05/07/2025 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB138 | |
| HB156 | |
| HB178 | |
| HB110 | |
| SB54 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 156 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 138 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 110 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 54 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 178 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 7, 2025
3:19 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Zack Fields, Co-Chair
Representative Carolyn Hall, Co-Chair
Representative Ashley Carrick
Representative Robyn Niayuq Burke
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Julie Coulombe
Representative David Nelson
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."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 156
"An Act relating to disclosure of information regarding employee
compensation by employers, employees, and applicants for
employment."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 178
"An Act relating to medical debt and consumer credit reporting
agencies; relating to discriminatory practices based on the
medical debt of a person; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 178(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 110
"An Act relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to
the practice of social work; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD & HELD
CS FOR SS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 54(FIN)
"An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior
design; relating to project costs for the construction,
enlargement, or improvement of airports; extending the
termination date of the State Board of Registration for
Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice of
registered interior design; relating to the practice of
architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape
architecture, and registered interior design; relating to the
scope of the certification requirements for architects,
engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered
interior designers; relating to immunity for design
professionals; relating to the cost of construction for
recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or materials
furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape
architectural and interior design services; relating to the cost
of construction of safe water and hygienic sewage disposal
facilities in villages; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSSSB 54(FIN) OUT OF COMMITTEE
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
05/01/25 (H) Moved HB 138 Out of Committee
05/01/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
05/02/25 (H) HSS RPT 3DP 1NR 3AM
05/02/25 (H) DP: FIELDS, GRAY, MINA
05/02/25 (H) NR: SCHWANKE
05/02/25 (H) AM: PRAX, RUFFRIDGE, MEARS
05/07/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 156
SHORT TITLE: DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
03/26/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/25 (H) JUD, L&C
04/14/25 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/14/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/16/25 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/16/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/16/25 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
04/18/25 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/18/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/25/25 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/25/25 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/30/25 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/30/25 (H) Moved HB 156 Out of Committee
04/30/25 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
05/02/25 (H) JUD RPT 3DP 2NR 1AM
05/02/25 (H) DP: EISCHEID, MINA, GRAY
05/02/25 (H) NR: UNDERWOOD, KOPP
05/02/25 (H) AM: VANCE
05/02/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/02/25 (H) Heard & Held
05/02/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/07/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 178
SHORT TITLE: MEDICAL DEBT: INFORMATION, DISCRIMINATION
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
04/09/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/09/25 (H) L&C, FIN
04/25/25 (H) L&C AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124
04/25/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/25/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/30/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/30/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/30/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/02/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/02/25 (H) Heard & Held
05/02/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/07/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 110
SHORT TITLE: SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) GRAY
02/21/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/21/25 (H) L&C, FIN
05/07/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 54
SHORT TITLE: EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) CLAMAN
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) L&C, FIN
02/24/25 (S) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED-REFERRALS
02/24/25 (S) L&C, FIN
02/26/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/26/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/26/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/05/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/05/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/07/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/07/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/12/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/12/25 (S) Moved CSSSSB 54(L&C) Out of Committee
03/12/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/14/25 (S) L&C RPT CS 2DP 2NR SAME TITLE
03/14/25 (S) DP: BJORKMAN, GRAY-JACKSON
03/14/25 (S) NR: MERRICK, YUNDT
03/27/25 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/27/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
04/11/25 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
04/11/25 (S) Moved CSSSSB 54(FIN) Out of Committee
04/11/25 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
04/14/25 (S) FIN RPT CS 1DP 5NR NEW TITLE
04/14/25 (S) DP: HOFFMAN
04/14/25 (S) NR: OLSON, STEDMAN, CRONK, MERRICK,
KIEHL
04/23/25 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/23/25 (S) VERSION: CSSSSB 54(FIN)
04/25/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/25/25 (H) L&C, FIN
04/30/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/30/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/30/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/05/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/05/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
05/07/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SUSANNA MARCHUK, Executive Director
Careline Crisis Center ("Careline")
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony on HB 138.
SEAN CASE, Chief of Police
Anchorage Police Department (APD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony on HB 138.
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 138.
KATY GIORGIO, Staff
Representative Genevieve Mina
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on behalf of
Representative Mina, prime sponsor of HB 138.
ANDREA MUECA, Deputy Director
Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Health (DOH)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
138.
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 156.
JARRETT CARSON, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony on HB 156 and made
some recommendations for change.
MICHAEL WALSH, PhD, Vice President of Public Policy
The Foraker Group
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony on HB 156.
JEREMY APPLEGATE, Chief of Wage & Hour
Division of Labor Standards & Safety
Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
156.
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions during
hearing on HB 178.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW GRAY
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 110.
TONIE PROTZMAN, Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers, Alaska Chapter (NASW
Alaska Chapter)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Give invited testimony in support of HB
110.
KAITLYN BISON, Policy Analyst
Council of State Governments (CSG)
Lexington, Kentucky
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HB
110.
CASEY KEE
representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
LARRY CASH, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
BARBARA CASH, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
MELISSA TRIBYL, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
DANA NUNN, Chair
Government Advocacy Committee, American Society of Interior
Designers, Alaska Chapter
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
ASHLEY KILLIAN, Allied Member
American Society of Interior Designers
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
CRAIG BLEDSOE, representing self
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
MELISSA WILTFONG, representing self
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
CATHERINE FRITZ, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to CSSSSB 54 (FIN).
JOHN PEKAR, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
MARY KNOPF, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSSSB 54(FIN).
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:19:16 PM
CO-CHAIR ZACK FIELDS called the House Labor and Commerce
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:19 p.m.
