03/14/2002 08:09 AM House STA

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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE March 14, 2002 8:09 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative John Coghill, Chair Representative Jeannette James Representative Hugh Fate Representative Gary Stevens Representative Peggy Wilson Representative Harry Crawford Representative Joe Hayes MEMBERS ABSENT All members present COMMITTEE CALENDAR HOUSE BILL NO. 303 "An Act relating to the levy and collection of a sales tax; and providing for an effective date." - MOVED CSHB 303(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE BILL NO. 331 "An Act relating to appointment of persons to positions that require confirmation by the legislature; and providing for an effective date." - MOVED CSHB 331(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26 Supporting increased use of the house arrest program/electronic monitoring with sobriety monitoring as a means of preventing crime and reducing the high costs of imprisonment in Alaska. - MOVED CSHCR 26(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE BILL NO. 305 "An Act prohibiting certain state employment, a student loan, or a permanent fund dividend for a person who fails to register for the military selective service; and providing for an effective date." - MOVED CSHB 305(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE BILL NO. 480 "An Act providing that the death of a state employee killed because of their job status off the job site shall be considered an occupational death for purposes of survivor's pension benefits." - HEARD AND HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 380 "An Act relating to reimbursement for certain Medicare premium charges for persons receiving benefits from the teachers' retirement system, the judicial retirement system, the elected public officers retirement system, and the public employees' retirement system." - SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD PREVIOUS ACTION BILL: HB 303 SHORT TITLE:STATEWIDE SALES TAX SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)WHITAKER Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action 01/14/02 1954 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/4/02

01/14/02 1954 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

01/14/02 1954 (H) STA, FIN

01/16/02 1992 (H) COSPONSOR(S): FATE 02/04/02 2152 (H) COSPONSOR(S): LANCASTER 02/12/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205 02/12/02 (H) Heard & Held -- Location Change -- MINUTE(STA) 02/26/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 02/26/02 (H) Heard & Held MINUTE(STA) 03/07/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 03/07/02 (H) Heard & Held MINUTE(STA) 03/14/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 BILL: HB 331 SHORT TITLE:PRESENTMENT OF GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEES SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)KOTT Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action

01/16/02 1981 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

01/16/02 1981 (H) STA 02/05/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 02/05/02 (H) <Bill Postponed to 2/12/02> 02/12/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205 02/12/02 (H) <Bill Postponed to 2/19/02> - - Location Change -- 02/19/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 02/19/02 (H) Bill Postponed To 2/28/02 02/28/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 02/28/02 (H) Heard & Held 02/28/02 (H) MINUTE(STA) 03/14/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 BILL: HCR 26 SHORT TITLE:HOUSE ARREST/ELECTRONIC MONITORING SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)GREEN Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action 02/19/02 2306 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/19/02 2306 (H) STA 03/12/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 03/12/02 (H) -- Meeting Postponed -- 03/14/02 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102 BILL: HB 305 SHORT TITLE:NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SELECTIVE SERVICE SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)MURKOWSKI, HARRIS, MULDER, JAMES, Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action

01/14/02 1954 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/4/02

01/14/02 1954 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

01/14/02 1954 (H) MLV, STA

01/28/02 2086 (H) CHENAULT; BILL: HB SHORT TITLE:STATE EMPLOYEE DEATH/SURVIVOR BENEFITS SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)DYSON Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action REFERRALS WITNESS REGISTER REPRESENTATIVE JIM WHITTAKER Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 411 Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in summary, as sponsor of LINDA SYLVESTER, Staff to Representative Pete Kott Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 204 Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified regarding REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 403 Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified regarding the history of electronic monitoring, as sponsor of 26, monitoring program and wellness court. RUDOLPH NEWMAN, board member Partners for Progress (no address provided) Eagle River, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as a graduate of the wellness court, regarding HCR monitoring] changed his life. CARMEN CLARK [Partners] for Progress (no address given) POSITION STATEMENT: Testified regarding HCR 26. JANET McCABE Partners for Progress (no address given) POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of Partners for Progress, in support of HCR COLLEEN SHAUB, Staff to Representative Lisa Murkowski Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 408 Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of the sponsor, regarding HB 305. REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 408 Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as sponsor of 305. REPRESENTATIVE FRED DYSON Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 104 Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as sponsor of 480. ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 02-26, SIDE A Number 0001 CHAIR JOHN COGHILL called the House State Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:09 a.m. HB Number 0185 CHAIR COGHILL announced that the first order of business was HOUSE BILL NO. 303, "An Act relating to the levy and collection of a sales tax; and providing for an effective date." CHAIR COGHILL explained that there was a proposed committee substitute (CS), version 22-LS1206\P, Kurtz, 3/8/02. He noted that the major change is in Section 1, as discussed in a prior meeting and in regard to the municipalities. He said: If they so chose to comply, then there could be a remittance to a municipality. If requested to do so, it would be what was in the last CS. But the new language would be: "the municipality's sales and use tax ordinance is consistent with AS.43.44." And they're asking ... that if there is going to be codes, that we would give them some incentive to comply. Number 0309 CHAIR COGHILL asked if everyone remembered the previous discussion. He said that "the bill was the same," therefore, he asked if there was any objection to [adopting the proposed CS, version 22-LS1206\P, Kurtz, 3/8/02, as a work draft]. There being no objection, Version P was adopted. Number 0332 REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked where the charge back to the municipality was [in the bill] for "us" collecting the sales tax for "them". He mentioned previous discussion regarding a fee, the previous testimony of Larry [Persily], and a discussion about [the amount of] one percent. He said, "So we just want, instead of a one percent, a reasonable fee." CHAIR COGHILL concurred with Representative Stevens. Number 0390 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON stated that she is adamantly opposed to the sales tax. She asked for confirmation that 61 municipalities would be "affected by this." CHAIR COGHILL confirmed it would be a total of 97. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON said 97 municipalities around the state already have a sales tax. She expressed that she was at a loss for words, because she was so upset about this [proposed legislation]. She noted that her municipality [of Wrangell] has the highest [sales tax] in the state and said that [if this legislation were passed] it would be devastating to her area. Because of that, she said, she is opposed to the bill. Number 0460 REPRESENTATIVE FATE stated that he is just as passionately in favor of this sales tax [as Representative Wilson is against it]. He noted that tax is discretionary income and added, "As long as we have limits placed on this tax." He stated his belief that, as long as there is a [permanent fund] dividend, and people coming to [Alaska] who are not taxed, then he thinks it "more of a fair tax than the income tax, itself." Representative Fate said he is not thinking in terms of "my" community or "their" community, but of what is needed for the entire state of Alaska. Furthermore, he said he thinks this discussion needs to take place at a higher level; "this has to be discussed in other committees and where it is headed for, rather than to close it off." Number 0565 REPRESENTATIVE CRAWFORD said he shares the sentiments of [Representative Wilson]. He stated his belief that a sales tax is very regressive. He indicated that [a sales tax] is the purview of the communities. He said he believes that taxing the [permanent fund] dividend by 50 percent is a regressive tax, and to balance that out a more progressive tax is needed. He said he thinks the income tax is the more progressive [tax]. He noted that when the fiscal policy discussion first began, one of the "prerequisites" was for fairness and balance. He said he does not believe that both a tax on the dividend and a sales tax is not balanced or fair; it taxes the "bottom end" more heavily. He said he would like to see the House State Affairs Standing Committee send a balanced package up to the House Finance Standing Committee. Number 0705 REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS said he is not a great fan of sales tax either and - while he understands what Representatives [Crawford and Wilson] are saying and understands, also, that AML is taking a strong opposition to the addition of a sales tax - he said he thinks "it all has to be part of the mix." He agreed with Representative Fate, regarding getting this legislation to the House Finance Standing Committee. He added that he hopes other [tax bills] would reach that committee concurrently, so that they may all be discussed. He said it is true that many communities do rely on sales tax to run their cities, his own included. Number 0774 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON emphasized that she thought this proposed legislation was very unfair to those 97 municipalities. She noted that the larger municipalities in the state have "a lot more money to deal with," and indicated that "there's more for them," because of diversification within those communities. She said that the community of [Wrangell] also has a substantial property tax, and it is carrying it's share of the burden heavily, at this time, because it does not share the advantages of large municipalities. She concluded: "This [does] nothing but allow the larger municipalities to do what they need to do, on the backs of the small municipalities, and that's not right, and it's not fair." Number 0844 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said, "I second that." Number 0880 CHAIR COGHILL asked, "Is there any movement on the bill?" Number 0890 REPRESENTATIVE FATE said, "I would move the bill." CHAIR COGHILL asked Representative Whittaker if he would like to offer some final comments. REPRESENTATIVE JIM WHITTAKER, Alaska State Legislature, as sponsor of HB legislature] discussed having a fiscal policy that would allow the state to pay its bills. It was known that there would be difficulties and challenges for each community, [as a result of such a policy]. He indicated that the present moment was the moment for the committee to make a decision whether or not [the legislature] would have a fiscal policy. CHAIR COGHILL reminded the committee that there was a motion on the floor to move CSHB Committee by a vote of 5-2. HB Number 0990 CHAIR COGHILL announced that the next order of business was HOUSE BILL NO. 331, "An Act relating to appointment of persons to positions that require confirmation by the legislature; and providing for an effective date." [HCR Number 1394 CHAIR COGHILL announced that the next order of business was HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26, Supporting increased use of the house arrest program/electronic monitoring with sobriety monitoring as a means of preventing