Legislature(2017 - 2018)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/20/2018 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB155 | |
| SB65 | |
| HB236 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 65 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 236 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 155 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 20, 2018
9:02 a.m.
9:02:10 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair MacKinnon called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Anna MacKinnon, Co-Chair
Senator Click Bishop, Vice-Chair
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Natasha von Imhof
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Donny Olson
ALSO PRESENT
Juli Lucky, Staff, Senator Anna MacKinnon; Senator Kevin
Meyer, Sponsor; Senator Mike Shower, Sponsor; Jake Almeida,
Staff, Senator Mike Shower; Representative George Rauscher,
Chairman, Jonesville Action Committee; Lynne Woods, Self,
Juneau; Nancy Meade, General Counsel, Alaska Court System;
Mercedes Colbert, Staff, Representative Scott Kawasaki;
Monica Windom, Director, Division of Public Assistance,
Department of Health and Social Services; Bill Williams,
Service Coordinator, Southeast Senior Services; Jayne
Andreen, Volunteer, AARP, Douglas.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Jim Sykes, Assembly Member, Matsu Borough Assembly; Patti
Barber, Self, MatSu; Kenny Barber, Self, MatSu; Marty
Parsons, Deputy Director, Division of Mining, Land, and
Water, Department of Natural Resources; Hans Brinke,
Director, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage; Bruce Dale,
Director, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Department of
Fish and Game, Palmer; Eric Philips, Manager, Land and
Resources, MatSu Borough, Wasilla; Hugh Leslie, Manager,
Parks and Recreation, MatSu borough, Wasilla; Deb
Etheridge, Deputy Director, Division of Senior and
Disability Services, Department of Health and Social
Services, Anchorage; Ken Helander, Advocacy Director, AARP,
Anchorage; David Blacketer, Chair, Alaska Commission on
Aging, Kodiak; Gordon Glaser, Member, Alaska Commission on
Aging, Anchorage; Mike Coons, President, Alaska Chapter of
Association of Mature American Citizens, Palmer; George
Pierce, Self, Kasilof.
SUMMARY
SB 65 JONESVILLE PUBLIC USE AREA
SB 65 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 155 REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL MNGMT. COMPANIES
CSSB 155 (FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with one new
fiscal impact note from the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
CSHB 236 (FIN)
EXTEND: SENIOR BENEFITS PAYMENT PROGRAM
CSHB 235 (FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee
for further consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 155
"An Act relating to the registration and regulation of
real estate appraisal management companies; relating
to the establishment of fees by the Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development;
relating to the Board of Certified Real Estate
Appraisers; and relating to real estate appraisers."
9:03:10 AM
Vice-Chair Bishop MOVED to ADOPT the proposed committee
substitute for SB 155, Work Draft 30-LS1295\O (Radford,
3/15/18).
Co-Chair MacKinnon OBJECTED for discussion.
9:03:37 AM
JULI LUCKY, STAFF, SENATOR ANNA MACKINNON, discussed,
"Explanation of Changes CS for SB 155 (FIN) version: 30-
LS1295\O" (copy on file):
? Reorganizes and rewords section 4 for clarity (page
3, lines 24-29).
? Removes the requirement that a controlling person be
certified as a real estate appraiser in Alaska; the
new CS requires the controlling person to be certified
in "a state" on page 5, line 25.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether there were more
changes.
Ms. Lucky discussed the final change in the bill:
Adds effective date sections starting on page 10, line
14, to ensure that the bill is effective on the date
required by the federal government and, if possible,
give the department time to process applications prior
to requiring registration.
Specifically, the bill will take effect on August 10,
2018 unless the department notifies the revisor of
statutes that an extension was granted, in which case
the department would be able to start taking
applications on January 1, 2019 and the AMCs would
have to be registered by March 1, 2019.
9:07:32 AM
SENATOR KEVIN MEYER, SPONSOR, supported the changes in the
committee substitute.