Representatives Carrick, Burke, Saddler, Coulombe, Nelson, and
Fields were present at the call to order. Representatives Hall
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
HB 138-BEH. HEALTH CRISIS SURCHARGE & FUND
3:19:41 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS 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."
CO-CHAIR FIELDS stated that the committee would begin with
invited testimony.
3:20:08 PM
SUSANNA MARCHUK, Executive Director, Careline Crisis Center
("Careline"), gave a prepared statement [included in the
committee file], as an invited testifier for HB 138, which read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
My name is Susanna Marchuk, and I am the executive
director of Careline Crisis Services, also known as
Alaska Careline. Careline is Alaska's 988 call center,
a front line of defense in Alaska' crisis care system
for over 20 years. Careline offers a free, 24/7
statewide resource for Alaska's most vulnerable,
providing support for those in need of someone to talk
to and facilitating intervention and support for
individuals contemplating suicide. Careline's
facilitated just shy of 40,000 crisis contacts last
year, which is a threefold increase in lifeline calls
since the launch of 988 in 2022. Careline is staffed
by Alaskans for Alaskans, understanding that Alaska-
based crisis counselors are uniquely equipped to
navigate the literal and figurative landscape of
accessing care in our great state. As Careline has
expanded, we have continually solicited feedback from
statewide shareholders to ensure services are
responsive to needs we support. A factor that
stakeholders have emphasized of importance is that the
call center not outsource staffing a commonly utilized
staffing solution for other call centers. Careline
employs a team of 38, all based in Alaska. We have two
locations, with our main office located in Fairbanks
and a satellite office, which was opened in the fall
of 2023, located in Wasilla. 988 lifeline members
centers like Careline are required to be accredited,
to provide evidence-based training for counselors, and
to adhere to nationally and internationally recognized
standards and best practices for crisis call centers.
Careline crisis line counselors complete robust
training on assessing and responding to suicide risk,
to include engaging trusted support or regional
providers as appropriate. Staff offer follow-up calls
to all calls with a crisis component. These follow-up
contacts offer additional opportunities for the team
to provide ongoing safety screening and support. 98
percent of the calls received in our call center are
resolved within the call center, reducing the burden
on our 911 and law enforcement partners. As the state
has advanced its efforts to build out the care
continuum, Careline and 988 have been a cornerstone of
those efforts. In addition to expanding access to
crisis call services, we have thoughtfully and
intentionally built and expanded relationships with
our crisis care partners, engaging collaboratively in
this work with our 911 partners by developing a direct
mechanism for 911 call transfers, working with our
tribal health partners to ensure that the care
provided by our team is culturally informed, providing
contractual support for regional crisis lines to
sustain regional resources and provide continuity of
care, and developing pathways to facilitate mobile
crisis team response. As demands for crisis response
services like Careline continue to grow, the funding
solution presented in HB 138 comes at a critical
juncture for the state. HB 138 is a lifeline. By
passing this bill, you guarantee that no Alaskan faces
a crisis alone, and that our rapidly expanding crisis
care network keeps moving forward.
MS. MARCHUK thanked the committee members for their time
and stated she was available for follow-up questions.
3:23:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER offered his appreciation for Ms.
Marchuk work. He asked whether other states use funding
mechanisms similar to HB 138 for crisis services.
MS. MARCHUK replied that she was not sure.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether it was possible to swap
between the 911 and 988 lines.
MS. MARCHUK replied yes. She stated that the State of Alaska
has been innovative in building continuity of care and
collaboration between 911 and 988 call centers. She stated that
Careline has built a direct backline in talks with 911 partners.
She stated that 911 dispatchers can directly transfer calls to
the 988 call centers.
3:25:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE noted that 988 was originally a federal
grant. She further noted that HB 138 would cost approximately
$2.8 million, referring to the previous committee of referral.
She asked whether 988 had been fully funded by federal grants.
MS. MARCHUK stated that Careline Crisis Center had been funded
contractually through the Division of Behavioral Health. She
reported that a piece of the funding had been through a grant
from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), which would end in 1 year.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked for confirmation that the cost of
the centers is approximately $2.8 million
MS. MARCHUK confirmed that was the operating cost.
3:27:03 PM
SEAN CASE, Chief of Police, Anchorage Police Department (APD),
gave invited testimony on HB 138. He stated that the proposed
legislation would address a growing need for "accessible and
effective mental health and substance abuse crisis intervention
across Alaska." He stated that APD is increasingly called to
response to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises,
which diverts the officers from addressing other public safety
needs. He stated that, when officers respond, they can lead to
outcomes not in the best interest of the individuals in crisis
or the community, noting that while officers are trained in de-
escalation, they are not mental health professionals. He spoke
about the need for a comprehensive system of care that would
provide appropriate support and care and divert individuals from
the criminal justice system whenever possible. He asserted that
HB 138 would offer a sustainable funding mechanism that would
assist in bringing mental health professionals to the scene of a
crisis to provide immediate assessment and support in the form
of a mobile response team. He explained that there are two
mobile response teams in Anchorage currently from APD and from
the Anchorage Fire Department. He stated that HB 138 would also
assist with the operation of crisis stabilization centers, where
individuals could de-escalate and receive treatment in safe,
short-term centers. He surmised two large benefits of HB 138:
freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on crime
prevention and public safety, and improved outcomes for
individuals experiencing mental health crises, which would
reduce the likelihood of both hospitalization or incarceration.
He concluded by urging committee members to support HB 138 and
called it a responsible and necessary investment in the health
and safety of Alaska communities.
3:30:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked about the current funding source
for the crisis stabilization services provided by APD.
