Legislature(2019 - 2020)GRUENBERG 120
04/16/2019 03:00 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Commissioner, Department of Public Safety | |
| Lieutenant Governor Successor | |
| Chief Administrative Law Judge | |
| Alaska State Commission for Human Rights|| Alaska Department of Corrections Parole Board|| Alaska State Personnel Board|| Alaska Public Offices Commission|| Alaska Police Standard Council | |
| HB50|| HB51 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 51 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 50 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 16, 2019
3:04 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Zack Fields, Co-Chair
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux
Representative Andi Story
Representative Adam Wool
Representative Sarah Vance
Representative Laddie Shaw
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Co-Chair
MEMBERS ALSO PRESENT
Senator Lora Reinbold
Representative Sara Rasmussen
Representative Kelly Merrick
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Amanda Price - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Lieutenant Governor Successor
Dr. Michael Johnson - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Kathleen Frederick - Palmer
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
Marcus Sanders - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Alaska Department of Corrections Parole Board
Edie Grunwald - Palmer
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Alaska State Personnel Board
Craig Johnson - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Alaska Public Offices Commission
Suzanne Hancock - Anchorage
James McDermott - Fairbanks
Rick Stillie - Delta Junction
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Alaska Police Standards Council
Stephen Dutra - North Pole
Rebecca Hamon - King Salmon
Burke Waldron - Bethel
Joseph White - Ketchikan
Jennifer Winkelman - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 50
"An Act relating to pretrial release; relating to sentencing;
relating to treatment program credit toward service of a
sentence of imprisonment; relating to electronic monitoring;
amending Rules 38.2 and 45(d), Alaska Rules of Criminal
Procedure; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 51
"An Act relating to probation; relating to a program allowing
probationers to earn credits for complying with the conditions
of probation; relating to early termination of probation;
relating to parole; relating to a program allowing parolees to
earn credits for complying with the conditions of parole;
relating to early termination of parole; relating to eligibility
for discretionary parole; relating to good time; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 50
SHORT TITLE: ARREST;RELEASE;SENTENCING;PROBATION
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/20/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/19 (H) STA, JUD, FIN
03/19/19 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/19/19 (H) Heard & Held
03/19/19 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/16/19 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 51
SHORT TITLE: PROBATION; PAROLE; SENTENCES; CREDITS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/20/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/19 (H) STA, JUD, FIN
03/19/19 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/19/19 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/11/19 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/11/19 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/16/19 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
AMANDA PRICE
Commissioner Designee
Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointed commissioner of the
Department of Public Safety (DPS).
KATHERYN MONFREDA, Chief
Criminal Records
Division of Statewide Services (DSS)
Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the confirmation
hearing on Commissioner Price.
Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Public Safety
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the confirmation
hearing on Commissioner Price.
DR. MICHAEL JOHNSON, Commissioner
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED),
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the appointed Lieutenant
Governor Successor.
JOHN SKIDMORE, Director
Criminal Division
Department of Law (DOL)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 51 on behalf of the House
Rules Standing Committee, sponsor, by request of the governor.
KATIE BOTZ
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 50 and
HB 51.
LYNETTE CLARK, Chair
Alaska Independence Party
Fox, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 50 and HB 51.
NORIA CLARK
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 50 and
HB 51.
BERT HOUGHTALING
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 50 and HB 51.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:04:54 PM
CO-CHAIR ZACK FIELDS called the House State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Representatives LeDoux,
Story, Vance, Shaw, and Fields were present at the call to
order. Representative Wool arrived as the meeting was in
progress. Also present were Senator Reinbold and
Representatives Rasmussen and Merrick.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
3:05:42 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the first order of business would
be confirmation hearings.
^Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
3:05:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW stated the following as the reason and
justification for his questioning: "Personal integrity and
highest measure of character are an essential part of the job of
the chief administrative officer of DPS. The position requires
that one be above reproach and a viable extension of the public
safety community. As a state representative, it is my
responsibility to represent my district and the State of Alaska.
Additionally, two areas that I have been tasked to represent
because of my work history on military and veterans' affairs and
public safety. As a former director for police standards it was
my specific responsibility to show due diligence in reviewing
backgrounds and qualifications.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked Commissioner Price whether she has a
college degree.
AMANDA PRICE, Commissioner Designee, Department of Public Safety
(DPS) answered, no.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked her to give a brief description of her
academic performance and to explain why she did not pursue a
final degree.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that she graduated high school quite
early, attended college at age 17 to age 19, and was working two
jobs to pay for school. She was the first person in her family
to attend college, and it was not a priority for her at the
time. She felt obligated to attend college and was working to
do so, but simply didn't have the money to continue. She was
offered a position, which she accepted; it presented her a good
salary, and she came from a low-income family. She said that
she doesn't recall her grade point average, but since school was
not a priority, she suspects that it was not good.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked the commissioner whether she has any
criminal justice or management education or training.
COMMISSIONER PRICE stated that she attended and has
certifications from several trainings: by-stander intervention
training; neurobiology of trauma relating to sexual assault
investigation; practice and investigative protocols. She
mentioned that she has no police officer training
certifications. She said that in her 20-plus years of service,
her employers provided her with training opportunities; she has
attended many management institutes and earned many management
certificates. She can provide a list of the trainings.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked for confirmation that she holds no law
enforcement or administrative training certification related to
law enforcement.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered no.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked Commissioner Price to highlight the
specific training certification related to domestic violence and
sexual assault that she received for her position as executive
director of Standing Together Against Rape (STAR).
COMMISSIONER PRICE relayed that initially she attended a 40-hour
mandatory training on responding to domestic violence survivors
and sexual assault survivors; she secured additional training
through the National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA); she
attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police
training on sexual assault response team protocols and policies.
She said that she attended trainings from other conferences and
could provide the committee with a list.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked her if she presently has any debt
collection judgements against her or has had any against her.