Co-Chair MacKinnon WITHDREW the objection. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Ms. Lucky discussed the new fiscal note from Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED).
Senator Micciche surmised that one-third of a position
would be partnered with several other licensing
responsibilities, and used only receipt services in the
fiscal note. Ms. Lucky deferred to the department, but
confirmed that it was all receipt-supported services. She
stated that one-third or one-half was accurate.
9:09:29 AM
AT EASE
9:10:02 AM
RECONVENED
9:10:09 AM
Co-Chair MacKinnon remarked that the public testimony had
occurred in a previous meeting.
Senator Meyer felt that there had been a thorough
discussion of the bill. He remarked that other states had
passed similar legislation. He noted that the committee
substitute allowed for some flexibility.
Vice-Chair Bishop MOVED to REPORT CSSB 155(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations and accompanying
fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSSB 155 (FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with one new fiscal impact note
from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development.
9:12:01 AM
AT EASE
9:14:12 AM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 65
"An Act establishing the Jonesville Public Use Area."
9:14:46 AM
SENATOR MIKE SHOWER, SPONSOR, introduced the legislation:
The community of Sutton is home to the incredible
"coal hills" which provides Alaskans with a variety of
outdoor recreational opportunities. Due to the lack
of defined activities zones, the area has become
dangerous for both users and residents.
Unfortunately, the Sutton/Jonesville area is commonly
referred to as the Wild West.
The recreational area has become a serious public
safety issue due to a multitude of issues from litter,
to drugs, to abandoned burned and shot-up vehicles, to
the unsafe discharge of firearms across hiking trails
and homes, and the fatal shooting of a photographer.
Recognizing that it is difficult for the Mat-Su
Borough's 36 officers to adequately patrol the
equivalent of West Virginia, a public use area is
needed to help improve public safety at this beautiful
recreational site.
SB 65 would establish the Jonesville Public Use Area
to protect, maintain, enhance, and perpetuate the
current use of the area for:
? year-round general public recreation,
? protecting and maintaining habitats for fish and
wildlife, ? use of off-road vehicles,
? access for miners and owners of private property,
and
? other activities as designated by the commissioner
of DNR.
The Jonesville Public Use Area would increase public
safety while preserving the recreational site for use
by all Alaskans.
9:17:36 AM
JAKE ALMEIDA, STAFF, SENATOR MIKE SHOWER, discussed the
Sectional Analysis (copy on file):
Section 1
? Sec. 41.23.280 establishes the purpose of the
public use area
? Sec. 41.23.282
o Provides for management of the surface and
subsurface estate to be managed by DNR and
the fish and wildlife to be managed by Fish
and
Game.
o Clarifies that the public use area is not
part of the state park system
? Sec. 41.23.284 provides for the type of uses
that may and may not be prohibited
? Sec. 41.23.286 defines the boundaries of the
public use area
? Sec. 41.23.288 describes who has enforcement
authority for violations committed
? Sec. 41.23.289 states that the penalty is a
violation as defined in AS 11.81.900 and requires
the Supreme Court to create a bail schedule for
those violations
Section 2
? Uncodified law - directs the Supreme Court to
create a bail schedule within 90 days after the
management plan is adopted
9:19:58 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered whether there were roads in the
area, and who were responsible for maintaining those roads.
Senator Shower replied there were a few roads, but there
were mostly unmaintained trails. He stated that the one
road was the Jonesville Road that exited from the Glenn
Highway, and was maintained by the state. That road stopped
approximately 200 yards past the neighborhood, and became
the unmaintained trails.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked whether the trails were used by
recreational vehicles (RVs). Senator Shower replied in the
affirmative.
Senator von Imhof looked at page 2, line 6, "the
commissioner is responsible for the management." She
wondered whether that was the commissioner of Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). Senator Shower replied in the
affirmative.
Senator von Imhof looked at line 8, "after adequate public
hearings." She wondered whether those hearings would begin
after the bill is passed, and it became a public use area.
Senator Shower replied in the affirmative.