CHIEF CASE responded that the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA)
funds the teams provided by APD, with the exception of one
clinician employed by APD. He stated that, in other
jurisdictions outside of Alaska, general funding for crisis
services such as mobile response teams or crisis stabilization
centers generally comes from private sources or non-profits. He
noted that, once a system is established and determined to be
effective, the cost is generally including in the operating
budget of the affected communities. He provided Maricopa
County, Arizona as an example.
3:32:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, presented HB 138. She gave a summary of the
sponsor statement [included in the committee file] as prime
sponsor of HB 138, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Alaska is confronting a significant behavioral health
crisis, having the nation's highest rates of youth
suicide and the second highest rates of adult suicide.
Additionally, while most U.S. states have seen a
decline in opioid-related deaths in recent years,
Alaska's rates have nearly doubled.
House Bill 138 proposes the establishment of a $0.98
monthly surcharge on each wireless and wireline
telephone number and creates a dedicated Behavioral
Health Crisis Services Fund. This initiative aims to
enhance the state's capacity to respond more
appropriately to mental health emergencies, building
upon the behavioral health crisis system of care
framework established in HB 172 (2022). At $.98 per
line, HB 138 is estimated to generate $6-8 million
annually in predictable, sustainable funding.
Currently, Alaska's behavioral health crisis services
rely heavily on dwindling general fund dollars,
unstable or temporary grant funding, and insufficient
Medicaid reimbursement rates. As Alaska has
transitioned to leveraging Federal dollars through
1115 Medicaid waiver services, there has been a
significant decline in funding to Behavioral Health
Treatment and Recovery Grants. This financial
instability has led some providers to discontinue or
delay the implementation of crisis services. By
establishing a consistent funding mechanism through
the proposed surcharge, Alaska can ensure the
sustainability and expansion of its behavioral health
crisis response system.
The proposed surcharge would support critical
services, including the 988 crisis hotline, mobile
crisis teams, crisis stabilization centers, and
culturally-appropriate outreach, programs, and
services. These services are essential for providing
immediate assistance to individuals experiencing
mental health crises, reducing the burden on emergency
departments, law enforcement agencies, and the
correctional system. These funds would also facilitate
the recruitment and retention of behavioral health
professionals, offer specialized training, and support
public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental
health issues.
Adopting the behavioral health crisis
telecommunication surcharge in House Bill 138 is a
critical step toward strengthening Alaska's mental
health infrastructure. It offers a sustainable funding
solution to enhance crisis response services, ensuring
that individuals in need have access to timely and
effective support. By investing in this initiative,
Alaska can improve public safety, reduce the strain on
emergency services, and provide better outcomes for
those experiencing behavioral health crises.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA noted that the funding mechanism was similar
to the 911 funding mechanism, noting that there is a $2
surcharge for 911, which generates approximately $12 to $16
million a year.
3:37:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked if 988 was statewide. She asked
whether anyone in the state could access it.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA responded yes.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE referred to page 1, line 8, citing
"$.98... for each local exchange access line for wireless
telephones." She confirmed that landlines would be required to
pay the surcharge under HB 138.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA responded yes.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE offered her understanding that telephone
companies are not required to collect debts should someone
choose not to pay the surcharge or their telephone bill.
3:38:32 PM
KATY GIORGIO, Staff, Representative Genevieve Mina, Alaska State
Legislature, answered questions on behalf of Representative
Mina, prime sponsor of HB 138. She replied that there would be
no enforcement mechanism for the telecom companies under HB 138
to collect and remit the fee. She stated that theoretically an
individual could not pay the surcharge under HB 138. She opined
that she did not anticipate that to be a big problem.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE commented that people not paying their
telephone bills was a "widespread problem."
3:39:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER offered his understanding that, unlike
the 911 surcharge, the 988 surcharge under HB 138 would be used
to pay for a variety of behavioral health services, recruitment,
retention, et cetera. He stated that there are dire social
needs in Alaska. He questioned the justification of using the
988 surcharge to pay for a broad array of services.
3:40:33 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS noted that one could make a call to 988 and then
be referred to a counselor that may not currently be available.
He spoke to the importance of having care available when needed.
3:41:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA replied 988 does not function as
successfully in a vacuum and asserted that 988 is one piece of a
system of care. She provided an example, stating that, while
988 works on the front lines of care, there are situations that
require a mobile crisis response team.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER queried the limits of the proposed
legislation. He asked what services would not be provided with
the surcharge.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA referred to page 3 of the proposed
legislation, noting that subsection starting on line 8
delineated the parameters of which services were covered by the
fund. She further stated that the Division of Behavioral Health
determines which cities or towns receives the treatment and
recovery grants.
3:42:55 PM
MS. GIORGIO stated that there has been a lot of variation
between states on how 988 is funded and what services are
covered under 988. She stated that she had a chart on what is
done state-by-state and would share it with the committee. She
noted that HB 138 was modelled after Delaware, who decided to
create a fund that covers all of the possible uses for the
crisis continuum of care. She asserted that Alaska is a diverse
state with a lot of unique needs that vary community by
community. She explained that HB 138 was intended to be
flexible to serve the needs of rural communities in Alaska, and
recalled a statistic stating that Alaska was number one in youth
suicides, particularly in rural areas of the state.
3:45:11 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked Ms. Mueca to elaborate on services funded
by the surcharge under HB 138.
3:45:17 PM
ANDREA MUECA, Deputy Director, Division of Behavioral Health,
Department of Health (DOH), reported that the funds could be
used to support suicide and prevention training and crisis and
response intervention services. She further stated that funds
could be utilized to improve regional support for rural areas
experiencing gaps in crisis care services. She noted that it
included increased access to services in rural areas, as well as
support for rural providers.
