04/16/2014 07:00 AM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB281 | |
| HB309 | |
| HB357 | |
| HB169 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 281 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 309 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 357 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 169 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
April 16, 2014
7:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mike Dunleavy, Chair
Senator Peter Micciche, Vice Chair
Senator Donald Olson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Johnny Ellis
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 281(L&C)
"An Act relating to prescription of drugs by a physician without
a physical examination."
- MOVED CSHB 281(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 309(L&C)
"An Act relating to distillery licenses."
- MOVED CSHB 309(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 357
"An Act relating to the purchase of alcoholic beverages at a
club and to access by certain persons under 21 years of age to a
club's licensed premises when alcoholic beverages are present."
- MOVED HB 357 OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 169(L&C)
"An Act relating to the authority of the Regulatory Commission
of Alaska to regulate the production and distribution of
telephone directories."
- MOVED CSHB 169(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 8
"An Act establishing procedures and guidelines for auditing
pharmacy records; and providing for an effective date."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 281
SHORT TITLE: PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) GATTIS
01/27/14 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/27/14 (H) HSS, L&C
02/13/14 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
02/13/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/13/14 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
02/27/14 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
02/27/14 (H) Moved CSHB 281(HSS) Out of Committee
02/27/14 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
02/28/14 (H) HSS RPT CS(HSS) 4DP
02/28/14 (H) DP: SEATON, PRUITT, KELLER, HIGGINS
03/17/14 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/17/14 (H) Heard & Held
03/17/14 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/26/14 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/26/14 (H) Heard & Held
03/26/14 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/28/14 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/28/14 (H) Moved CSHB 281(L&C) Out of Committee
03/28/14 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/31/14 (H) L&C RPT CS(L&C) 2DP 4NR
03/31/14 (H) DP: CHENAULT, OLSON
03/31/14 (H) NR: HERRON, JOHNSON, SADDLER, JOSEPHSON
04/07/14 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/07/14 (H) VERSION: CSHB 281(L&C)
04/08/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/08/14 (S) HSS, L&C
04/11/14 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/11/14 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/14/14 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/14/14 (S) Moved CSHB 281(L&C) Out of Committee
04/14/14 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/15/14 (S) HSS RPT 1DP 3NR
04/15/14 (S) DP: KELLY
04/15/14 (S) NR: STEDMAN, MICCICHE, ELLIS
04/16/14 (S) L&C AT 7:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 309
SHORT TITLE: DISTILLERY LICENSES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TUCK
02/17/14 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/17/14 (H) L&C
04/02/14 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/02/14 (H) Moved CSHB 309(L&C) Out of Committee
04/02/14 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/03/14 (H) L&C RPT CS(L&C) NT 3DP 4NR
04/03/14 (H) DP: MILLETT, JOSEPHSON, OLSON
04/03/14 (H) NR: CHENAULT, HERRON, REINBOLD, SADDLER
04/11/14 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/11/14 (H) VERSION: CSHB 309(L&C)
04/11/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/11/14 (S) L&C
04/16/14 (S) L&C AT 7:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 357
SHORT TITLE: ACCESS TO LICENSED PREMISES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SADDLER
02/26/14 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/26/14 (H) L&C
04/07/14 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/07/14 (H) Moved Out of Committee
04/07/14 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/08/14 (H) L&C RPT 4DP 1NR
04/08/14 (H) DP: CHENAULT, JOSEPHSON, SADDLER, OLSON
04/08/14 (H) NR: REINBOLD
04/11/14 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/11/14 (H) VERSION: HB 357
04/11/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/11/14 (S) L&C
04/16/14 (S) L&C AT 7:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 169
SHORT TITLE: RCA REGULATION OF TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) OLSON
03/15/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/15/13 (H) L&C
04/05/13 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/05/13 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/06/13 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/06/13 (H) Moved CSHB 169(L&C) Out of Committee
04/06/13 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/08/13 (H) L&C RPT CS(L&C) 6DP
04/08/13 (H) DP: HERRON, CHENAULT, REINBOLD,
JOSEPHSON, SADDLER, OLSON
04/03/14 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/03/14 (H) VERSION: CSHB 169(L&C)
04/04/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/04/14 (S) L&C
04/16/14 (S) L&C AT 7:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN GATTIS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 281.