COMMISSIONER PRICE explained that due to a financial hardship,
she did have some collection issues, but does not currently.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked whether she had one foreclosure
judgement.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that she did. In response to
Representative Shaw, she confirmed that she did not have more
than one.
3:10:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW referred to Commissioner Price's previous
testimony [4/4/19 House State Affairs Standing Committee
meeting], when in response to the question of why a seasoned
trooper would not be a better fit for the position of
commissioner, she had commented that troopers make good troopers
but not necessarily good managers. He informed Commissioner
Price that a trooper who advanced within DPS will more likely
than not be required to attend a first-line supervisor course
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy
(NA). The FBI NA is the law enforcement equivalent of the
Harvard School of Business. He added that the FBI NA is the
highest level of law enforcement training for management and
leadership. He relayed that a trooper called him to express
that he was offended by Commissioner Price's comment; the
trooper mentioned that he was valedictorian of his FBI NA class.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked Commissioner Price how she chose her
senior staff.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that Colonel Doug Massie [Director,
Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT)] was recommended to
her by [then] Governor-elect [Michael J.] Dunleavy; she
interviewed him and found that his experience, length of
service, and knowledge was what she needed for the position.
She stated that Colonel Barry Wilson [Director, Division of
Alaska State Troopers (AST)] was one of several people
interviewed; she sought input from existing leaders within DPS;
she did offer the position of colonel to both majors who
succeeded Colonel Wilson in rank prior to making him the offer.
She believed Colonel Barry to have the necessary experience to
improve response to issues of sexual assault and violence,
particularly in Western Alaska. She relayed that Deputy
Commissioner Michael Duxbury was recommended by the governor-
elect's office; he has "out-of-the-box" thinking to accompany
his 30-year tenure to complement the information she lacks.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked Commissioner Price whether she micro-
manages her senior staff.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded no.
3:13:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX referred to a letter [dated 4/15/19 and
included in the committee packet] from Kathryn Monfreda [Chief,
Criminal Records, Division of Statewide Services (DSS), DPS] and
asked whether there are various levels of security clearances.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered yes. The FBI has a Top Secret and
Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance
for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security (DHS). The letter in the packet refers to
the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security
clearance, secured by the commissioner of DPS; it says that she
passed the CJIS background check which provides her the
opportunity to access confidential law enforcement specific
criminal justice information. The background check is performed
through the FBI and state databases; it reviews hot files,
warrants, sexual offenses, and anything criminal in nature. She
said that the CJIS clearance is required for the commissioner of
DPS; it was held by the prior two commissioners - Commissioner
Walt Monegan and Commissioner Gary Folger.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether Commissioner Monegan or
Commissioner Folger held any additional security clearances.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied no.
3:15:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE referred to Commissioner Price's resume and
asked what she did prior to 2000.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered that she graduated from high school
in 1993; she worked at miscellaneous jobs while putting herself
through school; the lucrative job offer she accepted when she
was about 20 years old was as an assistant manager of a jewelry
store; and at age 21 or 22 she accepted a job for the Muscular
Dystrophy Association (MDA).
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether she owned any businesses of
her own.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied, "Yes I did." She relayed that from
2009-2012, she owned a small baby boutique called "Spoiled" - a
maternity and baby specialty item shop.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked why she did not continue the
business.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded that the retail climate changed;
small businesses struggled. It enjoyed moderate success when it
first opened but struggled due to competition from large chain
stores. She said that a month after she closed the business her
husband suffered an accident while on duty.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE offered that Commissioner Price's resume
indicates that she was involved with volunteer-driven
organizations and was a mom with a baby boutique. She asked the
commissioner to describe what drives her and who she is, so that
the committee can determine whether she will fit the position.
COMMISSIONER PRICE said that first she is a mom with three
children. She stated that she learned from the positions she
has held to administer grants, to manage personnel, basic
managerial components, to oversee the resources of a significant
agency, to work with the legislature, and to interface with the
Congressional delegation on legislative issues. She was given
tools but didn't know for what purpose the toolbox was being
created. She maintained that her most significant experience
relating to her role as commissioner of DPS came through
engaging with Special Victim's Unit (SVU) [Anchorage Police
Department (APD)] and the Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU)
[APD]. She relayed that she comes from a very low-income family
with very few financial opportunities; she was carving out a
path for herself; she followed the non-profit path because that
was where her heart was - specifically bringing services to
rural communities. She said that it wasn't until she worked at
Standing Together Against Rape (STAR) that she truly understood
what drove her, and what drove her was stopping and responding
to sexual violence in Alaska communities. She saw a need for
collaboration and multidisciplinary units - police officers,
forensic nursing, and Office of Children's Services (OCS) - and
was able to bring these groups together to work collaboratively
to develop effective response.
COMMISSIONER PRICE acknowledged that she has made some mistakes
during the confirmation hearing process; it is new to her; and
she has learned that engaging with the legislature as
commissioner is quite different from engaging with it as a non-
profit advocate. She concluded by saying that she believes
herself to be a skilled but ready-to-learn leader who is in the
right place at the right time with the right support from the
department to affect significant change in the state.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE stated that there have been inconsistencies
with minor portions of the commissioner's testimony that have
created questions; the committee is looking for accurate and
consistent information. She asked Commissioner Price to speak
to the mistakes that she acknowledged to have made in the
confirmation process.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded that her biggest mistake was made
while discussing her departure from the [Governor Bill] Walker
administration. She maintained that she did not consider her
testimony to be inconsistent but understands that it was
perceived to be such. She expressed her belief that when she
shared her concerns about Senate Bill 91 [passed during the
Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature, 2015-2016, and signed
into law 7/11/16] she saw a shift in the way her work was
received, approved, and accepted by the administration. Given
that no other input or feedback had been shared with her by any
member of the administration, she assumed that it was that
matter that caused the breach. She offered that she did not
articulate that point clearly; she does not view the testimony
as inconsistent but as lacking the full picture.
