Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/05/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB134 | |
| SB147 | |
| SB117 | |
| SB159 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 117 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 134 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 159 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 5, 2025
1:34 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
SENATE BILL NO. 134
"An Act relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to
third-party administrators; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED SB 134 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 147
"An Act relating to the prescription and administration of drugs
and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for
pharmacists; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 117
"An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the
Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of
commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights;
relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil
Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the
purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and
relating to local civil rights commissions."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 159
"An Act increasing contributions to the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development for the State Training and Employment
Program."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 134
SHORT TITLE: PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN
SPONSOR(s): GIESSEL
03/18/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/18/25 (S) HSS, L&C
04/01/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/01/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/01/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/03/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/03/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/03/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/15/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/25 (S) Moved SB 134 Out of Committee
04/15/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/18/25 (S) HSS RPT 4DP
04/18/25 (S) DP: DUNBAR, HUGHES, GIESSEL, TOBIN
04/30/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/30/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/30/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 147
SHORT TITLE: PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
SPONSOR(s): GIESSEL BY REQUEST
03/26/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/25 (S) HSS, L&C
04/15/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/15/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/22/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/22/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/22/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/29/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/29/25 (S) Moved SB 147 Out of Committee
04/29/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/30/25 (S) HSS RPT 4DP
04/30/25 (S) DP: DUNBAR, CLAMAN, GIESSEL, TOBIN
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 117
SHORT TITLE: STATE COMMISSION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS
03/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/05/25 (S) L&C, FIN
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 159
SHORT TITLE: TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROG: CONTRIBUTIONS
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE
04/07/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/25 (S) L&C, FIN
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
JANE ROHR, Staff
Senator Cathy Giessel
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a brief recap of SB 134.
DAN NELSON, Director
Tanana Chief Conference
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 134.
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, District E
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 147.
JANE CONWAY, Staff
Senator Cathy Giessel
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 147.
ASHLEY SCHABER, Pharmacist
Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 147.
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director
Alaska Pharmacists Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 147.
JEN ADAMS, Professor
L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy
Idaho State University (ISU)
Meridian, Idaho
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 147.
JOE HAYES, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 117.
ROBERT CORBISIER, Executive Director
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 117.
LAURA ACHEE, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis of SB 159.
PALOMA HARBOUR, Director
Division of Employment and Training Services
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 159.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:34:13 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:34 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, Yundt and
Chair Bjorkman.
SB 134-PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN
1:35:14 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 134 "An Act relating to
pharmacy benefits managers; relating to third-party
administrators; and providing for an effective date."
1:35:33 PM
JANE ROHR, Staff, Senator Cathy Giessel, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented a brief recap of SB 134.
She said the bill requires third-party administrators and
pharmacy benefit managers to be licensed in Alaska and
establishes a licensing fee to cover the Division of Insurance's
administrative costs.
1:36:17 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 134.
1:36:39 PM
DAN NELSON, Director, Tanana Chief Conference, Fairbanks,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 134 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
I'm calling in from the Fairbanks on behalf of Tanana
Chief Conference calling in support of Senate bill
134. Senate Bill 134 is a common sense and non-
controversial bill that is designed to ensure that the
hard-fought provisions of House Bill 226 from last
legislative session are secured and enforced.
Currently the Alaska Division of Insurance has a
somewhat limited ability to regulate pharmacy benefit
managers and third-party administrators because state
statute only allows the division of insurance to
require PBM and PPA registration.
Senate Bill 134 Division of Insurance will be able to
be required that they've become licensed.
Unfortunately, this current lack of regulatory control
by the Division of Insurance will continue to allow
PBMs and PPAs to work in an under regulated
environment.
It's most of the committee members are already aware.
There are many concerning practices that PBM and
third-party administrators follow that negatively
impact Alaskans, Alaska employers, Alaska prescribers
and pharmacists and pharmacies.
I urge you to support Senate Bill 134.
1:38:12 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 134.
