Legislature(2021 - 2022)BARNES 124
04/05/2021 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB30 | |
| HB149 | |
| HB110 | |
| Regulatory Commission of Alaska | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 149 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 110 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 146 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 30 | TELECONFERENCED | |
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Zack Fields, Co-Chair
Representative Ivy Spohnholz, Co-Chair
Representative Calvin Schrage
Representative Liz Snyder
Representative James Kaufman
Representative Ken McCarty
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative David Nelson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 30
"An Act relating
benefits; relating
benefits in the case
to the payment of
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 30 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 149
"An Act relating to
organize for the purpose of collective bargaining."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 110
"An Act raising the
possess tobacco, a
smoking product; r
containing nicotine,
to the taxation of
for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
State Board of Registration For Architects, Engineers & Land
Surveyors
Jake Maxwell - Anchorage
Arpad "Bruce" Magyar - Anchorage
Catherine Fritz- Juneau
- CONFIRMATION(S)
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Nathan Missler - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S)
Board of Dental Examiners
Christina Hansen
Bradley Heaston - Anchorage
Gregory Johnson - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION(S)
Board Of Examiners
Pamela Steffes - Sitka
Michael Mavencamp - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION(S)
Board of Marital & Family Therapy
Richard Clampitt - Palmer
Joy Collins - Anchorage
Kayla Green - Eagle River
- CONFIRMATION(S)
Board of Professional
Sammie O'Neal - Eagle River
Eleanor Vinson - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION(S)
Board of Psychologist & Psychological Associate Examiners
Bernard Gatewood - Fairbanks
Bradley McConnell - Anchorage
Sherri Scott - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Board of Social Work Examiners
Brandon Ercanbrack - Kotzebue
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Regulatory Commission of Alaska
Robert Pickett - Palmer
Keith Kurber - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 30
SHORT TITLE: WORKERS' COMP: DEATH; PERM PARTIAL IMPAIR
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) JOSEPHSON
02/18/21 (H)
02/18/21 (H)
02/18/21 (H)
03/03/21 (H)
03/03/21 (H)
03/03/21 (H)
04/05/21 (H)
BILL: HB 149
SHORT TITLE: CHILD CARE PROVIDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) FIELDS
03/24/21 (H)
03/24/21 (H)
04/02/21 (H)
04/02/21 (H)
04/05/21 (H)
BILL: HB 110
SHORT TITLE: AGE FOR NICOTINE/E-CIG; TAX E-CIG.
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HANNAN
02/24/21 (H)
02/24/21 (H)
03/17/21 (H)
03/17/21 (H)
03/17/21 (H)
04/05/21 (H)
WITNESS REGISTER
CHARLES COLLINS, Director
Division of Workers' Compensation
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
30.
KIMBERLY ROSENBERGER
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Sacramento, California
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave a presentation on HB 149.
TRISTAN WALSH, Staff
Representative Fields
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis on HB 149
on behalf of Representative Fields, prime sponsor.
DANIEL WAYNE, Attorney
Legislative Legal Counsel
Legislative Legal and Research Services
Legislative Affairs Agency (LAA)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
149.
REPRESENTATIVE SARA HANNAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 110 as prime sponsor.
EMILY NENON, Alaska Government Relations Director
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 110.
ACTION NARRATIVE
4:04:08 PM
CO-CHAIR IVY SPOHNHOLZ
Standing Committee
Representatives Kaufman,
were present at
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
4:05:25 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
would be HOUSE BILL
workers' compensation
workers' compensation
impairment; relating
death benefits; and providing for an effective date."
4:05:57 PM
CHARLES COLLINS, Di
Department of Labor
congratulating the
premiums down, and
eighth year in a ro
employers. He added
because some things
adjusted for many
is the only path that
repairment after
[workers' compensation]
have been a number
occurring in 2005.