Senator von Imhof noted that there could be a long public
process, and then incorporate a long public process.
Senator Shower replied that it would take approximately
three to five years.
Senator von Imhof wondered whether there would be a request
to expand or upgrade the parking lot. Senator Shower
responded that, if the DNR commissioner decided to execute
the management plan, there would possibly be an attached
fiscal note.
Senator Micciche noted that the letter from the
commissioner stated that the process would take five years
without additional funding, or three years with an
appropriation of $166,000 for the next two years to support
additional staff and contract work. He felt that Alaskans
needed to perhaps adjust to a parking fee.
Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that there were some people
available for questions.
9:25:26 AM
AT EASE
9:25:41 AM
RECONVENED
9:25:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER, CHAIRMAN, JONESVILLE ACTION
COMMITTEE, explained that there had been various attempts
to manage the area. He remarked that those attempts should
have included all the users in the group. He remarked that
there were four-wheelers, equestrians, hikers, hunter,
skiers, etc. He shared that the committee would connect
with the different groups about how to manage the area. He
noted that DNR had put $9 million into the area to
reacclimate the old coal mines with some infrastructure and
access.
9:30:21 AM
Vice-Chair Bishop encourage working with the different
funds moving forward. Representative Rauscher replied with
"thank you."
9:31:17 AM
JIM SYKES, ASSEMBLY MEMBER, MATSU BOROUGH ASSEMBLY (via
teleconference), stated that he represented the area with
the Jonesville Mine in the assembly. He encouraged the
committee to support the legislation. He felt that the
management would result in a more family friendly area. He
felt that the framework needed to be put in place in order
to develop the management plan. He recognized various
people involved in the process.
9:36:57 AM
Senator Micciche wondered whether the area was 20 square
miles. Mr. Sykes could not recall the exact amount, but
agreed that is sounded somewhat accurate. He noted that
most of it was state land.
Senator Micciche asked whether the damage that was hoping
to be managed was within a distance of the parking area or
spread throughout the property. Mr. Sykes replied that most
of the damage was near the entrance where the old mining
entrance was located.
Senator Micciche thanked the community for coming together,
as he had problematic locations in his community.
Senator von Imhof noted that there was significant support
for the public area designation. She hoped that a nonprofit
called, "Friends of the Jonesville Recreation Area" may be
created.
Senator Stevens understood the importance of the plan for
the community. He wanted to ensure that it would not end
the community and assembly's participation in the plan. Mr.
Sykes replied that the borough and land manager were
committed to the plan.
9:43:13 AM
PATTI BARBER, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), testified
in support of the bill.
9:44:11 AM
KENNY BARBER, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the legislation.
9:45:32 AM
LYNNE WOODS, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the bill.
Co-Chair MacKinnon CLOSED public testimony.
Senator Micciche wondered whether Marty Parsons was
available.
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked Ms. Parsons for comments on the
legislation.
9:48:22 AM
MARTY PARSONS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF MINING, LAND,
AND WATER, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (via
teleconference), stated that he had worked closely with the
community on the bill. He stated that it was a similar
situation to the Knik Public Use Area. He felt that it was
an admirable program.
Senator Micciche wondered whether it was problematic that
there was no DNR authority if it's not state park land, and
how it had worked in Knik Arm for the department. Mr.
Parsons replied that as part of the bill, enforcement
authority was provided to DNR similar to the Knik Public
Use Area. He stated that a bail schedule was set by the
Supreme Court, and a sworn individual could write
citations. He stated that without the action of the
legislature, DNR would not have the authority.
Senator Micciche wondered whether there had been dramatic
changes in authority in Knik Arm. Mr. Parsons responded
that there was not a rapid change, but it was a steady
change over time.
9:51:49 AM
HANS BRINKE, DIRECTOR, ALASKA STATE TROOPERS, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), echoed some previous testimony. He
stated that he was a commander in the Mat Su valley
previously. He noted a dramatic decrease in the issues in
the Knik Public Use Area after change in management. He
remarked that individuals moved to recreate in the
Jonesville area. He agreed with the issues about gunfire
and trash. He wanted to get the troopers there for
proactive enforcement, but there were some recruitment
issues that caused limitations.
