Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/17/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: University of Anchorage Alaska (uaa) Workforce Solutions in Alaska | |
| SB99 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 99 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 17, 2025
1:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Kelly Merrick, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: UNIVERSITY OF ANCHORAGE ALASKA (UAA) WORKFORCE
SOLUTIONS IN ALASKA
- HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 99
"An Act relating to private professional conservators; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 99
SHORT TITLE: CPA AS PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATORS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MYERS
02/14/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/14/25 (S) L&C, FIN
03/17/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DENISE RUNGE, Provost
University of Anchorage Alaska (UAA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented slides on UAA Workforce
Solutions in Alaska.
RAY WEBER, Dean
Community and Technical College
University of Alaska Alaska (UAA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented slides on UAA Workforce
Solutions in Alaska.
DEBBIE CRAIG, Dean
College of Health
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented slides on UAA Workforce
Solutions in Alaska.
CHERYL SIEMER, Director
Kenai Peninsula College
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented slides on UAA Workforce
Solutions in Alaska.
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 99.
ASHLYN BROOKS, Staff
Senator Robert Myers
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 99.
GORDON WILLIAMS, Attorney
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 99.
VIVIAN STIVER, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 99.
SYLVAN ROBB, Director
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding SB 99.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:32:13 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, Yundt and
Chair Bjorkman.
^PRESENTATION: UNIVERSITY OF ANCHORAGE ALASKA (UAA) WORKFORCE
SOLUTIONS IN ALASKA
PRESENTATION: UNIVERSITY OF ANCHORAGE ALASKA (UAA) WORKFORCE
SOLUTIONS IN ALASKA
1:33:07 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced a presentation from the University of
Alaska Anchorage: Workforce Solutions in Alaska.
1:33:22 PM
DENISE RUNGE, Provost, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA),
Anchorage, Alaska, co-presented slides on UAA: Workforce
Solutions in Alaska and moved to slide 2, Alaska's Largest
Workforce Provider:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• UAA Creates Opportunity through Education
• Serving Alaska 70 years -- comprehensive open-
access university
• Enroll +11,000 students
• Prepare students for careers through +180
programs from certificates to doctoral degrees
MS. RUNGE said UAA has 5 campuses located in Anchorage, Valdez,
Homer, Soldotna and Kodiak.
1:34:53 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 3, Dual Mission Serving Alaska, and
stated that UAA is Alaska's only dual mission university,
meaning it combines the open access and workforce focus of a
community college with the advanced programs of a university.
This allows UAA to quickly adapt to industry and community
needs, offering everything from short-term certificates to full
degrees. She said with over 35 industry advisory boards, UAA
works closely with employers to ensure students are prepared for
real jobs across Alaska.
1:37:40 PM
RAY WEBER, Dean, Community and Technical College, University of
Anchorage Alaska (UAA), Anchorage, Alaska, co-presented slides
on UAA: Workforce Solutions in Alaska and moved to slide 4, High
Demand Industries- Aviation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Alaska's largest flight school.
• Specialized programs for advancing pilot training
and aviation management.
• Strong industry and K-12 partnerships.
• Pilot program full capacity graduating dozens
of pilots annually.
MR. WEBER said UAA has partnerships with Anchorage and Matsu
School Districts.
1:39:00 PM
MR. WEBER moved to slide 5, High Demand Industries-Aviation, and
stated that UAA's aviation programs are running at full
capacity, but the demand keeps growing. He said the state needs
about 230 aviation maintenance workers each year, yet UAA can
only train and produce around 40 to 45. Despite this gap, UAA's
aviation students have earned national recognition, and the
university is working to expand opportunities possibly becoming
one of the few enhanced training schools that prepare students
to go straight into FAA jobs like air traffic control.
1:40:04 PM
MR. WEBER moved to slide 6, High Demand Industries-Construction,
and stated that UAA's online construction management program is
growing fast, helping people advance their careers with a focus
on Arctic and cold-weather emphasis. Students take a national
exam, and many go on to become licensed contractors, often
working on major federally funded projects.