3:23:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW referred to Commissioner Price's lack of
training and education for the jobs she has held and asked
whether she received on-the-job training for most of them.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered that when she accepted the position
of executive director of MDA - at age 21 or 22 - she had no
skills, knowledge, understanding, or ability to step into the
role. The person who hired her was willing to contribute his
time and mentorship to teach and guide her. She said that the
staff graciously helped her to be a manager; it was on-the-job
training. She relayed that she performed a variety of tasks in
many different roles and learned the basic management skills.
Every position she held, regardless of the type of the services
provided, required a basic ability to manage budget, attend to
fiduciary obligations, appropriately place resources, and manage
personnel.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW asked her whether she feels that the
complexities of DPS would put her in a position of needing on-
the-job training.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded yes.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked for confirmation that [former]
Commissioner Walt Monegan and [former] Commissioner Gary had no
security clearances other than the one Ms. Monfreda told the
committee that Commissioner Price has received.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that information relayed to her by
Leon Morgan, Alaska Criminal Intelligence Director, and Ms.
Monfreda indicates yes.
3:27:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked for confirmation that her testimony -
that her departure from the Walker administration was a mutual
decision - was modified to her having been let go.
COMMISSIONER PRICE maintained that she didn't modify her
testimony; she was asked to resign. She offered that there was
such a brief conversation between her and Scott Kendall, [former
chief of staff for Governor Walker] - with no impetus, reason,
or hostility. She already knew she was leaving the
administration, either she would resign or be asked to resign;
therefore, it felt mutual. She acknowledged that Mr. Kendall
did ask her to resign.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL referred to testimony by Marcia Davis
[former deputy chief of staff for Governor Walker] during the
4/11/19 House State Affairs Standing Committee confirmation
hearing, in which she stated that Commissioner Price was busy
"putting out fires" and not in her office. He asked for some
examples of what those situations were.
COMMISSIONER PRICE gave the example of the Yukon-Kuskokwim
Health Corporation (YKHC) hospital in Bethel, which discontinued
seeing sexual assault survivors in the sexual assault response
facility. She was notified by the troopers, who were
transporting sexual assault survivors to the hospital, that even
though the hospital had a fully equipped sexual assault response
team and trained personnel to respond and collect evidence, the
hospital decided to close the program due to budgetary reasons.
The victims had to travel to Anchorage to be seen by the
Anchorage sexual assault response team. She stated that she
immediately flew to Bethel and spent considerable time helping
YKHC work through what the policies and processes were in
partnership with AST.
COMMISSIONER PRICE relayed another situation: the crime lab
audit revealed inconsistencies with the audit findings; she
spent considerable time with crime lab staff related to sexual
assault kit initiatives and at the crime lab reviewing the
findings, recommendations, and the timeline for implementation
on the recommendations.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked for confirmation that her position
with the Walker administration was as policy analyst or policy
advisor.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered that she was the senior advisor on
criminal justice issues - sexual assault specifically.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL referred to her testimony in the House State
Affairs Standing Committee hearing [4/4/19] mentioning Senate
Bill 91 as a source of conflict between her and the Walker
administration. He asked whether she discussed her position
with the administration in order to reconcile the differences.
COMMISSIONER PRICE said that she did. She stated that she
discussed it with [former chief of staff] Jim Whitaker and
Governor Walker. She referred to a follow-up letter [from Mr.
Whitaker and Ms. Davis dated 4/12/19 [included in the committee
packet] in which he states that he remembers the conversation
and agrees that meeting was when the breach occurred and when
the governor excluded her from any Senate Bill 91-related
activities. She clarified that her concerns were not specific
to Senate Bill 91 but getting input from the victim service
agencies and APD to the legislative director of the governor's
office and the governor. After that conversation, she was not
to have any participation with the Alaska Criminal Justice
Commission (ACJC) or involvement with Senate Bill 91.
3:31:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked Commissioner Price to name the big
issues right now for the typical law enforcement officer and to
identify what needs to be fixed immediately. He asked her to
give in specific detail the top three issues that would make an
officer's job easier and Alaska safer, excluding recruitment and
retention of officers.
COMMISSIONER PRICE relayed the issues as follows: lack of
adequate equipment, lack of an adequate replacement and repair
process, gear that is not working, challenges with communication
frequencies and communications between AST and local police
departments; and internal policy and process challenges that
affect response.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL stated that he is looking for policy issues.
He asked what policy she would change through legislation if she
could.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered, "Drug reclassification and
resentencing." She said that the governor has proposed
legislation to change the drug classification standards back to
what they were prior to Senate Bill 91. She explained that
Senate Bill 91 took a tool away from law enforcement: being
able to charge offenders who are self-abusing - not trafficking,
not distributing, not selling, and holding a gram or less [of
the drug] - encourages them to work with law enforcement; the
primary goal is not to hold low-level offenders accountable but
to get the necessary information as to who is trafficking the
drugs into the community and to find treatment options for the
offender.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked for confirmation that she is referring
to the proposed legislation that would make first-time
possession of a small quantity of drugs a felony, with the
intent to use the felony to leverage information from a
defendant.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that the drug enforcement officers
have stated unequivocally that it is a tremendous tool for them.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked for another example based on what she
has learned so far on the job.
COMMISSIONER PRICE stated that there is proposed legislation to
close loopholes in sexual assault statutes; ACJC and DPS have
identified these loopholes as gaps in law enforcement's ability
to hold sex offenders accountable.
3:36:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether there is anything in
Commissioner Price's background that would prevent her from
being hired as either a police officer or an AST.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded that based on the certification
requirements for Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), there
is not.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked, "Based on anything?"
