Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/09/2010 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB10 | |
| HB98 | |
| HB292 | |
| HB334 | |
| SB222 | |
| SB225 | |
| SB292 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 10 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 98 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 292 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 334 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 222 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 255 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 292 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 9, 2010
9:08 a.m.
9:08:35 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:08 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Dennis Egan
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Darwin Peterson, Staff, Co-Chair Stedman; Max Gruenberg;
Kathie Wasserman, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal
League (AML); David Grey, Staff, Co-Chair Hoffman; Jane
Pierson, Staff, Representative Jay Ramras; McHugh Pierre,
Liaison, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs;
Michael O'Hare, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs; Casey Schroeder, Staff,
Representative Bill Thomas; Sue McLean, Director, Criminal
Division, Department of Law; Tim Benintendi, Staff, Senator
Olson; Frank Homan, Commissioner, Commercial Fisheries
Entry Commission; Bob Thorsteinson, Executive Director,
SEAS; Mitch Eide, Board Member, SEAS; Josh Tempel, Staff,
Senator Huggins.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Marty McGee, Assessor, Municipality of Anchorage; Rick
Eckert, President, Alaska State Elk's Association; Michael
Luhr, President, Petersburg, Alaska State Elks Association;
Mark San Souci, Department of Defense; Sergeant Derek
Degraff, Alaska State Troopers; Jeffrey Mittman, Executive
Director ACLU, Alaska; David Kazarian, Citizens for Change;
Rob Zuanich, Manager, Southeast Revitalization Association;
Fernando Pena, Government Affairs Director, Cash America.
SUMMARY
SB 222 SEX OFFENSES; OFFENDER REGIS.; SENTENCING
SB 222 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
SB 255 FISH PROCESSOR FEES, LICENSES, RECORDS
SB 255 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
SB 292 PAWNBROKERS
SB 292 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HB 10 MUNICIPAL TAXES: COSTS/EXEMPTIONS
HB 10 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 98 ALCOHOL: MINOR CONSUMING/LOCAL OPTION
CS HB 98 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with one new zero fiscal
note from the Department of Corrections and one
zero fiscal note from the Alaska Court System and
two previously published zero notes: FN5 (LAW),
FN6 (DPS).
HB 292 GRANTS TO DISASTER VICTIMS
HB 292 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HB 334 MILITARY DEPLOYMENT AND CHILD CUSTODY
HB 334 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with one previously
published zero note: FN1 (CRT).
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 10(FIN)
"An Act authorizing a borough to charge a city for
costs of collecting certain taxes; relating to a
mandatory exemption from municipal property taxes for
residences of certain widows or widowers, and to
optional exemptions from municipal property taxes for
property of certain fraternal organizations, for
certain college property, and for certain residential
property; and providing for an effective date."
9:08:46 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT proposed committee
substitute, work draft #26-LS0063\Z, Cook, 4/8/10. Co-Chair
Stedman OBJECTED.
DARWIN PETERSON, STAFF, CO-CHAIR STEDMAN, delivered his
sectional analysis. He explained that Version Z includes
four tax exemptions. The first two are found in Section 1,
which includes the mandatory tax exemptions in state
statute. The initial change is listed on Page 1, Line 14
and refers to the DeLong Mountain Transportation System.
The section exempts from assessment the determination of
the Northwest Arctic Borough and applies it retroactively
to November 30, 2009 when the current exemption expired. A
sunset provision for November 2012 is shown at the end of
the bill. The second mandatory tax exemption is found on
Page 3, Line 10 which includes the Alaska Pacific
University (APU). The municipality of Anchorage began
assessing property taxes on APU property in January 2006,
which was the first time the University was taxed in 47
years of tax free history in Alaska. Prior to the
assessment the municipality treated APU similar to the
University of Alaska. The properties in question include
the Marriott Hotel which pays all municipal property and
bed taxes. The University has a ground lease with the hotel
that requires the hotel to pay the taxes. The controversial
property is the Alaska Spine Institute (ASI) which has been
billed by the municipality for property taxes that since
remain unpaid. The University entered into a lease with ASI
and while university grounds were tax exempt the tax costs
were not calculated into the lease. The municipality is now
assessing taxes on ASI, but they are not required to pay
because of the terms of the lease so the tax bills are the
responsibility of the University. He informed that ASI's
lease terminates in 2035. He referred to Page 8, Line 9,
Section 9 which exhibits the sunset clause for the tax
exemption which will be repealed in 2035. The University
will then calculate all property tax cost into future
leases.
