25/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 124
BILL: SB 53
SHORT TITLE: ANNULLING ABORTION FUNDING REGULATIONS
BILL VERSION: CSSB 53(FIN) AM(EFD FLD)
SPONSOR(S): HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
TITLE: "An Act relating to payment for abortions under
Medicaid and general relief medical assistance; annulling
changes made by certain regulations adopted by the
Department of Health and Social Services relating to funding
of abortion services under the general relief medical
program."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/22/93 122 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/22/93 122 (S) HES, JUD, FINANCE
01/27/93 (S) HES AT 01:30 PM BUTROVICH ROOM
205
01/27/93 (S) MINUTE(HES)
01/29/93 187 (S) HES RPT 4DP 1NR 1DNP
01/29/93 187 (S) FISCAL NOTES PUBLISHED (DHSS-5)
02/10/93 (S) JUD AT 01:30 PM BELTZ ROOM 211
02/10/93 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
02/24/93 (S) JUD AT 01:30 PM BELTZ ROOM 211
02/24/93 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
02/25/93 481 (S) JUD RPT 1DP 2DP W/AM 2DNP
02/25/93 481 (S) PREVIOUS FNS (DHSS-5)
02/25/93 487 (S) FIN WAIVED PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE,RULE 23
02/26/93 499 (S) FIN RPT CS 4DP 2DNP
NEW TITLE
02/26/93 499 (S) PREVIOUS FNS APPLY TO CS
(DHSS-5)
02/26/93 (S) FIN AT 09:00 AM SENATE FINANCE
ROOM 518
02/26/93 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
02/26/93 (S) RLS AT 01:15 PM FAHRENKAMP ROOM
203
02/26/93 (S) MINUTE(RLS)
03/02/93 575 (S) MOTION TO CALENDAR 3/3/93 FLD Y8
N11 E1
03/03/93 589 (S) RULES RPT 2/CALENDAR 1/OTHER REC
3/3/93
03/03/93 590 (S) READ THE SECOND TIME
03/03/93 591 (S) FIN CS ADOPTED Y13 N5 E1 A1
03/03/93 592 (S) AM NO 1 ADOPTED Y11 N8 E1
03/03/93 592 (S) ADVANCE TO 3RD RDG FAILED Y13
N6 E1
03/03/93 592 (S) THIRD READING 3/5 CALENDAR
03/05/93 634 (S) READ THE THIRD TIME CSSB
53(FIN) AM
03/05/93 635 (S) PASSED Y12 N6 E2
03/05/93 635 (S) EFFECTIVE DATE FAILED Y12 N6 E2
03/05/93 635 (S) Duncan NOTICE OF
RECONSIDERATION
03/08/93 658 (S) RECON TAKEN UP - IN THIRD
READING
03/08/93 659 (S) PLACED AT BOTTOM OF CALENDAR
UNAN CONS
03/08/93 672 (S) PASSED ON RECONSIDERATION Y13
N6 E1
03/08/93 672 (S) EFFECTIVE DATE FAILED Y13 N6 E1
03/08/93 677 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/10/93 582 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
03/10/93 582 (H) L&C, HES, JUDICIARY, FINANCE
03/23/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 124
03/25/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 124
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 93-24, SIDE A
Number 001
CHAIRMAN HUDSON called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m.,
March 25, 1993. Members present were Reps. Hudson, Green,
Porter, Williams, Mulder, Mackie and Sitton.
HB 96 - EXTENSION OF THE ABC BOARD
REP. JERRY SANDERS, PRIME SPONSOR OF HB 96, read a sponsor
statement. Rep. Sanders stated that the purpose of HB 96 is
to extend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board from June 30,
1994, (when it currently sunsets) to June 30, 1998.
Number 049
REP. SITTON moved for passage of HB 96 with a zero fiscal
note and asked unanimous consent. No objections were heard;
it was so ordered.