1:38:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
1:38:46 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SB 134, work order 34-LS0461\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
1:39:00 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 134 was reported from
the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
1:39:13 PM
At ease.
SB 147-PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
1:46:30 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 147 "An Act relating to the
prescription and administration of drugs and devices by
pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; and
providing for an effective date."
1:46:52 PM
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, District E, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as the sponsor of SB 147 she read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 147 is a collaborative effort with the Alaska Board
of Pharmacy and the Alaska Pharmacy Association.
In 2022, Alaska passed a bill that added "other
patient services" to pharmacy services (AS 08.80.337).
SB 147 clarifies the intent of that legislation in
regard to
• independent prescribing and
• allowing pharmacists to practice at the top of
their education, training and experience.
1:47:37 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL continued with the following for SB 147:
Pharmacists are seeing an evolution
• in their role in the healthcare system and
• ability to provide direct patient care: minor and
chronic ailments, especially in rural areas.
Alaska in general has a limited number of hospital
beds, ER space and other healthcare services.
Utilizing every possible provider will increase timely
and appropriate care.
The Alaska Board of Pharmacy already regulates
pharmacists under a standard of care, which aligns
with this legislation.
Expanded pharmacist services have already been
established federally.
• Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP
post exposure prophylaxsis for HIV) act
• Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT medication
assisted treatment) Act - allows for pharmacists
to prescribe treatment for opioid use.
• Aligns with federal models including care
provided in the Veterans' Health Administration
Community pharmacists are among the most-trusted
healthcare professionals among patients. (not first
on the ranking, like nurses, but up there)
They have the education and knowledge to assess a
patient's ailments and refer if needed to more acute
care when needed
• Pharmacists complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree
that requires 1,170 hours of clinical training.
• 6-8 years of education in pharmacotherapy,
disease management and clinical decision-making.
• Many go on to complete post-graduate residencies,
fellowships and board certifications in specialty
areas.
• State boards of pharmacy regulate to ensure safe
care through accreditation reviews.
1:49:21 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL continued with the following for SB 147:
What kinds of services are we talking about here?
• Test to Treat if appropriate
• Prescribe remedies for flu, cold, urinary tract
infections, strep throat, COVID-19, pregnancy
tests and more.
• 30 states now authorize pharmacists to order and
administer CLIA-waived tests such as COVID-19,
strep, flu, RSV, UTI HIV, and more
• (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments =
CLIA)
1:50:06 PM
JANE CONWAY, Staff, Senator Cathy Giessel, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 147 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis
"An Act relating to the prescription and
administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists;
relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; and providing
for an effective date."
Section 1. Amends AS 08.80.030(b) Powers and duties of
the board.
to require that a licensed pharmacist who prescribes,
administers, or dispenses a controlled substance under
state law or federal law to a person in the state
register with the controlled substance prescription
database (PDMP).
Section 2. Amends AS 08.80.110 Qualifications for
licensure by examination
to require that a pharmacist who holds a Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA) number applying for licensure
(via examination) receive education in pain management
and opioid use and addiction, in alignment with other
practitioners in Alaska who hold DEA numbers.
1:51:03 PM
MS. CONWAY continued with the sectional analysis for SB 147:
Section 3. Amends AS 08.80.145 Reciprocity; license
transfer
to require that a pharmacist who holds a DEA number
applying for licensure (via reciprocity) receive
education in pain management and opioid use and
addiction, in alignment with other practitioners in
Alaska who hold DEA numbers and pay the associated
fees.
Section 4. Amends AS 08.80.165 Continuing education
requirement
to require a pharmacist who holds a DEA number and
renews licensure in Alaska meet continuing education
requirements including at least two hours of education
in pain management and opioid use and addiction in the
two years preceding license renewal, in alignment with
other practitioners in Alaska who hold DEA numbers. A
pharmacist whose practice does not include pain
management and opioid prescription, or administration
is exempt from this requirement.
Section 5. Amends AS 08.80.337 Other patient care
services
(a)to clarify that a pharmacist may not provide
patient care services under a collaborative agreement
with another pharmacist.