Mr. Peterson referred to Section 2 of the bill which
includes the sunset provision for the DeLong Mountain
Transportation System on November 30, 2012. Section 3
removes the private land from the University meaning that
private land will be taxable as of December 31, 2035.
Section 4 notes a tax exemption that allows widows and
widowers of disabled veterans to qualify for and retain
their municipal property tax exemption regardless of their
age. This tax exemption is optional and must be ratified by
the voters of the municipality. Section 5 refers to the tax
exemption for law enforcement officers to purchase homes in
high crime areas and allows the municipality to pass an
ordinance depending on exemption up to $150 thousand on the
assessed value.
Co-Chair Stedman removed his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG agreed with the sectional
analysis presented by Mr. Peterson.
9:16:24 AM
Senator Olson commented on the critical nature of the bill
for the Red Dog mine and school funding. The sponsor has
been gracious enough to allow an extension of the exemption
following the assessment in 1999. He expressed support for
the exemption.
Senator Huggins echoed Senator Olson's comments.
Representative Gruenberg expressed appreciation to the
committee.
Senator Thomas asked about the fiscal note. He commented on
the zero nature of the fiscal note when past property
exemptions led to large figures on the fiscal note. He
asked if he was missing a fiscal note.
Co-Chair Stedman mentioned one zero fiscal note from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
He requested an updated fiscal note for the Committee
Substitute (CS). He pointed out a memorandum from the
assistant state assessor in the committee packet that
identifies a potential fiscal impact to the municipalities.
9:18:48 AM
MARTY MCGEE, ASSESSOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference) stated that the municipality's primary
interest refers to the University property and the
provisions for the exemption of the property. He noted that
the municipality has never regarded APU as having the same
status as the University of Alaska. The University of
Alaska is exempt because it is a subdivision of the state
and therefore owned by the government. He noted that APU is
exempt because its property was acquired from the federal
government in a land grant dedicating it to an educational
purpose for a mandatory statutory exemption. The Supreme
Court of Alaska has defined educational purpose in a narrow
fashion. A building built with the purpose of renting for
income is not subject to the educational exemption. The
hospital and the medical office building both fall into
that category. He expressed concern with the provision for
the effective date of the bill as shown in Section 9. He
understood that the interest of the tenants in the spine
clinic would not be taxable until 2035. If the bill were to
pass, the tax revenue from the hospital and the medical
office building would be significantly less than today when
taxed at the full value. He stated no intention of taxing
any portion of APU which is used exclusively for
educational purpose.
9:21:53 AM
RICK ECKERT, PRESIDENT, ALASKA STATE ELK'S ASSOCIATION (via
teleconference), testified in opposition to the CS. His
original intention was to testify in support of the
municipal exemption for property tax on fraternal
organizations. He noted that the issue was removed from the
current CS. He commented that the 17 Elks organizations
have contributed $2.2 million a year. The advantage of the
old exemption is that a municipality could review the value
provided for the community by the fraternal organization.
MICHAEL LUHR, PRESIDENT, PETERSBURG, ALASKA STATE ELKS
ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), echoed the comments of
the Mr. Eckert. He hoped that the committee would see the
wisdom of reinserting the section. The goal of the Elks
Lodge is to provide community service.
9:27:25 AM
Senator Olson asked if the other fraternal organizations
receive the same tax exemption proposed in the earlier
version of the bill. Mr. Luhr responded that he is familiar
with other fraternal organizations. He stressed that only
upstanding fraternal organizations should be recognized for
the exemption.
9:28:52 AM
KATHIE WASSERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MUNICIPAL
LEAGUE (AML), reminded the committee that property tax
exemption should be local. She reminded that AML is opposed
to mandatory property tax exemptions. She stated that AML
believes that property tax is a local authority led by
local decisions.
Representative Gruenberg thanked the committee for the
support.
HB 10 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 98(FIN) am
"An Act relating to minor consuming and repeat minor
consuming; relating to penalties for violations of
limitations on possessing, sending, shipping,
transporting, or bringing alcoholic beverages to,
soliciting or receiving orders for delivery of
alcoholic beverages to, and the manufacture, sale,
offer for sale, barter, traffic, or possession of
alcoholic beverages in, a local option area; and
providing for an effective date."
9:31:31 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman Moved to ADOPT proposed committee
substitute, work draft #26-LSOO51\E, Luckhaupt, 4/7/10.
