02/01/2016 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Partners for Progress Reentry Center Overview: No-cost and Cost-bending Ways to Improve Community Reentry and Reduce Recidivism | |
| SB157 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 157 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
February 1, 2016
1:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lesil McGuire, Chair
Senator John Coghill, Vice Chair
Senator Mia Costello
Senator Bill Wielechowski
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Peter Micciche
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS REENTRY CENTER OVERVIEW:
No-Cost and Cost-Bending Ways to Improve Community Reentry and
Reduce Recidivism.
- HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 157
"An Act defining arcade-style amusement devices."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 41
"An Act relating to criminal history record checks for
psychologists and psychological associates; and providing for an
effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 157
SHORT TITLE: AMUSEMENT DEVICES & GAMBLING DEFINITION
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MCGUIRE
01/25/16 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/25/16 (S) JUD
02/01/16 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
CATHLEEN MCLAUGHLIN, Director
Partners for Progress Reentry Center (PRC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered an overview of the No-Cost and
Cost-Bending Ways to Improve Community Reentry and Reduce
Recidivism
FORREST WOLFE, Staff
Senator Lesil McGuire
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 157 on behalf of the sponsor.
HUGH ASHLOCK, owner
Dimond Center Mall (DCM)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 157.
HOWARD TRICKEY, Attorney
Dave and Buster's
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided supporting testimony on SB 157.
JAY TOBIN, General Counsel
Dave and Buster
Dallas, Texas
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided supporting testimony on SB 157.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:35:00 PM
CHAIR LESIL MCGUIRE called the Senate Judiciary Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Costello, Wielechowski, Coghill, and Chair
McGuire. She reviewed the agenda including that SB 41 would not
be heard.
^Partners for Progress Reentry Center Overview: No-Cost and
Cost-Bending Ways to Improve Community Reentry and Reduce
Recidivism
PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS REENTRY CENTER OVERVIEW: NO-COST AND COST-
BENDING WAYS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY REENTRY AND REDUCE RECIDIVISM
1:37:27 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the first order of business would be a
presentation from Cathleen McLaughlin from the Partners for
Progress Reentry Center about how to reduce costs and help the
state address recidivism. She recognized the presence of Janet
McCabe and thanked her for her visionary work in this area.
1:38:01 PM
CATHLEEN MCLAUGHLIN, Director, Partners for Progress Reentry
Center (PRC), Anchorage, Alaska, said she's delighted to come
before the committee and excited that recidivism and reentry has
become such a large talking point. She said she would discuss
the program briefly and then talk about the reasons for the nine
cost-bending or cost reduction ideas. Describing herself as an
optimist, she opined that some of the points need little
planning, just a lot of doing.
She reported that PRC has served 2,741 people since it opened in
August 2013.
CHAIR MCGUIRE clarified that the Partners Reentry Center is a
specialized extension of Partners for Progress that was
established in 2000 or 2001.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN described PRC as a walk-in and referral center
that serves people coming straight out of incarceration on a
felony or misdemeanants with an ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action
Program). The reentrant receives housing the day of release
under the condition that they will work with the center to find
employment within 30 days if they are mentally and physically
able. Their housing will then be extended for another 30 days on
a part-pay basis in 1 of the 13 housing sites throughout
Anchorage. She emphasized that this is a voluntary program that
is based on dignity and respect. During this time the center
tries to find ways to use the risk needs assessments from the
Department of Corrections (DOC) to determine how to use the
funds appropriated by the legislature.
On average, PRC serves 63-91 people each day, and has about 376
people in the program at any given time. Moneyed services are
available to those people who want to move forward. "Our key is
it has to be a partnership." She said that finding out what
works has been a grassroots effort and Janet McCabe has been
instrumental in fostering the ability to come up with new ideas.
She added, "Based on the State's budget right now, I think a lot
of new ideas are necessary."
MS. MCLAUGHLIN said the people that have a purpose (whether it's
a job or reuniting with family) are more likely to succeed and
not recidivate. She described the help the center provides as a
three-legged stool that is housing, employment, and figuring out
why people are in the position they're in.
She said she is very proud of these key outcomes for program
participants - all of whom have criminal records: 62 reentrants
were hired in January, over 629 employers are willing to hire
program participants and 116 landlords that are willing to rent
to program participants. For people who continue to cooperate
and visit the center, PRC will pay the first month's rent
provided the person pays the deposit.