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied no. She said that becoming a law
enforcement officer is a very comprehensive process; out of
1,000 applicants, 18 successfully complete the process. She
does not know if she would be one of them, if she applied.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked for confirmation that the fact that
she has had financial difficulties in the past would not
preclude her from a career as a trooper.
COMMISSIONER PRICE stated that was accurate. She said that
financial distress is a challenge that many Alaskans face
including ASTs.
3:37:06 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked Commissioner Price to detail the
background investigative process that she experienced since
being appointed as commissioner designee in December [2018].
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that the Division of Statewide
Services (DSS) completes a criminal history that includes hot
files, warrants, and Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) records; it
involves a criminal investigative process to identify criminal
activity in her history and the standard state criminal history
background check.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked who conducted the background check on the
commissioner.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered that it was performed by Ms.
Monfreda in DSS and Mr. Morgan.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that the CJIS background check is not
the same as a law enforcement officer background check; it is
much more superficial. He asked whether she has had a
background check equivalent to one for AST, which looks at
financial issues, personal integrity issues, and issues for
which one could be subject to pressure or blackmail.
COMMISSIONER PRICE expressed that she believes that she did; she
took the advice of the experts in the room - Mr. Morgan, Deputy
Commissioner [DPS] Michael Duxbury, and Ms. Monfreda, who guided
her through the paperwork necessary for the required clearances.
She received confirmation that she was granted the clearances.
She offered that she does not know definitively whether she has
had the background check equivalent to AST. She acknowledged
that she has had a foreclosure; it is not in itself a
prohibitive factor, but one that would be considered. She
stated that the intent of that consideration and the reason it
is important is the possibility of a pressure point. She
maintained that there is nothing in her background that could
potentially cause such a pressure point. She suggested that Mr.
Morgan could speak to Co-Chair Fields's concerns.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS stated that [Alaska State] Representative Tammie
Wilson asked the House State Affairs Standing Committee to
request the following: attendance record when working for
Governor Walker, academic transcripts, verification of the APSC
background check, and the most current credit report. He said
that the committee has not received the documents requested and
asked her to provide them.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that she will not be providing the
requested document. She stated that the documents contain
sensitive and personal information, which would become public
when submitted to the committee.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked the commissioner whether prior to being
dismissed, she had a plan of improvement or was required to
submit weekly reports to her supervisor about where she was and
what she did during the week.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered no.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked her whether she has ever contacted anyone
in the media regarding rumors about why Lieutenant Governor
[Byron] Mallott resigned.
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered yes.
3:41:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE referred to Commissioner Price's testimony
regarding the desperate need for the proper equipment in DPS.
She thanked the commissioner for her comments. She said that
when she did her trooper ride-along on the Lower Peninsula, she
learned that the troopers were dealing with outdated and failing
equipment; it was preventing them from getting back on the
streets and doing their jobs. She continued by saying that a
common complaint by the public is that the troopers are not
there when they need them; however, she expressed that they are
doing the best they can for Alaskans. While equipment is
perceived as just a technicality, it is something that troopers
deal with every day. Not having what they need, such as being
able to print off a document, can create such a delay.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS mentioned Commissioner Price's testimony that
under the Walker administration she was "pulled off" of Senate
Bill 91, because of her opposition to the bill. He asked for
the number of public, ACJC, stakeholder, or other internal
meetings with agency staff she attended during the very long
development of Senate Bill 91.
COMMISSIONER PRICE clarified that Senate Bill 91 was never a
primary issue of her portfolio. Her primary portfolio issue was
to work with domestic violence and sexual assault partners
throughout the state to improve response, intervention, and
prevention efforts. She was asked for feedback and advice
[regarding Senate Bill 91] at certain times, but it was not her
primary focus; therefore, not many meetings.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked if she ever prepared an independent
analysis of the provisions of Senate Bill 91 as it was being
developed.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded that she does not believe that she
did; she provided feedback that she collected from victim
service agencies and law enforcement entities across the state.
She said that she collected the input, aggregated it, and
forwarded it to the governor but did not create an independent
analysis.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked in what way she articulated her concerns
regarding Senate Bill 91 to the governor.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded that it was by way of a vocal
meeting with the governor and chief of staff, which is
referenced in the follow-up letter from Mr. Whitaker to the
committee.
3:46:34 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:46 p.m. to 3:49 p.m.
3:49:04 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked Commissioner Price what her title was
under the Walker administration.
COMMISSIONER PRICE replied that she started as special advisor
to Governor Walker and was promoted to senior advisor to
Governor Walker.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked for clarification that Senate Bill 91 was
not in her job description.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded that she was involved in the
initial conversations as to what the administration's strategy
would be; however, [former Legislative Director] Darwin Peterson
and [former Deputy Legislative Director] Lacy Wilcox were the
leads on the project. She was asked for feedback occasionally
but did not have an integral role.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS read an email communication from a Senate
staffer dated May 16, 2016, which read:
Hey all -
It sound like the Governor's "policy advisor on
criminal justice" (who I've never met or heard of) put
together a document - a comprehensive summary - of
feedback and concerns from numerous organizations,
including APOA, PSEA, APDEA, CDVSA, ANDVSA, STARR,
Victims for Justice, and more. After receiving all of
that feedback, after months of teleconferences,
roundtables, and thoughtful consideration of the data
and research, she painstakingly compiled them into a
document for the Governor's review.
Instead, what she really sent was a word-for-word copy
of a document Gerard Asselin (President of APDEA) sent
me over a month ago (at my request) to explain some
changes they would like to the bill. Literally
verbatim (see e-mail below).
