Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)

03/07/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE

Note: the audio and video recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.

Download Mp3. <- Right click and save file as

* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled:
+= SB 54 EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
+= SB 50 MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS: HOUSING TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSSB 50(L&C) Out of Committee
-- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --
+= SB 86 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY TELECONFERENCED
Moved SB 86 Out of Committee
-- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --
**Streamed live on AKL.tv**
                    ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                                  
          SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE                                                                        
                         March 7, 2025                                                                                          
                           1:33 p.m.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair                                                                                                   
Senator Forrest Dunbar                                                                                                          
Senator Robert Yundt                                                                                                            
Senator Kelly Merrick, Vice Chair (via teleconference)                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS ABSENT                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Senator Matt Claman (via teleconference)                                                                                        
Senator Scott Kawasaki                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
COMMITTEE CALENDAR                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 54                                                                                       
"An Act  relating to registered  interior designers  and interior                                                               
design;  extending the  termination date  of the  State Board  of                                                               
Registration  for  Architects,  Engineers,  and  Land  Surveyors;                                                               
relating  to  the State  Board  of  Registration for  Architects,                                                               
Engineers, and Land Surveyors;  establishing requirements for the                                                               
practice of registered interior  design; relating to the practice                                                               
of   architecture,   engineering,   land   surveying,   landscape                                                               
architecture,  and registered  interior  design by  partnerships;                                                               
relating  to  the scope  of  the  certification requirements  for                                                               
architects, engineers, land  surveyors, landscape architects, and                                                               
registered  interior designers;  relating to  liens for  labor or                                                               
materials  furnished; relating  to the  procurement of  landscape                                                               
architectural and interior design  services; and providing for an                                                               
effective date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     - HEARD & HELD                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 50                                                                                                              
"An Act relating  to the comprehensive plans of  first and second                                                               
class boroughs."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED CSSB 50(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 86                                                                                                              
"An Act relating to the  business of money transmission; relating                                                               
to licenses  for money transmission, licensure  requirements, and                                                               
registration  through a  nationwide multistate  licensing system;                                                               
relating to the  use of virtual currency  for money transmission;                                                               
relating  to  authorized delegates  of  a  licensee; relating  to                                                               
acquisition  of   control  of  a  license;   relating  to  record                                                               
retention and reporting  requirements; authorizing the Department                                                               
of  Commerce, Community,  and Economic  Development to  cooperate                                                               
with  other  states  in the  regulation  of  money  transmission;                                                               
relating to  permissible investments; relating to  violations and                                                               
enforcement of  money transmission  laws; relating  to exemptions                                                               
to  money   transmission  licensure  requirements;   relating  to                                                               
payroll  processing  services;   relating  to  currency  exchange                                                               
licenses;  amending  Rules  79  and 82,  Alaska  Rules  of  Civil                                                               
Procedure; and providing for an effective date."                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED SB 86 OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
BILL: SB  54                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN                                                                          
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) CLAMAN                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
01/24/25       (S)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        

01/24/25 (S) L&C, FIN 02/24/25 (S) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED-REFERRALS 02/24/25 (S) L&C, FIN 02/26/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 02/26/25 (S) Heard & Held 02/26/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C) 03/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 03/05/25 (S) Heard & Held 03/05/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C) 03/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) BILL: SB 50 SHORT TITLE: MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS: HOUSING SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) DUNBAR