1:44:23 PM
MS. MCLAUGHLIN shared a story about a 24-year-old heroin addict
who got a job his second week of working with PRC. That night he
celebrated with heroin and died. In response to that tragedy,
PRC started a pilot program in partnership with her health
clinic and Alkermes, the manufacturer of Vivitrol. This
voluntary program began in September and is offered to people
who come out of prison with opiate, heroin, or chronic alcohol
issues. This option has been offered to 32 people and 19 have
accepted. They received an injection of Vivitrol that is
effective for 28 days. Thirteen declined the option and 11 of
those people are reincarcerated. "They were reincarcerated less
than 30 days from the time that they released." One of the 19 in
the program refused the second Vivitrol injection "because he
wanted to have beer at the Super Bowl." He is now
reincarcerated.
She said the Vivitrol Pilot Program is one of the nine points
and she brought it up as an example of a simple way to figure
out whether medically assisted treatment is a possibility in
reentry. The results thus far are hopeful.
1:45:52 PM
SENATOR MCGUIRE said it has been a slow process, but the data
shows this is a humane way for an addict to readjust their life.
She expressed hope that the program could be expanded.
SENATOR COGHILL asked the cost of the pilot program.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN replied it costs PRC nothing because Alkermes has
agreed to provide an unlimited supply of Vivitrol during the
pilot program. She explained that when someone says, on a pre-
release basis, that they want to participate in the pilot, PRC
takes them to the health clinic for an injection of Vivitrol the
day they're released and helps them apply for Medicaid. Timing
is critical because the longer a person is out of prison the
less likely they are to want to stay clean.
1:48:42 PM
MS. MCLAUGHLIN reviewed the nine points that PRC came up with to
eliminate the costs associated with reentry. These were sent to
the governor, the legislature, and the Department of Corrections
(DOC). She said the goal is to improve reentry and community
reentry is happening. "We see 1,000 releases a month statewide
and we have between 100 and 110 come in to apply for services at
Partners Reentry Center every single month."
1. Allow applications for Medicaid, Social Security, Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), State ID, etc. to be completed
and submitted prior to release.
With few exceptions, a person is not able to apply for Social
Security while they're incarcerated. PRC houses reentrants in
anticipation of their getting Social Security, but the
process may take from 45 days to six months. PRC doesn't have
the funding or the housing capacity for that and has to send
people to the Brother Francis mission. The simple solution is
to allow PRC to do Medicaid and Social Security applications
when they go to the prisons to do prerelease. She said PRC
has been working with DOC on this, because it would save a
tremendous amount of money.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked what kind of policy changes would be needed
to make this happen.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN said she's spoken with Senator Coghill's staff
and believes this could be managed through DOC regulations.
However, legislative involvement in assisting DOC to find a
justification for doing this would be helpful.
SENATOR COGHILL said there are a couple of wrinkles. One is
regulation and the others are qualifications and how to wrap up
the layered approach to Medicaid. "Medicaid in the statute
doesn't always match Medicaid whether it's Denali Kid Care or
the expansion population." Also, someone who was convicted of
killing someone can qualify for food stamps, but someone
convicted of a dope crime can't qualify.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN continued the presentation to discuss point 2.
2. Make DOC accountable for safe-keeping of the valuable
documents that some individuals have when they enter prison.
Do not discard them. Return them to reentrants upon release.
About 70 percent of program applicants do not have IDs when
they leave incarceration, even though they went in with an
ID and Social Security card. A person can receive a
temporary ID on day one of release and the permanent ID will
come in 10-12 days. The problem is the person cannot get
into the Social Security office with a temporary ID. PRC
mandates people to get a job within 30 days and more than
half of that is spent waiting for the permanent ID in order
to fill out the I-9 employment eligibility form. Federal
reentrants don't have this problem because their IDs are
saved and returned on release or arrangements are made to
order an ID if the prisoner didn't enter with any. It's even
more difficult if a nonresident is incarcerated in Alaska.
"We had somebody from Georgia who had never been in the
system. [He] had to get a birth certificate from Georgia in
order to get an ID in Alaska." She emphasized the importance
of pre-release planning and noted that several years ago
there was a way for people to get their IDs and start
signing up for Social Security prior to release. She
suggested reviving that process.
3. Reinstitute sex offender treatment within correctional
institutions.
