Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/10/2010 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB221 | |
| SB269 | |
| SB168 | |
| SB210 | |
| SB266 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 221 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 269 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 168 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 210 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 266 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 305 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 306 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 10, 2010
9:02 a.m.
9:02:34 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:02 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 Bart Stedman; Senator
Bettye Davis; Senator John Coghill; Rod Betit,
President/CEO, Alaska Hospital Association (AHA); Mark
Johnson, former EMS president, Juneau; Josh Temple, Staff,
Senator Charlie Huggins; Kate Hudson, Administrator,
Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB)
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Deven Mitchell, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal Bond
Bank Authority, Department of Revenue; Dr. Frank Sacco,
Director, Alaska Trauma System; Dr. Virginia Chennault,
Trauma Commission, Anchorage; David Hull, Chairman,
Governor's Task Force, Alaska Council on Emergency Medical
Services (ACEMS); Adam Torem, Washington State Bar
Association, Legal Assistance to Military; Mark Sansouci,
Regional Liaison, Department of Defense; Andrea Wells,
Military Families, Fort Richardson; Gerald Godfrey, Chair,
Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB)
SUMMARY
SB 221 LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON HIGHER ED
CSSB 221 (EDC) was REPORTED out of committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN 1
(EED), zero FN 3 (EED), and a new zero fiscal
note by the Legislature.
SB 269 ECON. STIMULUS BONDS: REALLOCATION/WAIVER
CSSB 269 (FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN 1
(CED) and FN 2 (REV).
SB 168 TRAUMA CARE CENTERS/FUND
SB 168 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
SB 210 MILITARY DEPLOYMENT AND CHILD CUSTODY
SB 210 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
SB 266 VIOLENT CRIMES EMERGENCY COMPENSATION
SB 266 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
9:02:58 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 221
"An Act establishing an advisory task force on higher
education in the legislative branch of government; and
providing for an effective date."
9:03:50 AM
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the committee had any questions
regarding the bill. He noted three zero fiscal notes, two
from the Department of Education and one from the
Legislature.
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to report CSSB 221 (EDC) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSSB 221 (EDC) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 1 (EED), zero FN 2
(EED), and a new zero fiscal note by the Legislature.
9:05:11 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 269
"An Act relating to the waiver of volume cap of
recovery zone economic development bonds authorized by
26 U.S.C. 1400U-2 and reallocation by the Alaska
Municipal Bond Bank Authority of the waived volume
cap; relating to the waiver of volume cap of recovery
zone facility bonds authorized by 26 U.S.C. 1400U-3
and reallocation by the Alaska Industrial Development
and Export Authority of the waived volume cap;
increasing the total amount of bonds and notes that
the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority may have
outstanding; relating to revenue bonds issued by the
Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority; and providing
for an effective date."
9:05:21 AM
Co-Chair Stedman stated that he had requested the
Department of Revenue to provide a schedule for outstanding
bonds and for debt service by community. That information
has been provided.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT a new CS for SB 269 labeled
26-GS2880\E, Cook, 3/8/2010.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
9:06:13 AM
DARWIN PETERSON, STAFF, CO-CHAIR BART STEDMAN, explained
the four changes in the bill. The first change is a list of
technical changes that Legislative Legal made in the first
CS of the governor's bill. The second change is found on
page 4, lines 14 and 15. This change deletes the words "for
equipment for building improvements", which allows the
Municipal Bond Bank to partner with municipalities to
finance lease purchase options for any lease, not just a
lease for building equipment or improvements. The third
change is in the form of an amendment by the Department of
Revenue found on page 3, lines 9 - 14, adding the new
subsection (2), and on page 8, lines 9 - 10, with new
Section 7. The change is a catchall amendment for any
future bond authority that comes to the state from the
federal government.
9:07:59 AM
Mr. Peterson described the fourth change, which is at the
request of Senator Thomas. It is found on page 4, line 25,
beginning with "unless the borough" and continuing on to
the subsection at the end of line 29. It is also found on
page 5, line 28, beginning with "if a borough" and
continuing on to page 6, the end of line 1. The change
continues on page 6, line 16 and continuing on to the end
of the subsection on line 20. It continues on page 7, line
17, to the end of the subsection on page 21.
9:08:56 AM
Senator Thomas explained that the changes would allow a
sixty-day extension for boroughs or entities to make use of
the bonds before AIDEA takes over. Due to the federal
government's misunderstanding of Alaskan entities, some of
the money was given to entities that do not have an
opportunity to sell bonds.