1:40:49 PM
MR. WEBER moved to slide 7, High Demand Industries-Automotive,
and stated that UAA's diesel program is in high demand with
students getting hired before they even finish. All students get
hands-on experience through field work and internships. He said
the program also partners with companies like Caterpillar and
General Motors to train technicians and offer industry-
recognized certifications.
1:42:15 PM
MR. WEBER moved to slide 8, High Demand Industries-Culinary and
stated that UAA has the state's largest and longest-running
culinary arts program, training students in both kitchen and
restaurant operations for over 50 years. The program offers
Occupational Endorsement Certificates in culinary and baking,
with hands-on experience through internships and partnerships
like Covenant House and local restaurants. It currently serves
about 80 students and continues to support community training
needs across Alaska.
1:43:39 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 9, Alaska's Leader in AI Education, and
stated that UAA is leading the way in artificial intelligence
education, with new undergraduate and graduate programs approved
to prepare students for AI-related careers. Courses are being
developed at an increased rate across many fields like
engineering, business, health, and education. She said everyone
is looking to incorporate AI effectively in classrooms to help
students learn how to use and manage AI in real-world settings.
She said the university is also working to expand faculty and
training to meet growing demand, knowing AI will be part of
every industry's future.
1:45:53 PM
DEBBIE CRAIG, Dean, College of Health, University of Anchorage
Alaska (UAA), Anchorage, Alaska, co-presented slides on the UAA:
Workforce Solutions in Alaska and moved to slide 10, Alaska's
Flagship Health University. She stated that UAA offers more than
50 healthcare related programs, from short-term certificates to
clinical doctorates in fields like nursing, pharmacy, and
occupational therapy. She said each year, nearly 2,000 students
enroll, and 600800 graduate ready to join Alaska's healthcare
workforce. With strong partnerships across the state, including
hospitals, the Department of Health, and an advisory council UAA
ensures its programs meet real healthcare needs, offering
nursing education at 15 locations from Bethel to Juneau.
1:47:55 PM
MS. CRAIG moved to slide 11, Growing Alaska's Health Workforce,
and stated that with extra funding over the past few years, UAA
has expanded several health and social service programs to meet
Alaska's growing needs. This includes increasing the number of
medical students in partnership with the University of
Washington, nearly doubling the master's in social work cohort,
and adding more spots in dental hygiene, radiology, and other
health fields. She said UAA also launched Alaska's first PhD
program in school counseling, aiming to help address the state's
youth mental health crisis, all supported by strong partnerships
for clinical training across the state.
1:50:11 PM
MS. CRAIG moved to slide 12, Innovative Health Education
Partnerships:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• WWAMI Medical Education with University of
Washington
• MEDEX Physician Assistant with University of
Washington
• Pharmacy Doctorate with Idaho State University
• Speech, Language Pathology with East Carolina
University
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate with Creighton
University
1:51:44 PM
CHERYL SIEMER, Director, Kenai Peninsula College, Soldotna,
Alaska, co-presented slides on the University of Anchorage
Alaska (UAA): Workforce Solutions in Alaska, and moved to slides
13 and 14. She stated that for over 25 years, UAA and Kenai
Peninsula College's Process Technology program has been a leader
in workforce training, recognized as one of the top programs in
North America. The program has strong industry partnerships, and
its graduates are actively recruited by major companies like
ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and ASRC, helping to meet growing
workforce needs across Alaska and beyond.
1:54:55 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 15, Expanding Opportunity:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Meet students where they are in life.
• Stackable Credentials to Build Achievement.
• Credit for prior learning / apprenticeships
• UAA designated Military Friendly School 16 years
in a row.
• Providing education and services to armed forces,
veterans and families at JBER.
MS. RUNGE talked about an Education Teacher Preparation
Apprenticeship that just started.
1:56:18 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 16, Pathways to Careers:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• College learning does not have to wait for
college.