REID HARRIS, Staff
Representative Lynn Gattis
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to HB 281 on
behalf of the sponsor.
LAURA BROOKS, Health Care Administrator
Department of Corrections (DOC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to HB 281.
SARA CHAMBERS, Director
Division Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to HB 281.
REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TUCK
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 309.
HEATHER SHADE, Co-owner
Port Chilkoot Distillery
Haines, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 309.
DALE FOX, President and CEO
Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailer's Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 309.
SHIRLEY COTÉ, Director
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC)
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED)
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to HB 309 and HB
357.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 357.
ANNA LATHAM, Staff
Representative Kurt Olson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 169 on behalf of the sponsor.
TED MONINSKI
Alaska Communication Systems
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Thanked the sponsor for introducing HB 169.
ACTION NARRATIVE
CHAIR MIKE DUNLEAVY called the Senate Labor and Commerce
Standing Committee meeting to order at 7:04 a.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Micciche, Olson and Chair Dunleavy.
HB 281-PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
7:05:21 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of HB 281. "An Act
relating to prescription of drugs by a physician without a
physical examination." He noted that this was the first hearing.
[CSHB 281(L&C) was before the committee.]
7:05:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN GATTIS, Alaska State Legislature Juneau,
Alaska, speaking as sponsor stated that HB 281 is essentially
Section 2 of Senator Dyson's SB 80, which this committee heard
previously. HB 281 clarifies in statute that physicians may not
be sanctioned for dispensing or administering prescription
medications without a physical examination of the patient if the
prescription drug is not a controlled substance, or if it is a
controlled substance that a licensed medical provider is present
with the patient during the examination. This practice, which is
called telemedicine, will allow patients to obtain over the
phone or online consultations from physicians that are located
in Alaska who can diagnose an ailment and provide a
prescription, if necessary. Telemedicine has worked well in
Alaska for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the
Veterans' Administration, and the military. It would work well
for anyone in the state.
7:07:34 AM
SENATOR OLSON asked if the Alaska State Medical Association
(ASMA) had voiced an opinion on the bill.
7:07:49 AM
REID HARRIS, Staff, Representative Lynn Gattis, sponsor of HB
281, reported that ASMA supports the bill.
SENATOR OLSON asked if the sponsor had solicited support from
the chief medical officers in departments such as the Department
of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of
Corrections (DOC).
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS said yes, and that is why the bill
provides an exemption for controlled substances.
SENATOR OLSON asked if mid-level practitioners have a position
on the bill.
MR. HARRIS said a number of nurses have submitted comments, but
the bill deals strictly with physicians.
7:09:47 AM
LAURA BROOKS, Health Care Administrator, Department of
Corrections (DOC), said she oversees inmate health care and
appreciates the sponsor's efforts to ensure that the bill allows
DOC to continue to practice as it has been. The changes that
were made in the other body allow this.
SENATOR OLSON asked if the bill allows something that wasn't
allowed before or if it simply adds clarity to existing
guidelines and regulations.
MS. BROOKS replied the bill doesn't change anything about DOC's
practice, but initially it didn't allow prescriptions for
controlled substances. That was cause for concern because
thousands of people enter the corrections system every year that
require the prescription of controlled substances. The
amendments made in the House allow the department to continue to
prescribe controlled substances to these high needs, at-risk
individuals without sending them to the local hospital or having
to have a provider on site 24/7 in every facility in the state.
SENATOR OLSON asked if Dr. Lawrence is in favor of the bill.
MS. BROOKS answered yes.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY opened and closed public testimony.
7:12:37 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE said his office addressed questions nurses had
about physicians being located out of state, confidentiality,
post op care, and whether the bill was limited to physicians.
Those nurses are satisfied with the bill and he personally
supports it.
SENATOR OLSON asked Ms. Chambers how to ensure that these
physicians aren't adversely affected by inordinate
investigations.
7:13:36 AM
SARA CHAMBERS, Director, Division Corporations, Business and
Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED), said her understanding is that the
Medical Board doesn't support the bill solely because they
believe that a physician-to-physician relationship is in the
best interest of the health care priorities of the state. Her
perspective is that telemedicine would be regulated fairly and
according to the same investigative boundaries as any medical
practice.