Section 6. Amends AS 08.80.337 Other patient care
services
(d) to clarify that "patient care services" mean
medical care services that include the prescription or
administration of a drug or device to a patient for
the purposes of curing or preventing a disease,
reduction of patient symptoms or for slowing the
disease progression.
1:52:35 PM
MS. CONWAY continued with the sectional analysis for SB 147:
Section 7. Amends and adds a new subsection to AS
08.80.337 Other patient care services.
(e) requiring that a pharmacist prescribing or
administering a drug or device under this section
recognize the limits of the pharmacist's education,
training, and experience and consult with and refer to
other practitioners as appropriate. This aligns with
standard of care and pharmacy regulation.
Section 8. Amends AS 08.80.480 Definitions.
(30) to clarify that the "practice of pharmacy"
includes providing patient care services in accordance
with AS 08.80.337. This includes patient care
services provided independently or under collaborative
practice.
Section 9. Amends and adds a new paragraph to AS
08.80.480 Definitions.
(40) adds to the definition of opioid to include opium
and opiate substances and opium and opiate derivatives
Section 10. Repeals AS 08.80.337 Other patient care
services (c) to align with clarifications in Section
6.
Section 11. Provides for an effective date of January
1, 2026.
1:54:12 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL clarified the acronym PDMP's meaning as
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). All clinicians who
prescribe controlled substances are required to register and
maintain active records.
1:54:38 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 147.
1:54:48 PM
ASHLEY SCHABER, Pharmacist, Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC),
Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 147 and moved
to slide 2. She spoke to the 2024 strategic plan from the Alaska
Board of Pharmacy:
[Original punctuation provided.]
I have included the 2024 Alaska Board of Pharmacy
Strategic Plan. Each decision our board makes
regarding removing, changing, or adding statutes or
regulations is filtered through the Strategic plan.
SB 147 aligns with our strategic plan through Goal
number 4 which is to: grow the economy while promoting
community health and safety. Specifically, to advocate
for legislation addressing access to pharmacies as the
pharmacy profession advances and new opportunities for
improved patient safety arise.
1:55:50 PM
MS. SCHABER moved to slide 3 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 147 is the result of several years spanning
multiple Board of pharmacy chairs as we reviewed our
statutes and regulations to align licensee authority
with their education, training, and experience with
the ultimate goal to increase access to care.
House Bill 145 passed the 2021-22 session and added a
new section of Pharmacy statutes called "other patient
care services" recognizing that pharmacists provide
services other than traditional medication dispensing,
both under collaborative practice agreements or
independently. After this statute section was added,
the Board received multiple questions from businesses
and licensees, so it was determined clarification was
needed, specifically in regards to pharmacist-
prescribing and administering.
SB 147 increases access to care by giving statutory
authority to established models of care while
encouraging interdisciplinary engagement and teamwork.
1:56:59 PM
MS. SCHABER moved to slide 4 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 147 increases access to pharmacist-provided patient
care services, while closing the gap between state
statute and pharmacist education and training.
SB 147 encourages interdisciplinary engagement between
pharmacists and other healthcare practitioners.
Specifically, SB 147 requires a pharmacist prescribing
or administering a drug or device under this section
shall recognize the limits of the pharmacist's
education, training, and experience and consult with
and refer to other practitioners as appropriate.
1:57:40 PM
MS. SCHABER moved to slide 5 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 147 gives Alaska pharmacists statutory authority to
established models of care that have been proven
effective.
A standard of care regulatory model empowers
pharmacists by regulating them similarly to other
health professions such as nursing and medicine,
providing regulatory consistency across the health
care system.
Standard of Care (SOC) regulatory model supports
practitioners delivering patient care within their
scope of practice and clinical training. Patient
safety is maintained by measuring care against other
practitioners within the same practice setting while
supporting practitioners practicing at the top of
their clinical ability.
The changes in SB 147 align with recent federal
legislation that optimize the roles of pharmacists in
public health responses as well as established federal
models for pharmacist-delivered care such as what is
provided through the Veterans Health Administration.