crime and reducing the high costs of imprisonment in Alaska. REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN, Alaska State Legislature, as sponsor of HCR mentioned that there previously was a bill to provide electronic monitoring of prisoners who posed no real threat and were serving time for the crimes they had committed, and he noted [an effect of that monitoring] was the reduction of crowding in prisons. He reported that, in some parts of the state, the results of this monitoring were astounding and a significant amount of money was saved by the state. More importantly, he said it has helped reintroduce those people into society who displayed deviant behavior and has allowed them to [acknowledge their wrongdoing], rather than place them with "a bunch of other hardcore people and expect them, when they're released, that they could immediately come back into the same situation they were before they were arrested." REPRESENTATIVE GREEN indicated a "national phenomenon over the last, I would say, six to eight years, with increasing proportions, but on two regards": First, the State of Texas has the attitude that if more people are arrested, it will build bigger and better jails - a plan which the state has carried out. Second, other states, predominately in the Midwest and the Northeast, have chosen to give an early, longer parole, while allowing a gradual reintroduction into society, in several cases using electronic monitoring to maintain that those on parole are abiding by the rules of parole. He said if a parolee violates the rules, the monitoring catches that, and the parolee is then arrested and must serve regular time. In conclusion, he said that the [monitoring program] has been successful, both in Alaska and the Lower 48. Number 1623 JESSICA MENENDEZ, Staff to Representative Joe Green, testifying on behalf of the sponsor of HCR 26 Court System, the Department of Law, the Public Defender Agency, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health and Social Services, and other agencies to work together in developing a mutually agreed-upon plan that expands the use of the house arrest program/electronic monitoring and promotes and utilizes the program elements established in therapeutic courts, alcohol and other drug courts, and wellness court programs. Number 2224 REPRESENTATIVE CRAWFORD commented that he holds out great hope for therapeutic courts, wellness courts, and the Naltrexone program now available, and he commended Representative Green for bringing forward this resolution. CHAIR COGHILL said he believed that, in general, the committee shared [Representative Crawford's sentiments]. He stated his intent was to hold a thorough discussion on the record. He asked Judge Wanamaker if he could wait a little longer with his testimony. Number 2320 RUDOLPH NEWMAN, board member, Partners for Progress, testifying via teleconference, told the committee that he was born in Holy Cross, Alaska, is presently a resident of Eagle River, and was a graduate of the wellness court, December 19, 2000. He said he has been sober "so far, that long." Mr. Newman stated that the wellness court gave him a choice between an 18-month jail-term, or "be a third party; you know, it's just like being my third party - I have to be with her 24 hours a day." He told the committee that that choice changed his life, because he had been "locked up" 46 times. Furthermore, he used to have the attitude that jail was a place in which he could relax, eat, sleep, and watch cable television, he said. He described himself during that time as a "very angry person." He indicated that the court system had a different opinion of him than he did and he "eased- up," "got soft," and decided to change, which is when turned around. MR. NEWMAN said he thinks electronic monitoring is a wonderful tool. Notwithstanding that, he added that he did not think it would [work] for everybody. He said "it's just people, you know." He said that saving money is a much-discussed topic and this [program] is a good way to do that. MR. NEWMAN said he supports "what's happening." you're responsible for your own actions, I think you have to pay for you're crime." He said that choosing [the electric monitoring] changed his life; it made him responsible for his actions, for himself, for his family, and for his community. CHAIR COGHILL thanked Mr. Newman for his testimony. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES also thanked Mr. Newman, and she noted that she had a long acquaintance with him. Number 2466 CARMEN CLARK, [Partners] for Progress, testifying via teleconference, told the committee that her background was as a former chief municipal prosecutor who had assisted in the development of the wellness court, with Judge Wanamaker. She added that she is the only person she knows who has served as both prosecutor and civil defense attorney in the program. Ms. Clark said the program has been effective in several ways, not only for people like Mr. Newman, but also in forcing the court system to take notice of how it does things in general and to find areas in need of improvement. She said she thinks there has been a "ripple effect" that has "given sense of justice." She specified that everyone present was already aware that the program is a good one; the decision that needs to be made now is what step to take next. MS. CLARK said she would like to address some questions previously heard in testimony - the first one relating to cost. She noted that there is a cost of up to $14 a day; however, that cost is - in addition to the statutory cost of imprisonments - automatically ordered. For example, a misdemeanor DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender who goes through therapeutic court will be ordered to pay a $270 cost of imprisonment, in addition to the cost of electronic monitoring, she said. Furthermore, that also pertains to second and subsequent offenders whose statutory cost of imprisonment is $1,000. Ms. Clark opined that the Department of Corrections should probably not "be in a position where it's not cost-effective to utilize this program." MS. CLARK referred to another aforementioned question, regarding how far this program is being utilized. She stated her understanding that a person would not qualify for the electronic monitoring program for the following reasons: having a conviction for domestic violence; having convictions for sex- related offenses, which is more broadly defined than simply "rape" and "assault"; having instances charges, with regard to assault on police officers, resisting arrest, escape, or eluding." She said these guidelines are in effect in an attempt to use this program for individuals whose criminal history shows that their likelihood of re-offense is linked to substance abuse. Additionally, the type of offenses committed by those individuals are those that can, essentially, be eliminated by the 24-hour supervision provided by electronic monitoring. MS. CLARK addressed a third question, previously mentioned [by Representative Hayes] which asked why a letter could not effectively accomplish the intent of the resolution. She said the reason legislation is needed is linked to the history of the program's development. She noted that the legislature passed statutory language in the recent past, which indicated that DWI offenders should serve time in places with appropriate supervision, such as halfway houses. She highlighted that the language in that statute states that a "place of appropriate supervision" includes treatment centers, for example, that maintain a "24-hour onsite supervision" - language that caused "specific problems in front of Judge Wanamaker in wellness court." MS. CLARK explained that there were offenders who were well- employed, had significant alcohol problems, but were without any other "contacts with the law." They were the type of people who could, normally, post money to get out of jail, she added. She said that she thought most people "on the bench" and in society would agree that it is one issue to have money on the outcome of a horserace; one roots harder for that horse. However, she specified, the money does not prevent a person from "doing anything." Ms. Clark noted that alcoholics are famous for loosening up just as they get their drinking under control. She indicated [there are] people who are released on bail, who have money, but have no one watching out for them on a daily basis. Number 2724 MS. CLARK noted that she was referring to two individuals who were both single; they had no wife, husband, mom, or dad with whom they lived, who could pose as their third-party custodian and watch them 24 hours a day. She mentioned that, even if they had, they could probably have lost their employment, which may have made their situation worse. Ms. Clark told the committee that Judge Wanamaker attempted to utilize the Department of Correction's electronic monitoring system as a condition of bail, "and the State of Alaska opposed, very vigorously, for a number of reasons." MS. CLARK explained that, although this legislative body had indicated that it thought the [electronic monitoring] program was a good idea, by the time "these people were released from bail," not only did the state object to their having been released, but they also objected to them getting jail credit against that sentence, "even though if they had done the program after they were sentenced, it would have qualified." Number 2795 MS. CLARK reiterated [Representative Hayes's] question and answered it with a "no." She explained that "a probably be insufficient to adequately address and clarify what the legislative intent for 24-hour, onsite supervision means." She said, in regard to these particular cases, the Department of Corrections had interpreted the 24-hour onsite to include the electronic monitoring sensor device. Expensive litigation ensued in regard to that, she added. To avoid a repetition of that type of litigation, [HCR program and tool for protecting the public, for helping alcoholics to change their life pattern, and as a substantial cost-savings measure, through the use of house arrests. MS. McCABE brought attention to several key points: First, it is well-established that [the electronic monitoring program] provides excellent security - far better than by putting people solely on bail; therefore it should be used more extensively to protect the public against alcoholics who drink and drive. Second, the public benefits through the cost savings. Jail costs $144 a day, she said, whereas this program can, for most people, cost nothing and is a good alternative for many who are in jail because of behavior influenced by alcohol use. Third, it requires people to be productive and commit to supporting themselves and their families. Fourth, Ms. McCabe mentioned the difficulty of transitioning out of jail. She said it is well- known that 75 percent of the repeat DWI offenders who get out of jail re-offend, and the use of this program can help people turn their lives around and "get out of that terrible statistic." MS. McCABE urged the House State Affairs Standing Committee to pass [HCR 26] do so. CHAIR COGHILL asked Ms. McCabe how she would envision the involvement of Partners for Progress in, perhaps, giving a seminar, or being involved in some type of educational outreach. MS. McCABE answered that the organization would like to do that, beginning with the house arrest program, [for example]. CHAIR COGHILL clarified that his question was in regard to whether she envisioned the organization requesting access to halfway houses. He asked how she viewed the educational process. In response to a request for further clarification, Chair Coghill asked specifically about the monitoring program. He asked: "Would you see it with you, maybe, interfacing with the Department of Corrections, would you see trying to get judges together; how would you see that? I'm trying to look at it from your eyes." MS. McCABE responded that the resolution is the best step; if the fact that the legislature is supporting the program is highlighted, then the Partners for Progress will back the legislature up with publicity and a workshop, if applicable. She noted that the commissioner of corrections is willing to work towards implementing "this concept." CHAIR COGHILL stated that he was looking for the legislature, the Department of Corrections, and the judicial system to be initiators in this process. Number 2533 PAMELA WATTS, Executive Director, Advisory Board on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, came before the committee and acknowledged that the prior speakers had addressed the critical elements of the resolution. She stated her belief that this legislature has rightfully stressed the accountability and productivity obligations of Alaskans to their state and their communities. She referred to the aforementioned statistic regarding 26 people spending $2 million in jail time, and she said that that comes