MR. COLLINS shared
inform the Division
has occurred on the
division gets a report
occasionally a medical
process goes smoothly,
rehabilitated and
"90-plus percent"
that occasionally,
to rehabilitation
that is brought b
situation is rare,
compared to 17,000
lawyers and employee
He said that under
employee is only
consultation. If
counsel gets paid th
the employer, and
burden of that cost.
4:10:37 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ invited questions from the committee.
4:10:56 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
ascertaining that
closed public testimony.
4:11:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
Sectional Analysis,
provided]:
Section 2:
23.30.190(a),
compensation
$177,000 (2000
inflation and
the national average.
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
average in the year 2000.
MR. COLLINS responded
$177,000 was at the
the baseline was changed
to bring Alaska closer
that due to inflation,
again to align itself
Representative Josephson proposed in HB 30.
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
complicated and that
through.
MR. COLLINS replied
whole body impairment
used as a starting
explained that some
compensation out by
whole body. The
American Medical Associa
compensation amount
he reiterated has not been updated in 21 years.
4:15:22 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ invited questions from the committee.
4:15:45 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved
individual recommendations
There being no objection,
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
4:16:07 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:16 p.m. to 4:17 p.m.
4:17:13 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
would be HOUSE BILL
certain child day
collective bargaining."
4:17:32 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS introduced
that he thought it
the gender pay gap,
the devastation the
the COVID-19 pandemic.
entitled, "Raising
149)," and covered
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Persistent
turnover and inadequate supply of child care workers.
Low wages/benefits
instruction
CO-CHAIR FIELDS proceeded
explained that inadequate
leave Alaska and
explained that while
Alaska may actually
small state. The
provided]:
? Alaska needs
including parents
population among age 30- 50)
? Early childhood
human capital development, and highest ROI
CO-CHAIR FIELDS ad
States/Nations," which
provided]:
? 11 U.S.
structures for
bargain with
benefits that expand supply of child care providers
? First state:
state to adopt model.
? European countr
centers for parents
tax credits
? And Northern
wages/benefits
CO-CHAIR FIELDS stated
other states are a
this bill to spark
open to there being
implement to solve this problem.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved
and shared his understanding
workers make middleclass
policy decision.
should be done for
[original punctuation provided]:
? Collective Bargaining (U.S. model / H.B. 149)
construction policy model)
? Directly subsidize (Europe model)
4:21:59 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS proceeded
follows [original punctuation provided]:
most effectively, need the right policy framework
industry and working families recover
CO-CHAIR FIELDS added
proposed differently
providers are allowed
engage in bargaining.
4:23:37 PM
KIMBERLY ROSENBERGER,
(SEIU), offered a
Providers' Vision
relates to the assembly
that authorized child
She began on slide
punctuation provided]:
Similar to 11 other states.
Bill enables:
? Election to choose union
? Collective bargaining
? Training partnership
MS. ROSENBERGER added
providers are considered
covered by a number
were considered low
SEIU had to get an
State of California
bargaining outweighs the risk of anti-competition.
MS. ROSENBERGER showed
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Also covers the following:
? Set of topics standard to many labor laws
? Current labor law did not cover providers
? Defines who is included:
Includes licensed and license-exempt
? Not assistants or centers
4:26:08 PM
MS. ROSENBERGER continue
Scope," which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Addressed in section 8434.5 of bill
?uni0020uni004Cuni0069uni0073uni0074uni0073uni0020uni0072uni0065uni0071uni0075uni0069uni0072un
provider retention/recruitment
? Funding must be passed by Legislature
? Does not include non-state controlled topics
MS. ROSENBERGER moved
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Addressed in section 8434 of bill
? Adapts law for many CA public employees
? Includes:
? Show provider interest
? List of eligible voters
? Notifying providers
? Timelines, other guidance
MS. ROSENBERGER advanced
explained that training
remain open while al
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Addressed in section 8442 of bill
? Shorter language in final bill
training, professional development $, programs
others possible
4:28:01 PM
MS. ROSENBERGER proceeded
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
their union. Typical improvements:
nontraditional hours
? Health care thru a union trust
? Voice in regulation and quality improvement
? Expanded training
? Smoother eligibility process for parents
MS. ROSENBERGER reminded
newest state to join
being part of the union.