3:46:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE referred to page 3, line 14, citing the
"legislature may appropriate", and stated that the money
collected under HB 138 was not a dedicated fund. She shared
concerns that there was no mandate that the money collected
would actually go towards behavioral health services. She
additionally shared concerns about communities being taxed and
not receiving proportionate crisis care services or grants. She
asserted that every cellphone and landline in the state would be
taxed under HB 138, but not everyone would benefit from that
fee. She provided an example, stating that she was not
comfortable taxing phones in Nome for the purpose of additional
mobile crisis teams in Anchorage.
3:48:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER shared concerns about the broad range of
services that would be provided under HB 138. He further asked
whether there would ever be an end to the mental health crisis
in Alaska, and would the fund be necessary should the crisis be
adequately addressed.
3:49:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA asserted that as long as Alaska was
experiencing the highest rates of youth suicide and the second
highest rates of adult suicide in nation, the State of Alaska
was in crisis.
3:50:23 PM
CO-CHAIR HALL opined that, without investment in early education
other childhood resources, they would not see improvement of the
behavioral health crisis. She remarked that she foresaw the
surcharge being necessary for a long time.
3:51:03 PM
MS. GIORGIO spoke to the concept of crisis under HB 138 and
emphasized the importance of helping every individual
experiencing a crisis. She referenced comments from parents on
Facebook stating that the Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) saved
their child's life.
3:52:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK thanked the bill sponsor and offered her
belief that the proposed legislation was well-structured and
addressed a "super critical need." She shared concerns with
Representative Coulombe regarding the regional distribution of
funds under HB 138 and queried whether funds could be
distributed per capita based on population or need to ensure
"equal or equitable distribution of funds."
REPRESENTATIVE MINA responded that she agreed with the desire to
ensure that communities in need and statewide institutions were
properly supported. She explained that she did not want to be
too prescriptive in Alaska Statute (AS) when giving DOH the
ability to determine the parameters of the funds. She deferred
to DOH.
3:53:57 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS opined that behavioral health treatment grants
have been historically, pretty fairly distributed.
3:54:14 PM
MS. MUECA stated that there is call center data showing where
most of the calls come from and that she could collect data and
distribute it to the committee. Additionally, she stated that
there are various grants that are required to be distributed in
urban and rural areas.
3:54:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK commented that she wanted to ensure that
there was equitable or equal distribution of funds. She asked
whether there was a way to look into how other states decided to
make fund allocations. She noted that she used to work in
tobacco prevention and was unsure how those funds were
allocated.
MS. MUECA responded that she could study what is done in other
states regarding fund allocation and further stated that she
could additionally look into how the taxes collected from
tobacco in Alaska were distributed.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK opined that it was worth drawing a
comparison.
3:56:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER suggested calling the surcharge a
"behavioral health tax on cellphones," that provided a variety
of services given that the crisis "may never be over."
3:57:06 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS noted that an amendment to HB 138 has been
drafted already. He asked the will of the committee.
3:57:31 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease from 3:57 p.m.
3:57:59 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS set an amendment deadline for HB 138.
[HB 138 was held over.]
HB 156-DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION
[Contains discussions of SB 78.]
3:58:11 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 156, "An Act relating to disclosure of
information regarding employee compensation by employers,
employees, and applicants for employment."
3:58:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, gave an overview of HB 156. She explained that
Alaska was facing a labor shortage, and she wanted to ensure
that the hiring processes were fair and efficient. She asserted
that HB 156 would improve the economy and labor market by
requiring wage and salary disclosures in job postings,
prohibiting employers from asking about a prospective employees
salary history, and codifying the National Labor Relations Act
(NLRA), which allows employees to openly discuss wages. She
asserted that HB 156 benefits both employees and employers.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS noted that the committee would next go to
invited testimony for HB 156.
4:00:01 PM
JARRETT CARSON, representing self, began his invited testimony
by stating that he was providing testimony from the standpoint
of a human resources (HR) practitioner. He asserted that HB 156
would be a step forward in creating a more transparent,
equitable, and competitive job market in Alaska. He stated that
HB 156 would require employers to disclose the wage range for a
position early in the hiring process and providing employee
protection related to wage transparency. He asserted that HB
156 would benefit smaller businesses by clearly stating
compensation expectations upfront to attract qualified
candidates aligned with the business rather than losing
employees to larger organizations that can afford "costly
negotiations." He asserted that HB 156 would particularly help
employers in rural and underserved regions of Alaska. He stated
that HB 156 would additionally protect prospective jobseekers
from "being anchored to prior wages" which may reflect inequity
or unrelated industries. He asserted that HB 156 would ensure
that job candidates are evaluated with a basis on skills,
compatibility, and experience, not on compensation history. He
asserted that HB 156 was a critical step in promoting fair
hiring practices and addressing wage disparities, particularly
for underrepresented and marginalized groups. He noted that the
proposed legislation additionally protects the right to discuss
wages in the workplace without the fear of retaliation. He
stated that open conversations about compensation ensure that
workers have the information to advocate for themselves.
MR. CARSON made some recommendations for amendments to HB 156.
He proposed the clarification of the scope of wage discussion
and protection, noting that, as written, HB 156 could be
unintentionally applied to individuals in confidential or
fiduciary roles, such as HR professionals, supervisors, or
accounting staff who may have access to salary data of other
employees. He argued that protections under HB 156 should be
limited to an individuals own compensation or general equity
concerns, not the unauthorized disclosure of confidential
information. He also recommended the inclusion of clear
definitions of company size to avoid disproportionate financial
impact on smaller employers. He made recommendations for
company size classifications for small, medium, and large
employers.