She has blatantly misrepresented her role and the
origins of the document. What's most alarming is that
the document is grossly inaccurate. A month ago (April
21st -- when the document was authored) it was
significantly more relevant. Since then, many of the
concerns have been resolved in SB 91 or explained in
further detail to clear up misunderstandings. At the
very least, Amanda should have updated Gerard's
document before forwarding it to the Governor of
Alaska as "policy advise". It's clear she has no
compunction with back-dooring her own agenda.
Here's what's most insulting on a personal level: our
office actually did the work Amanda purports to have
done. We have done the hundreds of hours of conference
calls. We have done the hundreds of hours of meetings.
We have made the hundreds of changes to the bill in
response to those meetings. Whatever she has done, we
have done it one hundred times over. I imagine John
would share my sentiments. It's insulting that her
plagiarized, misrepresented drivel would even be
considered by the Governor.
COMMISSIONER PRICE responded, "The document, as it speaks for
itself, does lack the attachment of what my document was, as I
believe my document was a forward. I in no manner plagiarized
anybody's work. I forwarded a document to the legislative
office, as I believed my obligation to be, from APDEA - one of
my strong partners and the body whom I've worked with for a
decade and who my husband retired from. I simply forwarded Mr.
Asselin's document; I did not claim that work as my own ...."
3:52:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether the background check
referred to in Ms. Monfreda's letter is the same background
check that previous commissioners have gotten.
3:53:18 PM
KATHERYN MONFREDA, Chief, Criminal Records, Division of
Statewide Services (DSS), Department of Public Safety (DPS),
answered yes. She said that every person who is required to
have physical or logical access to criminal justice information
undergoes the same background check; that includes every
employee in the department.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether any of the employees are
subject to any additional check.
MS. MONFREDA answered that for employment, that is the only
background check. Some employees have a more thorough
background check through the Alaska Information and Analysis
Center (AKIAC); she expressed that she does not know what other
checks Commissioner Price may have undergone.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked Ms. Monfreda to identify the
employees who must have the more thorough background check.
MS. MONFREDA said that the policy is that any DPS employee must
undergo the more in-depth background check that includes the
fingerprint-based background check.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked for confirmation that any DPS
employee that is hired must go through a more thorough
background check than the one referenced in the 4/15/19 letter.
MS. MONFREDA replied that there are additional sources of
information that are checked prior to employment.
3:56:04 PM
Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public
Safety, asked for the questions to be restated.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX referred to the 4/15/19 letter from Ms.
Monfreda, which read in part:
The results of these checks revealed no disqualifying
information; therefore, Ms. Price has an approved
security clearance to work around CJIS data.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether there is a more advanced
background check that Commissioner Price did not pass.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS clarified by asking, "What's the difference
between the CJIS background check and the background check
someone would undergo to become a state trooper?"
MR. DUXBURY responded that the position of commissioner of DPS
is a political appointment; therefore, it has its own
classification and the governor may appoint whom he wishes.
Because people inside the DPS building need to be around
criminal justice information systems, they must pass the
Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check. He
stated that the check was done to allow the commissioner
unescorted access to the building and to be around personal,
identifying information that must be secure and used properly.
MR. DUXBURY, in response to Co-Chair Fields, said in order to
determine whether AST, AWT and fire marshals, who interact with
a badge and a firearm in situations of force have integrity and
can respond to people, DPS requires an in-depth background
check. He added that DPS also hires civilians who do not go
through the same background check as a trooper; however, they
must have a CJIS clearance, no criminal background, and have the
moral turpitude and ability not to be influenced in any harmful
way that could affect the State of Alaska. He offered that
Commissioner Price's appointment by the governor makes her a
commissioned officer; however, as the administrative officer for
the department, she would not need the full state trooper
clearance. He maintained that she has the clearance that she
needs to have in order to be the administrative officer for DPS.
She also has subordinates with national security clearances. If
anything needs to be communicated to her, the contacting agency
- DoD, FBI, or the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) - would have
her sign the "right-to-know" "need-to-know" information document
so that that DPS could assist the federal agency.
4:01:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX said that she thought the commissioner to
say that the former commissioners had no other security
clearances other than CJIS. She suggested that if they "came up
through the ranks" they would have the more in-depth security
clearance.
MR. DUXBURY responded that he did not know the two former
commissioners to have the national security clearance when they
became employed at AST. He said that it may have been possible
for them to have clearances for other reasons at other places.
He added that on a couple occasions the certificates of DPS
[former troopers] had expired, which would have made them
civilians. He stated that as civilians they were subject to the
CJIS background check.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked Mr. Duxbury for a clarification in writing
of the difference between a CJIS background check and the
trooper background check.
MR. DUXBURY responded that DPS would provide such a document.
4:03:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL commented that Mr. Duxbury mentioned a
national security clearance, as well as CJIS and trooper
security clearances.
MR. DUXBURY expressed his understanding that DOJ - which
includes FBI, DHS, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA), and DoD - requires a certain level of security clearance
in order to be involved with national security information. He
added that DPS has employees who will attain partial clearance
for specialty purposes only. He further explained that the
security clearance for troopers is a background check to ensure
that the department is putting the right person into the field
into stressful situations and who is carrying and has the
authority to use force. Troopers also must have a CJIS
clearance.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked for confirmation that there are people
at DPS with the national security clearances to interface with
the national agencies and obtain information as needed.
MR. DUXBURY agreed. He explained that it would not be necessary
for the commissioner of DPS to have a national security
clearance. The agency that holds the information has the right
to pass the information; therefore, if it decides to pass the
information, it would have the commissioner sign a waiver. The
important aspect of national security information is not
revealing methods, means, or sources, in order to continue
receiving information. Information can be "cleaned" and shared
with the commissioner and division directors for them to carry
out law enforcement response.
4:06:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE offered her understanding that due to the
respect that she and other committee members have for the people
who serve in public safety, [the committee] wants to ensure that
the commissioner passes the same muster. She asked Mr. Duxbury
what his recommendation to the committee is for the commissioner
of DPS.