01/17/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/17/25

01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

01/22/25 (S) CRA, L&C 02/04/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 02/04/25 (S) Heard & Held 02/04/25 (S) MINUTE(CRA) 02/11/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 02/11/25 (S) Moved CSSB 50(CRA) Out of Committee 02/11/25 (S) MINUTE(CRA) 02/12/25 (S) CRA RPT CS 2NR 2DP SAME TITLE 02/12/25 (S) NR: MERRICK, YUNDT 02/12/25 (S) DP: DUNBAR, GRAY-JACKSON 03/03/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 03/03/25 (S) Heard & Held 03/03/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C) 03/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) BILL: SB 86 SHORT TITLE: MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KIEHL 02/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/05/25 (S) L&C, FIN 03/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 03/05/25 (S) Heard & Held 03/05/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C) 03/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) WITNESS REGISTER SARENA HACKENMILLER, Staff Senator Matt Claman Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a recap of SB 54. COLIN MAYNARD, Chair State Board of Registration for Architect, Engineers and Land Surveyors (AELS) Legislative Liaison Committee Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 54. LINDSEY HOBSON, Director of Legal and Administration Enstar Natural Gas Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 54. HAHLEN BEHNKEN, Staff Senator Forrest Dunbar Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a recap of SB 50. MICHELE BROWN, Program Director Housing Alaskans Public Private Partnership (HAPPP) Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 50. SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, District B Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 86. KATHY TOMASOFSKY, Executive Director Money Services Business Association Miami, Florida POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 86. ACTION NARRATIVE 1:33:31 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the call to order were Senators Dunbar, Yundt and Chair Bjorkman. Senator Merrick arrived thereafter (via teleconference). SB 54-EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN 1:34:33 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 54 "An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior design; extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice of registered interior design; relating to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and registered interior design by partnerships; relating to the scope of the certification requirements for architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered interior designers; relating to liens for labor or materials furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape architectural and interior design services; and providing for an effective date." 1:35:41 PM SARENA HACKENMILLER, Staff, Senator Matt Claman, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a recap of SB 54 and stated that SB 54 accomplishes three main objectives: First, it extends the statutory authorization for the Board of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors (AELS Board). Second, adds registered interior designers to the Board's jurisdiction, and Third, make several statutory changes that have been requested by the Board. 1:36:37 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion. 1:36:39 PM SENATOR DUNBAR moved to adopt Amendment 1, 34-LS0044\I.2. 34-LS0044\I.2 Gunther 2/28/25 A M E N D M E N T 1 OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR ____________ TO: SSSB 54 Page 2, following line 29: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 4. AS 08.48.055(b) is amended to read: (b) The executive administrator of the board shall perform duties as prescribed by the board, including the review and approval of comity applications. The executive administrator is entitled to receive a monthly salary equal to a step in Range 23 on the salary schedule set out in AS 39.27.011(a)." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 17, line 8: Delete "37" Insert "38" Page 17, line 9: Delete "sec. 38" Insert "sec. 39" 1:36:45 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion. 1:36:54 PM MS. HACKENMILLER explained Amendment 1: [Original punctuation provided.] At the request of the AELS Board, this amendment adds a salary Range 23 into statute for the Executive Administrator of the board. This aligns with other licensing boards. 1:37:23 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection. 1:37:29 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and Amendment 1 was adopted. 1:37:31 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion. 1:37:33 PM SENATOR DUNBAR moved to adopt Amendment 2, 34-LS0044\I.5 34-LS0044\I.5 Gunther 3/5/25 A M E N D M E N T 2 OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR ____________ TO: SSSB 54 Page 13, lines 23 - 28: Delete all material and insert: "(15) a person who is (A) authorized to construct, install, or modify a conventional onsite wastewater system by the Department of Environmental Conservation under AS 46.03.100; and (B) constructing, installing, or modifying a conventional onsite wastewater system that serves a commercial facility and has a design flow of less than 500 gallons of wastewater a day." Page 13, following line 28: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 27. AS 08.48.331 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (c) The Department of Environmental Conservation may adopt regulations limiting the locations in the state in which (a)(15) of this section applies." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 17, line 8: Delete "37" Insert "38" Page 17, line 9: Delete "sec. 38" Insert "sec. 39" 1:37:40 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion. 1:37:45 PM MS. HACKENMILLER explained Amendment 2: [Original punctuation provided.] This amendment revises Section 26, specifically modifying Alaska Statute 08.48.331, Exemption 15. This statute pertains to conventional onsite wastewater systems and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The purpose of this change is to provide more precise criteria for when an exemption to construction requirements can be granted for these wastewater systems. Essentially, the amendment now limits the exemption to conventional onsite wastewater systems that meet both of the following conditions: 1. They serve a commercial facility. 2. They have a design flow of less than 500 gallons of wastewater per day. 1:39:21 PM COLIN MAYNARD, Chair, Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors Board (AELS), Legislative Liaison Committee, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 54 and stated that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and ALS Board came to an agreement about the issues. He said the change clarifies the original broad language. 1:39:58 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if the amendment keeps someone designing small projects exempt from having to get a design stamp. 1:40:10 PM MR. MAYNARD answered that the exception applies to certified contractors who design and install the systems and have been certified by DEC. 1:40:35 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection. 1:40:41 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and Amendment 2 was adopted. 1:40:44 PM SENATOR BJORKMAN solicited a motion. 1:40:46 PM SENATOR DUNBAR moved to adopt Amendment 3, 34-LS0044\I.6. 34-LS0044\I.6 Gunther 3/6/25 A M E N D M E N T 3 OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR ____________ TO: SSSB 54 Page 13, lines 2 - 7: Delete "to an officer or employee practicing engineering, architecture, land surveying, or landscape architecture on (A) [TO] buildings or structures whose primary use is public occupancy; or (B) natural gas pipelines; in this subparagraph, "natural gas pipeline" has the meaning given in AS 31.25.390;" Insert "to buildings or structures whose primary use is public occupancy;" Page 13, following line 28: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 27. AS 08.48.331(a), as amended by sec. 26 of this Act, is amended to read: (a) This chapter does not apply to (1) a contractor performing work designed by a professional architect, engineer, or landscape architect or the supervision of the construction of the work as a supervisor or superintendent for a contractor; (2) workers in building trades crafts, earthwork, grounds keeping, or nursery operations, and superintendents, supervisors, or inspectors in the performance of their customary duties; (3) an officer or employee of the United States government practicing architecture, engineering, land surveying, or landscape architecture as required by the person's official capacity; (4) an employee or a subordinate of a registrant if the work or service is done under the direct supervision of a registrant; (5) associates, consultants, or specialists retained by a registrant, partnership of registered individuals, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership authorized to practice architecture, engineering, land surveying, or landscape architecture under this chapter, in the performance of professional services if responsible charge of the work remains with the registrant, the partnership, or a designated representative of the corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership; (6) a person preparing drawings or specifications for (A) a building for the person's own use and occupancy as a single family residence and related site work for that building; (B) farm or ranch buildings and their grounds unless the public health, safety, or welfare is involved; (C) a building that is intended to be used only as a residence by not more than (i) four families and that is not more than two stories high and the grounds of the building; or (ii) two families and that is not more than three stories high and the grounds of the building, if the building is located in a municipality that has adopted a building or residential code that applies to the building and if the building complies with the building or residential code; (D) a garage, workshop, or similar building that contains less than 2,000 square feet of floor space to be used for a private noncommercial purpose and the grounds of the building; (7) a specialty contractor licensed under AS 08.18 while engaged in the business of construction contracting for work designed by an architect, engineer, or landscape architect that is within the specialty to be performed or supervised by the specialty contractor, or a contractor preparing shop or field drawings for work that the specialty contractor has contracted to perform; (8) a person furnishing drawings, specifications, instruments of service, or other data for alterations or repairs to a building or its grounds that do not change or affect the structural system or the safety of the building, or that do not affect the public health, safety, or welfare; (9) a person who is employed by a postsecondary educational institution to teach engineering, architectural, or landscape architectural courses; in this paragraph, "postsecondary educational institution" has the meaning given in AS 14.48.210; (10) an officer or employee of an individual, firm, partnership, association, utility, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership, who practices engineering, architecture, land surveying, or landscape architecture involved in the operation of the employer's business only if neither the employee nor the employer offers engineering, architecture, land surveying, or landscape architecture services to the public; exclusions under this paragraph do not apply to an officer or employee (A) practicing engineering, architecture, land