MR. CARSON concluded by asserting that HB 156 would "foster
fairness, support for small businesses, competitiveness,
improved candidate experience, builds public trust in hiring
practices and strengthens worker protections."
4:04:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Mr. Carson to define fair wage and
equity with respect to the workplace.
MR. CARSON noted that an employee could potentially receive a
lower salary based on their salary history. He provided an
anecdote about how his company provides fair wages with salary
scales to ensure that employees are competitive with their
peers.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER commented that HB 156 substitutes
"statistics and normalization to direct benefit that an employee
might bring to an employer." He stated that he was
philosophically opposed to the approach.
4:08:02 PM
MICHAEL WALSH, PhD, Vice President of Public Policy, The Foraker
Group, gave invited testimony on HB 156. He said that the
Foraker Group additionally supported SB 78, the Senate companion
bill to HB 156. He stated that the Foraker Groups' interest in
HB 156 was related to data on gender pay equity, which was of
great interest to the Foraker Group. He explained that the
Foraker Group provided resources for non-profits that can be
translated into policy action to improve the lives of Alaska
residents. He further explained that the Foraker Group has
conducted research for decades on the economic impact of non-
profits on Alaska's economy. He asserted that pay transparency
is a critical tool in addressing gender pay inequity, noting
that the Foraker Group was close to releasing its most recent
reports on the persistent gender pay gap in Alaska. He stated
that HB 156 would help recruit and retain workers in all sectors
of the economy, including the non-profit workforce. He asserted
that the Foraker Group has been committed to advancing pay
transparency for more than a decade, noting that that its free
job board requires jobs to be posted with a pay range. He
stated there is considerable research showing that pay
transparency laws support all workers in their job searches. He
stated that job seeking is time consuming, and maximizing both
the employees and employers time was in everyone's best
interest. He concluded by stating that Alaska would not be the
first state to pass legislation such as HB 156 and thanked the
committee members for their time.
4:12:11 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on HB 156. After
ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify, closed
public testimony on HB 156.
4:13:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE referred to the fiscal note and
requested an explanation for three new positions under HB 156.
4:13:53 PM
JEREMY APPLEGATE, Chief of Wage & Hour, Division of Labor
Standards & Safety, Department of Labor & Workforce Development
(DOLWD), answered questions during the hearing on HB 156. He
replied that HB 156 would create a new type of investigation
that would require a new hearing process and new collection
mechanism, which necessitates new positions.
4:15:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether an employer was obligated
to pay a wage that fell within the required salary range. He
further asked what might prevent an employer from created a very
large salary range.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA replied that it was not the legislature's
job to decide the correct wage and range for a job; rather, the
proposed legislation was requiring transparency.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether an employer was obligated
to pay a wage that fell within the salary range.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA replied that the expectation was that the
job posting would be tied to the actual job salary. She further
stated that she would get back to the committee on whether it
was enforced under HB 156.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER opined that it should not be a
requirement under HB 156.
4:17:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON offered his appreciation for the intent of
HB 156. He opined that having a wide salary range would remove
the impetus of the proposed bill, commenting that a company
providing a salary range from $20,000 to $2 million was not
clarifying to any prospective employee. He further noted that
the federal government already protected the right to discuss
wages in the workplace.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA stated that HB 156 was about wage and salary
transparency. She argued that it was better to have information
about a job rather than no information at all. She suggested
that if the salary range was too broad, a prospective employee
could decide not to pursue that particular position.
Additionally, she stated that there were enforcement mechanisms
under HB 156.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON argued that an employer could circumvent
punishment by providing a wide salary range. He stated that he
did not see the point of the proposed legislation.
4:20:30 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS said that other jurisdictions have passed wage
transparency laws around the world and have significantly
reduced the gender pay gap, proving its effectiveness.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON replied that other countries have required
that posted salaries accurately reflect the job salaries. He
offered appreciation for the intent of HB 156, but argued that
there were no provisions to ensure that posted salaries were not
"wide open."
4:21:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK referred to the fiscal note, quoting
"Wage and Hour anticipates three (3) full-time positions will be
needed to handle the influx of calls, questions, and complaints
and fines to fulfill the statutory obligations of this
[proposed] legislation". She commented that she would like to
see a fiscal note that offers an estimation of how much might be
collected in fines and if that might offset the cost of the
legislation. She queried what other states have done.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA stated that she was unsure and would look
into it.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK requested a fiscal note that reflected
how much the State of Alaska would collect in fines under HB
156.
4:23:00 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS set an amendment deadline for HB 156.
[HB 156 was held over.]
HB 178-MEDICAL DEBT: INFORMATION, DISCRIMINATION
4:23:03 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 178, "An Act relating to medical debt and
consumer credit reporting agencies; relating to discriminatory
practices based on the medical debt of a person; and providing
for an effective date."
4:23:43 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:23 p.m.
4:24:19 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS entertained amendments.