Number 057
HB 139 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN GUARANTEES
REP. JOHN DAVIES, PRIME SPONSOR OF HB 139, read a sponsor
statement. Rep. Davies explained that HB 139 is a "jobs
bill" that will help people experiencing disabilities
improve their ability to get and keep a job or live
independently.
Number 124
CHAIRMAN HUDSON inquired if the $100,000.00 referenced in
the bill was available now.
REP. DAVIES answered that it was.
Number 141
DAN LABROUSE, DEAF COMMUNITY SERVICES, testified via
teleconference in support of HB 139. Mr. LaBrouse stated
that in his experience assistive technology would be of
benefit to many Alaskans. Mr. Labrouse noted that assistive
technology would be helpful in providing the means for some
people to lead a more productive life, including the
opportunity for more meaningful jobs.
Number 168
TOM TORVIE, ACCESS ALASKA, testified via teleconference in
support of HB 139. Mr. Torvie echoed the comments of Mr.
LaBrouse.
Number 229
PAULA SMITH, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, testified in favor
of HB 139. Ms. Smith noted that the Department of Education
supports this bill. It would meet an identified need by a
group of individuals in the State of Alaska which is not now
being addressed. It is recommended that the mechanics of
the loan guarantee and interest subsidies be clarified.
Other than student loans by the Commission on Post Secondary
Education, the Department is not in the loan business, and
does not have the infrastructure to support significant
responsibilities in this area. This would best be handled
by banking institutions.
Number 270
REP. MULDER asked if the state would in effect be the co-
signer of a loan provided.
MS. SMITH responded that it would and noted that the program
would guarantee 90 percent of a loan from another
institution.
Discussion ensued as to the mechanics of the loan program.
Number 346
REP. MULDER moved to delete "and" on page 2, line 16, and
renumber accordingly.
REP. GREEN moved to add a friendly amendment to Rep.
Mulder's amendment. No objections were noted; it was so
ordered.
REP. GREEN asked what collateral would be asked for.
MS. SMITH replied that the program would require collateral.
REP. DAVIES added that all of the loans would go through the
standard banking scrutiny.
Number 462
MICHAEL DAVIS, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT LIVING,
testified in support of the bill and listed three primary
reasons:
1) He has seen many people who couldn't otherwise get the
assistance needed to purchase the assistive technology.
2) The bill allows for the parents of persons needing this
technology to obtain it for their children.
3) It allows disabled citizens the dignity to apply for
loans themselves.
Number 510
REP. DAVIES noted that the banking industry is supportive of
the program.
REP. MULDER moved for passage of CSHB 139(L&C) with a zero
fiscal note. No objections were heard; it was so ordered.
Number 559
HB 190 - ALASKA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION GRANTS
MARY VOLLENDORF, STAFFER, REP. MARTIN'S OFFICE, read a
sponsor statement and answered questions on HB 190. Ms.
Vollendorf stated that the purpose of HB 190 is to clarify
existing statutes by adding the word "university" to AS
37.17090(h). Rep. Martin believes the university would
receive a preference they are not currently benefiting from.
Number 575
REP. MULDER noted that he visited with the chairman of the
Science and Technology Foundation and was informed that the
bill was not needed. Rep. Mulder asked for further
clarification.
Number 580
MS. VOLLENDORF reiterated the reasoning in the sponsor
statement.
Number 595
REP. SITTON noted that the current definition is broad
enough to include the university.
Number 617
JOHN SIBERT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION, testified that he understood the
reason for the legislation, but he didn't feel it was
necessary.
Number 652
CHAIRMAN HUDSON asked if there was any harm in the
legislation. He also asked if the foundation funded any
programs or projects outside of Alaska.
Number 668
MR. SIBERT replied that he didn't see any harm in the
legislation, and on very few occasions has the foundation
funded programs or projects from outside the state.
TAPE 93-24, SIDE B
Number 012
MR. SIBERT went into some detail as to the types of research
the foundation funds.
Number 066
REP. MULDER moved for passage of HB 190 with a zero fiscal
note and asked unanimous consent.