• Dual-enrollment earns both high school and
college credit.
• ANSEP nationally recognized STEM program
pathway from elementary to advanced degrees since
1995.
• Middle College partnerships with local school
districts serve thousands of students.
MS. RUNGE said every high school freshman in Anchorage now
visits UAA to explore career options and engage directly with
faculty through the Academies of Anchorage Pathways Program.
1:57:55 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 17, Student Success, and shared a story
of a UAA collegiate athlete graduate, Colin Hurd that has joined
the Anchorage police force.
1:58:40 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 18, UAA Results for Alaska:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• More than 71,000 UAA alumni worldwide.
• Represented in all major industries and
communities.
• 29 members of 34th Alaska Legislature attended or
worked at UAA.
• UAA alumni more likely to stay in Alaska.
1:59:14 PM
MS. RUNGE moved to slide 19, Workforce Solutions for Alaska, and
stated that keep in mind the new term "dual mission" as UAA
believes the new term "dual mission is the key to addressing
Alaska's workforce needs. Students have open access to start
wherever they are ready, take short-term programs, return
multiple times, and continue learning and growing throughout
their careers.
1:59:55 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN explained that many high school students don't
know what academic skills they need for college because there
aren't clear checkpoints in the K12 system to keep them on
track. As a result, UAA has had to spend a lot on remedial
courses to help students catch up. He asked how UAA helps
students understand what will be expected of them, based on
their goals.
2:01:50 PM
MS. RUNGE answered that UAA has reduced the number of
developmental writing courses by finding better ways to support
students without lowering standards: such as using writing
samples instead of just test scores and offering extra academic
support. These changes show that many students from Alaska's
public schools are more prepared than previously thought. She
said additionally, pathway programs in high schools are helping
students connect their interests to future careers early on,
which encourages them to take more rigorous courses and be
better prepared for college, no matter what path they ultimately
choose.
2:04:47 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if UAA requires all potential students to
take an Accuplacer test.
2:04:54 PM
MS. RUNGE responded that UAA no longer has students take an
Accuplacer test. UAA and the other two University of Alaska
locations are experimenting with a new way of student placement
called directed self-placement. She said students answer a
series of questions about their life such as writing experiences
and what classes they took in high school. This helps them
figure out what classes they would be successful at in college.
2:06:08 PM
At ease.
SB 99-CPA AS PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATORS
2:10:04 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 99 "An Act relating to private
professional conservators; and providing for an effective date."
2:10:32 PM
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 99 presented a summary of the
following legislation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
The issue we are seeking to address with SB 99 was
originally brought to our attention by a constituent.
After looking into the statutes, we realized that
there could be an alternative to the current
conservator licensing process that would allow more
people to become private professional conservators
while keeping the high standards that protect the
individuals under their care.
Currently, an individual seeking a private
professional conservator license must obtain a
certificate in guardianship from a national
organization before applying for their conservator
license from the State of Alaska. The guardianship
certification is applicable to people who wish to
become full guardians, but it is much less applicable
to someone who will only be handling finances and will
not have responsibility for the physical wellbeing of
the individuals under their care. This certification
is costly and time intensive, especially for
professionals who already maintain certification for a
related professional license. Certified Public
Accountants must obtain their bachelor's degree in
accounting and complete continuing education credits
every two years. Since CP As are already qualified
professionals with an emphasis on fiduciary
responsibilities, they are strong candidates for being
private professional conservators.
SB 99 seeks to create an alternative to the
guardianship certification requirement currently in
statute for individuals who are licensed as CP As in
Alaska. Licensed CP As would still have to meet all
other requirements under the current statutes. This
would just remove the external certification
requirement for CP As which could be a barrier to
individuals becoming licensed private professional
conservators.
As Alaska's population is aging, we will continue to
have increased need for professionals who can provide
financial support to this group. Unfortunately, we are
already facing a shortage of providers who can offer
care for the needs of an aging population. While this
bill will not be enough to solve all of these issues,
we hope it will be a small step towards addressing the
needs of our state.