She said the challenge is that 40 percent of the releases
from Goose Creek that enter the PRC program are sex
offenders who had no sex offender treatment while they were
incarcerated. This is a particular problem for people that
don't live in Anchorage, but must stick around for sex
offender treatment. The wait can be 6-9 months to start and
2-3 years to complete. She noted that there used to be some
sex offender treatment programs within the walls that were
discontinued, perhaps due to cost or effectiveness or both.
2:01:20 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE expressed interest in spending more time
discussing what works for sex offender treatment.
SENATOR COGHILL commented that most prisoners aren't getting
treatment, and while one might question the value of the
program, it provides some accountability.
CHAIR MCGUIRE disagreed that any program is better than none.
2:04:36 PM
MS. MCLAUGHLIN said she doesn't know of one sex offender in the
PRC program who has violated because of a sex offense. "They
have violated because of the use of alcohol, not reporting, or
not moving forward in their treatment." The Native Reentry
Program for sex offenders is addressing the latter and it shows
a lot of promise. She discussed sex offender treatment that may
not be culturally relevant and shared an example of a 70-year-
old offender who is deaf and has early-onset dementia. He's not
going to pass sex offend treatment and he's stuck in Anchorage
trying to pass in order to go home. "The challenge is that we
need to honestly look at what the sex offender treatments are
intended to do." Half of the 950 Alaska Natives in the PRC
program are sex offenders. They are not urban skilled and would
like to go home. This is what the Native Reentry Program is
trying to address and to teach us what we're missing, she said.
She said there absolutely has to be a public safety component,
but the term sex offender is broad. The number of sex offenders
that are dangerous and need containment is comparatively small.
SENATOR MCGUIRE said this is a good conversation for another day
but it's important because the legislature spends so much time
on this issue. She requested advice on what other treatment
options are available.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN said the two things PRC has suggested is to
develop a process for doing distance treatment and putting sex
offender treatment back in institutions with a tele-med
component. She moved on to point 4.
4. Allow rural Alaskans to return to their home or regional
communities. Let Alaska Natives go home if they are invited
back to their villages.
In the Native Reentry Program there is a lot talk about
public safety and restorative justice. Part of that model is
that individuals ask their villages for permission to return
home, which can help a community heal. "To give them a
purpose and a place in the reentry and restorative justice
model is something that deserves a lot of attention."
2:11:21 PM
MS. MCLAUGHLIN read the Native Reentry mission statement.
We meet to preserve our culture and traditions, to
strengthen our people's spirit. We succeed by helping
one another, advocating for each other and maintaining
positivity and respect. Together we are finding our
way home.
5. Reduce re-incarceration by approving behavioral contracts in
lieu of returning to incarceration.
In lieu of returning people to prison for technical
violations, place them on a behavioral contract. She provided
an example. A man in the program had five violations of his
probation and parole for drinking. His probation officer said
he had to return to prison to serve the remaining three
years. With permission from the probation officer, PRC made a
deal with the man to enter into a behavioral contract with
Partners Reentry Center. Under an individual plan, he had to
attend peer-to-peer once a week, attend moral reconation
therapy, get on Vivitrol, and stay employed. He's been on the
program for six months and his probation officer is
supportive. That behavioral contract cost nothing as opposed
$59,000 per year for a bed. A lot of probation officers are
willing to do this and Partners is proud to be part of this
and make people accountable.
6. Develop requirements for probation and parole that are
coordinated and reasonable.
People are intentionally violating their terms of probation
because they can't meet the probation and parole
requirements. She provided an example of a 25-year-old Alaska
Native who intentionally returned to Goose Creek to
illustrate the negative effects of over programing in
probation and parole.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN briefly reviewed the challenges and proposed
solutions for the final three points.
7. Transportation from institutions to housing.
Challenge - PRC coordinates with Hiland Mountain Correctional
Center probation officers to arrange transitional housing for
women who would otherwise be homeless upon release. However,
about half of these reentrants do not make it to their "first
night out" transitional housing. PRC goes into Hiland twice a
month, and has asked women why this is such a challenge. The
answer has been, in part, because of transportation.
Currently, women release into the Hiland parking lot to
individuals they knew prior to incarceration. In some cases
this triggers an immediate relapse. The other option is for
women to take a taxi to the Anchorage Jail parking lot and be
dropped off there, regardless of time of release.
Solution - Change DOC policy to allow the taxis to deliver
reentrants from Hiland Mountain directly to the PRC, or to
the pre-approved housing sites arranged by PRC and probation
officers. PRC is only eight blocks from the Anchorage Jail so
this solution has a limited cost to DOC. PRC can provide
transportation from the PRC to transitional housing is an
issue
8. Medically Assisted Treatment with Vivitrol should begin prior
to release.