surveying, or landscape architecture on [TO] buildings or structures whose primary use is public occupancy; or (B) of a utility that owns, operates, manages, or controls a pipeline that furnishes by transmission or distributes natural or manufactured gas to the public for compensation and who is practicing engineering on the facilities of the pipeline that operate at a pressure greater than 100 pounds per square inch gauge in one of the following manners: (i) the installation of a new district pressure regulator station, compressor station, or gate station; (ii) the reconfiguration or physical change of a district pressure regulator station, compressor station, or gate station that alters or modifies the configuration or overpressure protection of equipment; in this sub-subparagraph, "reconfiguration or physical change" does not include a routine operating adjustment or similar replacement; or (iii) the installation, uprating, repair by replacement, or abandonment of the pipeline; (11) a person while involved in revegetation, restoration, reclamation, rehabilitation, or erosion control for disturbed land that the board determines does not affect the public health, safety, or welfare; (12) a person while maintaining or directing the placement of plant material that the board determines does not affect the public health, safety, or welfare; (13) an employee, officer, or agent of a regulatory agency of the state or a municipality when reviewing drawings and specifications for compliance with the building codes of the state or a municipality if the drawings and specifications have been sealed and signed by an architect, engineer, land surveyor, or landscape architect or the preparation of the drawings and specifications is exempt under this section from the requirements of this chapter; in this paragraph, "building codes" includes codes relating to building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire safety standards, and zoning; (14) a person who is designing fire protection systems and is authorized by the Department of Public Safety to design fire protection systems; (15) a person who is authorized to construct, install, or modify a conventional onsite wastewater system by the Department of Environmental Conservation under AS 46.03.100 and is constructing, installing, or modifying a conventional onsite wastewater system with a capacity of less than 500 gallons of wastewater a day; the Department of Environmental Conservation may adopt regulations limiting the locations in the state in which this paragraph applies. * Sec. 28. AS 08.48.331 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (c) Notwithstanding (a)(10)(B) of this section, this chapter does not apply to an officer or employee of a utility that owns, operates, manages, or controls a pipeline that furnishes by transmission or distributes natural or manufactured gas to the public for compensation and who is practicing engineering in an emergency on the facilities of the pipeline that operate at a pressure greater than 100 pounds per square inch gauge. The utility shall notify the Regulatory Commission of Alaska when an officer or employee of the utility practices engineering in an emergency under this subsection." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 17, line 8: Delete "37" Insert "39" Page 17, following line 8: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 41. Sections 27 and 28 of this Act take effect January 1, 2026." Renumber the following bill section accordingly. Page 17, line 9: Delete "sec. 38" Insert "secs. 40 and 41" 1:40:52 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion. 1:40:57 PM MS. HACKENMILLER explained Amendment 3: [Original punctuation provided.] This amendment revises Section 26. The AELS Board initially requested a change to AS 08.48.331, Exemption 10, in Version I, known as the industrial exemption, requiring professional registration for natural gas pipeline construction. However, after reviewing Version I in February 2025, the Board found the language too broad. To address this, we worked with ENSTAR to revise the language, ensuring it aligns with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) guidelines issued after the 2018 gas pipeline explosion, which had instigated the original modification. This revised section will take effect on January 1, 2026. The separate effective date does not apply to any other sections of the bill. 1:42:26 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN asked for clarification on the need for new language. 1:42:33 PM LINDSEY HOBSON, Director of Legal and Administration, Enstar Natural Gas, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 54 and stated that Amendment 3 addresses National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations following the 2018 over- pressurization event near Boston. She said working with Senator Claman's office, Enstar reviewed other states' responses and NTSB guidance to craft a narrowly tailored solution. She said the amendment removes the exemption for professional engineer stamps on gas pipeline projects over 100 psicovering transmission and high-pressure distribution lines. CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether pipelines with 100 psi or higher still require stamped drawings and those below 100 psi do not. MS. HOBSON answered yes. She said requiring stamped drawings for every service line would've meant over 1800 stamps last year for NCAR alone, placing an excessive burden on utility engineers. 1:46:05 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection 1:46:10 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and Amendment 3 was adopted. 1:46:36 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 54, as amended, in committee. 1:46:42 PM At ease. SB 50-MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS: HOUSING [CSSB 50(CRA) was before the committee.] 