SENATOR OLSON expressed hope that she was aware that physician-
to-physician interaction is not a reality in rural Alaska
because health care is delivered by mid-level practitioners.
SENATOR MICCICHE related his personal experience using Teladoc
services for relatively minor conditions, and opined that it may
add levels of care for people who tend to wait until their
condition gets more serious. He asked Senator Olson if his
constituents generally have the federal waiver.
SENATOR OLSON confirmed that they're covered under federal tort.
SENATOR MICCICHE restated his support for the bill as a means of
reducing the cost of low-impact medical care.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY found no further questions or comments and
solicited a motion.
7:18:49 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 281, Version N, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that without objection CSHB 281(L&C)
was reported from the Senate Labor & Commerce Standing
Committee.
7:19:04 AM
At Ease
HB 309-DISTILLERY LICENSES
7:20:07 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HB 309. "An Act relating to distillery
licenses." He noted that this was the first hearing. [CSHB
309(L&C) was before the committee.]
7:20:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TUCK, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 309, introduced the legislation speaking
to the following sponsor statement:
The purpose of HB 309 is to modernize the distillery
laws in Alaska, which are outdated and fail to address
the new trend in craft beverage production. This
legislation brings Alaska's small distillers on par
with local wine and beer makers by allowing for
tastings, sales of small amounts for on premise
consumption, and limited direct sales for off premise
consumption. The ability to retail in-house allows a
distillery to subsidize a visitor-friendly gift shop
or hospitality room and increases the marketability of
tours. This will help promote Alaskan-made products
and enable this new local industry to compete with
imported goods.
Alaska's small distilleries are attempting to enter a
market and compete in a field that, since Prohibition
ended, has been dominated by large manufacturing
companies that have the economic benefit of extremely
large-scale production. Allowing distilleries to cater
to tourists helps offset the substantial competitive
disadvantage that our local distillers have when
competing with out-of-state distillers.
Small distilleries in Alaska purchase local
agricultural products, create jobs, support their
local economies, create export products for Alaska,
and have the potential to significantly contribute to
the tourism industry in Alaska.
Locally distilled spirits are part of an exciting
growth in artisanal, small scale, domestic
manufacturing. The current restrictions prevent the
businesses producing these products from reaching
their full potential in the state's tourism industry
and to position themselves to compete on a national
and global level.
The changes are on par with what breweries have done
to promote regionally-based micro-breweries. Small-
scale spirits producers need similar changes to allow
them to innovate, create Alaskan-based manufacturing
jobs, support Alaskan agriculture, support tourism
through visitor centers and tasting rooms, and compete
effectively in the marketplace with reasonably-priced
handcrafted spirits.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK stated that HB 309 will allow the public to
purchase up to one gallon of the product for consumption off
premises and not more than three ounces for consumption on
premises. The public will also be able to sample small portions
of the product free of charge while in the facility. He noted
that the House Labor and Commerce Committee amended the bill to
require servers to take an alcohol server education course and
establishments to post the necessary warning signs. The bill has
wide support throughout the state and has the potential to
stimulate the economy.
SENATOR OLSON asked how the legislation would affect Alaskans,
particularly in rural areas, who are vulnerable to alcohol abuse
and whether he'd heard from that population.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK stated that the local option laws regarding
the sale, importation, and possession of alcohol still apply.
The ABC Board issues the specific license types and local review
is conducted before any business can operate.
SENATOR OLSON asked what affect the legislation would have on
damp and dry communities.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK suggested that Shirley Coté with the ABC
Board be added to the discussion.
7:24:26 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY said his understanding is that this is a tourism
bill.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK agreed and added that there are five
distilleries throughout the state from Fairbanks to the Kenai
Peninsula to the small community of Haines in Southeast.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked how the bill addresses people who sample
the product daily and to excess.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK directed attention to the restrictions in
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) on page 2, lines 1-7. These
provisions establish that the distillery cannot reflect a
drinking establishment. Responding to a further question about
safeguarding against over consumption, he opined that the
distillers probably wouldn't give multiple free samples to the
same person because it wouldn't benefit their business.
SENATOR MICCICHE recapped what the bill allows.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK noted that distilleries are able to sell
proportionally less than wineries and breweries.
