Legislature(1993 - 1994)

03/09/1993 08:00 AM House STA

Audio Topic
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
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             HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE                            
                          March 9, 1993                                        
                            8:00 a.m.                                          
                                                                               
                                                                               
  MEMBERS PRESENT                                                              
                                                                               
  Representative Al Vezey, Chairman                                            
  Representative Pete Kott, Vice Chairman                                      
  Representative Harley Olberg                                                 
  Representative Jerry Sanders                                                 
  Representative Gary Davis                                                    
  Representative Fran Ulmer                                                    
  Representative Bettye Davis                                                  
                                                                               
  MEMBERS ABSENT                                                               
                                                                               
  None                                                                         
                                                                               
  OTHER HOUSE MEMBERS PRESENT                                                  
                                                                               
  Representative Con Bunde                                                     
  Representative Carl Moses                                                    
                                                                               
  COMMITTEE CALENDAR                                                           
                                                                               
  HB 81     "An Act relating to the longevity bonus program."                  
                                                                               
            HELD IN COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION                        
                                                                               
  HJR 18    Relating to establishment of a fishing community                   
            at Adak.                                                           
                                                                               
            MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH A DO PASS RECOMMENDATION                 
                                                                               
  SB 47     "An Act relating to equipment, registration and                    
            identification of custom collector vehicles; and                   
            providing for an effective date."                                  
                                                                               
            MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH A DO PASS RECOMMENDATION                 
                                                                               
  WITNESS REGISTER                                                             
                                                                               
  Representative Carl Moses                                                    
  Room 204, State Capitol                                                      
  Juneau, Alaska  99801-1182                                                   
  465-4451                                                                     
  Position Statement: Prime Sponsor of HJR 18                                  
                                                                               
  Max Gifford, Legislative Aide                                                
    to Senator Tim Kelly                                                       
  Room 101, State Capitol                                                      
  Juneau, Alaska  99801-1182                                                   
  465-3822                                                                     
  Position Statement: Outlined SSSB 47                                         
                                                                               
  Juanita Hensley, Chief, Driver Services                                      
  Division of Motor Vehicles                                                   
  Department of Public Safety                                                  
  P.O. Box 20020                                                               
  Juneau, Alaska  99802-0020                                                   
  465-4335                                                                     
  Position Statement: Explained the intent of SSSB 47                          
                                                                               
  Nancy Bear Usera, Commissioner                                               
  Department of Administration                                                 
  10th Floor, State Office Building                                            
  P.O. Box 110200                                                              
  Juneau, Alaska  99811-0200                                                   
  465-2200                                                                     
  Position Statement: Opposed CSHB 81; Supported HB 81                         
                                                                               
  Representative Con Bunde                                                     
  Room 112, State Capitol                                                      
  Juneau, Alaska  99801-1182                                                   
  465-4843                                                                     
  Position Statement: Opposed a need based program                             
                                                                               
  PREVIOUS ACTION                                                              
                                                                               
  BILL:  HB 81                                                                 
  SHORT TITLE:  PHASE OUT LONGEVITY BONUS                                      
  BILL VERSION:                                                                
  SPONSOR(S):  RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR                                
  TITLE: "An Act relating to the longevity bonus program."                     
  JRN-DATE     JRN-PG               ACTION                                     
  01/22/93       130    (H)   READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)                  
  01/22/93       130    (H)   STATE AFFAIRS, JUDICIARY,                        
                              FINANCE                                          
  01/22/93       130    (H)   -2 FNS (ADM)   1/22/93                           
  01/22/93       130    (H)   GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER                    
  02/02/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
  02/02/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/06/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
  02/13/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/13/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/27/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
  02/27/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  02/27/93              (H)   MINUTE(STA)                                      
  03/09/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
                                                                               
                                                                               
  BILL:  HJR 18                                                                
  SHORT TITLE:  ESTABLISH FISHING COMMUNITY AT ADAK                            
  BILL VERSION:                                                                
  SPONSOR(S):  REPRESENTATIVE(S) MOSES                                         
  TITLE: Relating to establishment of a fishing community at                   
  Adak.                                                                        
  JRN-DATE     JRN-PG               ACTION                                     
  01/22/93       126    (H)   READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)                  
  01/22/93       126    (H)   MIL & VET AFF, FISHERIES,                        
                              STATE AFFAIRS                                    
  02/18/93              (H)   MLV AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 17                       
  02/24/93              (H)   MLV AT 05:00 PM CAPITOL 17                       
  02/24/93              (H)   MINUTE(MLV)                                      
  02/25/93       461    (H)   FSH REFERRAL WAIVED                              
  03/01/93       482    (H)   MLV RPT  3DP  1NR                                
  03/01/93       483    (H)   DP: MULDER, FOSTER, WILLIS                       
  03/01/93       483    (H)   NR: NAVARRE                                      
  03/01/93       483    (H)   -ZERO FISCAL NOTE  (DMVA)                        
                              3/1/93                                           
  03/09/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
                                                                               