MR. DUXBURY stated that the people in the room represent about
130 years of service; they have offered their experience to the
commissioner, who is making improvements in conducting business
arrangements and improving DPS deliverables through a victim
advocacy thought process. He said, "Being successful at what we
do instead of unsuccessful and being the brunt of 'You didn't
help us' is really hard on our people." He maintained that
Commissioner Price has put in place some procedures that have
made immediate improvements. He offered that DPS has many
challenges, including issues regarding laws and issues regarding
technology. He said that Commissioner Price has the full faith
and credit of the group of [DPS] supervisors in the room. He
maintained that the rank and file, with few exceptions, support
the appointment of Commissioner Price; they have hope for a
better future for the Alaska public; and they want to be
successful. He recommended confirmation of Commissioner Price.
4:10:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL referred to public testimony from Mark
Springer [Chairman, Marijuana Control Board (MCB)] during the
confirmation hearing on Commissioner Price [4/4/19 House State
Affairs Standing Committee meeting], in which he stated that the
Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) was moved from DPS to
the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
(DCCED). He asked for her comments on that move. Mr. Springer
also mentioned a request for light bars for their vehicles.
Representative Wool suggested that since the AMCO officers have
the trappings of public safety - badges, guns, and vests - they
may be more appropriately in DPS. He asked whether she would be
an advocate of moving AMCO back to public safety or whether she
supports it staying in commerce and modifying it to "more look
like commerce as opposed to public safety."
COMMISSIONER PRICE answered that she would not advocate for
moving AMCO back into DPS because they are primarily a
regulatory agency. She said she supported the decision by the
prior administration to no longer allow the AMCO investigators
to have access to the CJIS; federal regulations dictate that one
either must be a peace officer or expend greater than 51 percent
of one's time on criminal justice activities. She asserted that
because AMCO is regulatory in nature, it does not meet those
standards. She gave them three direct points of contact for
their efforts to empower and support their mission in the event
of a challenge; she also asked them to provide her with any
information that would allow her to reinstate that access [to
CJIS] should they meet the federal requirements associated with
needing that access.
4:12:56 PM
COMMISSIONER PRICE referred to the email communication from the
senate staffer offered by Co-Chair Fields; she paraphrased from
another email sent by an individual involved in the email chain
to the governor, which was dated the same day [5/16/16], which
she read as follows:
The more thought I give this, Governor, the more I
regret sending this email to you. I'm sorry. I was
frustrated and should dealt with it differently. I
may have failed to communicate with Amanda what I was
hoping to get from her. I will work with her tomorrow
on a proper bill analysis. I will also work to clarify
things to Coghill's staff. Also, I know you have
other stuff to deal with. Thank you.
Always honored,
[name withheld]
CO-CHAIR FIELDS expressed that he does not believe the email to
have been disclosed from the Alaska Public Records Act (APRA)
response from the administration.
COMMISSIONER PRICE offered that she didn't know where the email
came from; it was handed to her.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS mentioned that members of the media have
struggled to get information about the nature of correspondence
on Senate Bill 91. He said that if the administration wished to
share further correspondence, it would be welcome.
4:14:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL stated that the House State Affairs Standing
Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's
appointee and recommends that the following name be forwarded to
a joint session for consideration: Amanda Price, Commissioner
of DPS. He reminded members that signing the reports regarding
appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects intent
of any of the members to vote for or against this individual
during any further session for the purposes of confirmation.
[The confirmation was treated as advanced.]
4:15:02 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:15 p.m. to 4:17 p.m.
^Lieutenant Governor Successor
Lieutenant Governor Successor
4:17:05 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS continued confirmation hearings to consider the
appointment of Dr. Michael Johnson as Lieutenant Governor
Successor.
4:17:37 PM
DR. MICHAEL JOHNSON, Commissioner, stated that he is the
Commissioner of DEED.
4:17:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL stated that the House State Affairs Standing
Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's
appointee and recommends that the following name be forwarded to
a joint session for consideration: Dr. Michael Johnson,
Lieutenant Governor Successor. He reminded members that signing
the reports regarding appointments to boards and commissions in
no way reflects intent of any of the members to vote for or
against this individual during any further session for the
purposes of confirmation.
[The confirmation was treated as advanced.]
4:18:21 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:18 p.m.
^Chief Administrative Law Judge
Chief Administrative Law Judge
4:18:52 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS continued confirmation hearings to consider the
appointment of Kathleen Frederick as Chief Administrative Law
Judge.
4:19:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL stated that the House State Affairs Standing
Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's
appointee and recommends that the following name be forwarded to
a joint session for consideration: Kathleen Frederick, Chief
Administrative Law Judge. He reminded members that signing the
reports regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no
way reflects intent of any of the members to vote for or against
this individual during any further session for the purposes of
confirmation.
[The confirmation was treated as advanced.]
^Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
^Alaska Department of Corrections Parole Board
^Alaska State Personnel Board
^Alaska Public Offices Commission
^Alaska Police Standard Council
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
Alaska Department of Corrections Parole Board
Alaska State Personnel Board
Alaska Public Offices Commission
Alaska Police Standards Council
4:19:36 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS turned the committee's attention to the
remaining boards and commissions before it. [Appointee names
are listed in the committee calendar section at the beginning of
these minutes.]
4:20:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL stated that the House State Affairs Standing
Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's
appointees and recommends that the names be forwarded to a joint
session for consideration. He reminded members that signing the
reports regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no
way reflects intent of any of the members to vote for or against
this individual during any further session for the purposes of
confirmation.
[The confirmations were treated as advanced.]
4:21:08 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:21 p.m. to 4:23 p.m.