4:24:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 178,
labeled 34-LS0569\N.1, Gunther, 5/1/25, which read as follows:
Page 1, line 10:
Delete "the person's medical debt"
Insert "a medical debt the person has had for
less than 12 months"
Page 2, line 3, following "debt":
Insert "the person has had for less than 12
months"
Page 2, line 12, following "debt":
Insert "a person has had for less than 12 months"
Page 2, line 26, following "debt":
Insert "a person has had for less than 12 months"
Page 2, line 31, through page 3, line 1:
Delete "the person's medical debt"
Insert "a medical debt the person has had for
less than 12 months"
Page 3, lines 3 - 4:
Delete "the person's medical debt"
Insert "a medical debt the person has had for
less than 12 months"
Page 3, lines 5 - 6:
Delete "the medical debt of a person"
Insert "a medical debt a person has had for less than
12 months if the person is"
Page 3, line 9:
Delete "the person's medical debt"
Insert "a medical debt the person has had for
less than 12 months"
Page 3, line 13:
Delete "person's medical debt"
Insert "medical debt the person has had for less
than 12 months"
Page 3, line 20, following "debt":
Insert "a consumer has had for less than 12
months"
Page 3, line 24, following "debt":
Insert "a consumer has had for less than 12
months"
Page 3, line 25, following "use":
Insert "that"
CO-CHAIR FIELDS objected.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE stated that she was concerned about
longstanding large debts. She explained that Amendment 1 would
keep an individual's medical debt hidden if the debt is 12
months or less outstanding. She stated that the amendment was
concurrent with general practices for credit reporting, as they
typically do not report medical debt less than a year old.
4:25:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, answered questions during the hearing on HB 178.
She offered her appreciation for the amendment but stated that
she opposed the amendment. She reported that, due to increased
scrutiny on the correlation between medical debts and credit
trustworthiness, major credit reporting entities had stopped
reporting delinquent medical bills less than 12 months old. She
stated that there are individuals who are taking longer than 12
months to resolve their medical bills due to negotiations with
both insurance companies and the hospitals.
4:26:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER offered his appreciation for the
amendment, noting that he liked the nuanced approach. He stated
that he felt 12 months was reasonable accommodation. He offered
his support for the amendment.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler, Coulombe,
and Nelson voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 1 to
HB 178. Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted
against it. Therefore, Amendment 1 failed to be adopted by a
vote of 3-4.
4:28:13 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 178, labeled
34-LS0569\N.3, Gunther, 5/1/25, which read as follows:
Page 1, line 5, through page 2, line 27:
Delete all material.
Page 2, line 28:
Delete "Sec. 2"
Insert "Section 1"
Delete "a new subsection"
Insert "new subsections"
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 3, following line 13:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(c) In this section, "medical debt" has the
meaning given in AS 45.85.800(c)."
Page 3, lines 14 - 15:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK objected for purposes of discussion.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that employers tend to conduct
background checks when hiring new employees, which typically
include credit scores in the application process. He explained
that the amendment would remove "medical debt" as a "protected
class" in employment for the purpose of simplifying the proposed
bill.
4:28:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA offered her support for the amendment. She
stated that, originally, HB 178 contained provisions regarding
discrimination from employers and prospective landlords related
to medical debt. She noted that landlords typically ask about
medical debt, whereas employers typically do not explicitly ask
about medical debt. She stated the intended focus of the
proposed bill was landlords, rental applications, and credit
reports.
4:29:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK removed her objection to the motion to
Amendment 2 to HB 178. There being no further objection,
Amendment 2 was adopted.
4:29:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [3] to HB 178,
as amended, labeled 34-LS0569\N.5, Gunther, 5/5/25, which read
as follows:
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "relating to medical debt and consumer
credit reporting agencies;"
Page 3, line 15:
Delete "has the meaning given in AS 45.85.800(c)"
Insert "means an obligation for the payment of
money arising out of an agreement or contract, express
or implied, for the provision of health care services,
products, or devices; "medical debt" does not include
debt charged to a credit card or an extension of
credit made by a financial institution to a borrower"
Page 3, line 16, through page 4, line 8:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS objected.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that the amendment would remove
Section 4 of the proposed legislation, noting that Section 4
bars a medical collections agency from reporting a medical debt
to a credit agency. He stated that the committee had previously
heard conflicting legal advice about whether Section 4 violates
federal laws that preempt states from passing laws that regulate
medical debt. He argued that by removing Section 4 from the
legislation, it resolves the legal issue, thus making passage of
HB 156 easier.
4:30:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA stated that she opposed the amendment,
noting that Section 4 of HB 178 was a critical part of the
proposed legislation. She argued that, according to the case
law, there was no narrow preemption that would supersede the
states ability from regulating credit reports in such a way that
would prohibit the reporting of medical debt. She noted that
there have been many legal memos due to the complexity of the
issue.
4:31:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER offered his appreciation but suggested
that avoiding that legal conflict would be preferable.
4:31:58 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Nelson, Coulombe,
and Saddler voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 3 to
HB 178, as amended. Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and
Fields voted against it. Therefore, the motion to adopt
Amendment 3 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
4:32:36 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved Amendment 4 to HB 178, as amended, labeled
34-LS0569\N.6, Gunther, 5/6/25, which read as follows:
Page 3, line 15:
Delete "AS 45.85.800(c)"
Insert "AS 45.48.800(c)"
CO-CHAIR HALL objected.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that Amendment 4 would fix a technical
drafting error, which referenced the wrong statute with regards
to the definition of "medical debt." He further asked the prime
sponsor whether the amendment was appropriate.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA confirmed the amendment appropriately
references "medical debt" as it related to the proposed
legislation. She thanked Representative Saddler for noticing
the drafting error.
CO-CHAIR HALL removed her objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 4 to HB 178, as amended, was adopted.
4:33:41 PM
CO-CHAIR HALL moved to report HB 178, as amended, out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Carrick, Nelson,
Burke, Hall, and Fields voted in favor of the motion to report
HB 178, as amended, out of committee. Representatives Coulombe
and Saddler voted against it. Therefore, CSHB 178(L&C) was
reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee
by a vote of 5-2.