9:11:07 AM
Co-Chair Stedman requested an explanation of the other
amendment. Mr. Peterson related that the previous version
of the bill would allow for the Municipal Bond Bank to
enter into a relationship with the municipality in order to
lease equipment or building improvements, but did not
include existing buildings or land. The Department of
Revenue suggested the change in order to enter into a lease
purchase option with any municipality in the state.
Senator Thomas added that the amendment allows boroughs to
cooperate with the Bond Bank and AIDEA to continue to
continue development activity outside of borough
jurisdiction.
9:13:19 AM
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his objection to adopt the new
CS. There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
DEVEN MITCHELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MUNICIPAL BOND
BANK AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, testified via
teleconference. He spoke in favor of the bill as amended.
Co-Chair Stedman noted a zero fiscal note from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
and a fiscal note from the Department of Revenue.
9:15:01 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSSB 269 (FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSSB 269 (FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 1 (CED) and FN 2
(REV).
AT-EASE 9:16:46 AM
RECONVENED 9:17:11 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 168
"An Act relating to state certification and
designation of trauma centers; creating the
uncompensated trauma care fund to offset uncompensated
trauma care provided at certified and designated
trauma centers; and providing for an effective date."
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS, sponsor, introduced herself.
9:18:09 AM
SENATOR JOHN COGHILL, explained that the bill establishes a
fund that will incentivize a higher level of trauma care in
Alaska. Section 1 established that the department would
establish regulations as to how it would be administered
and work with hospitals and doctors to try to increase the
delivery of trauma care.
Senator Coghill explained that there are several different
levels of trauma care, levels I, II, III, and IV, and
national standards to follow. The trauma care fund would be
administered to those who want to apply. The limitation
under Section 2 says that more than 25 percent of total
assets of the fund could not be given to any one trauma
center in a year.
Senator Coghill related that the bill has been through
several iterations. The bill originally anticipated general
funds and matching funds.
9:20:09 AM
Senator Coghill pointed to Section 3, the alcohol tax, as a
potential funding source. He left that decision up to the
committee.
Senator Coghill reported that the trauma care issue in
Alaska has been moving forward since about 1992. He
referred to a booklet entitled, "Trauma Care in Alaska"
(copy on file). He highlighted section nine in the booklet,
specifically pages 6 and 7, which list advantages and
challenges. He spoke of the reluctance of doctors and
hospitals to work together because of economic
considerations. The fund is set to provide an incentive to
raise the level of trauma care. He referred to the
challenges on page 7, some of which have been assuaged by
this legislation, such as lack of a strategic plan.
Senator Coghill shared that there are currently 24
hospitals in Alaska and only 4 have some trauma care level
designation. Most of those hospitals are outside of
Anchorage or Fairbanks and are run by Native Health care
organization. There is one Trauma II level care system in
Alaska, the Alaska Native Health Hospital in Anchorage.
Anchorage, itself, does not have a trauma center.
9:23:40 AM
Senator Coghill stressed that the fund would incentivize
increasing trauma care, rather than mandate it. He reported
that there needs to be a plan in his district and
especially in rural areas.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if there were any questions. He
noted zero fiscal notes from the Department of Revenue and
the Department of Health and Social Services, and one
fiscal note for $2.5 in general funds and $2.5 in federal
receipts, drafted by Senator Coghill's office to capitalize
the funds used to compensate trauma centers.
9:26:02 AM
DR. FRANK SACCO, DIRECTOR, ALASKA TRAUMA SYSTEM, testified
via teleconference. He addressed two issues - trauma as a
public health problem and trauma and its relationship to
alcohol. Alaska has the second highest death rate from
trauma in the country. The trauma system is a model
developed by the military - a preplanned response. The goal
of trauma care is to decrease mortality from serious
injuries by 15 to 25 percent. He said that 500 Alaskans die
each year from trauma. Alaska is the only state that does
not have a Level I or II trauma center. Anchorage is the
largest city in the U.S. without a trauma center. He
maintained that the value of a trauma center is undisputed.
9:29:37 AM
Dr. Sacco referred to trauma as a disease. One of the
biggest risk factors for trauma is alcohol. About 50
percent of those admitted to trauma centers with serious
injuries have screened positive for alcohol. He shared
information about the teachable moment for alcoholics after
a traumatic incident. He shared statistics about
alcoholism. He concluded that the readmission rate of
alcoholism-related trauma is decreased with intervention.
He thought the alcohol tax was an appropriate guideline.