DAVID GREY, STAFF, CO-CHAIR HOFFMAN, discussed the work
draft. He noted that the language changes in the bill were
stimulated by the City of Bethel on February 9, 2010 urging
the legislators to support changes of the legal limit for
possession or transportation of beer up to 16 gallons. The
amount of 16 gallons was desired because a half keg of beer
equals 15 1/2 gallons. He noted that Bethel has voted and
opted out of the local option status. In effect, there
exists no control regarding the possession or
transportation of beer. He explained that Betel will take a
vote on May 4, 2010 with the option of local option status
that is favorable to the citizens. The limits of wine or
beer retain the allowable 12 gallons in current statute for
all other containers of beer. The administration recommends
that the limits are to allow for the half keg of beer. He
mentioned Section eight and the definition to support the
changes made.
Co-Chair Stedman Removed his OBJECTION.
JANE PIERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, commented
on the legislation. She noted that the bill corrects a
problem from the 25th legislature for HB 359, which was a
bill allowing juveniles to avoid probation for minor
consuming therefore allowing them to enter military
service. The legislation allows for previous convictions
and includes a bootlegging provision combining bootlegging
penalties with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol
penalties.
Co-Chair Stedman pointed out four zero fiscal notes from
the Department of Corrections, the Department of Law, the
Department of Public Safety, and the Alaska Court System.
He noted that the committee will request updated fiscal
notes to reflect the changes made in the CS.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report SCS CS HB 98 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CS HB 98 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with one new zero fiscal note from the
Department of Corrections and one zero fiscal note from the
Alaska Court System and two previously published zero
notes: FN5 (LAW), FN6 (DPS).
HOUSE BILL NO. 292
"An Act relating to grants to victims of a disaster in
this state; and providing for an effective date."
9:37:46 AM
MCHUGH PIERRE, LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS
AFFAIRS, commented on HB 292. He noted that HB 292
addresses a need identified regarding catastrophic disaster
and families are impacted under the individual assistance
grant. The individual assistance grant clause allows for a
maximum amount is $5000. The proposal in HB 292 is to link
the state individual assistance grant to the federal
individual assistance grant which is administered during
federally declared disaster. He stated that half of the
federal assistance grant is $14,950 in 2010 because the
federal amount has dropped to $29,900.
MICHAEL O'HARE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY
AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, commented on the bill. He agreed that
HB 292 increases a cap established in 1977, which requires
modernization for today's economy. A task force was
established after the recent flooding disasters this year.
The task force established that the model exemplified in HB
292 was a fair model. He added that the Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs does not cut checks for
victims without a process that involves taking applications
and verifying losses with photographs and receipts to
verify the loss.
HB 292 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 334(RLS)
"An Act establishing child custody, modification, and
visitation standards for a military parent; and
amending Rules 77 and 99, Alaska Rules of Civil
Procedure."
9:41:45 AM
CASEY SHROEDER, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS,
discussed the legislation, which is nearly identical to SB
210 heard earlier this session by the Senate Finance
Committee. The legislation provides guidelines to courts
having a difficult time balancing child custody disputes at
the time of military deployment. She stated the bill
required that a court not consider deployment in cases
concerning child custody. The bill allows expedited
hearings for the service member. The service member is also
allowed delegation of visitation rights to a family member
with a close connection to the child. Temporary custody
orders are provided for allowing the deploying parent to
allow temporary custody to the other parent. The order
would expire within ten days following return of the
deployed parent. The bill allows a deployed parent to
testify in a court proceeding through the internet or video
teleconferencing.
9:45:04 AM
Senator Huggins MOVED to report HB 334 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 334 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with one previously published zero note:
FN1 (CRT).
MARK SAN SOUCI, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (via teleconference)
echoed the testimony of Casey Schroeder. He informed that
11 other states are considering similar legislation and
Vermont and Indiana have signed bills this session. This
legislation, if passed, would be considered best practice
legislation nationwide.
SENATE BILL NO. 222
"An Act relating to the crimes of harassment,
possession of child pornography, and distribution of
indecent material to a minor; relating to suspending
imposition of sentence and conditions of probation or
parole for certain sex offenses; relating to
aggravating factors in sentencing; relating to
registration as a sex offender or child kidnapper;
amending Rule 16, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure;
and providing for an effective date."