as no surprise to her at all; the cost of incarceration is significant. This program not only "frees up" needed prison beds, she noted, but it allows offenders to function productively and address their work, and education, and family obligations. She said, "I think it's an example of how people can be held accountable for breaking the law, be responsible for their obligations as citizens, and receive the needed structure of sobriety monitoring, in conjunction, possibly, with medication that reduces the craving for alcohol, or other drugs." Number 2470 MS. WATTS recalled that Judge Wanamaker had referred to the use of a "sobrietor" [in the program]. She said she had been impressed last year when she discovered how that device functions. For the benefit of those present who might not be aware of its use, she explained that someone can call the person who has the sobrietor and determine whether or not that person has been drinking alcohol. Number 2429 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON asked how the caller could determine that the person breathing into the phone equipped with the sobrietor is actually [the person on the program]. JUDGE WANAMAKER answered that the machine is equipped with a "wish recognition chip," which is programmed with certain words spoken into it by the defendant; therefore, the computer recognizes if it is the defendant speaking. He said the device must be held at the defendant's mouth, whereby they speak, are verified, then blow into the device, and get verified. If the device is transferred [to someone else] "the alarms go off." CHAIR COGHILL agreed [with an unidentified speaker] that this is "tight monitoring," and he said, "That's many of us are concerned that it's not misused, but that it's properly used." Number 2390 MS. WATTS stated her belief that this program offers opportunities for treatment, previously mentioned by Judge Wanamaker, and opportunities for lasting change in behaviors, which the public demands. She said she is confident that the screening process adequately selects people who have the greatest "opportunity" to achieve positive outcome. She told the House State Affairs Standing Committee that the Advisory Board on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse supports [HB Number 1458 CHAIR COGHILL announced that the next order of business was HOUSE BILL NO. 305, "An Act prohibiting certain state employment, a student loan, or a permanent fund dividend for a person who fails to register for the military selective service; and providing for an effective date." Number 1440 COLLEEN SHAUB, Staff to Representative Lisa Murkowski, Alaska State Legislature, noted that a proposed committee substitute (CS) - Version F - was included in the committee packet. CHAIR COGHILL asked if there was any objection to adopting the proposed CS, version 22-LS1209\F, Ford, 2/20/02, as a work draft. There being no objection, Version F was adopted. [Representative Murkowski arrived at the witness table and was greeted by Chair Coghill.] MS. SHAUB read her testimony, as follows: House Bill 305 was introduced to encourage military selective service registration, for all eligible persons. This act requires any United States male citizen, who is between the ages of 18 and 26, to comply with the federal selective service registration requirements, if applicable, when applying to receive certain state employments, and Alaska student loan, and a permanent fund dividend. There are at least 28 other states that have implemented or [are] considering legislation which attaches conditions of services for eligibility for [several] programs and state benefits. With this legislation, Alaska will join those other states in ensuring compliance with the federal registration requirements. In your bill packets, you will find several letters of support and informational testimony. Within the informational testimony, there are three pages of statistical information, showing how much our state would lose in federal dollars for those who do not comply with selective service, how we compare with registration to other states, and which cities have the highest and lowest compliance rates in our state. The last pages of informational testimony [explain] what the selective service system provides for our country. If you have any questions concerning this bill, I will do my best to answer them for you. CHAIR COGHILL interjected a message to those waiting to testify on HB 480, staff for bringing forward the bill and asked the committee if there were any questions. Number 1215 REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska State Legislature, asked the committee to notice the short title of the bill [page 1, lines 7-8], which read as follows: SHORT TITLE. This Act may be known as the Selective Service Registration Awareness and Compliance Act. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI noted that this is an obligation to comply with the federal Act. She said this is asked of males [between the ages of 18 and 26] in a day and age when not much is asked of Americans. [The intent of the bill] is to make certain that [the public] is acutely aware of this Act and this requirement. Number 1120 REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked if there is any federal requirement for females to register and, if not, why not. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI answered that, currently, there is not a requirement for women to register, although the issue has been discussed. Furthermore, if she had the ability to change that, she would. MS. SHAUB proffered that the [U.S.] Supreme Court took up the issue and voted that it was unconstitutional for women to register for the selective service. Number 1035 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said, "I support that." Number 1018 REPRESENTATIVE FATE mentioned attaining the age of 18 and asked if that was a federal code. AN UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER said, "yeah." REPRESENTATIVE FATE said, "The thirty-day part is a federal code." Number 0988 REPRESENTATIVE HAYES said he signed up for the military and remembers what was done on the federal level [regarding making the public aware of the requirement]. He asked what would be done on the state level. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI replied that, currently, individuals in the state are responsible for getting the information to those soon to be 18 years old. She said it is her understanding that one of those individuals is in Sitka, and the other is in Juneau. She noted that Representative Foster used to be a selective service registrar. The National Guard assists with this effort, she said. She indicated that there are other volunteer efforts to raise the awareness level. Number 0868 REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said that, should this legislation pass, there would be a statement in the permanent fund dividend (PFD) application. She stated, "I think it would be the intent to make sure that it is more publicly broadcast." Number 0828 REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI indicated a facsimile sheet included in the committee packet [with the heading, "zip code distribution summary report"], which lists the compliance rates of various communities. She pointed to the "non-registration rate" and said that some areas were at 100 percent compliance, while others - including Anchorage - were "not doing very well." She referred to previous testimony heard in the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs, where it was noted that registrars are not always invited in to speak at schools. She said that it is harder to speak at a larger school such as those in Anchorage, than in a school in a smaller community where everyone knows everyone else. Number 0696 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said her recollection was that it was simpler back during World War II, when [young men] would sign up at the post office. She said she wondered why the federal government did not choose to have that availability now and advertise it with a sign on the wall. Number 0668 REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI responded that a person can still register with selected service at a post office, or any federal building; however, the problem is not where you can sign up, but providing the awareness [that it is required]. She said there is no draft now and many growing up now do not have anyone in their family who have ever been in a war and do not realize that [registering with the selective service] is a federal requirement. Number 0610 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said she is disappointed to hear this. She stated her belief that the schools and anyone responsible for "young people growing up should have responsibility." mentioned inexpensive posters that could be used. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI mentioned that Charlie Smith (ph) might be online to testify. [CHAIR COGHILL called on Mr. Smith (ph), but there was no reply.] Number 0537 REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS commented that it's an easy thing to do at the post office or on the Internet. He then turned to the denial of the PFD, and asked if a person would be denied for the particular year that they [failed to apply] or would the person not be able to apply for the PFD thereafter. He also requested clarification of the student loan ramifications. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI clarified that the intent of the legislation is that if one fails to register at the time the PFD application is being completed, then the PFD would be denied or withheld for that year. This is not retroactive in regard to the PFD or the student loan. Qualification for receipt of the PFD in regard to registration for selective service would be determined each year the application is made. REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS related his understanding then that if a person hasn't registered when that person turns 18 years of age, that person wouldn't receive the PFD that year, even if the person registers later. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI explained: "At the time that you file for your application, if you have not complied with the registration requirement and it was applicable to you, you would be denied." She deferred to Ms. Jones, Permanent Fund Division. REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS remarked that this penalty would be quite an impetus for people to register. CHAIR COGHILL pointed out, "If you look at the effective date of this, we're going to give a year to make notice of that. So, it would be on the application, as I understand it." REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI agreed. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON remarked that she didn't realize Representative Murkowski was working on this issue. She noted that she too had received a request to submit a bill on this issue. She informed the committee that many states do what is being proposed here, but it's attached to the driver's license. However, Alaska's Division of Motor Vehicles didn't want to be involved in this. She expressed her belief that it's important that people register for selective service. Number 0148 NANCI A. JONES, Director, Permanent Fund Dividend Division, Department of Revenue, explained that this would work on a strict compliance order. The division will receive a tape from Selective Service that would be matched with persons between the age of 18 and 26 in order to determine if they were on the tape for the qualifying year. She clarified that would be for the year that has passed, the year for which the PFD is being applied. Once an individual isn't on the tape, that individual wouldn't receive that [year's] dividend. When the individual registered and Selected Services listed the individual on the tape as being in compliance, the individual would receive a PFD. For example: "If ... March 31st when we run a tape when a person would apply, if they weren't on the tape, they would not be eligible for a dividend. If on April 15th they went and applied, then they would [be] eligible the next rotation, which would be the next year - the next time that we would actually read the tape." REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS inquired as to other reasons people don't receive a PFD. MS. JONES specified other reasons that people don't receive the PFD as follows: the individual isn't an Alaska resident, the individual left the state for more than 180 days on an absence not specified in statute, or the individual broke residency by voting [in another state]. TAPE 02-27, SIDE A REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS inquired as to whether an individual could be a felon and incarcerated [and still receive] a PFD. MS. JONES replied that no, a felon is not eligible to receive a PFD in the year of incarceration. She