1:49:37 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to the comprehensive plans of first and second class boroughs." 1:50:11 PM HAHLEN BEHNKEN, Staff, Senator Forrest Dunbar, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a recap of SB 50 and stated that SB 50 adds a new element to Title 29, encouraging municipalities to include a housing plan in their comprehensive plans. The aim is to broaden Alaska's response to the housing crisis by promoting locally driven solutions to increase the housing supply. 1:50:54 PM SENATOR YUNDT moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1: CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT 1 BY SENATOR YUNDT TO: CSSB 50(CRA) Page 1, line 12, following "housing": Insert "development" 1:51:15 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion. 1:51:19 PM SENATOR DUNBAR stated that he has no opposition to the conceptual amendment. 1:51:58 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection and Conceptual Amendment 1 was adopted. 1:52:13 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 50. 1:52:38 PM MICHELE BROWN, Program Director, Housing Alaskans Public Private Partnership (HAPPP), Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 50 and stated that HAPPP is a statewide housing trust focused on accelerating development through investment, community support, and innovative financing. She said HAPPP supports SB 50 because successful housing requires aligning many factorsland, infrastructure, transportation, workforce, materials, zoning. Currently, projects are treated individually, often leaving parts incomplete. She stated that local governments are best positioned to align the different aspects listed above. Locally driven housing plans help set clear priorities and foster strong partnerships. Housing isn't just a commodity, it's an essential community infrastructure tied to health, safety, and economic stability. When communities set priorities, HAPPP's funding is more effective and better aligned with local needs. 1:55:43 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN announced Senator Merrick joined the meeting (via teleconference). 1:56:02 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee. 1:56:05 PM SENATOR DUNBAR moved to report CSSB 50 (CRA), work order 34- LS0356\N, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note(s), and authorized Legislative Legal Services to make technical and conforming changes. 1:56:28 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and CSSB 50 (L&C) was reported from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee. 1:56:52 PM At ease. SB 86-MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY 2:00:34 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 86 "An Act relating to the business of money transmission; relating to licenses for money transmission, licensure requirements, and registration through a nationwide multistate licensing system; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to exemptions to money transmission licensure requirements; relating to payroll processing services; relating to currency exchange licenses; amending Rules 79 and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." 2:01:24 PM SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, District B, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 86, provided a summary and stated that SB 86 updates Alaska's money transmission laws to cover broader money services, including crypto. He said SB 86 is a model developed by regulators and industry for basic oversight of non-bank entities. SB 86 supports multi-state coordination and offers lower tiered fees so Alaskan companies entering the business do not have to pay as much as multi-nationals. The bill previously introduced by the governor. He stated that the state is aware of $1.5 billion in unreported cryptocurrency activity in Alaska last year, suggesting the actual amount may be higher. 2:03:20 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 86. 2:03:44 PM KATHY TOMASOFSKY, Executive Director, Money Services Business Association, Miami, Florida, testified in support of SB 86 and stated that the act was developed with regulators and industry to offer clear, consistent protection for customers. The act encourages new services and helps reach unbanked and rural communities. The uniform rules make it easier for companies to do business. She said the act also improves regulatory efficiency through technology and multi-state cooperation. She said the act is already adopted by 26 states and allows flexibility to address local needs. 2:05:51 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 86. 2:06:05 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee. 2:06:07 PM SENATOR DUNBAR moved to report SB 86, work order 34-LS0305\I, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 2:06:24 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 86 was reported from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee. 2:07:05 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting at 2:07 p.m.

Document Name Date/Time Subjects
SSSB54 Draft Proposed Amendment I.2.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Draft Proposed Amendment I.5.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Draft Proposed Amendment I.6.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony Colin Maynard 02.26.25.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony-Letter-AIA 02.03.25.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony-Letter-Catherine Fritz 03.5.25 .pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony-Email-Barbara Cash 03.04.25.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony-Email-Larry Cash 03.04.25.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony-Email-Paige Goneau 03.05.25.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54
SSSB54 Public Testimony-Letter-AELS 03.04.25.pdf SL&C 3/7/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 54