7:27:28 AM
HEATHER SHADE, Co-owner, Port Chilkoot Distillery, Haines,
Alaska, testified in support of HB 309. She stated that her
small distillery creates a specialty product that is
specifically marketed to tourists, but the current laws hinder
potential growth. HB 309 updates the laws so that distilleries
can participate in the tourism industry just as breweries and
wineries do. She reported that the community of Haines supports
the legislation which will create jobs and add to the economy.
7:28:42 AM
DALE FOX, President and CEO, CHARR, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
that the Alaska CHARR Government Affairs Committee unanimously
endorsed HB 309. It gives distilleries the same rights to sell
small quantities of alcohol as was previously given to breweries
and wineries in Alaska. He concluded that the bill is fair and
uncontroversial and it helps a new Alaska industry.
7:29:38 AM
SHIRLEY COTÉ, Director, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED), introduced herself and offered to answer questions.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked how the bill would affect wet and damp
communities.
MS. COTÉ replied the importation of alcohol laws would pertain
to this new distillery license as well.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if the restrictions under AS 04.16.030
would apply to distilleries.
MS. COTÉ answered yes and the bill also requires the alcohol
server education course. It teaches the characteristics of an
intoxicated person and how to ensure that underage people are
not gaining access to alcohol.
7:31:47 AM
KATHLEEN STRAUSBAUGH, Drafting Attorney, Legislative Legal
Services, Legislative Affairs Agency, Juneau, Alaska, offered to
answer questions.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY opened and closed public testimony. Finding no
further questions or comments, he solicited a motion.
7:32:18 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 309, Version R, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that without objection CSHB 309(L&C)
was reported from the Senate Labor & Commerce Standing
Committee.
7:32:40 AM
At Ease
HB 357-ACCESS TO LICENSED PREMISES
7:32:47 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HB 357."An Act relating to the purchase of
alcoholic beverages at a club and to access by certain persons
under 21 years of age to a club's licensed premises when
alcoholic beverages are present." He noted that this was the
first hearing.
7:33:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER, Alaska State Legislature Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 357 stated that this legislation is not a
bill to allow anybody under the age of 21 to drink alcohol
legally. He continued to introduce the legislation paraphrasing
the following sponsor statement:
House Bill 357 is an effort to support the young men
and women serving in the armed services in Alaska, by
clarifying language to make it easier for them to
enjoy companionship in the clubhouses of service and
patriotic organizations.
Young soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and coast
guard personnel stationed in Alaska face special
challenges. Separation from loved ones, the rigors of
barracks life and the monotony of three mess hall
meals a day can take their toll on morale. Patriotic
clubs - such as those operated by the American Legion,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans
and others - are places to relax with buddies and
enjoy the special understanding and support from
others who have "been there" and understand the rigors
of military life.
The Legislature recognized this value, and in 2006
passed SB 209 to allow these young men and women
access to such clubs using their military ID cards.
However, some language remains in statute that creates
confusion as to when such access is permitted. HB 357
will eliminate that confusion by making it clear that
such access is not limited solely to special events.
It is important to note that HB 357 makes no change in
law that would allow service members under the age of
21 to purchase or consume alcohol in service clubs.
Your support of HB 357 will be a clear demonstration
that Alaska understands and works to address the
special needs of those who defend our freedom.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER pointed out that Section 1 of the bill
removes the provision that limits access to special occasions
and also allows access to accompanying spouses. Section 2 allows
persons under age 21 to enter licensed premises if they are
members or guests of a member of the patriotic club. Military
commanders sometimes use patriotic clubs for off-base commander
calls and excluding soldiers who are under 21 would potentially
erode unit cohesion and diminish morale in a small unit. Section
3 is conforming language to allow the club admission granted in
Section 2. He concluded that the bill does not grant underage
drinking, it clarifies that soldiers over 21 and their spouses
do not have to wait for a special occasion to enter a licensed
patriotic club and that soldiers under age 21 can visit a
patriotic club if they are members or guests.
7:36:21 AM
SHIRLEY COTÉ, Director, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC),
said she was available to answer questions.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if she had any thoughts on HB 357.
MS. COTÉ answered no.
SENATOR MICCICHE referenced Section 3 and asked if she sees
situations when this legislation could cause confusion for
servers trying to determine ages.