noted that there is a statute that addresses individuals that are incarcerated. Number 0088 REPRESENTATIVE HAYES inquired as to how the book will specify that a person who doesn't register for selected services won't receive their PFD. MS. JONES answered that this would be highlighted as a new item in the household booklet. Furthermore, the division is going to try to place an alert on the face of the application as well. Number 0220 REPRESENTATIVE FATE moved to report HB Number 0352 CHAIR COGHILL announced that the next order of business was HOUSE BILL NO. 480, "An Act providing that the death of a state employee killed because of their job status off the job site shall be considered an occupational death for purposes of survivor's pension benefits." Number 0373 REPRESENTATIVE FRED DYSON, Alaska State Legislature, as sponsor of HB 480, that benefits are not the same for a person who is hurt or killed on a job-related incident away from the job site versus on the job site. 480 still "state" to describe "employee"]. legislation] would include a borough assessor, a university administrator, and a city councilman, for example, because they are not directly state employees. Number 0907 MR. BELL answered that the proposed CS would cover employees of political subdivisions and university and state. He mentioned the suggestion for removal of the reference to the state. REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS interjected clarification that any person working for the city council, borough assembly, or university [would be included]. Number 0934 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES asked if legislators and their staff would be considered state employees. MR. BELL answered, "From our perspective, yes. From the perspective of the retirement system, legislators are state employees, as long as they don't opt out of PERS [public employees' retirement system] membership, which legislators are allowed to do." Number 0983 CHAIR COGHILL added that that was covered under Title 39. Number 0988 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES asked for clarification that it would have to be a violent act against the person because they were a state employee, "no other kinds of forms of death would be included in this." MR. BELL said that's correct. He noted that there is an occupational death category outside of these categories for occupational death benefits. One example, he said, would be a person driving from one work site to another, who was fatally hit by a drunk driver, and would be covered. He added that that [example] was not related to the aforementioned situations. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES reiterated, "This was just a violent action against them that causes their death and because they are a state employee." REPRESENTATIVE DYSON clarified that it would be because they are a government employee, and he reiterated that "it's related to their work." Number 1085 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON surmised that the key to this [proposed legislation], as it is worded, is that it would cover anybody who is in the PERS. REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS mentioned [PERS]. AN UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER said, "Twenty-four hours a day." REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS said, "Or TRS [teachers' retirement system]." THE SAME UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER said, "Seven days a week." MR. BELL said, "Not TRS." REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS echoed, "Not TRS." MR. BELL reiterated that this does not apply to TRS. He noted that Title 39 is the public employees' retirement system statute and [Title] 14.25 is the teachers' retirement system statute. He said, "So this only refers to the public employees retirement system." REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked why. Number 1444 REPRESENTATIVE DYSON responded that it was not a conscious [decision], but, with all due respect, he guessed that the amount of anger and reprisals brought about by giving bad grades probably does not compare to what happens to [those employed by] DFYS (Division of Family and Youth Services), CSED, and the [Alaska] State Troopers, for example. Number 1420 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES retorted, "Well, we did have some teachers get it. And, that wouldn't have given them anything? Is that what you're saying? Or was it because they were in the classroom that they were to get it, that [if] they were out in the yard they wouldn't have?" She said she was thinking of a particular shooting that occurred. REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS offered that it had occurred in Bethel, [Alaska]. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES concurred. MR. BELL clarified that that particular occurrence tool place at the school. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES asked, "But what if it had been out on the street?" MR. BELL said he was not sure. Number 1215 JANET PARKER, Retirement & Benefits Manager, Division of Retirement and Benefits, Department of Administration, clarified that the aforementioned teacher had been on duty. She said that she thinks the teachers [at that school] work an eight-hour day and work before and after school doing paperwork. She continued, as follows: If someone were to come in during those times, definitely. There would potentially be an issue if it was the weekend and a student - I guess it would be a student, or maybe a parent of a student, giving them bad grades - would shoot them on the weekend. But, an investigation would be done, and it would be hard to tell exactly what would happen in that situation. CHAIR COGHILL said he supposed motive, then, would become part of the issue. MS. PARKER concurred. She said: And then that's what we are looking at here: what is the motive? If the motive is I'm being murdered on a weekend, not a workday, because if someone sees me, or it's planned, or has stalked me, or whatever, [and I'm] not at work, then this would cover me ... you know, absolutely, positively. But, there would still be an investigation to find out who did it. CHAIR COGHILL said, "Under PERS, but not under the TRS. And that was kind of the question that we were trying to get to." Number 1290 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said that, on that point, she thinks [the legislature] should be all-inclusive if it