Legislature(2019 - 2020)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/11/2020 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB206 | |
| SB137 | |
| SB172 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 137 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 172 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | HB 206 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 11, 2020
9:03 a.m.
9:03:55 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Natasha von Imhof, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator David Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Pete Ecklund, Staff, Senator Bert Stedman; Senator Peter
Micciche, Sponsor; Michael Willis, Intern, Senator Peter
Micciche; Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor, Alaska Division
of Legislative Audit; ELIZABETH REXFORD, STAFF, SENATOR
DONNY OLSON; Sara Chambers, Director, Division of
Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development;
Alysia Jones, Executive Administrator, Alaska State Medical
Board, Juneau.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Charles McKee, Self, Anchorage; Jeff Edwards, Director,
Board of Parole, Anchorage; Sarah Bigelow-Hood, Alaska
State Medical Board Member, Anchorage; David Boswell,
Alaska State Medical Board Member, Fairbanks; Richard Wein,
Alaska State Medical Board Member, Sitka.
SUMMARY
SB 137 EXTEND BOARD OF PAROLE
SB 137 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SB 172 EXTENDING THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD
SB 172 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
CSHB 206(FIN)
APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
SCS CSHB 206(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee
with a "do pass" recommendation.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 206(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
9:05:21 AM
Co-Chair von Imhof MOVED to ADOPT the committee substitute
for CSHB 206(FIN), Work Draft 31-GH2198\K (Bruce, 3/10/20).
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion.
9:05:46 AM
PETE ECKLUND, STAFF, SENATOR BERT STEDMAN, explained the
committee substitute.
Co-Chair Stedman noted that $13.9 million was for FY 20,
and there was roughly $250 million approved to draw from
the CBR.
9:09:16 AM
Mr. Ecklund continued to discuss the changes in the
committee substitute.
Senator Hoffman remarked that the $9 million was listed as
grants, and he appreciated the issue because of the eminent
threat of Covid-19. He wondered whether there was a
determination of how the $9 million grants would be
distributed to the people that need it.
Mr. Ecklund understood that there would be 10 people hired
in the epidemiology unit, and did not know whether there
was a plan for the grant distribution.
Co-Chair Stedman REMOVED their OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, the proposed committee substitute was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Stedman wondered if there was someone from the
department that could speak about the issue of the
coronavirus.
Co-Chair von Imhof believed that the money would be used to
hire five public health nurses, three or more
epidemiologists, and one emergency technicians. She noted
that there could potentially be tents, testing kits,
oxygen, and other things related to containing the virus.
She stressed the importance of distributing the money as
soon as possible.
9:15:36 AM
Co-Chair Stedman stressed that the funds needed to be
available as soon as possible.
Senator Olson wondered whether the tents were for
prevention.
Co-Chair von Imhof believed that the actual documentation
for the supplemental item addressed the employees. She
remarked that there were other discussion about the
possible alternative location to send people.
Co-Chair Stedman remarked that it was difficult to get
answers.
Senator Hoffman noted that Alaska received a
disproportionate number of travelers, because of the cruise
industry. He reiterated the importance of the approval of
the funding.
Co-Chair von Imhof MOVED to report SCS CSHB 206(FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Stedman remarked that the bill would be on the
floor of the Senate that day.
SCS CSHB 206(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation.
Co-Chair Stedman handed the gavel to Co-Chair von Imhof.
9:19:12 AM
AT EASE
9:21:57 AM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 137
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of
Parole; and providing for an effective date."
9:22:37 AM
SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, SPONSOR, explained the legislation.
He remarked that it was an uncomplicated bill, and the
Board would extend to five years.
9:23:30 AM
MICHAEL WILLIS, INTERN, SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, explained
the legislation.
9:24:49 AM
KRIS CURTIS, LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, ALASKA DIVISION OF
LEGISLATIVE AUDIT, explained the audit of the Board of
Parole.
9:32:13 AM
Senator Hoffman looked at number 2, and wondered whether it
required funding.
Ms. Curtis replied that the commissioner described that
there was already corrective action to update Highland
Mountain Correctional Center. She remarked that additional
corrective action would occur in the constraints of the
budget.