MS. COTÉ said she believes there is a risk.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked for suggested solutions.
MS. COTÉ replied the board has a compliance check program but
amendments several years ago to AS 04.06.110 made it more
difficult to get into clubs than the typical beverage dispensary
or retail store or restaurant. She reiterated that she has some
concern with the legislation.
SENATOR OLSON asked if the risk is great enough that she is not
in favor of the bill.
MS. COTÉ said she's a state employee so she's trying to remain
as neutral as possible on the bill.
SENATOR OLSON asked, "If you had a son that was less than 21
years old, would you like to see this bill go through, from a
personal standpoint?"
MS. COTÉ replied she doesn't analyze bills from a personal
standpoint.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if the bill could be amended to bring
more comfort.
MS. COTÉ said she has no doubt about the sponsor's commitment to
keep under age people from having access to alcohol and she
understands the motivation to allow access to all military
personnel. However, there is concern because it's comparatively
difficult for the ABC compliance officers to gain access to
these clubs to check whether or not underage persons have access
to alcohol.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY opened and closed public testimony.
7:42:14 AM
At Ease
7:42:54 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY reconvened the meeting and asked if there were
additional questions or comments.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked the sponsor what he would suggest to
allow access to the ABC Board to ensure that under age people
aren't drinking alcohol.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER pointed out that state law already has
provisions to allow access to licensed premises to persons
between the ages of 16 and 21 if they are accompanied by an
adult guardian and are not in the section of the premises that
serves alcohol. Second, ABC enforcement officers have been
offered access to patriotic clubs for enforcement activities
with the knowledge of the club managers. Third, this legislation
extends access to a very small subset of under age 21 people.
Finally, the ABC director has not opposed the bill.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked the sponsor to discuss the requirement to
possess a valid active duty military identification card to gain
access to these clubs.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER restated that a provision in current
state law says that a person under age 21 who possesses a valid
active duty military identification card is eligible for access
to a patriotic club as long as the person doesn't drink and is
not in the section where the alcohol is being served.
SENATOR MICCICHE commented on the tendency with veteran bills to
be overly patriotic at the expense of close scrutiny for
potential issues.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER noted that earlier testimony indicated
that there aren't many violations at VFW clubs.
7:46:29 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked Ms. Coté to discuss compliance levels at
patriotic clubs.
MS. COTÉ confirmed there is not a preponderance of violations a
VFW clubs.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY found no further questions or comments and
solicited a motion.
7:46:56 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 357, Version A, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that without objection HB 357 was
reported from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
7:47:12 AM
At Ease
HB 169-RCA REGULATION OF TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
7:47:55 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HB 169. "An Act relating to the authority of
the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to regulate the production
and distribution of telephone directories." He noted that this
was the first hearing on the bill. [CSHB 169(L&C) was before the
committee.]
7:48:07 AM
ANNA LATHAM, Staff, Representative Kurt Olson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that HB 169 would eliminate
the regulation and production of telephone directories by the
Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA). Currently, the Alaska
Administrative Code (AAC) requires the RCA oversight on the
production and distribution of white page directories, but not
yellow page directories. At one time white page directories were
very useful, but people now create their own directories in the
address book on their cell phone and other mobile devices and no
longer rely on printed directories. According to the National
Center for Health Statistics, one in four households in 2009
relied completely on cell service. Consumers have also expressed
strong opinions about automatically receiving printed
directories and often return or throw them away. In an effort to
modernize Alaska's regulatory requirements, HB 169 allows
telecommunication providers to directly meet the wants and needs
of their customers. She highlighted that the RCA has already
approved an interim program in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Kenai
allowing customers to opt out of receiving a directory.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY observed that people who want the book delivered
to their house still have that option.
MS. LATHAM agreed.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY opened public testimony.
7:50:29 AM
TED MONINSKI, Alaska Communication Systems, thanked the sponsor
for bringing HB 169 forward.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY closed public testimony and solicited a motion.
7:50:54 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 169, Version N, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that without objection CSHB 169(L&C)
was reported from the Senate Labor & Commerce Standing
Committee.
7:51:27 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Dunleavy adjourned the Senate Labor & Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 7:51 a.m.