03/05/2024 03:00 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB316 | |
| HB173 | |
| SB12 | |
| SB95 | |
| HJR18 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 316 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 173 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 12 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 95 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 18 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 5, 2024
3:02 p.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Laddie Shaw, Chair
Representative Stanley Wright, Vice Chair
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Jamie Allard
Representative Ashley Carrick
Representative Andi Story
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 316
"An Act relating to law enforcement requests for wireless
telephone location information in emergencies."
- MOVED CSHB 316(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 173
"An Act relating to public construction contracts; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 12(JUD)
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Administration; creating an address confidentiality program; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 95(STA) AM
"An Act relating to special request specialty organization
registration plates; relating to special registration plates
commemorating peace officers killed in the line of duty; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18
Urging the United States Congress to repeal the Windfall
Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset of the
Social Security Act.
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 316
SHORT TITLE: EMERGENCY CELL PHONE LOCATION DISCLOSURE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) C.JOHNSON
02/09/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/09/24 (H) STA
02/27/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/27/24 (H) Heard & Held
02/27/24 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/05/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 173
SHORT TITLE: PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WAGE RATES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MCCABE
04/24/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/24/23 (H) STA, FIN
03/05/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: SB 12
SHORT TITLE: ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KIEHL
01/18/23 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/23
01/18/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/18/23 (S) STA, JUD, FIN
02/02/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/02/23 (S) Heard & Held
02/02/23 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/28/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/28/23 (S) Moved CSSB 12(STA) Out of Committee
02/28/23 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/01/23 (S) STA RPT CS 1DP 3NR NEW TITLE
03/01/23 (S) DP: KAWASAKI
03/01/23 (S) NR: WIELECHOWSKI, BJORKMAN, MERRICK
03/08/23 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/08/23 (S) Heard & Held
03/08/23 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/15/23 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/15/23 (S) Moved CSSB 12(JUD) Out of Committee
03/15/23 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/17/23 (S) JUD RPT CS 3DP 1AM NEW TITLE
03/17/23 (S) DP: CLAMAN, TOBIN, KIEHL
03/17/23 (S) AM: KAUFMAN
03/28/23 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/28/23 (S) Heard & Held
03/28/23 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
04/03/23 (S) FIN RPT CS(JUD) 3DP 3NR 1AM
04/03/23 (S) DP: OLSON, HOFFMAN, KIEHL
04/03/23 (S) NR: STEDMAN, MERRICK, BISHOP
04/03/23 (S) AM: WILSON
04/03/23 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
04/03/23 (S) Moved CSSB 12(JUD) Out of Committee
04/03/23 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
04/24/23 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/24/23 (S) VERSION: CSSB 12(JUD)
04/26/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/26/23 (H) STA, JUD, FIN
05/04/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
05/04/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/04/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/05/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: SB 95
SHORT TITLE: LIC. PLATES: SPECIALTY ORGS/PEACE OFFICER
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MERRICK
03/08/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/08/23 (S) STA, FIN
04/18/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/18/23 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM
04/20/23 (S) Heard & Held
04/20/23 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/02/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/02/23 (S) Moved CSSB 95(STA) Out of Committee
05/02/23 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/03/23 (S) STA RPT CS 5DP SAME TITLE
05/03/23 (S) DP: KAWASAKI, WIELECHOWSKI, CLAMAN,
MERRICK, BJORKMAN
05/10/23 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
05/10/23 (S) Heard & Held
05/10/23 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
05/12/23 (S) FIN RPT CS(STA) 6DP 1NR SAME TITLE
05/12/23 (S) DP: STEDMAN, HOFFMAN, WILSON, KIEHL,
MERRICK, BISHOP
05/12/23 (S) NR: OLSON
05/12/23 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
05/12/23 (S) Moved CSSB 95(STA) Out of Committee
05/12/23 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
05/16/23 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
05/16/23 (S) VERSION: CSSB 95(STA) AM
01/16/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/24 (H) STA, FIN
03/05/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HJR 18
SHORT TITLE: SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT REDUCTION REPEAL
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) GALVIN
01/22/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/24 (H) STA
02/22/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/22/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/05/24 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
PORTIA SAMUELS, Staff
Representative Craig Johnson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an explanation of Amendment 1 to
HB 316, on behalf of Representative Craig Johnson, prime
sponsor.