Senator Hoffman queried a timeframe to address the issue.
Ms. Curtis replied that they did not provide a timeline.
Senator Bishop wondered whether there would be contact to
the department.
Ms. Curtis replied that she did not have a mechanism to
follow up on the finding unless there was another audit.
Co-Chair von Imhof OPENED public testimony.
9:34:17 AM
CHARLES MCKEE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
for proof of jurisdiction stated in a hearing he had on
September 30. He had asked the court for consideration, but
only one charge was dismissed.
9:36:57 AM
JEFF EDWARDS, DIRECTOR, BOARD OF PAROLE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), stated that he was available for
questions.
Senator Wielechowski looked at the no-show percentage and
wondered whether there was effort to lower that percentage
number.
Mr. Edwards replied in the affirmative.
Senator Wielechowski asked for an example of technical and
a nontechnical violation.
Mr. Edwards responded that a nontechnical violation would
be something like a new criminal charge, as opposed to a
technical violation, which would be something like a drug
or alcohol use violation.
Co-Chair von Imhof CLOSED public testimony.
Senator Bishop reviewed the fiscal note.
SB 137 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 172
"An Act extending the termination date of the State
Medical Board; and providing for an effective date."
9:40:48 AM
SENATOR DONNY OLSON, SPONSOR, introduced the legislation
9:41:19 AM
ELIZABETH REXFORD, STAFF, SENATOR DONNY OLSON, discussed
the bill.
9:43:00 AM
KRIS CURTIS, LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, ALASKA DIVISION OF
LEGISLATIVE AUDIT, discussed the audit of the State Medical
Board.
9:49:03 AM
Senator Olson looked at the issue related to some of the
shortfalls, and noted the lack of reporting. He asked about
the other state's requirements.
Ms. Curtis replied in the affirmative.
Senator Olson queried the seriousness of the disciplinary
actions.
Ms. Curtis replied that they were civil fine actions, so it
depended on the reason for the fine.
Senator Olson looked at page 11, and noted FY 16, FY 17, FY
18 and remarked on the 100 increase between FY 16 and FY
18. He queried the reason for the significant change.
Ms. Curtis deferred to the Board chair. She believed that
there was normally an explanation for an increase.
9:51:12 AM
SARAH BIGELOW-HOOD, ALASKA STATE MEDICAL BOARD MEMBER,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), stated that there was no
current Chair of the board.
Co-Chair von Imhof wondered whether there was an intent to
appoint a new Chair soon.
Ms. Bigelow-Hood replied in the affirmative. She stated
that the entire board was new, and would meet to decide on
a new Chair.
9:51:52 AM
Senator Wielechowski noted that the audit recommended a
five-year extension, but the bill only had a three-year
extension. He queried any thoughts on the difference.
Ms. Curtis replied that the recommendation of five years
was based on a cost benefit related to conducting an audit.
Co-Chair von Imhof wondered what happened in the House when
presented with the five-year extension.
Ms. Curtis replied that there was a concern about the lack
of compliance.
Senator Olson wondered how often a board did not have a
Chair realizing that the members had recently had
appointments.
Ms. Curtis replied that it was highly unusual in her
experience, and noted that there was something similar
occurring in the Board of Nursing.
Co-Chair von Imhof wondered how long the Chair position had
been vacant.
Ms. Bigelow-Hood replied that she did not know, and that
she had only been appointed for approximately one week.
Co-Chair von Imhof wondered how long the Chair position had
been vacant, and when it was anticipated that the Chair
position would be filled.
9:54:45 AM
DAVID BOSWELL, ALASKA STATE MEDICAL BOARD MEMBER, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), responded that five of seven board
positions had only recently been appointed in March. The
first order of business would be to organize and appoint a
Chair.
Co-Chair von Imhof wondered why there was almost near
complete turnover on the board.
Mr. Boswell guessed that it was the need for compliance.
Senator Wielechowski wondered why five out of the seven
people left the board.
Mr. Boswell replied that he did not know.
Co-Chair von Imhof wanted to see the list of the current
board members and their terms.
Mr. Boswell replied that his position was term limit-ed out
at eight years.