                                                                               
  BILL:  SB 47                                                                 
  SHORT TITLE:  REGISTRATION/EQUIPMENT OF CUSTOM CARS                          
  BILL VERSION: SSSB 47                                                        
  SPONSOR(S):  SENATOR(S) KELLY,Halford,Taylor                                 
  TITLE: "An Act relating to equipment, registration, and                      
  identification of custom collector vehicles; and providing                   
  for an effective date."                                                      
  JRN-DATE     JRN-PG               ACTION                                     
  01/15/93        72    (S)   READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)                  
  01/15/93        72    (S)   LABOR & COMMERCE, THEN FINANCE                   
  01/22/93       121    (S)   SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED-                   
                              NEW TITLE                                        
  01/22/93       122    (S)   LABOR & COMMERCE, FINANCE                        
  01/26/93              (S)   L&C AT 01:30 PM BELTZ ROOM 211                   
  01/27/93       169    (S)   L&C RPT  4DP 1NR                                 
  01/27/93       169    (S)   FISCAL NOTE (DPS)                                
  02/10/93       312    (S)   FIN RPT  6DP                                     
  02/10/93       312    (S)   PREVIOUS FISCAL NOTE (DPS)                       
  02/10/93              (S)   FIN AT 08:00 AM SENATE FINANCE                   
                              518                                              
  02/11/93              (S)   RLS AT 11:45 AM FAHRENKAMP ROOM                  
                              203                                              
  02/11/93              (S)   MINUTE(RLS)                                      
  02/17/93       385    (S)   RULES RPT  3 TO CAL AND 1NR                      
                              2/17/93                                          
  02/17/93       387    (S)   READ THE SECOND TIME                             
  02/17/93       388    (S)   ADVANCE TO 3RD READING FAILED                    
                              Y11 N8 E1                                        
  02/17/93       388    (S)   THIRD READING 2/19 CALENDAR                      
  02/19/93       417    (S)   THIRD READING HELD TO 2/22                       
                              CALENDAR                                         
  02/22/93       441    (S)   READ THE THIRD TIME  SSSB 47                     
  02/22/93       441    (S)   HELD IN THIRD READING TO                         
                              2/24/93                                          
  02/24/93       464    (S)   HELD IN THIRD READING TO                         
                              2/26/93                                          
  02/26/93       512    (S)   RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 1                        
                              UNAN CONSENT                                     
  02/26/93       512    (S)   AM NO  1     MOVED BY DONLEY                     
  02/26/93       512    (S)   AM NO  1     FAILED  Y5  N12 E3                  
  02/26/93       513    (S)   RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 2                        
                              UNAN CONSENT                                     
  02/26/93       513    (S)   AM NO  2     MOVED BY DONLEY                     
  02/26/93       513    (S)   AM NO  2     FAILED  Y7  N10 E3                  
  02/26/93       514    (S)   RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 3  UNAN                  
                              CONSENT                                          
  02/26/93       514    (S)   AM NO  3     MOVED BY DONLEY                     
  02/26/93       514    (S)   AM NO  3     FAILED  Y6  N11 E3                  
  02/26/93       514    (S)   AM NO  4     NOT OFFERED AT                      
                              THIS TIME                                        
  02/26/93       514    (S)   RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 5 UNAN                   
                              CONSENT                                          
  02/26/93       515    (S)   AM NO  5     OFFERED BY DONLEY                   
  02/26/93       517    (S)   AM NO  5     FAILED  Y4  N13 E3                  
  02/26/93       517    (S)   RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 4 UNAN                   
                              CONSENT                                          
  02/26/93       517    (S)   AM NO  4     OFFERED BY DONLEY                   
  02/26/93       518    (S)   AM NO  4     FAILED  Y7  N10 E3                  
  02/26/93       518    (S)   RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 8  UNAN                  
                              CONSENT                                          
  02/26/93       517    (S)   AM NO 6, 7   NOT OFFERED AT THIS                 
                              TIME                                             
  02/26/93       518    (S)   AM NO  8     OFFERED BY LINCOLN                  
  02/26/93       519    (S)   AM NO  8     FAILED  Y7  N10 E3                  
  02/26/93       519    (S)   AUTOMATICALLY IN THIRD READING                   
  02/26/93       519    (S)   PASSED Y11 N6 E3                                 
  02/26/93       520    (S)   EFFECTIVE DATE PASSED Y17 N- E3                  
  02/26/93       520    (S)   ADAMS  NOTICE OF RECONSIDERATION                 
  03/01/93       548    (S)   RECONSIDERATION NOT TAKEN UP                     
  03/01/93       549    (S)   TRANSMITTED TO (H)                               
  03/02/93       501    (H)   READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)                  
  03/02/93       501    (H)   STATE AFFAIRS, TRANSPORTATION,                   
                              FINANCE                                          
  03/09/93              (H)   STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102                      
                                                                               