9:53:58 AM
BRUCE DALE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, PALMER (via teleconference),
introduced himself.
Vice-Chair Bishop wondered whether there were sport fish
opportunities in the area. Mr. Dale replied that there were
two or three stocked lakes in the area that were popular
for fishing.
Vice-Chair Bishop asked whether the lakes were stocked on
an annual basis. Mr. Dale replied in the affirmative.
9:55:03 AM
NANCY MEADE, GENERAL COUNSEL, ALASKA COURT SYSTEM,
introduced herself.
Vice-Chair Bishop wondered whether the bail schedule for
the Knik Public Use Area would be similar to the Jonesville
schedule. Ms. Meade replied expected that it would be
similar.
9:55:59 AM
ERIC PHILIPS, MANAGER, LAND AND RESOURCES, MATSU BOROUGH,
WASILLA (via teleconference), provided a letter of support
the year prior. He felt that it was still an important
idea.
9:56:23 AM
HUGH LESLIE, MANAGER, PARKS AND RECREATION, MATSU BOROUGH,
WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
He stated that it had the opportunity to be an economic
generator for the community through sales of fuel and
groceries.
Co-Chair Hoffman queried the establishment of the
boundaries. Senator Shower replied that the boundaries were
established with the help of the Mat Su Borough. The
various communities involvement groups worked with the
borough land management to find the boundaries; and plotted
around the state boundaries.
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered whether the borough owned any of
the adjoining properties. Senator Showers deferred to Mr.
Sykes.
Mr. Sykes stated that there was only 40 acres of borough
land that was contained within the boundaries, and the
remainder was state land.
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered whether the borough owned any of
the adjoining properties. Mr. Sykes deferred to Mr.
Philips.
Mr. Philips could not address the question.
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked for the information.
10:00:21 AM
Representative Rauscher stated that there were a couple of
pieces of property, which were mostly easements to
Usibelli. He stressed that they were not large portions of
land.
Senator Shower highlighted that there was much community
and borough involvement in the legislation's plan.
Senator Micciche was encouraged by the community's action.
He stated that he had faced similar issues in the Kenai.
Vice-Chair Bishop discussed the zero fiscal notes.
Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that amendments were due by
5pm.
SB 65 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
10:05:09 AM
AT EASE
10:12:47 AM
RECONVENED
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 236(FIN)
"An Act extending the Alaska senior benefits payment
program."
10:13:25 AM
MERCEDES COLBERT, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT KAWASAKI,
explained the bill. She stated that it would extend the
sunset clause to 2024.
10:16:12 AM
AT EASE
10:16:59 AM
RECONVENED
10:17:19 AM
MONICA WINDOM, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE,
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, spoke in support
of the bill.
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked for more information about the
eligibility requirements. Ms. Windom responded that an
individual who would want senior benefits must submit an
application and report their income to the department. That
income was verified several different ways. She stated that
the social security interface would provide information
about residency and citizenship. She stated that the
information would allow for determination of the amount of
the eligible benefit.
Co-Chair MacKinnon queried a qualification interface with
the permanent fund dividend. Ms. Windom replied in the
affirmative.
Senator von Imhof queried more difficult to verify income.
Ms. Windom replied that there could be a request of a copy
of the tax return.
Senator von Imhof surmised that the verification process
would be determined based on how it was listed in the
application. Ms. Windom replied in the affirmative.
10:20:18 AM
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered how many people received the
program benefits. Ms. Windom replied that in December 2017,
there were 11,322 individuals receiving senior benefits.
The level that currently received $76 per month were 5,183
individuals; the $175 benefit level had $4,597 individuals;
and the $250 benefit had $1,493 individuals.