Challenge - People releasing from prison are often so
seriously addicted to heroin, opioid pills and alcohol, that
they have little chance of escaping their addiction. Serious
addicts who release without effective treatment and a
commitment to sobriety can be expected to relapse. Most
recidivism occurs within the first two weeks of release. This
pattern has a high cost to the public in terms of public
safety as well as money.
Recently, Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) incorporating
Vivitrol is offering hope as a way of combating the heroin
epidemic that is sweeping the nation and the state. Vivitrol
is a non-addictive injectable medicine that blocks the
effects of opioids and cuts cravings for alcohol. To test
this program, PRC partnered with a local clinic in September
to start a pilot program offering Vivitrol to seriously
addicted reentrants at no cost to the state. Of the 30
individuals offered Vivitrol since the beginning of this
program, the 18 who have voluntarily participated and
received the injection are employed, housed and successfully
moving forward. Of the 12 who declined Vivitrol upon release,
11 have relapsed and have returned to incarceration. The U.S.
District Court and the Alaska Therapeutic Courts have also
seen big improvements among addicts treated with Vivitrol.
Solution - With DOC's approval, this pilot program could be
offered to people with a record of serious addiction up to 30
days prior to release from incarceration. PRC's partner, My
Health Clinic, could administer Vivitrol shots pre-release to
ensure that individuals have a good likelihood of staying
sober after reentry. MAT could be continued at PRC at no cost
to the State of Alaska. PRC's program combines the clinical
administration of Vivitrol with cognitive-behavioral
treatment groups at PRC.
9. Halfway house limitations.
Challenge - Operated under contract with DOC, halfway house
rules and regulations unnecessarily limit the ability of
reentrants to gain employment and reintegrate into the
community. As one example, medications and medical treatment
are not allowed while in a halfway house. The list of
outdated rules, regulations and policies are too extensive to
list here, but should be the subject of a separate, more
detailed discussion.
Solution - There are multiple, identifiable ways to improve
DOC/halfway house policies. PRC has been working with one of
Anchorage halfway houses quite successfully to incorporate
reentrant-focused solutions in their DOC rules and
regulations. Reviewing and updating policies in this area is
a no cost event and will lead to more successful reentry
services for halfway house residents.
CHAIR MCGUIRE thanked Ms. McLaughlin and relayed that she would
like her to come back before the committee in a conversation
model with the new commissioner of the Department of Corrections
(DOC), Dean Williams. "I'd love to hear him on the record sort
of dialog with you in front of us about what he's willing to
take on through regulation." That leaves less for the
legislature to do in the omnibus smart justice package.
She introduced her committee aide, Dianne Blumer, and
complimented her on her work as the former commissioner of
labor.
2:19:18 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO thanked Ms. McLaughlin for her work and
commented that she found it particularly interesting to hear
about the flexibility a parole officer has. She expressed
support for the state helping to facilitate a common sense,
intuitive approach as opposed to making it harder for people to
reenter the community successfully. She agreed with Chair
McGuire that it would be valuable to continue the dialog and
have the conversation with the commissioner.
2:20:30 PM
SENATOR COGHILL thanked Ms. McLaughlin for her work and
expressed support for Partners for Progress.
MS. MCLAUGHLIN invited the members to drop by the Center.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said she would set up a time for the judiciary
committees from both bodies to visit the Center.
SB 157-AMUSEMENT DEVICES & GAMBLING DEFINITION
2:21:57 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the consideration of SB 157.
FORREST WOLFE, Staff, Senator Lesil McGuire, sponsor of SB 157,
introduced the legislation on behalf of the sponsor speaking to
the following sponsor statement:
SB 157 is a housekeeping measure that aims to clarify
that restaurants featuring arcade-style amusement
games may lawfully operate in Alaska. Elsewhere in the
United States, popular restaurant businesses feature
arcade areas where patrons play games of skill to win
tickets which can then be redeemed for toys and other
novelties. Unfortunately, Alaska's outdated laws are
so vague that the legality of these operations is far
from clear. SB 157 would clarify that playing these
arcade-style amusement games of skill, winning tickets
and redeeming them for small, non-cash prizes does not
constitute gambling under Alaska law. By clarifying
this issue, the risk for companies seeking to do
business in Alaska will be eliminated.