SUE MCLEAN, DIRECTOR, CRIMINAL DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LAW
explained that SB 222 makes important changes to several
different provisions within the criminal laws, some
necessitated by court decisions, oversights, or for the
purpose of improving criminal law as it pertains to sex
offenses. The bill provides elements for the crime of
failure to register as a sex offender, which clarifies that
the mental state for the crime is that the person knows
that they must register. She stated that this creates a
Class A misdemeanor defense of harassment for those
situations in which a victim is subjected to a sexual touch
over the clothing but does not have time to voice his or
her lack of consent. If a person has two such crimes of
harassment the second requires registration as a sex
offender. The bill amends the distribution of indecent
materials to minors provision to prohibit any distribution
of pornography to minors. One added section provides that a
portion of the proof must show that the pornographic
material is harmful to minors. The bill corrects an
oversight regarding state regulation in respect to
pornography. She mentioned that Section 13 removes the word
substantially when describing a crime in another
jurisdiction that would disallow the use of a suspended
imposition of sentence. The bill adds conditions of
probation so that courts may require sex offenders to
provide email or other electronic network addresses to
their probation officer and the probation officer may
provide them to the police. The bill amends the current
aggravating factors providing that the sentence was
aggravated by a factor in which the victim was particularly
vulnerable. A requirement was added that local law
enforcement report sex crimes to the department of public
safety for statistical purposes and providing that DPS has
the authority to withhold funding if reports are not made.
One section permits the Attorney General to administrate
subpoenas to internet providers in crimes in which there is
reason to believe that an internet account has been used
for the exploitation of children. The bill amends the rule
pertaining to crimes involving child pornography to
prohibit the court from ordering that the pornography
itself be discovered directly to the defense or defendant
preventing further distribution. The bill adds a section to
the uncodified law of Alaska clarifying that the mental
state for failure to register as a sex offender is knowing
that one had to register, one failed to do so and the
mental state does not attach to the failure to do so.
9:55:19 AM
Senator Thomas observed that the mentioned changes "tighten
up" the existing legislation to allow for appropriate
prosecution. Ms. McLean concurred and added that the
department has seen court cases in which the court held
that a person who accesses child pornography with the
intent to view it does not possess it. This bill changes
the law to read that if a person accesses child pornography
with the intent to view it, which is also a crime.
Senator Olson asked how many people will be affected by the
tightening of these loopholes. Ms. McLean responded that
she had difficulty quantifying the number of people
affected by the legislature. She noted that the department
has prosecutions that cannot go forward without the changes
in the law. Alaska has a high rate of sexual abuse and
sexual assault leading to a variety of offenses to which
these changes will apply.
9:56:59 AM
Senator Ellis asked about Section 19, which appears to be
an expansion of power for the Attorney General. He asked
about the current state of the law and the expansion of
administrative subpoena powers. He stated that he did not
know the difference between an administrative subpoena and
a regular subpoena. Ms. McLean replied that with the
current state of the law, internet providers are unwilling
to provide information about an internet account without a
search warrant or subpoena. The department has no authority
for issuing a subpoena except to subpoena materials to a
grand jury and the grand jury must already be convened and
investigating. The power to the Attorney General prevents
the law enforcement officers from entering the involved
process of obtaining a search warrant for the simple
purpose of determining who owns an internet account used
for the exploitation of children.
9:59:01 AM
SEARGENT DEREK DEGRAFF, ALASKA STATE TROOPERS (via
teleconference) summarized the process of acquiring a
search warrant to obtain subscriber records. The subpoena
would provide a tremendous savings to law enforcement
officers in terms of man hours while identifying suspect
accounts.
Senator Thomas asked about the language on Page 3, Section
4. He asked about the removal of language and whether the
material regarding the crime of distribution remains in the
CS. Ms. McLean stated that the law limits the conduct and
cleans up the language. The language on Page 3, Section 4
is covered in other parts of the bill.
10:03:20 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman pointed out six fiscal notes, four from
the Department of Administration, Department of Law, and
the Alaska Court System. He continued with one fiscal note
from the Department of Public Safety for $123.500 in
general funds to enhance data collection and hire one full
time criminal justice specialist. The final fiscal note
from the Department of Corrections begins in FY12 when the
department anticipates additional funding to cover the cost
of increased numbers of prisoners.