2:13:02 PM
ASHLYN BROOKS, Staff, Senator Robert Myers, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 99:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 99 ver. A Sectional Analysis
Section 1: Page 1, Lines 4-14; Page 2, Lines 1-11
Adds previous licensing as a CPA under AS 08.04 as an
alternative to certification by a national
guardianship group in order to become a licensed
conservator.
Section 2: Page 2, Lines 12-21.
Conforming language regarding the issuance of
temporary licenses for private professional guardians.
Section 3: Page 2, Lines 22-28.
Establishes that a temporary license holder may submit
proof of required guardianship certificate or CPA
license to obtain a permanent license.
Section 4: Page 2, Lines 29-31; and Page 3, Lines 1-5.
Adds a new section establishing that the Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development shall
issue a temporary license to an individual seeking a
private professional conservator license who likely
will become certified or licensed within one year from
the date the temporary license is issued if they meet
all other requirements of a private professional
conservator license.
Section 5: Page 3, Lines 6-31; and Page 4, Lines 1-7.
Conforming language stating that failure to maintain
either a CPA license or a national guardianship
certification is grounds for disciplinary action.
Section 6: Page 4, Line 8
Establishes an immediate effective date for the bill.
2:15:43 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 99.
2:15:54 PM
GORDON WILLIAMS, Attorney, Ketchikan, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 99 and stated that guardianship and
conservatorship proceedings are serious legal matters because
they involve taking away a person's rights to manage their own
money or make personal decisions often due to illness, dementia,
or injury, not because of any wrongdoing. That's why it's so
important to have qualified, trustworthy people involved in
these cases. He said adding licensed CPAs to the list of those
eligible to serve in these roles makes sense, as they are
already trained, regulated professionals with the skills needed
to manage finances and prepare accurate reports.
2:19:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if a CPA wants to become a conservator now
what do they have to do and how would that change under this
current legislation.
2:19:59 PM
MR. WILLIAMS responded that a CPA can already serve as a
conservator without a license, but to be a licensed professional
conservator, they currently must get certified by the National
Guardianship Association. SB 99 removes that extra step,
recognizing that CPAs already have the skills and training
needed.
2:21:34 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR clarified that in Mr. Williams testimony he
mentioned he was part of a group that put forward different
kinds of legislation proposals. He asked if that was under the
guidance of the bar association and what does the group do.
2:22:00 PM
MR. WILLIAMS answered that the Association of Trust and Estate
Professionals is not linked with the bar association. He said
the group is a state planning professional association.
2:22:51 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked that Mr. Williams describe the legal
difference between a conservatorship and a guardianship.
2:23:19 PM
MR. WILLIAMS responded that a guardian is someone who makes
health, welfare and safety decisions for a person who can't make
them on their own and a conservator makes decisions concerning a
persons money and assets. He said in Alaska there is a third
option called a full guardianship, who makes the guardian
decisions as well as the conservator decisions.
2:25:09 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked if SB 99 only impacts conservatorships and
is there a separate licensing process for guardians.
2:25:34 PM
MR. WILLIAMS answered that he does not know.
2:26:21 PM
SENATOR MYERS explained that guardians and conservators have
separate licenses. A guardian license covers all aspects of
care, while a conservator license only applies to financial
matters. In Alaska, the two licensing programs are similar, but
SB 99 aims to further distinguish between them.
2:27:40 PM
MR. WILLIAMS referenced AS 08.26.010 that discusses licensing
for guardians and conservators.
2:28:32 PM
VIVIAN STIVER, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
by invitation on SB 99:
[Original punctuation provided.]
I am writing my letter of support today as a private
citizen in my capacity as a senior housing
professional and not in my capacity as a member of the
Alaska Commission on Aging board of directors.
I have worked in senior housing for the last 15 years
and have witnessed just how important it is for our
seniors to remain as independent as possible as they
age. Seniors thrive socially, physically and
emotionally when the appropriate amount of assistance
is available for them. Losing independence too soon
can cause them to retreat socially and feel
discouraged because of the loss of control in areas of
their lives which they could continue to address
independently.