REP. MACKIE objected, noting that he had asked that this
bill be assigned to a subcommittee.
CHAIRMAN HUDSON called for a roll call vote.
HUDSON YES
GREEN YES
WILLIAMS YES
MULDER YES
PORTER NO
SITTON NO
MACKIE NO
HB 190 was moved out of committee.
SB 53 - ANNULLING ABORTION REGULATIONS
Number 173
TED DEATS, representing himself and his family, testified
against the bill. Mr. Deats stated that these children
should be allowed to live and take their rightful place as
Alaskan citizens. Mr. Deats also handed out replicas of the
feet of a 10 week old fetus.
Number 203
RITA COX, representing the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW), read a position paper by Marcia
Lynn McKenzie, Chair, Campaign for Choice. Ms. Cox stated
the American Association of University Women support's a
woman's right to self determination in her reproductive
life. The AAUW therefore, urges prompt passage of CSSB
53(fin)am(efd fld) which will annul the recent amendments to
regulations which determine the availability of General
Relief Medical Assistance funding of abortion services.
MS. COX noted that she was also representing herself and
spoke in favor of the bill.
Number 285
REP. TERRY MARTIN testified against the bill. Rep. Martin
said that he was adamantly opposed to abortion in any way
shape or form. He noted that his own mother gave him up and
he would be eternally grateful she let him live. Rep.
Martin noted that SB 53 leaves the door wide open for any
and all abortions with no parental consent and funds could
be used for gender selection. He further noted that there
are no provisions for the pregnant woman to be informed of
the extent of the medical procedure.
Number 340
REP. MARTIN expressed his great concern that the fiscal
notes prepared note a savings if the unborn children are
aborted. Rep. Martin asked where this logic would end up if
we started using a concept of "Life devoid of value." He
asked if our senior citizens be next. Rep. Martin also
questioned who would make these determinations.
Number 475
BILL BURK, representing himself, testified in support of
SB 53 and strongly urged passage. Mr. Burk also pointed out
that this country was founded upon the separation of church
and state, freedom of choice, and one's individual rights.
MR. BURK pointed out that there are several religions in our
world that believe that a child's life does not begin until
the mother gives birth.
MR. BURK noted that he has worked as a social worker for
many years, and as such, has seen the results of unwanted
pregnancies. The beatings, child abuse, both physical and
mental, are devastating.
Number 520
JOHN MONAGLE, representing himself and his family, strongly
opposed SB 53. Mr. Monagle stated that Rep. Martin was his
hero. Mr. Monagle specifically opposed the state being in
the position of killing children.
Number 532
SID HEIDERSDORF, representing himself, provided some
statistics from Alaskans for Life on the petitions and
testimony given during the regulation process. Mr.
Heidersdorf noted that the results were significantly
different than those previously published by the League of
Women Voters.
Number 550
MR. HEIDERSDORF stated that their results showed that 58.5
percent of the submissions were pro-life and 41.0 percent
were pro-choice.
Number 560
MR. HEIDERSDORF noted that he believes abortion advocates
discuss the issue of abortion without bringing in the aspect
of the child and he compared that to discussing slavery
without talking about slaves.
MR. HEIDERSDORF questioned why the state would take the
position of not fully informing women concerning abortion if
they are going to pay for this elective surgery.
Number 655
KATHY DENNIS stated that she was once pro-choice, but now
she is pro-life. Ms. Dennis said that she is alarmed at the
increasing level of abortions in the Native community.
MS. DENNIS testified that she was faced with the decision of
abortion versus life and chose life eight years earlier and
now she has a fine son sitting in the committee room.
TAPE 93-25, SIDE A
Number 024
CHRISTINA KAY SMITH testified against SB 53 and read a
written statement. Ms. Smith noted that there is much done
regarding the rights of women recently but nothing is said
about the rights of men. Ms. Smith stated that she believes
that saying yes to a woman's right to choose we are saying
no to a man's right to speak up for his own unborn child.