GREG SMITH, Executive Director
Kelsey Smith Foundation
Overland Park, Kansas
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided invited testimony in support of HB
316.
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 173, as prime sponsor.
JULIE MORRIS, Staff
Representative Kevin McCabe
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for HB 173,
on behalf of Representative Kevin McCabe.
SENATOR JESSE KIEHL
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 12, as prime sponsor.
KEELEY OLSON, Executive Director
Standing Together Against Rape
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing and
testified in support of SB 12.
SENATOR KELLY MERRICK
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 95, as prime sponsor.
DOUG FIFER, retired Police Officer
Anchorage Police Department;
Chair
Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 95.
KERRY CROCKER, Staff
Senator Kelly Merrick
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on SB
95, on behalf of Senator Kelly Merrick, prime sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE ALYSE GALVIN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HJR 18, as prime sponsor.
MEREDITH TRAINOR, Staff
Representative Alyse Galvin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on
HJR 18 on behalf of Representative Alyse Galvin.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:02:16 PM
CHAIR SHAW called the House State Affairs Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Representatives Wright, C.
Johnson, Carpenter, Carrick, Story, and Shaw were present at the
call to order. Representative Allard arrived as the meeting was
in progress.
HB 316-EMERGENCY CELL PHONE LOCATION DISCLOSURE
3:03:47 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 316, "An Act relating to law enforcement requests
for wireless telephone location information in emergencies."
[Before the committee was CSHB 316.]
3:04:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE C. JOHNSON moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 316,
labeled 33-LS1235\B.2, Walsh, 3/1/24, which read as follows:
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "telephone"
Insert "device"
Page 1, line 5:
Delete "Telephone"
Insert "Device"
Page 1, line 6:
Delete "telephone"
Insert "device"
Page 1, line 7:
Delete "telephone company"
Insert "carrier"
Page 1, line 8:
Delete "telephone"
Insert "device"
Page 1, line 10:
Delete "telephone"
Insert "device"
Page 1, line 12:
Delete "telephone company"
Insert "carrier"
Page 1, line 13:
Delete "telephone"
Insert "device"
Page 1, line 14, through page 2, line 2:
Delete all material and insert:
"(c) An action may not be brought against a
wireless carrier or its officers, agents, or employees
for providing the location of a wireless device to a
law enforcement agency while acting in good faith in
compliance with (a) of this section."
Page 2, line 3:
Delete "telephone company"
Insert "carrier"
Page 2, line 5:
Delete "telephone"
Insert "device"
Page 2, lines 16 - 17:
Delete all material and insert:
"(3) "law enforcement agency" has the
meaning given in AS 12.36.090;
(4) "wireless carrier" means a provider of
a commercial mobile service as defined in 47 U.S.C.
332;
(5) "wireless device" means a device that
connects to a service provided by a wireless carrier."
3:04:22 PM
CHAIR SHAW objected for the purpose of discussion.
3:04:29 PM
PORTIA SAMUELS, Staff, Representative Craig Johnson, Alaska
State Legislature, provided an explanation of Amendment 1 to HB
316, on behalf of Representative Craig Johnson. Amendment 1
does not change the intent of the legislation, nor are there
major substantive changes to the bill. She explained that the
term "telephone" was replaced with "device" throughout the bill.
She said the term "telephone company" was replaced with
"wireless carrier" to ensure that all devices are covered.
Liability language was replaced with "an action may not be
brought against a wireless carrier". Definitions are included
for "law enforcement" and updated for "wireless carrier" and
"wireless device."
3:05:53 PM
CHAIR SHAW removed his objection to Amendment 1 to HB 316.