These family-friendly businesses can be significant
additions to Alaska's economy. For example, Dave &
Busters is seeking to open a location at the Dimond
Center mall in Anchorage. It is anticipated that Dave
& Buster's will spend approximately $10 million to
build said location, and once operational will employ
approximately 140-160 workers. Moreover, this addition
to the Dimond Center is the keystone to a much larger
renovation project for the mall that is anticipated to
employ approximately 200 construction workers. In this
time of economic uncertainty, this is an effective way
to add well-paying jobs to Alaska's economy. Passage
of this bill will give businesses like Dave & Buster's
the sure-footed legal ground to move ahead with their
plans.
Finally, it should be made absolutely clear that this
narrow bill does not in any way legalize traditional
gambling, nor does it legalize casino-style video
gambling such as video poker, slots, or roulette. Once
again, this bill only clarifies that arcade-style
operations that award tickets to be redeemed for toys
and other novelties are lawful.
2:24:42 PM
HUGH ASHLOCK, owner, Dimond Center Mall (DCM), Anchorage,
Alaska, said this is an Alaskan and family-owned shopping center
that receives over 12 million visits annually. He explained that
DCM is in the middle of a $50 million expansion and renovation
project. He reviewed the progress thus far and relayed that Dave
and Buster's would be a 44,000 square foot addition on top of
the shopping center. "Dave and Buster's will spend $10 million,
we would spend an additional $13 million." Aside from the
estimated 200 construction jobs, there will be about 100 offsite
ancillary construction jobs. He described Dave and Buster's as a
serious anchor for the Dimond Center Mall.
CHAIR MCGUIRE expressed support for the project, a preference
for using both a union and non-union workforce, and providing
renewable or sustainable energy systems to the degree possible.
MR. ASHLOCK said this will be a highly skilled project and to
get that level of talent in Alaska a union shop is necessary. He
reported that the project will use the newest energy saving HVAC
systems and the parking lot has already been converted to high
density, high lumen and lighting.
CHAIR MCGUIRE enthused about new building projects that add
jobs.
SENATOR COGHILL commented that the investment is great and the
bill clarifies the issue of gaming.
2:30:04 PM
HOWARD TRICKEY, representing Dave and Busters, Anchorage,
Alaska, said he would provide background and context to explain
the Dave and Buster's business model, and the reason the change
in law is needed.
He explained that Dave and Buster's was formed in 1982 and is
not a franchise. It is currently in 80 locations in more than 30
states and employs [12,000] nationally. The business model is to
provide family fun and the establishments are for playing a
variety of amusement games. The company has well-developed and
effective policies prohibiting guests under age 18 without a
parent or guardian. The employees are trained using a nationally
recognized program that is known as "Certified to Serve Safe."
This is a family-friendly environment designed to have fun while
patrons watch sports games, play games, or enjoy fine dining.
Dave and Buster's offers two types of games in the arcade. One
is skill-based where strategy, timing, and dexterity is used to
determine the outcome of the game. About 65 percent of the games
are this type. The second type are simulation games. These
include simulations of flying an aircraft or driving in the
Indianapolis 500. The criteria for selecting games for the
arcade is those that assess and evaluate a player's skill.
Players earn tickets that can be redeemed onsite where there are
a variety of prizes that range in value. Tickets can be redeemed
immediately or the customer can save tickets and redeem them in
the future.
MR. TRICKEY stated that this amendment was requested to define
amusement devices whose outcome is determined predominantly by
the skill and ability of the player. He said the definition is
needed because of an outdated 2001 attorney general opinion that
concluded that a video golf game that was programed to include
significant elements of chance did constitute gambling. Under
that opinion, Dave and Buster's would face some uncertainty if
they went forward with the proposed investment at Dimond Center
Mall.
He explained that the bill adds a new Section 3 that defined
amusement devices in both a positive and negative sense. The
bill positively defines what constitutes "amusement device" and
then describes the games that are excluded. The excluded types
of games are video forms of casino style games that would
constitute a gambling activity.
The bill adds a new paragraph to define amusement device. It
clarifies that playing an amusement device is not gambling and
earning tickets that can be redeemed for a prize is not gambling
either. In no other way does the bill change the definition of
what is a game of chance and what constitutes value.
2:39:05 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked, "As I'm reading this, Chuck E.
Cheese is illegal?"
MR. TRICKEY replied the franchisee is probably taking a
calculated business risk based on the 2001 attorney general
opinion.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI referenced page 2, line 6, and asked if he
had a definition for "electronic novelty."