MS. SMITH added that this issue is not just about money its
about home, marriage, sons and daughters and the future of
the State of Alaska.
Number 270
MICHAEL CROAN, representing himself and his family, spoke
against SB 53. Mr. Croan believed that the legislature has
the moral responsibility to legislate morals as they have
been doing since the day the country began.
MR. CROAN added that having an abortion is a lifelong hurt.
MR. CROAN also stated that there is a separation of church
and state, but there isn't one between morality and state.
Number 400
HAROLD NEVERS, representing himself, spoke against the bill.
Mr. Nevers stated that everyone should be responsible for
their actions and if a person makes a mistake and gets
pregnant at an inconvenient time, then they have to suffer
the consequences.
MR. NEVERS added that parents should be informed of their
children's pregnancies.
Number 437
SHERRIE GOLL, representing the ALASKA WOMEN'S LOBBY,
testified in favor of the SB 53. She stated that there is
nothing in the bill that expands eligibility as previously
stated. Ms. Goll added that the bill does not make abortion
funding a priority over general relief medical funding.
MS. GOLL testified that abortions have been provided for
poor women in this state since before statehood without
restriction.
MS. GOLL pointed out that several pro-choice groups have
sued the state over these regulations.
Number 477
ROBIN STEVENS, represented self, testified against SB 53.
He believed that the state should not be in the business of
funding abortions, and if the state has extra money it
should be spent funding crisis pregnancy centers.
MR. STEVENS also believed pro-choice starts before sex.
Number 515
RICHARD SHUTT, representing himself and his family,
testified against the bill. He believed this bill would
fund the taking of human life.
MR. SHUTT observed that the pro-choice argument of being
poor was a bad one as growing up poor is not the worst thing
in the world. He added that being wanted was not a
guarantee of a good life with good parents, just as being
born as a result of an unplanned pregnancy was not a
sentence of child abuse.
Number 570
KEN MATTSON, representing himself, testified against SB 53.
He believed it was not right to take the life of a child
simply because it was an inconvenience. Mr. Mattson asked
the committee to at least amend the bill if they must pass
it out to give some parental and spousal rights.
Number 667
DALE ANDERSON, representing himself and his family,
testified against SB 53. Mr. Anderson read a statement
outlining his position. Mr. Anderson stated that he stands
adamantly opposed to SB 53 which obliterates the efforts
made by Governor Hickel to stop utilizing state dollars to
fund abortions.
TAPE 93-25, SIDE B
JULIE WARD, representing herself and husband, testified
against SB 53. Ms. Ward echoed the statements above.
Number 234
KATHY POLK, represented herself, testified against SB 53.
Ms. Polk read a statement into the record. Ms. Polk stated
that the code of ethics this country was built upon protects
the unborn as well as the born.
Number 402
AL JUDSON, representing himself, testified against SB 53 and
reiterated the above testimony.
Number 447
IDA BARNUCK, ALASKANS FOR LIFE, INC., testified against SB
53 and read a statement into the record. Ms. Barnuck stated
that the primary goal of her organization is the respect for
human life and believes that innocent human life must be
protected by government.
Number 500
GREG MIDDAY, representing himself, testified in support of
SB 53. Mr. Midday echoed the statements given earlier in
support of the bill.
Number 550
JUDY JENKINSON, representing herself, testified in support
of SB 53 and reiterated the statements given in support.
TAPE 93-26, SIDE A
REP. GREEN asked if the committee would hold the bill for a
week to allow him time to prepare an amendment regarding
parental and spousal rights.
CHAIRMAN HUDSON said that the bill would go next to the
Health, Education and Social Services Committee, where it
could be amended.
REP. WILLIAMS moved for passage of SB 53 with fiscal notes
and asked unanimous consent. There was objection.
A roll call vote was taken, with results as follows:
MULDER NO WILLIAMS YES
GREEN NO PORTER YES
SITTON YES
MACKIE YES
HUDSON YES
SB 53 was moved from the committee.
CHAIR HUDSON adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
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