Senator Stevens queried the poverty level of each of those
benefit levels. Ms. Windom replied that 100 percent of the
poverty level was approximately $1600 per month.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether the program was at 100
percent poverty level, or 203 percent poverty level. Ms.
Windom replied that it varied, because the different levels
depended on the level of poverty.
Co-Chair MacKinnon surmised that it was 175 percent of the
poverty level. Ms. Windom deferred to Ms. Colbert.
Co-Chair MacKinnon queried the annual benefit for a
qualified individual, and the percentages used as the
criteria to filter the candidates. Ms. Colbert replied that
at 75 percent of the federal poverty line, an individual
received $250 in monthly payments, and must make $11,295
annually. She stated that the 75 percent poverty level for
a married couple was $15,218. She stated that a 100 percent
poverty line level received $175 per month, and their
individual income must be $15,060; and a married couple
would be $20,290. She shared that at the 170 percent
poverty line, at an individual would make $26,355; and a
married couple would be $35,508 annually.
10:24:33 AM
DEB ETHERIDGE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SENIOR AND
DISABILITY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL
SERVICES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), introduced
herself.
Co-Chair MacKinnon queried comments on the legislation. Ms.
Etheridge replied that she had no comment.
10:25:22 AM
KEN HELANDER, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR, AARP, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the reauthorization of
the Senior Benefits Program. He testified in support of the
legislation, as a critical safety net program for thousands
of Alaskans over 65-years-old. He urged reconsideration of
restoration of money taken from beneficiaries as 175
percent of federal poverty level two years prior. He
stressed that the 175 percent meant that they could not
make any more than that level.
Senator Micciche asked whether there was a letter from Mr.
Helander on record.
10:29:56 AM
DAVID BLACKETER, CHAIR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING, KODIAK
(via teleconference), shared that he and his wife had
financial obligations. He spoke in support of the bill,
because it provided money to pay for groceries.
10:31:17 AM
GORDON GLASER, MEMBER, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
legislation. He echoed the previous testifiers. He stressed
that the program was targeted toward the older and more
frail communities. He stressed that it provided
independence and dignity.
Senator Stevens asked for thoughts on whether those who
were in an assisted living homes receipt of the benefit.
Mr. Glaser replied that it was something worth examining.
He stressed that it was difficult to remove a service.
10:34:29 AM
BILL WILLIAMS, SERVICE COORDINATOR, SOUTHEAST SENIOR
SERVICES, shared that he worked with seniors in Juneau who
lived in public housing. He tried to help those people to
live more independently, so to keep the burden away from
the Pioneer Home. He spoke in support of the bill. He
remarked that most of his clients had senior benefits. He
shared a personal story.
Senator Stevens wondered whether Section 8 housing was
considered assisted living. Mr. Williams replied in the
negative. He stated that Section 8 housing was government
subsisted housing.
10:39:42 AM
MIKE COONS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATION OF
MATURE AMERICAN CITIZENS, PALMER (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the bill.
10:42:10 AM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
10:44:00 AM
JAYNE ANDREEN, VOLUNTEER, AARP, DOUGLAS, spoke in support
of the bill.
Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that amendments were due by
Friday at 5pm. She also discussed the following day's
agenda.
CSHB 236(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
10:46:59 AM
The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 236 Explanation of Changes A to D 7Feb2018.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
HB 236 |
| HB236 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
HB 236 |
| HB236 Consolidated Letters of Support.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
HB 236 |
| HB236 Supporting Document SBP Fact Sheet - Updated August 2017.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
HB 236 |
| SB 155 SCS v. O Explanation.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
SB 155 |
| SB 155 SCS wrok draft v. O.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
SB 155 |
| SB 65 Support Letter Bettine.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
SB 65 |
| SB 65 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
SB 65 |
| SB 65 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
SB 65 |
| HB 236 ACoA Support Senior Benefits.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
HB 236 |
| HB 236 Letter from DPA repgarding AARP proposal 4.6.18.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2018 9:00:00 AM |
HB 236 |