MR. TRICKEY replied the term isn't defined but the intention is
to allow electronic prizes that customers can redeem with
tickets. He noted that one of the prizes is an IPad.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI wondered whether there should be a limit on
the toy, candy, or electronic novelty or the value of
merchandise in a claw machine or similar device.
MR. TRICKEY offered his belief that it should be a matter of
personal family choice for the Dave and Buster's customers. "I
don't see why the legislature would want to place a value on it
in a way that would make it more difficult for the business
model to be successful."
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI referenced page 2, line 27, and asked if he
had a definition for "casino games." He said he's trying to
build a record in the event that someone wants to come in with
other types of games.
MR. TRICKEY explained that, "By listing what's excluded, we
developed a clear category of games that would not be
permitted," he said.
2:44:44 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that one of the documents in the
packet discusses site criteria, one of which is 500,000 to 1
million residences within 10 miles. He asked if Dave and
Buster's is making an exception for that, because Anchorage does
not meet that criterion.
MR. TRICKEY suggested the question may be better for Mr. Ashlock
or Mr. Tobin, but his understanding is that the Dimond Center
Mall was selected because it is a statewide center.
CHAIR MCGUIRE related that when she first enquired about getting
a Dave and Buster's in Anchorage she was told the threshold was
1 million. She offered her belief that Dave and Buster's has
found that Alaska is a good opportunity, despite the original
entry requirements. "As a broader economic development point of
view for us here in the legislature, I think this is a good
trend."
She asked Mr. Ashlock to address the question.
2:47:51 PM
MR. ASHLOCK reported that Anchorage is number 2 in eating out in
the U.S. at $6,900 per capita. New York is number 1 at $7,100
per capita and San Francisco is number 3 at $6,100 per capita.
Much like Honolulu, Anchorage serves as a regional magnet and
hub for medicine, entertainment, shopping, and international
travelers. It's a perfect model for Dave and Buster's to select.
2:49:18 PM
JAY TOBIN, General Counsel, Dave and Buster, Dallas, Texas,
clarified that Dave and Buster's has more than 12,000 employees
nationally. It has been a publicly traded company since October
2014 and the stock is listed on the NASDAQ. He explained that
Dave and Buster's tagline is the opportunity to eat, drink,
play, and watch. As mentioned previously, this development will
be over 40,000 square feet and will have a full service
restaurant with a full service bar. In addition there will be a
full service sports bar, an area dedicated to private events,
and a midway center for playing a variety of games.
He clarified that these games are not allowed to dispense cash
or cash equivalents. Addressing the site criteria question, he
related that over time Dave and Buster's has learned to
experiment, opening stores in locations that traditionally
wouldn't fit the population requirement. He described the
different reasons for openings in Panama City, Florida, Orlando,
Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia. The reasons for opening a
location in Anchorage are multifold but primarily it's that the
market is unique. Anchorage has a fulltime population, the
municipality and Dimond Center are a significant draw from
throughout the state, and national and international tourism is
pulled in. Furthermore, the attention to detail and significant
quality offered by Mr. Ashlock was very important in making the
decision.
2:56:06 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE commented that this bodes well for the future of
Anchorage. She mentioned the amazing military population in the
state and asked him to relay a request to consider both college
and military discounts, charitable giving, and partnerships with
rural communities to enhance opportunities.
SENATOR COGHILL observed that the definitions that are in the
negative may be problematic.
SENATOR COSTELLO summarized that this legislation clarifies and
rectifies a situation for a specific business. She cautioned the
committee to think about this broadly statewide to ensure that
there are no unintended consequences. She questioned, for
example, how pull tabs might be affected.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said her staff has worked diligently to be clear
that this is not about legalizing gambling. She committed her
staff and the drafter to work with the members to ensure that
any concerns are addressed. She said she likes the notion of
limiting the value of the prizes to protect vulnerable
populations.
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced she would hold SB 157 in committee for
further consideration.
3:03:18 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair McGuire adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting at 3:03 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Partners for Progress- No Cost Improvements.pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
|
| Partners for Progress Presentation.pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
|
| Partners For Progress Statistics.pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
Partners Reentry Center Statistics |
| SB 157 Dave Buster's Renderings.pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 157 |
| SB 157 Dimond Mall Floor Plans.pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 157 |
| SB 157 Dimond Mall Renderings.pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 157 |
| SB 157 Sponsor Statement (002).pdf |
SJUD 2/1/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 157 |