There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:06:04 PM
CHAIR SHAW opened public testimony on HB 316.
3:06:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE C. JOHNSON provided wrap up comments. He said,
"If we can save one life, this bill will have been worth it."
3:06:53 PM
CHAIR SHAW, after ascertaining there was no one who wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 316.
3:07:09 PM
GREG SMITH, Executive Director, provided invited testimony in
support of HB 316. He said the adoption of the amendment
strengthens the bill. He assured the committee that the bill
will save lives in Alaska.
3:08:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report HB 316, as amended, from
committee, with individual recommendations and the attached
fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 316 (STA) was
reported from the House State Affairs Standing Committee.
3:08:24 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:08 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.
HB 173-PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WAGE RATES
3:10:32 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 173, "An Act relating to public construction
contracts; and providing for an effective date."
3:11:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, as prime sponsor, presented HB 173.
He paraphrased from the sponsor statement, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
House Bill 173 seeks to modernize an outdated statute
to better address the specific challenges of
construction in Alaska. Specifically, it updates the
Little Davis Bacon Act (LDBA) public construction
contract thresholds in our state. The current
threshold of $25,000 is deemed inefficient due to
various Alaska-specific factors and inflationary
pressures over the past 11 years. Many states have
either eliminated thresholds altogether or raised them
to $1 million.
This bill proposes raising the threshold to $150,000
to better reflect inflation and current industry
costs. This adjustment would streamline processes,
reduce administrative burdens, and enhance efficiency
in public construction projects statewide. Moreover,
it would encourage smaller contractors to bid on
contracts and help address the labor shortage in the
construction industry in Alaska.
Furthermore, the increased threshold would address
unique challenges faced in Alaska, such as high
transportation costs in rural areas. Currently, even
minor projects, like repairing 20 potholes, may
necessitate compliance with LDBA regulations due to
exceeding the threshold.
Support for House Bill 173 is crucial for adapting
regulations, ensuring equitable participation for
local contractors, and fostering economic development
in the face of inflation and workforce shortages.
Let's modernize our approach to public construction
contracts and propel Alaska forward.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that HB 173 creates opportunities
for smaller enterprises, which could lead to job creation and
community development. The bill acknowledges the need for a
more streamlined process for smaller public construction
contracts. Projects under $150,000 would move projects forward
more efficiently and facilitate timely improvements to local
infrastructure without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
3:12:43 PM
JULIE MORRIS, Staff, Representative Kevin McCabe, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Kevin McCabe, provided
the sectional analysis for HB 173 [included in the committee
packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Section 1: Amends §AS 36.05.005 to raise the minimum
dollar threshold for which the requirements of Title
36 (Public Contracts) apply to public construction
contracts from $25,000 to $150,000.
3:13:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked about the limit of $150,000.
3:13:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE answered that local contractors from his
district informed him that they were struggling to complete
simple projects like laying gravel on a mile of road under the
$25,000 currently in statute. This meant that an engineering
process needed to be completed, which costs construction
projects a minimum of an additional $70,000.
3:15:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked how many states have eliminated or
raised thresholds to $1 million.
3:15:30 PM
MS. MORRIS offered to follow up with specific information after
the meeting.
3:16:48 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that HB 178 would be held over.
SB 12-ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM
3:16:59 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the next order of business would be CS
FOR SENATE BILL NO. 12(JUD), "An Act relating to the duties of
the Department of Administration; creating an address
confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date."
3:17:14 PM
SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor,
paraphrased from the sponsor statement [included in the
committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
SB 12 creates an address protection program for
victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, peace
officers and correctional officers, and their
families.
Alaska is one of only nine states without any form of
address protection program. They are so widespread
because they are essential. A person needs an address
to vote, drive, work, send children to school, and
much more. When that address shows up in a public
record, an Alaskan seeking safety from a stalker or
abuser faces unnecessary danger. So do Alaska law
enforcement professionals who face threats of
retribution.
An address protection program gives those Alaskans a
tool to stay safe.