2:29:19 PM
MS. STIVER continued with her testimony of SB 99:
Over the years I worked with a couple of seniors that
experienced tremors and could no longer write checks.
They would hand me the check book asking me to fill it
in for them. This always makes me uncomfortable
because they are vulnerable to "bad actors" who could
alter the check, get account numbers and other
information. Having a conservator would close this
loop and protect the senior financially. Also, since
seniors don't use computers, a conservator has a
better chance of identifying withdrawals from a
senior's account promptly because of fraud such as
"phishing."
A conservator has limited powers compared to a
guardian because the conservator only manages
financial affairs for the senior such as collecting
and depositing all income, pays all debts and bills,
secures all assets, and handles taxes and insurance.
Making it more reasonable for accountants to fill this
role by adjusting the licensing requirements, will
assist our seniors in remaining independent longer,
keeping their dignity intact while protecting them
from "bad actors."
MS. STIVER stated having a licensed financial guardian can ease
the burden on families, providing reassurance and reducing
stress. Typically, a child that lives close to the individual
typically is the guardian and caregiver. Separating financial
management from direct care helps balance responsibilities and
alleviates pressure on the primary caregiver.
2:32:10 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked what someone would need to do to become a
conservator.
2:32:34 PM
MS. BROOKS answered that conservators must get certified through
a national guardianship organization by taking mostly accounting
and technical training courses. These courses may be taken
online. She said every other year the conservator would need to
be recertified by taking continuing education classes through
the same institution.
2:33:35 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether there is training for conservators
that have clients who cant advocate for themselves, like
dementia.
2:33:56 PM
MS. BROOKS replied that to receive a certificate from the
National Guardianship Association, a person must learn one of
the core competencies called surrogate decision making and it
may be helpful in a situation with a dementia client.
2:34:40 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked what the barriers are for CPAs to be
conservators.
2:34:52 PM
MS. BROOKS responded that the main barriers are finances and
time. She said it cost $1800 dollars to get certified and
licensed in Alaska.
2:35:43 PM
SENATOR MYERS added that SB 99 aims to remove unnecessary
barriers for those who only want to handle the financial side of
care. Current certification includes training that mostly
applies to guardianship. The goal is to make it easier for those
already trained in financial responsibility to serve in this
role.
2:37:44 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR referenced Section 5 [AS.08.26.130] stating that
the department may take disciplinary action against an
individual. He assumed that there isn't a board handling the
licensing and discipline. He asked what department oversees
disciplinary actions and if applicants wont be paying the
national certification fee will they still pay the state
licensing fee.
2:38:31 PM
SYLVAN ROBB, Director, Division of Corporations, Business and
Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED), Anchorage, Alaska, and answered
that there isn't a board for this program and the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) would take
over disciplinary and license action. She said the Guardian and
Conservator Program is a small program with as few as 20
licensees and won't require much money to run.
2:39:11 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked whether DCCED anticipated an increase in
[disciplinary] actions, or any risk of inappropriate action, if
legislators allowed licensure without requiring certification
from NGA, using only a CPA license.
2:39:45 PM
MS. ROBB replied that becoming a CPA requires more education,
including a bachelor's degree, while a conservator license only
requires experience handling finance or at least an associate
degree in a related field. She reiterated this is a small
program, and important safeguards like background checks and
checks with adult protective services will remain in place to
ensure conservators meet the same high standards already
required.
2:40:39 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked whether it is DCCED's assertion that SB 99
would not pose an increased financial risk to people under the
care of conservators.
2:41:03 PM
MS. ROBB answered that the division is neutral on SB 99. It is a
policy call for the legislature.
2:41:27 PM
SENATOR MYERS commented that his goal with SB 99 is to make it
easier for somebody to obtain and hold on to a conservatorship
license.
2:43:11 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 99 in committee.
2:43:26 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:43 p.m.