4:34:29 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:34 p.m. to 4:36 p.m.
HB 110-SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT
4:36:08 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 110, "An Act relating to a social work
licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; and
providing for an effective date."
4:36:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW GRAY, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HB 110. He gave a prepared sponsor statement
[included in the committee file], which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
House Bill 110 seeks to increase the number of social
workers in Alaska by having Alaska join a multi-state
social worker licensing compact. This effort aims to
address the urgent and growing need for qualified
social workers in Alaska as quickly as possible.
Alaska is currently experiencing a critical shortage
of social workers across various sectors, including
mental health, education, and services for vulnerable
populations. We face significant challenges in
retaining qualified professionals, with high turnover
rates and increasing demand exacerbating the problem.
In response, the University of Alaska has launched
targeted training programs, such as the school-based
Social Work Education and Network Development
initiative. This program prepares school-based social
workers to meet urgent mental health needs in high-
poverty areas. However, despite these efforts, the
demand for social workers in Alaska continues to rise.
In fact, the state projects a 13% increase in demand
over the next three years.
Low wages, burnout, and limited opportunities for
professional advancement contribute to ongoing
recruitment and retention challenges. As a result,
public assistance programs have experienced processing
delays and growing case backlogs. Addressing the
shortage of social workers is essential to
strengthening Alaska's health, education, and
protective services. This legislation can be part of
the solution.
I respectfully ask for your support of House Bill 110.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY further shared a personal anecdote, noting
that he was licensed to practice in both California and Alaska.
He stated that it was easier to obtain a license in California
than it was in Alaska.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS stated that the committee would move on to
invited testimony.
4:39:39 PM
TONIE PROTZMAN, Executive Director, National Association of
Social Workers, Alaska Chapter (NASW Alaska Chapter), She stated
that NASW has 120 members worldwide and is the largest
professional organization of social workers. She stated that 90
percent of members, when surveyed, voted in support of the
proposed compact. She asserted that the proposed legislation
would enhance access to social work services in Alaska,
particularly in rural regions, by minimizing barriers to
practice between state lines. She asserted that HB 110 would
also improve social work mobility, telehealth services, and
promote workforce flexibility. She reported that Alaska
expected to see a 13 percent increase in the need for social
work positions by 2028, which, she explained, was primarily
driven by an aging population and the overall growth of Alaska.
She further reported that the population of senior citizens is
expected to double by 2030. She asserted that the social work
licensure compact would simplify the licensing process for
social workers, and result in an increase of social work
professionals and social work services. She reported that, in
Alaska, there were approximately 21,000 active miliary members
and dependents, who often face barriers to license reciprocity.
She reported that the unemployment rate of military spouses was
22 percent, which was five times the rate of non-military
spouses. She concluded by stating that social workers play a
critical role in mental health services and asserted that HB 110
would allow increased access to social work services while
maintaining public safety. She thanked the committee members
for their time.
4:43:37 PM
KAITLYN BISON, Policy Analyst, Council of State Governments
(CSG), She explained that the Council of State Governments had
facilitated the development process for 18 occupational license
compacts, including two of which Alaska is already a member. She
stated that a compact would allow social workers to obtain
multi-state licenses to practice in other states that are
members of the compact. She further explained that each compact
member-state agrees to mutually recognize the practitioners
licensure issued by every other member-state. She explained
that HB 110 was similar to the two other licensing compacts of
which Alaska is already a member. She further explained that,
under HB 110, a social worker must hold an active, unencumbered
license to be eligible for a multi-state license and must
additionally pass a background check and meet any other
educational and examination requirements. She asserted that the
compact would allow Alaska to protect public health and safety
through existing regulations, thus preserving the state
authority. She further explained that the Alaska Board of Social
Work Examiners would have jurisdiction over anyone practicing in
Alaska under a multi-state license. She said that the social
work compact is governed by a commission made up of 26 member-
states, and should Alaska join the compact, a delegate from the
Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners would serve as a
representative from Alaska on the commission and have a vote
equal to other member-state representatives.
4:47:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE referred to page 23 of the proposed
legislation, citing "The Commission may levy on and collect an
annual assessment from each Member State". She asked if there
was an annual fee that Alaska would be required to pay.
MS. BISON explained that the social work commission began
development in May of 2024 and that multi-state licenses have
not been issued yet. She further explained that member-state
assessments have not yet been conducted so it has not been
decided whether Alaska would be required to pay a fee. She
further added that out of the 18 licensure compacts, only two
have what the proposed legislation was attempting to address.
Additionally, she stated that, because the commissions are made
up of representatives from state licensing boards. She said that
there was an inherent disincentive to levy a fee.
4:48:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER shared concern that if a state joins a
compact, it would create a pathway for people to leave Alaska
and practice elsewhere. He asked for data on the net number of
professionals gained or lost in other states with compacts.
MS. BISON stated that there was not any data yet for social work
compacts because of their novelty. She stated that she would
follow up with the committee with data from other compacts.
4:49:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asserted that a compact would allow for a
more capitalist free-market system. He asserted that a compact
would incentivize employers to make wages and benefits more
competitive.
4:52:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY stated that Ms. Protzman would be the expert
on the subject.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS noted that she was no longer available online.
4:52:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked if Representative Gray's goal was
to allow social workers in Alaska to treat out-of-state patients
via telehealth, to draw more social workers to Alaska, or to
allow "state-hopping" for practitioners.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY replied that his goal was a combination of
all three of Representative Saddler's suggestions.
4:54:15 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS set an amendment deadline for HB 110.