9:33:18 AM
DR. VIRGINIA CHENNAULT, TRAUMA COMMISSION, ANCHORAGE,
testified via teleconference. She spoke in favor of the
legislation. She maintained that drugs and alcohol are
involved in 70-80 percent of trauma cases. She suggested
that alcohol intervention should be done in the form of
screening. She stressed that the legislation would save
money in the long run. She concluded that Alaska deserves
trauma care.
9:35:50 AM
ROD BETIT, PRESIDENT/CEO, ALASKA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
(AHA), related that AHA supports this legislation. He
shared statistics about which states have a trauma center.
The issue is that Anchorage does not have a Level II trauma
center other than a tribal program. He made two points
about Level II trauma hospital advantages: having staffed
employees for trauma care and compensated care. The bill
would allow the department to address those services. He
thought this approach was better than a mandated approach.
9:40:36 AM
MARK JOHNSON, FORMER EMS PRESIDENT, JUNEAU, made several
points about trauma care. He pointed out that trauma is a
major cause of hospital admissions, disabilities, and
death. He related that the legislation passed in 1993
allowing the Department of Health and Social Services the
authority to certify trauma centers was a voluntary
approach without incentives. In the 1990's there was a
federal grant which co-sponsored reviews of trauma care at
eight hospitals. Currently, there are 24 acute care
hospitals, but only five have achieved national standards.
He maintained that every hospital should meet one of the
three levels of standards of trauma care. Trauma centers
are expected to be involved in prevention activities such
as alcohol screening. He urged the committee to support the
legislation.
9:44:11 AM
Senator Ellis thanked the presenter for his work. He asked
how many states require this level of licensure and how
many have incentives to upgrade. Mr. Johnson did not know,
but offered to find out.
Senator Olson asked if the number of first responders has
kept up. Mr. Johnson said EMS in Alaska does provide
excellent training for first responders. He thought the
numbers compare favorably with other states. One out of two
first responders is a volunteer.
9:46:47 AM
DAVID HULL, CHAIRMAN, GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE, ALASKA COUNCIL
ON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (ACEMS), testified via
teleconference. He agreed that EMS is doing a good job of
getting people to the hospitals. He spoke in support of the
trauma system. The Alaska Council fully supports the bill.
9:49:02 AM
Senator Coghill addressed the question asked by Senator
Ellis. The information is found in the booklet under Tab 7.
It reviews which states have trauma care centers and how
they are funded.
SB 168 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
9:50:32 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 210
"An Act establishing child custody, modification, and
visitation standards for a military parent who is
deployed; and amending Rule 99, Alaska Rules of Civil
Procedure."
9:50:52 AM
Senator Huggins, sponsor, explained the necessity of having
a bill that gets it right because other states will be
modeling their legislation after this legislation.
JOSH TEMPLE, STAFF, SENATOR CHARLIE HUGGINS, spoke of the
reasons for needing version K of SB 210. He described the
stress put on military couples and the high rate of
divorce. The bill defines and reinforces child custody
standards for a military parent. The bill looks after the
best interests of the children. The bill has a zero fiscal
note.
Mr. Temple reported that Congress decided not to deal with
this issue on a federal level because of a potential
conflict with state statutes. He related that the bill
defines what "deployment" means as it relates to custody
hearings. It also provides for testimony from deployment
stations or combat zones. There is language included for
hearings to address custody issues, keeping in mind the
best interest of the child.
9:57:24 AM
Senator Ellis asked if the best interest of the child, as
found in current statute, is being rewritten. Mr. Temple
clarified that the bill reinforces what is already in
statute and does not create any new standards.
Co-Chair Stedman noted five zero fiscal notes.
9:59:03 AM
ADAM TOREM, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, LEGAL
ASSISTANCE TO MILITARY, testified via teleconference. He
spoke in support of the bill. He said he worked with the
sponsors to draft the bill. The bill is set up to protect
the rights of parents. He described an example of how
custody would work. He maintained that the legislation is
in the best interest of the child. He addressed whether the
third party designation was constitutional. He maintained
that it was.
10:04:59 AM
MARK SANSOUCI, REGIONAL LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE,
testified via teleconference. He spoke of a survey which
provided data from families regarding child custody. The
bill addresses all of those concerns. He noted that the
bill covers all issues related to military parents and
child custody.
10:08:58 AM
ANDREA WELLS, MILITARY FAMILIES, FORT RICHARDSON, testified
via teleconference. She spoke of her experience with
military families and child custody issues. She spoke in
favor of the legislation.