4:29:03 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ invited questions from the committee.
4:29:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
states are that have joined the union.
MS. ROSENBERGER asked
noted that there is
could share with the committee.
4:29:49 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS respon
Iowa, New Jersey, Mi
to join the union
Pennsylvania, Kansas,
joined.
4:30:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
go up, and asked how that improves accessibility.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS answered
election overseen
which has provided
stated that small bu
quality and affordable
would make it easier
He reiterated that
more efficient system,
results in lower
individual wants to
level of care is not
care workers are considere
some of this is
people of color, and
States Congress didn't
to people of color.
workers, and women
rights.
4:33:04 PM
MS. ROSENBERGER added
after implementing
and training has been
field. She stated
of a return on
maintaining the workers that have entered the field already.
4:33:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SNYDER
professionals for her
worker through Thread,
was a small, in-home
affect someone like her.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS resp
unionize. He emphasized
providers the mechanisms
model and supply
professionals need.
4:35:10 PM
MS. ROSENBERGER said
from child care provide
whether to opt in
to those who receive
providers have chosen
training mechanisms
voice when it comes
shared that there
who have opted in.
4:36:20 PM
TRISTAN WALSH, Staff,
Legislature, presented
behalf of Representative
Sections 1-10, which
provided]:
Section 1: Th
declaration of
Relations Act, to include child day care providers.
Section 2: This
child day care
join or assist
and engage in
collective barga
protection.
Section 3: This
child day care
collective bargaining unit.
Section 4: This
include child
regarding the
organizations for collective bargaining.
Section 5: This
child day care
the labor relations
on representation
question of representation exists.
Section 6: This
child day care
unfair labor pr
of the public employer.
Section 7: This
23.40.205, regarding
benefits.
Section 8: This
conforming changes.
Section 9: This
child day care
care provider have the right of non-association.
Section 10: This
language that
makes child
public employees,
not form or ter
change a child
entity, corporation
declares nothing
with compliance
subdivision of
requirement of
states that nothing
care provider
employer or a
child day care
process or administer payments for day care.
4:39:36 PM
MR. WALSH explained
in definition.
4:39:46 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
statute being updated
of a public employee
but the bill does
employees.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS responded
workers are not becoming
given a mechanism to bargain in the child care sector.
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
of law in which to put the bill.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS replie
exclusion from the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
4:40:29 PM
MS. ROSENBERGER explained
important is because
status as a small
already in regard to
between the state
allow the businesses
relationship.
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
from Legislative Legal and Research Services.
4:41:25 PM
DANIEL WAYNE, Attorney,
Legal and Research
reiterated that this
the other aforementioned
would broaden the
labor issues for
referring to other
workers, then Alaska
regulating labor in
are already covered
covered.
4:43:03 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS added
of child care, there
form a union. For
for small businesses in the industry to work together.
4:43:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCARTY
stating that while
entity of the state,
state, but are "subsidized
with the state."
MR. WAYNE responded
said he doesn't
anyone. The bill
labor disputes and
public employers, he explained.
4:44:49 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS shared
bargaining," where
section of an industry.
a fairly outdated
bargaining based on
sexist history where
NLRA. This bill
framework to one
federal labor law,
bargaining with the
it is that the bill
bargaining for small businesses.
4:45:55 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
introductory hearing,
discuss HB 149 in the future.
4:46:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCARTY
is subsidizing the
point.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS responded
based on eligibility
continue if this bill
chooses to subsidize
HB 149 would allow
In closing, he shared
improve child care,
to address the issue.
4:47:45 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ announced that HB 149 was held over.
4:47:54 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
would be HOUSE BILL
purchase, sell,
containing nicotine,
to transporting tobacco,
electronic smoking
electronic smoking
date."