1:58:38 PM
MS. SCHABER moved to slide 6 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
In conclusion, on behalf of the Alaska Board of
Pharmacy, I request your support of SB 147 as it
aligns with our Mission and Strategic plan.
1:59:09 PM
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director, Alaska Pharmacists
Association, testified by invitation on SB 147 and read the
following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
I'm Dr. Brandy Seignemartin here to speak on behalf of
the Alaska Pharmacy Association in strong support of
Senate Bill 147. I'm a pharmacist by training and
serve as the executive director of the Alaska Pharmacy
Association as well as a clinical assistant professor
at our UAA ISU Doctor of Pharmacy Program.
1:59:33 PM
MS. SEIGNEMARTIN continued with her testimony of SB 147:
The Alaska Pharmacy Association represents
pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy
technicians, and pharmacies across our statefrom
Ketchikan to Fairbanks and beyond. Our mission is
centered on ensuring Alaskans have access to safe,
high-quality pharmacy care in their local communities.
Let's Start by Discussing Pharmacists' Roles Across
Practice Settings
Pharmacists in Alaska are already deeply embedded in
patient carewhether that's in community pharmacies,
tribal health systems, hospitals, clinics, long-term
care, or public health settings. They provide
immunizations, conduct health screenings, manage
medications, counsel patients, and help prevent
medication-related complications. Across all of these
settings, pharmacists play a vital role in keeping
Alaskans healthy and informed.
This bill builds on that foundation. SB 147 would
allow pharmacists to provide a limited set of
additional patient care servicesincluding prescribing
and services within the bounds of their education,
training, and experience; under the prevailing
standard of care; and within the bounds already
contained in AS 08.80.337 which outlines when a
pharmacist may provide patient care beyond the
dispensing of medications. These are services
pharmacists are already well-equipped to provide.
This Isn't New the Federal System Has Led the Way
Pharmacists in the federal systemincluding the Indian
Health Service and the Veterans Health Administration
have safely provided these types of patient care
services for decades. Since 1979, federal pharmacists
have been practicing at the top of their education and
training. The evidence is clear: when pharmacists are
empowered to act in patient care roles, patient
outcomes improve without compromising safety.
2:01:26 PM
MS. SEIGNEMARTIN continued with her testimony of SB 147:
I want to address a concern that's often raised
whether pharmacists have the training to provide these
services. The answer is unequivocally yes and of
important note, SB 147 does not allow pharmacists to
do anything outside their scope of competency and
requires interdisciplinary engagement while
incorporating established models of care.
What's more, SB 147 uses the standard of care model, a
framework used by other licensed providers across
disciplines. That means pharmacists would be
responsible for practicing only within areas in which
they are educated, trained, and experienced following
evidence-based clinical guidelines and in a manner
that is consistent with a reasonable and prudent
healthcare provider. If a patient presents with
something more complex or outside that scope,
pharmacists must refer them to another providerjust
like we do today.
This model ensures safety and empowers pharmacists to
provide care where they are qualified and able, while
maintaining strong safeguards for patients.
We also anticipate that closing the gap between our
current education level and what pharmacists are
allowed to do in statute will also help fight burnout
because pharmacists will be empowered to serve their
patients to the fullest extent of their clinical
ability.
One of the most important impacts of SB 147 is that it
improves access to safe care.
Pharmacists are everywherein small towns, on the road
system, off the road system, and in communities where
other healthcare providers may not be always
available. Pharmacies tend to have extended hours, no
appointment requirements, and are at times the only or
primary healthcare touchpoint for rural Alaskans.
Furthermore, pharmacists practicing in clinics and
health systems can help extend the overall amount of
care that can be provided by the healthcare team.
2:03:19 PM
MS. SEIGNEMARTIN continued with her testimony of SB 147:
When pharmacists are allowed to provide care for minor
ailments, preventive services, and chronic disease
support, patients can get care faster, closer to home,
and without the delays or travel associated with
limited provider availability. That means fewer people
delaying care or turning to the emergency room for
non-emergent issues.