10:11:42 AM
Senator Olson asked how many families would be affected by
the bill. Mr. Temple said there is a large problem in
Alaska.
Senator Huggins commented that the bill would reduce
ambiguity and smooth out the legal proceedings.
SB 210 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
10:13:15 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 266
"An Act relating to emergency compensation from the
Violent Crimes Compensation Board."
10:13:43 AM
Senator Thomas, sponsor, read the sponsor statement:
Senate Bill 266 proposes to increase the limit that
victims of violent crimes can receive in emergency
compensation from $1,500 to $3,500.
This limit for emergency compensation has not been
increased since 1975. Emergency compensation can only
be awarded for relocation, verifiable lost wages and
counseling for families and victims whose safety and
well being are at risk.
The reason for this increase is that the costs for
these emergency expenses have increased substantially
over the years, and $1,500 is not sufficient to cover
deposits, first and last month rents, especially when
a family or dependents are involved, travel for
relocation and other associated expenses.
Emergency awards are necessary as the Board only meets
five times per year, and it may be 2-3 months before a
claim is considered.
The victim compensation fund receives approximately
70% of its appropriations from the state in the form
of felon's withheld Permanent Fund Dividends and 30%
from a federal grant. This money does not lapse once
placed in the fund.
Emergency compensation is considered part of the
maximum award and is deducted from the final award
given to the victim, any excess award must be repaid
to the fund.
This bill does not increase the overall cap of $40,000
that can awarded to a victim. Senate Bill 266 carries
a zero fiscal note because it does not increase the
final award.
I urge you to join me in assisting Alaska's victims of
violent crimes when their need is greatest, and
support Senate Bill 266.
I have attached a sheet titled "Violent Crimes
Compensation Board: Emergency Compensation" which
contains some facts and figures and amounts of awards
as well as some of the details of those awards, and
several other documents explaining facts and
demographics of violent crimes victims.
My staff, Grier Hopkins, and Kate Hudson,
administrator for the Violent Crimes Compensation
Board are available for questions. Also, Jared
Godfrey, Chair of the Board, is on the phone to make a
short statement and answer any questions.
Co-Chair Stedman noted one zero fiscal note by the
Department of Administration.
10:16:30 AM
GERALD GODFREY, CHAIR, VIOLENT CRIMES COMPENSATION BOARD
(VCCB), testified via teleconference. He spoke in favor of
the bill. He related the history of the cap. The initial
amount when the board was created in 1972 was at $500. In
1975 it was adjusted upward to $1,500 and has not been
adjusted since. If adjusted for inflation, the amount would
be over $6,000 now.
Mr. Godfrey shared statistics about the hardships suffered
by victims of violent crimes. He gave an example of awards
given for lost wages, counseling, and relocation. He shared
an example of a domestic violence victim.
10:20:30 AM
KATE HUDSON, ADMINISTRATOR, VIOLENT CRIMES COMPENSATION
BOARD, stated support for the bill.
10:21:15 AM
Senator Olson asked how often the fund has been depleted
due to the increased number of violent crimes or from
inflation. Ms. Hudson said the board has not yet run out of
money. Senator Olson asked if money would be short if the
cap is increased. Ms. Hudson said it would not be a concern
because the cap is not being increased.
10:22:57 AM
SB 266 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| New SB168CS(HSS)-DHSS-IPEMS-03-05-10.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| SB 168 - Document-Ltr Support ANTHC 4-8-09.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| SB 168 documents 2-25-2010.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| SB 168 Fiscal Notes - attached 2-25-2010.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| SB 168 Sponsor Statement revised 2-16-2010.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| SB 168 Trauma System Consultation Nov 2008.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| Gates letter.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| NAUS Military Divorce Rate Continues to Climb.docx |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| Persons to Call in for Testimony on SB 210.docx |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| Resolution 106.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| SB 210 Finance Committee Request.doc |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| SB 210 Sponsor Statement - Military Child Custody.doc |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| Sectional SB 210.doc |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| Vermont Legislation.docx |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 210 |
| Sample of Emergency Awards from Fiscal Year 2009.docx |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| Sponsor Statement - SB 266.docx |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| VCCB Awards 2009 graphs - 1.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| VCCB Awards 2009 graphs - 2.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| VCCB Claims Chart.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| VCCB Emergency Awards FACTS (1).pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| VCCB Emergency awards FACTS (2).doc |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/15/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 266 |
| SB 168 Sen FIN.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |
| SB 168 - Document-Ltr Support ANTHC 4-8-09.pdf |
SFIN 3/10/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 168 |