Legislature(2009 - 2010)
04/17/2010 11:39 AM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB306 | |
| HB357 | |
| HB126 | |
| HB184 | |
| HB226 | |
| HB73 | |
| HB416 | |
| HB50 | |
| HB363 | |
| HB345 | |
| HJR45 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 17, 2010
11:39 a.m.
11:39:12 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 11:39 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; Representative
Peggy Wilson, Sponsor; Nancy Davis, President, Alaska
Nurses Association; Rod Betit, CEO, Alaska State Hospital
Association; Lauree Hugonin Morton, Juneau; Mary
Stackhouse, Registered Nurse, Juneau; Debbie Thompson,
Executive Director, Alaska Nurses Association; Barbara Huff
Tuckness, Teamsters Local 959; Rob Earl, Staff
Representative Bob Heron; Jane Pierson, Chief of Staff
Representative Jay Ramras; Mary Siroky, Legislative
Liaison, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities; John Bitney, Legislative Council,
Representative John Harris; Representative Carl Gatto;
Thomas Reiker, Student Intern, Representative Carl Gatto
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
John Bringhurst, Administrator, Petersburg Medical Center,
Petersburg; Ryan Smith, CEO, Central Peninsula Hospital,
Soldotna; Evangelyn Dotomain, President & CEO, Alaska
Native Health Board
SUMMARY
HB 306 STATE ENERGY POLICY
SCS CSHB 306 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN
1 House Energy Committee.
HB 357 AK RAILROAD CORP. LAND SALES
CSHB 357 (fin) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation, with a Letter of
Intent, and with indeterminate FN 1 CED.
HB 365 FISH PROCESSOR FEES, LICENSES, RECORDS
HB 365 was REPORTED out of Committee with no
recommendation, with a Letter of Intent, and with
two previously published zero fiscal notes: FN 1
DFG and FN 2 REV.
HB 126 EXTEND/RESUME STATE CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
CSHB 126 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with three
previously published fiscal notes: DHS 4, DHS 5
and DHS 6.
HB 184 DEBT AUTHORIZATION FOR UNIVERSITY
HB 184 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 1 UA.
HB 421 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SALARIES
HB 421 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with three previously
published fiscal notes: FN 2 CRT, FN 3 OMB, and
FN 4 LEG.
HB 226 NAMING VETERANS' WAY IN MAT-SU
CSHB 226 (TRA) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with FN 2 DOT.
HB 90 AIDEA: BONDING/TAXATION/RECORDS
SCS CSHB 90 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new
zero fiscal note by the Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development.
HB 73 FIREFIGHTER/EMT LICENSE PLATES
SCS CSHB 73 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN
2 ADM.
HB 416 PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
HB 416 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with two previously
published zero fiscal notes: FN 1 LAW and FN 2
UA.
HB 50 LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES
HB 50 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 363 AIDEA MEMBERSHIP
HB 363 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HB 70 ALASKA GROWN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
CSHB 70 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with two
previously published fiscal notes: zero FN 3 EED
and FN 4 DNR.
HB 345 SAM SCHUYLER MEMORIAL BRIDGE
HB 345 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HJR 45 OPPOSE FEDERAL CAP AND TRADE LEGISLATION
CSHJR 45 (FIN)am was REPORTED out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN
2 LEG.
11:39:28 AM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 306(RES)
"An Act declaring a state energy policy."
Co-Chair Stedman noted it was the second hearing on the
bill.
11:41:39 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to adopt the SCS for CSHB 306,
labeled 26-LS1049\N.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
DARWIN PETERSON, STAFF, CO-CHAIR STEDMAN, explained the
changes in the new SCS. Fifteen words were deleted from
Version M, page 2, lines 24 and 25. The words "and for
export of power that is surplus to the needs of Alaska
communities" were deleted. The intent is to see that the
needs of Southeast communities being served by hydro
electricity are not first, before exporting is considered.
Mr. Peterson reported that the second change is on page 3,
line 22, the word "national" was deleted before
"emissions". At a previous hearing there was testimony that
it might be problematic for the state to be tied to federal
standards.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his objection. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report SCS CSHB 306 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
11:43:40 AM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 357(FIN)
"An Act relating to the sale of land owned by the
Alaska Railroad that is not necessary for railroad
purposes."