[HB 110 was held over.]
SB 54-EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN
4:54:20 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the final order of business would
be CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 54(FIN), "An
Act relating to registered interior designers and interior
design; relating to project costs for the construction,
enlargement, or improvement of airports; extending the
termination date of the State Board of Registration for
Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice of
registered interior design; relating to the practice of
architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape
architecture, and registered interior design; relating to the
scope of the certification requirements for architects,
engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered
interior designers; relating to immunity for design
professionals; relating to the cost of construction for
recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or materials
furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape
architectural and interior design services; relating to the cost
of construction of safe water and hygienic sewage disposal
facilities in villages; and providing for an effective date."
4:54:36 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on CSSSSB 54(FIN).
4:54:48 PM
CASEY KEE, representing self, She stated that she was an
interior designer and strongly supported the proposed
legislation as was currently written. She stated that she was
opposed to any amendment to "strike interior design" from the
proposed legislation.
4:55:23 PM
LARRY CASH, representing self, He stated that he had practiced
architecture in Alaska for 45 years with qualified interior
designers. He offered his support for CSSSSB 54(FIN) and
encouraged the committee to pass CSSSSB 54(FIN) without
amendments.
4:56:27 PM
BARBARA CASH, representing self, She stated that she was a
nationally credentialed interior designer. She encouraged the
committee to extend the board, update statute, and register
Alaska interior designers. She thanked the committee members
for their service.
4:57:01 PM
MELISSA TRIBYL, representing self, She stated that she was an
interior designer and asserted that CSSSSB 54(FIN) would assist
interior designers in the state. and encouraged committee
members to pass the proposed legislation without amendments.
4:57:40 PM
DANA NUNN, Chair, Government Advocacy Committee, American
Society of Interior Designers, Alaska Chapter, She stated that
she was a certified interior designer through the National
Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). She asked
the committee to support CSSSSB 54(FIN), as written.
4:58:38 PM
ASHLEY KILLIAN, Allied Member, American Society of Interior
Designers, She stated that she was an interior designer through
NCIDQ. She stated that she opposed amendments to strike
interior design from CSSSSB 54(FIN).
4:59:26 PM
CRAIG BLEDSOE, representing self, He stated that he was a
licensed professional engineer and aircraft accident
investigator. He offered his support for CSSSSB 54(FIN), as
written, and opposed amendments to strike interior designers
from the proposed legislation. He stated that he is generally
opposed to burdensome regulations that restrict commerce.
5:00:38 PM
MELISSA WILTFONG, representing self, She stated that she was a
commercial interior designer. She expressed her full support
for CSSSSB 54(FIN) with the inclusion of interior design
registration. She stated that she opposed any amendments to
take interior designers out of the proposed legislation.
5:01:11 PM
CATHERINE FRITZ, representing self, testified in opposition to
CSSSSB 54 (FIN). She suggested that the committee remove two
seats in section 2 of the proposed legislation and asserted that
it was "inappropriate" for an interior designer to serve on the
board, given that it was regulated by statute and because it
would be regulated as a practice itself.
5:04:05 PM
JOHN PEKAR, representing self, He stated that he was a civil
engineer and the president of the Alaska Professional Design
Council (APDC), which represents 1,000 design professionals that
are registered by the Board of Architects and Land Surveyors.
He stated that APDC supported the extension of the board, the
board-recommended changes, and the registration creation for
interior designers under CSSSSB 54(FIN). He encouraged
committee members to pass the proposed legislation without
change.
5:04:54 PM
MARY KNOPF, representing self, She said that interior designers
"play an important role" in a commercial design team and
encouraged the committee to move CSSSSB 54 (FIN) as it was
currently written.
5:05:41 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS, after ascertaining that there was no one else
who wished to testify, closed public testimony on CSSSSB
54(FIN).
5:05:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [1] to CSSSSB
54(FIN), labeled 34-LS0044\H.1, Gunther, 5/1/25, which read as
follows:
Page 1, lines 1 - 2:
Delete "relating to registered interior designers
and interior design; relating to project costs for the
construction, enlargement, or improvement of
airports;"
Page 1, line 4, through page 2, line 1:
Delete "relating to the State Board of
Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice
of registered interior design; relating to the
practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying,
landscape architecture, and registered interior
design; relating to the scope of the certification
requirements for architects, engineers, land
surveyors, landscape architects, and registered
interior designers; relating to immunity for design
professionals; relating to the cost of construction
for recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or
materials furnished; relating to the procurement of
landscape architectural and interior design services;
relating to the cost of construction of safe water and
hygienic sewage disposal facilities in villages;"
Page 2, lines 3 - 17:
Delete all material.
Page 2, line 18:
Delete "Sec. 2"
Insert "Section 1"
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 2, line 21, through page 22, line 27:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
Page 22, line 28:
Delete "Except as provided in secs. 46 and 47 of
this Act, this"
Insert "This"
CO-CHAIR HALL objected.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that the proposed amendment
would remove all sections except for an 8 year renewal.
[CO-CHAIR HALL's objection was treated as maintained.]
5:07:03 PM
A roll call vote was started and voided.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Nelson, Coulombe,
Saddler voted in favor of Amendment 1 to CSSSSB 54 (FIN).
Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted against
it. Therefore, Amendment 1 to CSSSSB 54 (FIN) failed by a vote
of 3-4
5:08:09 PM
CO-CHAIR HALL moved to report CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR
SENATE BILL NO. 54(FIN) out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being
no objection, CSSSSB 54(FIN) was reported out of the House Labor
and Commerce Standing Committee.
5:08:31 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
5:08 p.m.