Under SB 12, the state would keep a Post Office Box
and confidentially forward mail to Alaskans with a
protective order, public safety professionals, and
their families. Victims and those protecting our state
deserve the chance to live safely.
SENATOR KIEHL made note that the Department of Public Safety has
informed him that this bill may have opened a loophole in an
unrelated program, and he plans to work with the department to
clear it up.
3:19:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked for some examples of the problem.
3:20:22 PM
SENATOR KIEHL told a story of a constituent who had moved to
Alaska to escape an abusive situation. She utilized a P.O. Box
to prevent creating a public record of her home address. One
day, she saw her abuser at the post office. This is one of many
examples of people who move to restart their lives to avoid a
dangerous situation and struggle to do so without protected
addresses. He emphasized the importance of creating legislation
that creates safe opportunities for people in need.
3:21:58 PM
KEELEY OLSON, Executive Director, Standing Together Against Rape
(STAR), described her experience using address confidentiality
tools in Washington state where she previously worked in a
victims' advocate confidentiality program. Combined with
comprehensive safety planning and emergency relocation plans,
the address confidentiality program saved lives. These programs
are available in 40 states nationwide. She explained that in
Washington, the program was available even without a protective
order in place. She appreciated the inclusion of public
officers in the program listed in SB 12. She stated STAR's
support of SB 12.
3:24:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked if anyone could use the program for
their own privacy.
SENATOR KIEHL pointed to page 3, line 3, of SB 12 and explained
that a protective order is not necessary to qualify. More
specifically, he responded that the cost would prohibit any and
every Alaskan from utilizing the program. He noted it would
also create a significant inconvenience for Alaskans who don't
need the program and mentioned delays in receiving mail.
Despite those inconveniences, this program is essential to those
who are trying to safeguard their lives and their children's
lives.
3:26:52 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that SB 12 was held over.
SB 95-LIC. PLATES: SPECIALTY ORGS/PEACE OFFICER
3:27:02 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the next order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 12(JUD), "An Act relating to the duties
of the Department of Administration; creating an address
confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date."
3:27:18 PM
SENATOR KELLY MERRICK, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, paraphrased from a sponsor statement [included in the
committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Nearly every year, the Legislature spends a portion of
its limited time considering specialty license plates
for various organizations and non-profits who request
them, and the Department of Administration spends its
valuable time responding to those pieces of
legislation. As of now, there are at least 42 license
plates with roughly 90 variations that can be
purchased at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Since 2003, the Legislature has passed nine bills that
authorize specialty license plates. In some cases,
multiple pieces of specialty plate legislation were
rolled into one bill. For example, in the 27th
Legislature, four bills were rolled into one bill that
authorized six different plates. IN other instances,
the legislature discussed the same license plate
option for years before either approving or denying
the plate.
This bill intends to pay tribute to the brave men and
women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line
of duty as peace officers. This bill adds a subsection
to the Alaska statute which authorizes the creation
and issuance of license plates commemorating these
peace officers. This bill includes not just police
officers, but all peace officers such as state
troopers, municipal police officers, village public
safety officers, and officers of the courts.
Senate Bill 95 was introduced to remove the
Legislature from approving specialty plates,
redirecting that time to bigger issues of statewide
significance. Under this legislation, responsibility
would be turned over to the DMV, streamlining the
process for both the legislature and the DMV.
The division would adopt regulations to allow for
issuance of specialty plates sponsored by tax-exempt
organizations based within the state, departments of
the state, or a municipality within the state. Those
entities would also be responsible for paying for the
costs associated with development and issuance of the
plate.
This bill would reduce State expenses and be a
timesaving measure for the Legislature by allowing the
DMV to review specialty plate requests.
3:29:32 PM
DOUG FIFER, retired Police Officer, Anchorage Police Department;
Chair, Cook Inlet Region, Inc., testified in support of SB 95.