                                                                               
  ACTION NARRATIVE                                                             
                                                                               
  TAPE 93-27, SIDE A                                                           
  Number 000                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN AL VEZEY called the House State Affairs Committee                   
  to order at 8:02 a.m.  Members present included                              
  Representatives Ulmer, Olberg, G. Davis, B. Davis, Kott, and                 
  Sanders, representing a quorum.  Also in attendance was                      
  Representative Carl Moses, prime sponsor of HJR 18, and                      
  Representative Con Bunde.                                                    
  HJR 18:  ESTABLISH FISHING COMMUNITY AT ADAK                                 
                                                                               
  Number 018                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY read the title to HJR 18 and invited its                      
  sponsor, Representative Carl Moses, to the table for his                     
  comments.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Number 024                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES, PRIME SPONSOR of HJR 18, outlined                 
  the intent of HJR 18, that being to establish the rights of                  
  private fishermen to utilize the harbors and facilities of                   
  Adak Naval Air Station.  He reminded members fishermen had                   
  access to Finger Bay at Adak 15 years ago, and said allowing                 
  them use of the facilities again would aid the industry.                     
                                                                               
  Number 050                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked Representative Moses if any additional                  
  information on the federal government's intentions for Adak                  
  was available.                                                               
                                                                               
  Number 058                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated Adak faced a 10% reduction in                    
  1993, and that $30 million in contracts for expansion had                    
  been cancelled in the fall of 1992.                                          
                                                                               
  Number 068                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked if there was any news regarding the                     
  Congressional Base Closure Committee's intentions.                           
                                                                               
  Number 070                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated Adak was not mentioned in the                    
  latest round of closures.                                                    
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE FRAN ULMER asked if the intent of HJR 18 was                  
  for eventual state ownership of the facilities or just                       
  access to them.                                                              
                                                                               
  Number 080                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES hoped for access to the harbor and that                 
  access to tie-ups would be beneficial to the fishing                         
  community.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Number 100                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked if the Navy had been contacted.                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES replied in the negative.                                
                                                                               
  Number 109                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG asked about the restrictions                    
  placed on vessels coming to Adak.                                            
                                                                               
  Number 111                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES explained boats could not enter the                     
  harbor except for emergencies.  He hoped to regain access to                 
  docks, as well as commissary privileges for crews.                           
                                                                               
  Number 135                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG asked the status of land claims by the                 
  regional Native corporation.                                                 
                                                                               
  Number 140                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated to his knowledge, all claims had                 
  been made, but the potential for land exchanges between                      
  corporations and the government were always possible.                        
                                                                               
  Number 165                                                                   
                                                                               
  VICE CHAIRMAN PETE KOTT expressed concern over the message                   
  sent to the Defense Department.  He stated it seemed                         
  Alaskans might be conceding the closure of Adak.  He also                    
  asked if there was any fiscal impact with allowing a fishing                 
  community.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Number 182                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MOSES noted the community at Adak was already                 
  developed, with a harbor, as well as the infrastructure of a                 
  modern city.                                                                 
                                                                               
  Number 192                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE GARY DAVIS MOVED passage of HJR 18 from                       
  committee.  There being no objections, HJR 18 was PASSED by                  
  a 7-0 vote.                                                                  
  SB 47:  REGISTRATION/EQUIPMENT OF CUSTOM CARS                                
                                                                               
  Number 207                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY read the title of SSSB 47 and invited Max                     
  Gifford, aide to Senator Tim Kelly, to present the sponsor's                 
  statement.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Number 213                                                                   
                                                                               
  MAX GIFFORD, LEGISLATIVE AIDE TO SENATOR TIM KELLY, PRIME                    
  SPONSOR of SSSB 47, outlined the bill's intent to allow                      
  collectible cars to be exempted from certain regulations, to                 
  establish a special licensing of such cars, and the creation                 
  of special plates for collectibles; as well as the cost of                   
  the bill.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Number 251                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked about the registration requirements of                  
  SSSB 47.                                                                     
                                                                               
  Number 253                                                                   
                                                                               
  MR. GIFFORD explained the license plate fee of $50 would be                  
  a one time fee, with annual registration charges similar to                  
  normal registration fees.  He stated the cost to create the                  
  new license plates would be $10,900, which would be covered                  
  by the plate fee.                                                            
                                                                               