Co-Chair Stedman noted it was the second hearing on the
bill and that there was one zero fiscal note from the
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development. There is also a Letter Intent that was adopted
by the House.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSHB 357 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note and a Letter of Intent. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 357 (fin) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation, with a Letter of Intent, and with
indeterminate FN 1 CED.
11:44:52 AM
HOUSE BILL NO. 365
"An Act relating to sharing records regarding fish
purchased by fish processors with certain federal
agencies, to requirements to obtain and maintain a
fisheries business license, and to payment of industry
fees required of fish processors; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Stedman noted two zero fiscal notes from the
Department of Revenue and from the Department of Fish and
Game and a Letter of Intent which was adopted by the House.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report HB 365 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes and a Letter of Intent. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
HB 365 was REPORTED out of Committee with no
recommendation, with a Letter of Intent, and with two
previously published zero fiscal notes: FN 1 DFG and FN 2
REV.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 126(FIN)
"An Act relating to extensions and resumptions of
state custody of children; and providing for an
effective date."
11:46:09 AM
Co-Chair Stedman listed the three fiscal notes from the
Department of Health and Social Services. One is for
children's service management for $130,700 in general funds
and $73,500 in federal match; one for foster care special
needs for $38,000 in general funds and $2,200 in federal
match; and one for foster care base rate for $186,800 in
general funds and $37,200 in federal match.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSHB 126 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 126 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with three previously published
fiscal notes: DHS 4, DHS 5 and DHS 6.
11:46:57 AM
HOUSE BILL NO. 184
"An Act relating to the debt authorization of the
University of Alaska."
Co-Chair Stedman noted one zero fiscal note from the
University.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report HB 184 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 184 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with zero FN 1 UA.
11:47:48 AM
HOUSE BILL NO. 421
"An Act relating to the compensation of certain public
officials, officers, and employees not covered by
collective bargaining agreements; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Stedman said it was the second hearing on the
bill. There are three fiscal notes: one from the Executive
Branch for $4,182,300 in FY 11, one from the Court System
for $1,346,000 in FY 11, and one from the Legislature for
$741,800 in FY 11. All three fiscal notes will double in FY
12.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report HB 421 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 421 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with three previously published fiscal
notes: FN 2 CRT, FN 3 OMB, and FN 4 LEG.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 226(TRA)
"An Act renaming Seldon Road and that portion of
Bogard Road that extends between Palmer and Meadow
Lakes as Veterans' Way."
11:49:21 AM
Co-Chair Stedman noted one fiscal note from the Department
of Transportation for $8,500 in general funds.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSHB 226 (TRA) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 226 (TRA) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with FN 2 DOT.
11:49:56 AM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 90(FIN)
"An Act relating to bonding limitations and
confidentiality of records and information of the
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority;
relating to municipal taxation of interests in certain
property of the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority; providing for an effective date by
amending the effective date of sec. 3, ch. 117, SLA
2000, as amended by sec. 2, ch. 74, SLA 2003, and by
sec. 3, ch. 67, SLA 2008; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Stedman said it was the second hearing on the
bill. He noted one new zero fiscal note from the Department
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
Senator Olson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1:
Page 3, following line 16
Insert"*SEC.8. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
RETROACTIVITY. The amendment in sec. 7 of this Act is
retroactive to November 30, 2009."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 3, line 17, following "effect"
Delete all material.
Insert "immediately under AS 01.10.070(c)."
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Senator Olson informed the committee that HB 10 addresses
the Delong Mountain Transportation System. There is a
perception that there may be a gap in services. This
amendment fixes the gap and makes it retroactive to
November 30, 2009.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his objection. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSHB 90 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
SCS CSHB 90 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new zero fiscal note by the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN)
"An Act relating to special fire fighter and emergency
medical service provider license plates; and providing
for an effective date."
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT a new SCS for CSHB 73,
labeled 26-LS0303\W.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Stedman explained that the CS incorporates some of
the suggestions provided by the director of the Division of
Motor Vehicles. The unnecessary reference to commemorative
plates has been deleted and the biannual fee has also been
deleted.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his objection. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
11:53:20 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report SCS CSHB 73 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
SCS CSHB 73 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 2 ADM.