4:48:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SARA
that HB 110 would
change the state law
confirmation with t
19 to 21; and it
cigarettes or "e-cigarettes."
tobacco depending on
the last time tobacco
e-cigarettes weren't
that currently, there
She made the distinction
the same rate as
did exist when the cannabis industry began in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN
Alaska State Legislature,
do the same things
them into one bill.
appears long and complicat
number of places in
highly regulated
government has always
has been a disruption
cigarettes because
do not typically end up being sold by the same retailers.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN
popular among young
under the age of
conducts a national
and between 2017 and
in the use of e-cigarettes
been a downturn in
become an "entre i
She stated that nicotine
by adding e-cigarettes
cigarettes can be
from buying them,
nicotine. She noted
people that e-cigarettes
products, but there
Conversely, research
quickly with the
absorption is much higher.
4:53:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN
bill is to discourage
Alaska's laws to
revenue. She added
cigarettes products
require age-verification
are delivered to them.
4:55:12 PM
EMILY NENON, Alaska
Cancer Society Cancer
working on tobacco
she works closely
American Lung Association.
is a critical strategy
preventing youth from
she continued. She
three strategies that
tobacco use.
comprehensive prevention
workplaces. She stated
the 2004 tobacco tax
tax statute hasn't
said that the market
the latest generation of e-cigarette products. These e-
cigarette products
flavored nicotine.
"throat hit" of nicoti
these products are
a greater risk of developing an ongoing addiction.
MS. NENON continued
Action Network shares
e-cigarettes. She
these e-cigarettes
cigarettes?" She
combusted cigarette
70 of those are
agents. It is no
combusted cigarette,
organizations do
possessing tobacco
to tobacco cessation
for being addicted
to them.
4:59:30 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ invited questions from the committee.
5:01:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
both sides of this
taxes will increase
shares this concern.
5:02:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN
This would add tax
tax. She added that
but anyone who is
purchasing and consuming
whether, by adding
a better control on the black market that already exists.
5:03:05 PM
MS. NENON shared th
that comes up often
She highlighted that
consider, as most us
and buy tobacco products
this bill is timely
in federal law regulations
e-cigarette products.
emphasis on catching
market than there
shipping will help with that as well.
REPRESENTATIVE KAUFMAN
discussion is that
smoking cigarettes.
to that argument.
MS. NENON responded
to quit is to use
tobacco cessation p
standards. She said
have its products
the FDA. She emphasized
cessation products.
kids from ever starting
added.
5:06:27 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS added
out, they were marketed
that marketing device
to kids who were
and flavors to appeal
"big tobacco" took
concluded that if
stop smoking were
considered smoking
companies wouldn't
kids.
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
member who used to
e-cigarettes, and
smells different."
5:07:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN
bill and explained
cessation products
statutes.
5:08:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCARTY
is being implemented in other states.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN
said that she has
but she may have
information.
5:09:29 PM
MS. NENON responded
implementation up
state has its own la
so that the state
federal requirements
successful compliance
like to be able to
on the FDA, but
nation.
5:10:17 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ announced that HB 110 was held over.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^State Board of Registr
Surveyors
^State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
^Board of Dental Examiners
^Board of Examiners in Optometry
^Board of Marital & Family Therapy
^Board of Professional Counselors
^Board of Psychologist & Psychological Associate Examiners
^Board of Social Work Examiners
^Regulatory Commission of Alaska
5:10:51 PM
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
would be confirmation
governor's appointees to the various boards and commissions.
CO-CHAIR SPOHNHOLZ
Standing Committee
following governor's
Maxwell, Arpad "Bruce"
Board of Registration
Surveyors; Nathan
Occupational Therapy
and Gregory Johnson
Steffes and Michael
Optometry; Richard
Board of Marital and
Vinson to the Bo
Gatewood, Bradley
Psychologist and
Ercanbrack to the
Pickett and Keith Ku
She noted that each
in no way reflects
session. There
advanced.
5:12:34 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further
Labor and Commerce
5:12 p.m.