  Number 309                                                                   
                                                                               
  JUANITA HENSLEY, CHIEF, DRIVER SERVICES, DIVISION OF MOTOR                   
  VEHICLES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, joined the discussion                 
  and explained the intent of SSSB 47 to bring collectibles up                 
  to a safety standard with some exemptions for show cars.                     
  She also explained the standards being set for emissions and                 
  equipment.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Number 339                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS asked why 1949 had been established                  
  as a date for "collectible or classic" status, and wondered                  
  if Alaska's statehood year, 1959, might be more appropriate.                 
                                                                               
  Number 351                                                                   
                                                                               
  MR. GIFFORD explained 1949 was chosen because it was the                     
  last year running boards were manufactured on American cars,                 
  and it was generally recognized by collectors as a bench                     
  mark date.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Number 373                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG understood SSSB 47 allowed cars                        
  without hoods, fenders or bumpers to be driven on Alaska                     
  roads.                                                                       
                                                                               
  Number 376                                                                   
                                                                               
  MR. GIFFORD explained the limited number of cars not having                  
  all three parts, and agreed collectibles without them could                  
  be driven if they met all other technical requirements.                      
                                                                               
  Number 380                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG wondered if other antiques might not                   
  be covered.                                                                  
                                                                               
  Number 383                                                                   
                                                                               
  MS. HENSLEY stated they could qualify for "historic" plates,                 
  which would restrict them to be driven during parades, while                 
  SSSB 47 would allow "collectibles" to be driven anytime.                     
                                                                               
  Number 405                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE BETTYE DAVIS MOVED passage of SSSB 47.  There                 
  being no objections, SSSB 47 PASSED committee by a 7-0 vote.                 
                                                                               
  HB 81:  PHASE OUT LONGEVITY BONUS                                            
                                                                               
  Number 419                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY introduced a committee substitute (CS) to HB
  81, explained a legal analysis of it, then ordered a five                    
  minute recess at 8:26 a.m. so members could look at the                      
  research.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Number 432                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY reconvened the meeting at 8:32 a.m., and                      
  explained the motivation behind the analysis.  He stated                     
  concerns that under HB 81, costs would continue to rise for                  
  at least four years, and asked analysts if there was a way                   
  to begin cutting costs earlier.  He then outlined the three                  
  options presented in the research.                                           
                                                                               
  Number 504                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY called another five minute at ease so members                 
  could read the presentation.                                                 
                                                                               
  Number 518                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY, after calling the committee back to order,                   
  invited Commissioner of Administration, Nancy Bear Usera, to                 
  comment on the proposals.                                                    
                                                                               
  Number 520                                                                   
                                                                               
  NANCY BEAR USERA, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF                                
  ADMINISTRATION, urged the committee to reject CSHB 81 in                     
  favor of HB 81.  She stated the governor's proposal was                      
  fair, reasonable, and affordable even in the face of                         
  increasing costs.  She also stated the governor had already                  
  considered proposals similar to CSHB 81, and rejected them.                  
                                                                               
  Number 542                                                                   
                                                                               
  VICE CHAIR KOTT asked if the governor was likely to veto the                 
  alternatives.                                                                
                                                                               
  COMMISSIONER USERA explained the governor was committed to                   
  his version of HB 81, and alternatives were likely to be                     
  vetoed.                                                                      
                                                                               
  Number 553                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked if the Administration had legal                   
  opinions that the grandfathering provision based on age                      
  would withstand legal challenges.                                            
                                                                               
  COMMISSIONER USERA assured Representative Ulmer that                         
  opinions had been written, and that the phaseout of any                      
  program was easily defended.  She also stated the governor's                 
  commitment to the grandfathering clause, but noted a                         
  compromise on the amounts to be paid under it was possible.                  
                                                                               
  SB 6:  ANNUITY PROGRAM AMENDMENTS                                            
                                                                               
  Number 595                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE CON BUNDE joined the committee at the table,                  
  representing his constituents.  He stated his constituents                   
  were not interested in a need based program, saying it would                 
  become "senior welfare."  He also stated their opposition to                 
  SB 6, which would establish an annuity for seniors.  He said                 
  many voters did not want the bill because it would                           
  discriminate against those who would not be able to place                    
  their permanent fund check into the annuity.                                 
  Number 626                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY noted he would add HB 81 to the next                          
  meeting's agenda.                                                            
                                                                               
  Number 628                                                                   
                                                                               
  VICE CHAIR KOTT expressed his concern to move HB 81 quickly.                 
                                                                               
  Number 639                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG suggested members come prepared to                     
  move HB 81 at the next meeting with a minimum of discussion.                 
                                                                               
  Number 647                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS favored moving a bill that had the                   
  best chance of passing.                                                      
                                                                               
  ADJOURNMENT                                                                  
                                                                               
  Number 655                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN VEZEY noted all the arguments and adjourned the                     
  committee at 8:53 a.m.                                                       

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