Senator Wilson felt that Ms. Chambers could address some of
the questions.
9:57:32 AM
SARA CHAMBERS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, BUSINESS
AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE,
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, deferred to Ms. Jones.
9:57:54 AM
ALYSIA JONES, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR, ALASKA STATE MEDICAL
BOARD, JUNEAU, remarked that there was a full turnover of
the board as of March 3, 2020. She remarked that there were
two that had early terminations.
Senator Wielechowski surmised that two member terms were
terminated before their terms were complete.
Ms. Jones agreed.
Senator Wielechowski wondered why their terms were
terminated early.
Ms. Jones replied that she did not receive that
information, but were only notified of the changes.
Co-Chair von Imhof wondered how the board member and by
whom they were notified that their term was to end early.
Ms. Jones replied that the Boards and Commission would call
and notify the member of the change.
10:00:01 AM
Senator Wielechowski requested the reason for the
termination of the membership.
Senator Bishop stressed the importance of the State Medical
Board. He felt that there should be continuity on public
safety.
Senator Wielechowski stressed that the mission of the board
was to protect the health of the state. He wanted to know
the reason for the turnover.
Ms. Chambers would request a response from the Governor's
Office.
Senator Olson wondered who would ensure that there were
disciplinary actions against the "bad actors."
Ms. Chambers replied that the board continued to go through
the investigative process with the department
investigators.
Senator Olson queried the last time the board took
disciplinary action.
Ms. Jones replied that the board typically took action at
their quarterly meetings, and the last meeting was on
February 6 and 7 of 2020. The new board would be meeting in
the upcoming May.
Co-Chair von Imhof asked whether the meeting minutes were
available to the public.
Ms. Jones replied that the meetings of the most recent
meeting would be available at the end of the week.
10:05:11 AM
Senator Olson assumed that there was no action because of
the turnover. He wanted to know the last time action was
taken against someone.
Co-Chair von Imhof stressed the importance of disciplinary
action.
Ms. Jones replied that the investigations were ongoing, so
the action would be brought to the board at the appropriate
time.
Ms. Chambers noted that if there was a need for an
emergency action, it was initiated by her department after
the information was given, so a meeting could be called for
the action. She stressed that all of the boards, required
of turnover, could meet as needed.
Senator Olson appreciated the ability for emergency action.
10:07:41 AM
RICHARD WEIN, ALASKA STATE MEDICAL BOARD MEMBER, SITKA (via
teleconference), stated that he was a new member of the
board. He called in to support the passage of the bill. He
remarked that was important for physicians to do no harm.
He felt that he was convinced that a meeting should occur
as soon as possible to fully vet the current issues. He was
critically aware of the issues facing the board, including
coming into compliance with the current audit.
Senator Wilson stated that he did not have a question for
Dr. Wein.
Co-Chair von Imhof OPENED public testimony.
Co-Chair von Imhof CLOSED public testimony.
10:11:33 AM
Senator Wilson remarked that the board would not be able to
pick a new Chair until after confirmations.
Ms. Jones replied in the affirmative.
Senator Bishop reviewed the fiscal note.
Co-Chair von Imhof discussed the following day's agenda.
SB 172 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
10:14:06 AM
The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 172 Explanation of Changes v. A to M 3.4.2020.pdf |
SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM |
SB 172 |
| SB 172 Supporting Document - Audit of DCCED State Medical Board w responses 04.16.2020.pdf |
HFIN 3/22/2020 11:00:00 AM SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM |
SB 172 |
| SB 172 Sponsor Statement 3.3.2020.pdf |
SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM |
SB 172 |
| SB 137 Parole-Board Sunset Audit 20-20116-19.pdf |
HFIN 3/19/2020 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/18/2020 3:30:00 PM |
SB 137 |
| SB 137 Sponsor Statement 2.6.2020.pdf |
SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/18/2020 3:30:00 PM |
|
| HB 206 work draft version K.pdf |
SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| HB 206 LFD Multi-Year Agency Summary.pdf |
SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| SB 172 DCCED Memo to SFIN 3.13.2020.pdf |
SFIN 3/11/2020 9:00:00 AM |
SB 172 |