10:04:09 AM
JEFFREY MITTMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMERICAN CIVIL
LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU), ALASKA (via teleconference)
highlighted Section 19 regarding the administrative
subpoena power. The ACLU takes seriously the issue of
sexual abuse. When a neutral third party who has the power
to oversee the requests is removed a door is opened for
abuse. He mentioned documentation from the United States
Department of Justice showing that when similar
administrative subpoenas were allowed to the federal
government, in fact abuses did occur. The records of
reporters were accessed. The records of innocent Americans
were accessed when irrelevant to an investigation. The
problem is not the intention of the section, but the
problem is that it opens the door to abuse by
implementation of the section. Alaskan judges realize the
value of warrants and serve as the necessary third party
check to ensure that improper activity by DOL does not
occur. He pointed out Section 16 where evidence is
restricted to be viewed by defense attorneys or their
experts in the offices of a prosecutor or of the
government. The rule change places at risk convictions that
could be obtained at trials of those involved in child
pornography by providing a necessary appeal.
10:07:32 AM
DAVID KAZARIAN, CITIZENS FOR CHANGE (via teleconference)
stated that Section 17 states that sex offense means a
crime or similar law of another jurisdiction in which the
person committed or attempted to commit a sexual offense or
similar offense under the law. He opposed the bill as
written in that holding persons in Alaska to laws of other
states imposes unconstitutionally imposed registration
requirements upon individuals who have been labeled sex
offenders. If a person lives in another state which
retroactively requires that person to register for a crime
committed 50 years ago in another state to then register in
Alaska. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled ex post facto
registration requirements to be unconstitutional and added
punishment to a person who already served out a complete
sentence. If a person lives crime free for decades, he does
not deserve harassment or punishment.
10:11:06 AM
SB 222 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 225
"An Act relating to the grant of certain state land to
the University of Alaska; relating to the duties of
the Board of Regents; relating to deposits made to the
Alaska permanent fund received from certain lands
conveyed to the University of Alaska; ratifying and
reauthorizing certain prior conveyances of land to the
University of Alaska; making conforming amendments;
and providing for an effective date."
10:11:46 AM
TIM BENINTENDI, STAFF, SENATOR OLSON, commented on the
legislation. He introduced a program implemented by the
National Marine Fisheries Service providing loans to groups
with the purpose of reducing fleet capacity by engaging in
permit buy backs as authorized by AS1640250. The Southeast
Revitalization Association is engaged in such an
arrangement accommodating those in the Southeast sane
fishery and operating with a self imposed three percent fee
on fish sales. This fee is the basis for repaying federal
loans. The objective is to drop from 380 permits to
approximately 260 permits. He noted that SB 255 authorizes
the Department of Fish and Game and the Commercial
Fisheries Entry Commission to release to the National
Marine Fisheries Service individual fish ticket data held
by the state supporting monitoring the loan program by
allowing confirmation of correct assessments and payments.
He added that an issue emerged between permit holders and a
processors association regarding the eventual final number
of permits to remain active in the fishery. He noted that
SB 255 does not address a target number of permits upon
completion of the "buy back" program. While the permit
holders have expressed an interest in reducing the number
to approximately 260, the processors express concern that
too few permits remaining might impact the economic
viability of the fishery and investments made in Alaskan
facilities. A memorandum of agreement was struck whereby
the Southeast Revitalization Association agreed that no
fewer than 260 permits would remain in the fishery
following a successful "buy back" program. A legislative
letter of intent was produced to solidify the agreement.
Co-Chair Stedman noted the two zero fiscal notes from the
Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Revenue.
10:15:40 AM
FRANK HOMAN, COMMISSIONER, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES ENTRY
COMMISSION, commented on the legislation as the completion
of a series of attempts to incorporate a program authorized
by the Alaska Legislature in 2002. The association was
created with the goal of limiting the number of permits in
the fishery. State statutes in 2002 and 2006 show that the
program was facilitated by the Alaska Legislature and the
fishermen have convened with the National Marine Fisheries
Service to utilize a federal loan program to repurchase
permits. The loan program from the National Marine
Fisheries Service requested a process to confirm that the
three percent assessment to be paid by the fisherman is
monitored. He mentioned that fifty percent of the permits
are not fished meaning that the removal of the permits will
not have a significant impact, but the future of the
fishery will be enhanced by the remaining fishermen. He
pointed out that the state retains all authority for future
management of the fishery.
10:19:03 AM
Senator Olson asked if the permits given by the limited
entry commission could be transferred from generation to
generation. Commissioner Homan responded that a limited
entry permit does not come back to the state except in a
buyback by the state. Mr. Homan responded that a provision
was incorporated at the beginning of the program to
incorporate the suggestion made by Senator Olson. A limited
entry permit can be transferred from generation to
generation by the permit holder.