11:54:05 AM
HOUSE BILL NO. 416
"An Act adopting and relating to the Uniform Prudent
Management of Institutional Funds Act; relating to the
investment of money for charitable purposes by
institutions, including governmental institutions; and
relating to the University of Alaska."
Co-Chair Stedman noted it was the second hearing on the
bill. He reported two zero fiscal notes, one from the
Department of Law and one from the University.
11:54:20 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report HB 416 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 416 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with two previously published zero
fiscal notes: FN 1 LAW and FN 2 UA.
AT-EASE 11:54:54 AM
RECONVENED 11:55:36 AM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50(FIN)
"An Act relating to limitations on mandatory overtime
for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in
health care facilities; and providing for an effective
date."
Co-Chair Stedman noted it was the first hearing on the
bill.
REPRESENTATIVE PEGGY WILSON, SPONSOR, explained that the
purpose of the bill is to make sure nurses get enough rest.
Nurses are working excessive hours without enough rest
which creates an unsafe work environment for patients and
for nurses. The bill would create a standardized work
environment across the state. The bill has provisions for
emergencies, inclement weather, natural disasters, and on-
going procedures. She shared information about legislation
in other states, of which 15 have adopted similar
requirements. The legislation sets a 14-hour work limit
with a 10 hour rest period. She maintained that nurses in
Alaska are working excessive hours of overtime, most of
which are mandated. Nurses from throughout Alaska have
provided testimony that this legislation is needed. She
noted that her staff was prepared to explain the
differences between the Senate and House versions of the
bill. She urged the committee to move the bill.
12:01:28 PM
Co-Chair Stedman noted three zero fiscal notes from the
Department of Health and Social Services and one
indeterminate note from the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development. He said that the bill is not a new
issue.
12:02:31 PM
JOHN BRINGHURST, ADMINISTRATOR, PETERSBURG MEDICAL CENTER,
PETERSBURG (via teleconference), testified in opposition to
HB 50. He listed reasons for his concerns. He thought HB 50
contained onerous reporting requirements. He explained
mandatory call, which is used to staff emergency rooms. The
bill would force the end of mandatory call and cost the
hospital around $470,000 a year.
Senator Olson referred to page 3 of the bill, an exemption
for rural communities, and asked if Petersburg qualifies
for it. Mr. Bringhurst understood that it exempts the
hospital for short periods only.
12:05:58 PM
RYAN SMITH, CEO, CENTRAL PENINSULA HOSPITAL, SOLDOTNA (via
teleconference), testified in opposition to the bill, which
he termed a labor bill. He explained that the bill has many
patient exclusions and only contains reporting requirements
for hospitals, not nurses. He also discussed mandatory
overtime. He predicted unintended consequences from the
bill.
12:07:50 PM
EVANGELYN DOTOMAIN, PRESIDENT & CEO, ALASKA NATIVE HEALTH
BOARD (via teleconference), spoke against HB 50. She
understood that her organization has an exemption from the
legislation; however, she thought the bill would change the
market conditions of nursing and have repercussions in the
villages.
12:09:53 PM
NANCY DAVIS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA NURSES ASSOCIATION, stressed
that patient safety is the primary benefit of HB 50, in
addition to benefits to nurses. She testified in support of
HB 50 from a nurse's viewpoint.
12:11:35 PM
ROD BETIT, CEO, ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, spoke
against the legislation. He reported that 26 out of 27
facilities in the state do not support the bill. He agreed
that safety was a prime concern for his organization. He
disagreed with items in the bill.
12:13:09 PM
LAUREE HUGONIN MORTON, JUNEAU, maintained that nurses
should not work extensive hours. She shared a personal
experience. She testified in support of HB 50. She thought
the limit of hours worked should be eight.
12:16:50 PM
MARY STACKHOUSE, REGISTERED NURSE, JUNEAU, shared personal
experiences. She spoke strongly in favor of HB 50.
12:19:02 PM
DEBBIE THOMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NURSES
ASSOCIATION, urged the committee to pass the bill. She read
a paragraph from a newspaper article which supported her
beliefs.
12:20:07 PM
BARBARA HUFF TUCKNESS, TEAMSTERS LOCAL 959, spoke in favor
of HB 50. She requested that all nurses and physician
assistants receive protection through collective bargaining
agreements.