He said he noticed other states that had plates that honored
fallen peace officers and the overwhelming support from state
senators for their inclusion in specialty license plates. He
described the many other worthy organizations that already have
commemorative plates. He stated that in the history of the
state of Alaska, 50 law enforcement officers died in the line of
duty.
CHAIR SHAW offered his support of the bill.
3:32:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked about the original bill to which
Senator Merrick referred, nicknamed "The license plate bill to
end all license plate bills."
3:32:46 PM
KERRY CROCKER, Staff, Senator Kelly Merrick, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Senator Merrick, prime sponsor, said
that SB 95 would not preclude the legislature from passing a new
statute. The bill provides the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) the ability to approve license plates so that the
legislature does not have to approve them every time.
3:33:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked if the DMV can already approve this
specialty plate.
3:33:43 PM
SENATOR MERRICK said that specialty plates require statute
change.
3:33:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked about the cost for developing and
issuing the specialty plate.
SENATOR MERRICK answered that the fiscal notes range from
$3,000-14,000. The cost would be incurred on the organization
requesting the specialty plate, not the state.
3:34:59 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that SB 95 was held over.
HJR 18-SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT REDUCTION REPEAL
3:35:24 PM
CHAIR SHAW announced that the final only order of business would
be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18, Urging the United States
Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and
Government Pension Offset of the Social Security Act. [
3:35:51 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
3:35:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALYSE GALVIN, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HJR 18. She provided a PowerPoint
presentation, titled "Urging the United States Congress to
Repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension
Offset of the federal Social Security Act" [hard copy included
in the committee packet]. She began her presentation on slide
2, titled "What are WEP/GPO?" which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
THE WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION
"The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can affect
how Social Security calculates your retirement or
disability benefit. If you work for an employer who
doesn't withhold Social Security taxes from your
salary, any retirement or disability pension you get
from that work can reduce your Social Security
benefits. Such an employer may be a government agency
or an employer in another country."
REPRESENTATIVE GALVIN the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)
and Government Pension Offset (GPO) affects Alaskans who have
paid into the Social Security program and are employed by the
State of Alaska, which does not withhold federal social security
taxes from Alaskans' paychecks. This scenario is common for
many Alaskans.
REPRESENATIVE GALVIN moved to slides 3-4, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
THE GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET
"The Government Pension Offset (GPO) adjusts Social
Security spousal or widow(er) benefits for people who
receive "non-covered pensions." A non-covered pension
is a pension paid by an employer that does not
withhold Social Security taxes from your salary,
typically, state and local governments or non-U.S.
employers. Under Social Security's dual-entitlement
rule, spouses with their own covered earnings have
their spousal benefits offset dollar-for-dollar by
their own earned benefit. The GPO has a similar
intention; the offset originally was dollar-for-dollar
for non-covered pensions, but Congress reduced it to
two-thirds in 1983."
ACCORDING TO THE CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE...
Alaska has the highest percentage of WEP-affected
beneficiaries of any state, with 11.7% of all
beneficiaries and 15.2% of all retired workers
THIS IS A BIPARTISAN ISSUE
There are over 300 cosponsors in the U.S. House* There
are over 49 cosponsors in the US Senate*
ALASKANS ARE DIFFERENT
With many veterans and seasonal employment
opportunities, our teachers, troopers, and
firefighters can be disproportionately penalized by
these provisions
*Both Senator Murkowski and Representative Peltola are
co-sponsors of this legislation in their respective
bodies
REPRESENTATIVE GALVIN said WEP decreases the social security
benefits received by those who receive retirement or disability
pensions from the state. These penalties end up
disproportionately impacting those Alaskans who are most likely
to find themselves in some form of social or civic service, such
as troopers, teachers, firefighters, and many other fields. She
argued that if a teacher takes a summer job, social security
benefits earned at the summer job should be paid out to them
accordingly.
3:40:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GALVIN said that the Social Security Fairness Act
has already been introduced at the federal level to address
inequities. There are currently over 300 cosponsors in the U.S.