10:20:21 AM
ROB ZUANICH, MANAGER, SOUTHEAST REVITALIZATION ASSOCIATION
(via teleconference) testified in favor of the legislation.
He noted that the association exists for the sole purpose
of implementing a program to reduce or buy back the number
of permits in the fishery. The bill before the committee is
essential to the implementation of the program and the
background can be summarized. He echoed comments of
Commissioner Homan. He stressed that the bill has great
support from Southeast Alaskan salmon fishermen and
processors.
10:22:27 AM
BOB THORETENSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SEAS, added that he
moved to Alaska six years ago for the sole purpose of
achieving the fleet consolidation. He anticipated funding
initially to be grant related, but $3 million in grant
funding was the limit. He pointed out that the legislature
financed over 20 percent of the program and the remaining
80 percent belongs to the loan. He spoke to the importance
of the legislation as it links the National Fisheries in
the federal loan program to ensure utilization by State
Waters Fisheries.
10:24:58 AM
MICH EIDE, BOARD MEMBER, SEAS, testified in support of the
legislation. He urged the committee's support.
Senator Olson asked for an idea about the potential
negative impact of the bill. Mr. Eide responded that
additional boats do not mean additional fish.
10:26:50 AM
SB 225 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 292
"An Act relating to the registration and operation of
pawnbrokers and to the exemption for pawnbrokers under
the Alaska Small Loans Act; and providing for an
effective date."
10:27:26 AM
JOSH TEMPEL, STAFF, SENATOR HUGGINS explained that SB 292
is an act relating to the registration and operation of
pawnbrokers to the exemptions for pawnbrokers under the
Alaska Small Loans Act and to the exclusion of pawnbrokers
under certain definitions in the uniform commercial code
and providing for an effective date. Currently, in Alaska
statute, only a couple of paragraphs regulate pawnbrokers
as the power is left to the municipalities and boroughs.
Most cities have not instituted any regulations. This bill
would create an even standard across Alaska for
pawnbrokers.
10:34:55 AM
Mr. Tempel discussed Section 6 and listing definitions,
while Section 7 returns to Sections 1-4 which separate
pawnbrokers from second hand stores. He noted that Section
8 allows the department to adopt regulations to implement
the legislation. Section 9 involves state licensing versus
municipal licensing. Section 10 sets the statute as a
minimum standard across the state. Section 11 allows the
department immediate authority to begin working on
regulations, while Section 12 establishes the effective
date for the statute at July 1, 2011.
Co-Chair Stedman introduced one fiscal note from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
for $38 thousand in receipt supported services.
FERNANDO PENA, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR, CASH AMERICA
(via teleconference) testified in support of the
legislation.
SB 292 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Letters of support.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 10 |
| Westlake statutes.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| Explanation of Changes.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| hb 292 statute history.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 292 |
| hb 292 staff contact.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 292 |
| hb 292 gov letter.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 292 |
| HB292-DMVA-HS&EM-3-24-10.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 292 |
| Sectional.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| New Courts FN CSHB 98 (FIN) am.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| HB0292A.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 292 |
| statutes.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| SB 222- CSSB 222 Sectional.PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 222 |
| CSSB222(JUD)-DPS-RI-04-07-10.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 222 |
| 2010 SB 255 sponsor statemnt.PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 255 |
| 2010 SB 255 sectional analysis.PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 255 |
| 2010 SB 255 Letter of Intent.PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 255 |
| 2010 SB 255 five support letters.PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 255 |
| 2010 SB 255 CFEC support letter.PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 255 |
| Sponsor Statement SB292 Pawnbrokers.doc |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 292 |
| Sectional CSSB 292(JUD).PDF |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 292 |
| Cash America Statement AlaskaSB292.doc |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 292 |
| e6-HB 334 Dept. of Defense support letter.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 |
| e1-HB 334 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 |
| e2-HB 334 Sectional.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 |
| e3-HB 334 Resolution 106.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 |
| e4-HB 334 Vermont Legislation.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 |
| 06 HB334 Support.pdf |
HJUD 3/8/2010 1:30:00 PM SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 |
| HB 10 CCED Sectional 040910.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 10 |
| Changes btn SB 210 and HB 334.docx |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 334 SB 210 |
| HB 10 Proposed SCS FIN Version Z .pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 10 |
| HB 98 Proposed SCS FIN Version E.pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 98 |
| HB 10 2010 04 09 Eckert Testimony SFIN .pdf |
SFIN 4/9/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 10 |