HB 50-ARREST;RELEASE;SENTENCING;PROBATION
HB 51-PROBATION; PAROLE; SENTENCES; CREDITS
4:23:20 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 50, "An Act relating to pretrial release;
relating to sentencing; relating to treatment program credit
toward service of a sentence of imprisonment; relating to
electronic monitoring; amending Rules 38.2 and 45(d), Alaska
Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective
date." and HOUSE BILL NO. 51, "An Act relating to probation;
relating to a program allowing probationers to earn credits for
complying with the conditions of probation; relating to early
termination of probation; relating to parole; relating to a
program allowing parolees to earn credits for complying with the
conditions of parole; relating to early termination of parole;
relating to eligibility for discretionary parole; relating to
good time; and providing for an effective date."
CO-CHAIR FIELDS expressed his concerns regarding the
circumstances surrounding the resignation of Quinlan Steiner, as
Director of the Public Defender Agency (PDA), Department of
Administration (DOA). Mr. Steiner had tendered his resignation
effective on appointment of a new public defender appointed by
the Alaska Judicial Counsel consistent with AS 18.85.030. Co-
Chair Fields offered that his concern is that [Governor Michael
J. Dunleavy] has accelerated the dismissal of Mr. Steiner and
appointed an interim public defender, and the statute does not
give him the authority to do so. He maintained the public
defender is, by design, an independent position, and the public
defender can only be removed for cause. He asserted that is an
important principle in terms of a public defender advising the
legislature on matters of criminal justice and not being subject
to political pressure. He said that currently there is no
public defender nominated by the judicial council, which impairs
the legislature's ability to ensure a fair hearing on the crime
and public safety legislation.
4:25:05 PM
JOHN SKIDMORE, Director, Criminal Division, Department of Law
(DOL), on behalf of the House Rules Standing Committee, sponsor
of HB 51, by request of the governor, relayed that HB 51 is
designed to address probation and parole. He referred to the
document, entitled "HB 51 Probation and Parole Highlights" and
included in the committee packet, which read in part:
• Caps on Sanctions for Technical Violations and
Absconding Repeals the caps on the sanctions for
technical violations (currently 3, 5, and 10 days for
the first three violations respectively) and
absconding (up to 30 days). Returns discretion to
judges and the parole board to impose a sanction
appropriate for the offender, the type of violation,
and the underlying offense.
MR. SKIDMORE explained that Senate Bill 91 [passed during the
Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature, 2015-2016, and signed
into law 7/11/16] placed caps on the amount of time that could
be imposed for either probation or parole violations; however,
the caps, instead of being for a single violation, ended up
being for the entire petition. Consequently, there can be many
violations, but the maximum sanction that can be imposed is
three days. He added that returning discretion to judges and
the parole board allows them to consider the underlying offense,
the length of time the offender has been under supervision, the
number of past allegations or violations that have occurred, and
the current allegations.
4:29:05 PM
MR. SKIDMORE moved on to the second bullet in the document to
review the proposal for earned compliance credits (ECC), which
read in part:
• Earned Compliance Credits Reduces credits to one
day for every three days without a violation. If a
person violates their probation or parole they will
lose all credits accrued up until the violation and
have to start over. Prohibits sex offenders from
earning credits.
MR. SKIDMORE explained that currently, every day that an
offender is on probation or parole without a violation, his/her
probation or parole time may be reduced by one day. The
proposed legislation changes that ratio to 3:1, such that every
three days of good behavior earns one day off.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked whether there is any evidence to
justify the change.
MR. SKIDMORE answered that there has been no research on it;
however, during the time of its implementation, there have been
problems with calculating ECC. He maintained that the proposed
legislation would help with the calculations. He stated that
when the state and the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC)
evaluated probation and parole, they learned that keeping
offenders on probation and parole for very long periods of time
was not helpful. They considered three options - ECC, early
termination, and reduced maximum periods of probation that could
be imposed - and ended up adopting all three. The proposed
legislation offers a more "digestible" and balanced approach.
He added that the 1:3 ratio was recently adopted by the federal
government for ECC, as well as some other states.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS referred to page 2 of the Department of
Corrections (DOC) fiscal note (FN) [Identifier: LL0031-2-DOC-
PP-01-22-19], included in the committee packet, and pointed out
the analysis relays several scenarios with estimated costs but
no total. He asked why DOC did not total the costs and what the
total additional costs would be for offenders being in
incarceration longer.
MR. SKIDMORE responded that he was not prepared to answer
questions about the DOC FN.
4:36:25 PM
MR. SKIDMORE continued with the third bullet in the document,
which read in part:
• Early Termination Of Probation And Parole Returns
to a true recommendation of the probation or parole
officer instead of a mandated recommendation after 1
or 2 years without violation.
MR. SKIDMORE explained that before Senate Bill 91, a parole
officer had the ability to recommend termination of probation
and parole based on his assessment as to whether the offender
was a good candidate for it. Under Senate Bill 91, instead of a
recommendation, it became a requirement to recommend the
termination of probation and parole after one year. Under HB
51, the recommendation would again be based on the individual's
history and behavior.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked whether the option of early
termination was used very much.
MR. SKIDMORE relayed that he could answer the question only in
terms of probation, since his experience is as a prosecutor. He
said that he did see recommendations but could not give
statistics. He added that more frequently he saw what is called
"placing someone on a minimum bank." He explained that an
offender is required to report to the probation officer once a
month; if the person was doing well, the probation officer would
shift that person to the minimum bank, which means the offender
no longer must report on a monthly basis. This lessened the
restrictions of probation.
4:42:25 PM
MR. SKIDMORE continued reviewing the highlights of HB 51 by
addressing parole. He mentioned that he would be discussing two
areas of parole: 1) the eligibility for parole; and 2) a
determination of who should be released on parole. He explained
parole by way of the following example: An individual is
sentenced in court to five years in jail - with two years
suspended and three years to serve. The two years that are
suspended is the length of time that "hangs over the person's
head" so that if he/she violates a condition of probation, there
is the potential that those two years could be imposed. Parole
refers to the scenario in which the person is released from jail
prior to the completion of the three years and is returned to
the community; there are conditions set for parole, and if the
person violates conditions of parole, the person may be required
to return to jail to serve the remainder of the sentence.