House of Representatives and 50 in the U.S. Senate. She moved
to slide 5, titled "WEP-GPO ROLLBACK ENJOYS WIDESPREAD
CONSTITUENT SUPPORT," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
"...I have at least 40+ years working experience. I
spent 26 years as an elementary school teacher on the
North Slope and in Fairbanks. During my work years I
worked at various jobs before and during college,
summer jobs to help ends meet while teaching, and for
the University of Alaska as an adjunct professor (all
paying into social security). I have earned well over
forty quarters towards my Social Security benefits
over the years.
My current Social Security benefit, after paying my
monthly premium for Medicare, is $65.00, well under to
what I am entitled. I earned those benefits on the
jobs outside of my public service and because of my
public school teaching I face the penalty of the WEP.
I am married to a Social Security beneficiary who
spent his whole career in private employment...If he
were to pass away before me, using the current formula
of my public service in Alaska, I would not be able to
receive any of his spouse survival benefits that
others receive. He paid into the Social Security
system his whole work life and due to the GPO penalty,
none of the normal spousal benefits will apply for
me..."
REPRESENTATIVE GALVIN urged the committee to join her in calling
on Congress to repeal these penalties for public servants.
CHAIR SHAW commented on HJR 18 and his personal experience with
social security benefits. He offered his support of HJR 18.
3:43:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked about support across the federal
delegation.
3:43:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GALVIN provided her understanding that many other
states are experiencing the same predicament. Even so, Alaska
is disproportionately experiencing unfairness compared with
other states in the country. She noted that many people are
unaware of the impacts of the provision at the time of
onboarding. She noted challenges with recruitment and retention
in public positions like police officers and teachers. She
discussed the "death tier," which refers to the likelihood of
outliving one's benefits.
CHAIR SHAW reiterated his support of HJR 18.
3:46:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked about the rollback date.
3:46:18 PM
MEREDITH TRAINOR, Staff, Representative Alyse Galvin, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Galvin, prime
sponsor, replied that the GPO was introduced into law in 1977,
the WEP was introduced in 1983. Each of the two policies have
different effective dates. The WEP effective date applies to
those hired after December 31, 1983. She offered to follow up
with more information.
3:47:19 PM
CHAIR SHAW highlighted Alaska as the state most impacted by the
Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension
Offset.
CHAIR SHAW announced that HJR 18 was held over.
3:47:44 PM
CHAIR SHAW provided closing remarks about submitting amendments
for the bills heard during the meeting and mentioned that
amendments are due on Monday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m.
3:48:05 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
State Affairs Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:48
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 316 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB 316 Legal Memo.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| Hb 316 Support Doc - The Hill Op-Ed by Rep. Kevin Yoder and Ajit Pai.2016.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB 316 Support Doc - The Kelsey Smith Act Back-Up Informaiton.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB 316 Version A.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB316 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB 316 Fiscal Note DPS AST.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| CSHB 316 STA Version B.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB 316 Support Doc - Greg Smith Written Testimony.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| HB0173A.2.19.24.PDF |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.SectionalAnalysis.2.19.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.HearingRequest.2.19.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| HB173.VerA.SponsorStatement.2.19.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 173 |
| SB 12 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 12 |
| SB12 Fiscal Note DOA-SSOA 3.01.23.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 12 |
| SB12 Fiscal Note DOA-SSOA 1.27.23.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 12 |
| SB12 Letters of Support.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 12 |
| SB12 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 12 |
| SB12 ver. R.PDF |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 12 |
| SB95B Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 95 |
| SB95B.A Sectional.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 95 |
| SB95B.A.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
SB 95 |
| HJR 18 Letter of Support ACSA.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Letter of Support NEA-Alaska.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Letters of Support Misc..pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Presentation 2.20.2024.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Version B.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR18 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Letter of Support NAACP Anchorage Education Committee.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Letters of Support Misc 3.1.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |
| HJR 18 Letters of Support Misc 3.4.24.pdf |
HSTA 3/5/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HJR 18 |