What Types of Services Could Be Provided?
Under SB 147, we could potentially see pharmacists
providing established models of care, such as:
• Test and treat for minor illnesses like strep
throat or influenza
• preventive services such as smoking cessation
support, and pre-exposure medications for HIV
prevention
• Treatment for minor ailments such as seasonal
allergies, pink eye, cold sores or insect bites
• Working alongside or embedded in healthcare teams
to manage chronic conditions like hypertension,
asthma, and diabetesby adjusting medications and
monitoring labs
• Supporting medication assisted therapy for opioid
use disorder
• And Maximizing efficiency in health systems by
utilizing all members of the care team at the
right level of care
These are all evidence-based models that pharmacists
in other states the federal system, and even around
the worldare already providing.
What's the Economic Value of Pharmacist-Provided Care?
Allowing pharmacists to do more doesn't just improve
accessit also saves money.
An economic evaluation of pharmacist-provided clinical
services found that for every $1.00 invested, there
was a return of $4.81 in healthcare savingsthrough
reduced hospitalizations, fewer complications, and
more efficient care delivery.
2:04:57 PM
MS. SEIGNEMARTIN continued with her testimony of SB 147:
In a recent Washington State study that Senator
Giessel referenced, comparing pharmacist care for
minor illnesses to traditional care sites showed that
pharmacy-based care cost $277 less per episodewith no
difference in patient outcomes or return visits. In
short: Better access, lower cost, same quality.
Additionally, I personally worked on this study and
heard firsthand from patients who were so grateful
that they didn't have to take time off work to get
care for a minor issue.
This is the kind of smart investment Alaska needs. SB
147 unlocks the value pharmacists already offer.
In Conclusion; Mr. Chair and Members of the committee,
SB 147 is a practical, evidence-based solution to some
of Alaska's biggest healthcare challenges.
I want to emphasize that this bill does not replace
other healthcare providersIt adds capacity to a
strained system by letting pharmacists do more of what
they are already trainedand trustedto do. It
leverages existing infrastructure, protects patient
safety through standard of care guardrails, and helps
address some of Alaska's most urgent healthcare access
challenges.
Our Association is deeply committed to improving
healthcare access in Alaska, and this legislation is a
critical step forward. On behalf of our members and
the patients we serve, the Alaska Pharmacy Association
respectfully urges your support of SB 147.
2:06:42 PM
JEN ADAMS, Professor, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, Idaho
State University (ISU), Meridian, Idaho, testified by invitation
on SB 147. She described Idaho's experience with allowing
pharmacists to provide care services, noting initial skepticism
that proved unfounded. Over nearly six years, Idaho has seen no
safety issues and significant improvements in access to care,
especially in rural areas. She said pharmacists now practice at
the top of their license, offering services such as flu testing
and treatment for minor conditions, providing convenient and
effective care without the need for a doctor's visit.
2:09:26 PM
MS. ADAMS continued with her testimony of SB 147 and read the
following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
National accreditation standards for the Doctor of
Pharmacy degree require all colleges and schools of
pharmacy to train practice-ready graduates who are
prepared with the skills to diagnose and prescribe
independently and provide patient-care services like
those included in Senate Bill 147. This ensures that
any Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from any program who
may eventually practice in Alaska will have the
necessary education, training, and clinical ability to
safely provide these services to Alaska's residents
not just those who graduate from ISU/UAA.
Aligning pharmacists' authorized patient care services
in Alaska with their education and training is a
critical workforce and healthcare access solution.
Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare
providers in the state, particularly in communities
with limited physician coverage. Authorizing
pharmacists to provide timely, evidence-based patient
care services will increase access to healthcare,
reduce burden on emergency departments, and improve
health outcomes across Alaska.
Our program is committed to graduating practice-ready
pharmacists who are prepared to serve their
communities at the highest level. Senate Bill 147 is
an essential step to ensuring that Alaska's regulatory
framework keeps pace with national educational
standards, best practices, and the successful models
we have seen implemented in other states like Idaho.