HB 50 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
AT-EASE 12:21:56 PM
RECONVENED 1:43:28 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 363
"An Act relating to the membership of the Alaska
Industrial Development and Export Authority."
ROB EARL, STAFF REPRESENTATIVE BOB HERON, testified to the
details of the bill. He explained that the Alaska
Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) is a
public development finance corporation whose mission is to
promote economic development in Alaska by various means of
financing and investment. It fulfills its mission by
providing Alaskans with long-term financing options at a
reasonable cost. Each year 25 percent to 50 percent of the
return on AIDEA's assets is redistributed back to the state
general fund as a dividend. This year that dividend was
about $23 million.
1:45:09 PM
Mr. Earl related that the bill changes the AIDEA Board
membership, which also serves as the Alaska Energy
Authority (AEA) Board. He detailed the current make-up of
the board which consists of five members: the commissioners
of the Department of Revenue and the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, a
discretionary commissioner appointed by the governor,
currently the commissioner of the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities, and two public
members, also appointed by the governor. The legislation
would increase the board by three more public members in
order to increase the voice of the private sector. The bill
expands the board from five to seven members and also
stipulates public members must possess business and, or,
industry expertise and leadership skills. The expansion to
seven members would give AIDEA more flexibility when
forming subcommittees, more diverse experience on the
board, and broader geographical representation.
1:47:03 PM
Co-Chair Stedman noted one zero fiscal note from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
for $22,800 in AIDEA receipts.
HB 363 was Heard and Held in committee for further review.
1:48:02 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 345
"An Act designating the bridge to be built on the
Dalton Highway at approximately mile post 308 as the
Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge."
JANE PIERSON, CHIEF OF STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS,
SPONSOR, testified to the details of the bill. She related
that the bill would give the name "Sam Schuyler Memorial
Bridge" to a bridge that will be built at Milepost 308 on
the Dalton Highway. Sam Schuyler was a well-loved,
respected Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities employee who spent his entire career working on
the Dalton Highway. Sam exhibited a spirited tenacity that
set him apart from his peers.
1:49:44 PM
Co-Chair Stedman noted one zero fiscal note from the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities because
the cost of the sign has been budgeted into the
construction of the bridge.
MARY SIROKY, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, testified that the
department supports the bill. She referred to letters of
support for the bill.
HB 345 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further review.
AT EASE 1:50:51 PM
RECONVENED 1:51:28 PM
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45(FIN) am
Urging the United States Congress not to enact Cap and
Trade legislation.
JOHN BITNEY, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REPRESENTATIVE JOHN
HARRIS, shared that the resolution expresses opposition to
legislation being contemplated in Congress that would
establish a cap and trade program. The bill is sponsored by
Representative Stoltz and eighteen co-sponsors in the
House. The concern is the impact on the economy. He
reported that a hybrid version of the bill would be
introduced by the end of the month and contain provisions
that would increase the taxes on gasoline.
1:53:40 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman questioned if Congress would listen to
this resolution. Mr. Bitney replied that the voice of the
state held weight concerning the issue.
Co-Chair Stedman pointed out a zero fiscal note.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report HJR 45 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note. There being no OBJECTION it was so ordered.
CSHJR 45 (FIN)am was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 2 LEG.
1:56:04 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 70(FIN)
"An Act establishing the farm-to-school program in the
Department of Natural Resources, and relating to
school gardens, greenhouses, and farms."
REPRESENTATIVE CARL GATTO, testified to the intent of the
legislation which is to set up an organization within the
Department of Agriculture to encourage schools to buy local
products and grow agricultural products. It also addresses
the issue of obesity. The bill has been reduced
significantly in order to lessen the fiscal note.
THOMAS REIKER, STUDENT INTERN, REPRESENTATIVE CARL GATTO,
urged support for the bill. He believed that the bill was
good for the state. He said that the legislation could
improve the health and wellbeing of Alaska's students and
would create a new job market.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if students should be also
encouraged to eat Alaska salmon.
Representative Gatto spoke of an attempted trade of goods
with the state of Washington. The shipping proved to be too
expensive.
2:00:03 PM
Co-Chair Stedman pointed out the fiscal notes and solicited
final comments.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSHB 70 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no OBJECTION it was
so ordered.
CSHB 70 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and two previously published fiscal
notes: zero FN 3 EED and FN 4 DNR.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 2:01 PM.
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