MR. SKIDMORE said that there are two types of parole - mandatory
and discretionary. Mandatory parole, also known as "good time,"
occurs when someone is released from prison early - after
serving approximately two-thirds of the sentence - and is meant
to help the person adjust back out to the community and
alleviate prison overcrowding. Parole eligibility, under HB 51,
refers to discretionary parole. Discretionary parole is when
the offender applies for early release after serving approximate
one-third of his/her sentence; this early release is earlier
than mandatory release. The parole board evaluates the case and
decides whether the person is a good candidate for release. In
the example, the person would be eligible for discretionary
parole after one year.
MR. SKIDMORE relayed that under Senate Bill 91, the eligibility
for discretionary parole was broadened. He reviewed the changes
in eligibility for discretionary parole under HB 51, shown on
the document, which read in part:
• Parole Eligibility Returns to restricting what
crimes are eligible for discretionary parole. Makes
the following crimes ineligible:
• Non-sex class A felonies (Robbery 1, Assault 1,
Arson 1, Escape 1, MIW 1);
• B felonies if the person had one or more prior
felony convictions;
• C felonies if the person had two or more prior
felony convictions; and
• B and C sex felonies (Sexual Assault 2, Sexual
Abuse of a Minor 2, Distribution of Child
Pornography).
4:47:40 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on HB 50 and HB 51.
4:48:08 PM
KATIE BOTZ said she supports the idea of HB 51. She opined that
there should be stronger policy to not allow probationers to
repeat crimes upon release. She suggested classes could be
offered to help people on probation be successful when their
probation period ends. She indicated the classes could help a
person with his/her work success and state of mind. She said
Alaska ranks number one for sex crimes, and she said "they" are
the ones that should have "maximum probation punishment without
any parole."
4:50:53 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:51 p.m. to 4:52 p.m.
4:51:49 PM
LYNETTE CLARK, Chair, Alaska Independence Party, stated concern
that the legislation does not have "any real teeth." She said
she would like to see HB 50 and HB 51 not passed. She said she
supports what the Senate has done regarding the Crime Bill, and
she wants to see Senate Bill 91 repealed. She expressed
appreciation for the work that has been done on HB 50 and HB 51,
but indicated that the Senate's proposed legislation is more in
depth and focused on making criminals pay for what they have
done. She reiterated that she cannot support HB 50 and HB 51.
4:53:04 PM
NORIA CLARK stated that she used to feel safe [in Anchorage,
Alaska]. She said she once lived in Chicago, where her mother
survived being shot on her way to work; she once lived in
Southern Arizona, where there is drug cartel and constant crime.
She said Senate Bill 91 gives more rights to criminals than law-
abiding citizens have. She stated, "Currently we are number one
in multiple violent and non-violent crimes per capita." She
said these crimes includes those sexual violence, car and
property theft. Ms. Clark talked about voting and that the
people of Alaska will take back their power. She said there are
those who represent Alaskans and those who only claim to do so.
She stated that Senate Bill 91 should be repealed, with new law
put in the books directing how to handle criminals. She said
time given to allow Senate Bill 91 to work is time wasted when
it results in lives lost. She characterized Alaska as "a
nightmare game of Monopoly," where there is "get out of jail
free" and taxes on those who must "pay for it," because
"criminals don't pay taxes." Ms. Clark stated that HB 50 and HB
51 are only Band-Aids. She posited that Alaska is probably the
last state in the Union that could actually be saved. She
concluded by saying that she is tired of being afraid.
4:55:29 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING stated that he is disturbed to hear it said
that people do not understand what is wrong with Senate Bill 91.
He stated support of "anything that Governor Dunleavy is trying
to pass right now," and suggested that HB 50 and HB 51 could be
a good start toward getting tougher on criminals who are repeat
offenders.
4:56:55 PM
CO-CHAIR FIELDS closed public testimony on HB 50 and HB 51.
CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that HB 50 and HB 51 would be held
over.
4:57:08 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
State Affairs Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 4:57
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Price - CJIS Security 4.16.19.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
|
| HB 50 ver A.PDF |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 - Pretrial Highlights.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 - Pretrial Sectional.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 - Transmittal Letter.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 ver A 2.20.19.PDF |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Pretrial Highlights 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Pretrial Sectional 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Transmittal Letter 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Additional Document - Crime Bill GOA Bills Matrix 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note DPS-PrisTrans 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note DOC-Pretrial 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note DOC-IDO 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note LAW-CRM 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note DOA-OPA 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note DOA-PDA 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Fiscal Note JUD-ACS 3.19.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Opposing Doucment - Functioning Model of a Community Corrections System 3.19.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB051 ver A 2.20.19.PDF |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Highlights 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Sectional Analysis 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Transmittal Letter 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Additional Document - Crime Bill GOA Bills Matrix 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Fiscal Note DOC-IDO 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Fiscal Note LAW-CRM 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Fiscal Note DOC-DPP 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 3/19/2019 3:00:00 PM HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB050 Supporting Document - Letter of Support AACOP 3.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Opposing Document - Letter of Opposition 4.16.19.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB050 Supporting Document - Letters of Support 4.15.2019 - 4.16.2019.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB051 Supporting Document - Letter of Support AACOP 3.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Supporting Document - Letters of Support 4.15.2019 - 4.16.2019.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Opposing Document - Letter of Opposition 4.16.19.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 |
| HB051 Additional Docment - GOA Bills Matrix 2.20.19.pdf |
HSTA 4/16/2019 3:00:00 PM |
HB 51 SB 91 |