was going to pass [this proposed legislation]. She said some people may be angrier with CSED and DFYS, for example, but the situation for teachers is "turning pretty nasty." She indicated that people are presently covered on the job site and the resolution would allow for coverage while they are away, but still on the job. Number 1336 MS. PARKER responded, as follows: The hardest thing here is that we haven't seen all the cases. And we have had cases where people have traveled and, in that travel, they have had too much to drink and had a car accident, and that was covered as an occupational death, because they were on state business. MR. BELL suggested that [the division] could look at the language of the proposed CS regarding [the inclusion of] TRS. CHAIR COGHILL told Representative Dyson that he thinks that is something that should be looked at. Furthermore, he expressed interest in examining the legislation in regard to the criminal code, for example; "how we might have to install this in regulation." He stated that the subject being discussed is about perpetrators, intent, and motives, and he said he is uncomfortable addressing that in the House State Affairs Standing Committee, at this point. He concluded, "But before we ... even get to that discussion, I want to talk about the TRS issue." Number 1421 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON mentioned schools closing down in the past two weeks and teachers forced to leave town, because they fear for their lives. In lieu of that, she stated that she believes it's crucial that the legislature include TRS in a bill, such as [HB 480]. that she thinks it would be very important to include [TRS]. REPRESENTATIVE DYSON asked Mr. Bell if he thought it was possible to have something drafted by the following Tuesday. MR. BELL said yes. REPRESENTATIVE DYSON said if Chair Coghill would allow to be on the agenda the following Tuesday, he would commit to "getting something ready." CHAIR COGHILL said, "We'll do it." REPRESENTATIVE DYSON suggested that the action being discussed before the committee is "utterly different, or separate from" the criminal issues that may be before the committee; this [proposed legislation] is only addressing who will be eligible for an enhanced group of benefits. He indicated that, therefore, he respectfully does not think that the [discussion should focus on the aforementioned criminal aspect]. Number 1502 CHAIR COGHILL clarified that he is not interested in making another committee referral, but is interested in answering the question: "How can this be challenged?" He said, insurance rule, you know, challenges are abounding." Number 1515 REPRESENTATIVE DYSON said he suspected that there would be discussion regarding that. He mentioned "people cutting the corners, both ways." He reiterate his focal point: interested in making sure that this suite of benefits is available to people who are assaulted or harmed, as a result of their work, but not on the work site." CHAIR COGHILL announced that [HB 303. href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB331'>HB 331, on behalf of /Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26. of HCR describing the history and applications of the electronic 26, and described how choosing [electric href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26. 825 West Fourth Avenue 22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26. href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26]. 431 North Franklin, Suite 400 href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26]. 4500 Diplomacy Drive, Suite 109 href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26. 26 href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB305'>HB 305. to HB href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB480'>HB 480. HB 303-STATEWIDE SALES TAX so much 303, noted that a couple of years ago [the ot=HB303'>CSHB 303, version 22-LS1206\P, Kurtz, 3/8/02, href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB303'>CSHB 303 from committee. 303(STA) was reported from the House State Affairs Standing 331-PRESENTMENT OF GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEES href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB331'>HB 331 was amended at the HB 331, the circumstance." s/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB331'>HB 331, as amended, out of href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB331'>CSHB 331(STA) was 26-HOUSE ARREST/ELECTRONIC MONITORING 26, spoke about the history of electronic monitoring. He tail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26, told the committee she would before "electronic looks towards the joint efforts of the Alaska his life He said, "If all of us a better of "conviction, or letter would etail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26] was drafted to clarify l/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26, not as a representative because, not since then. The He said, "You drunks, ... with 26], as a way to more fully utilize an existing and let those who want to make this program work, one of the reasons that name='HCR26' href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26] and She ail/22?Root=HCR26'>HCR 26] and appreciates the efforts of expanding," but 85 out of the 105. There is a href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HCR26'>CSHCR 26, version 22- Root=HCR26'>CSHCR 26(STA) was reported from the House 305-NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SELECTIVE SERVICE to continue waiting. He thanked the sponsor and her She s/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB305'>HB 305, as amended, out of href='/basis/Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB305'>CSHB 305(STA) was 480-STATE EMPLOYEE DEATH/SURVIVOR BENEFITS told the committee that it had come to his attention Root=HB480'>HB 480 would correct that, he said. He l/22?Root=HB480'>HB 480 into law would create a better from the title to for HB [referred to the original bill title, using the word He asked if [the proposed She noted that the climate is changing and reiterated [HB 480] "Under the "We're Detail/22?Root=HB480'>HB 480] would be on the committee Bill/Detail/22?Root=HB480'>HB 480 was heard and held.] s"> id="docLink">Open document in new windowX ght:100%;min-height:600px" id="docFrame"> width="105" height="107" bills, locate ist-whos-who.php">contact information. g.gov/webmaster.php">help

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