Thank you for your consideration of our strong support
for SB 147. We stand ready to serve as a resource and
to continue preparing future pharmacists who will help
meet Alaska's healthcare needs.
2:11:47 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked for clarification on the repealer in
Section 10, noting it relates to a change in Section 6 and
referencing AS 08.80.337(c), which concerns patient care
services under a statewide standing order from the Chief Medical
Officer.
2:12:49 PM
MS. SCHABER answered that the repealer in Section 10,
incorrectly cites AS 08.80.337(c). The repealer is needed
because Section 6, AS 08.80.37(d) clarifies that patient care
services include medical services such as prescribing and
administering drugs.
2:13:41 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether Section 5, AS 08.80.337(a)excludes
any practitioners from participating in collaborative
agreements.
2:13:59 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL replied that the only thing Section 5 excludes
is another fellow pharmacist. She said Ms. Schaber could to
elaborate on Section 5.
2:14:18 PM
MS. SCHABER answered that Senator Giessel was correct; the only
restriction is that the collaborating practitioner cannot be a
pharmacist but may be any other medical practitioner.
2:14:50 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL highlighted a study in the materials titled
"Expanding Access to Patient Care: Community Pharmacists for
Minor Illnesses in Washington State." Led by Brandy
Seignemartin, the study found that many emergency department
visits were avoidable through pharmacist interventions,
resulting in an estimated $18 billion in annual savings,
including $4 billion for urinary tract infection treatments
alone.
2:15:43 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 147 in committee.
2:15:50 PM
At ease.
SB 117-STATE COMMISSION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
2:18:06 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 117 "An Act renaming the State
Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for
Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska
State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the
Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the
definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State
Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights
commissions."
2:18:28 PM
JOE HAYES, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sponsor statement and
provided the sectional analysis for SB 117. He read the sponsor
statement for SB 117:
[Original punctuation provided.]
"An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights
the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating
to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State
Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from
the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating
to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of
the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and
relating to local civil rights commissions."
Senate Bill 117 provides an overhaul of the Alaska
State Commission on Human Rights (ASCHR, or
Commission) to reflect the work and duties of the 21st
century and beyond. The Commission consists of seven
commissioners appointed by the governor. Their mandate
is to adopt and enforce regulations related to
employment discrimination because of physical and
mental disabilities. A person aggrieved by an alleged
discriminatory practice may file a complaint with the
Commission. The Commission may investigate, hold
hearings, and potentially order appropriate relief.
However, in current law this protection does not
extend to workers at Alaska's many nonprofit
organizations. SB117 would change the name of the
State Commission for Human Rights to the Alaska State
Commission for Civil Rights. SB 117 adds a requirement
that the governor can only remove a commissioner for
cause.
2:19:40 PM
MR. HAYES continued reading the sponsor statement for SB
117:
Cause could include incompetence, neglect, misconduct,
or public or private statements that undermine the
commission's work. In current law, a commissioner can
be removed for any reason. SB 117 would change the
timing and method of the commission's annual report to
the legislature. Instead of the week before convening,
the report would be due on November 15. The report
could be delivered electronically instead of requiring
paper copies. SB 117 would add a defense against a
discrimination claim if the employer is a religious
organization and the employee is hired for a religious
purpose and modifies the definition of "employer" in
the ASCHR statutes to include these workers.
The new provisions in SB 117 will allow the commission
to perform to its highest potential and to fully
assist Alaskans from both the private and non-profit
sectors. As times change the need for a more robust
commission is in demand. SB 117 will give the
commission the leeway and latitude to fulfill its
mission.
2:20:56 PM
MR. HAYES read the sectional analysis for SB 117:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis
"An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights
the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating
to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State
Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from
the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating
to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of
the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and
relating to local civil rights commissions."
2:20:57 PM
MR. HAYES continued with the sectional analysis for SB 117:
Sec. 1 Changes the name of the Commission to the
Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights.
Sec. 2 Adds a new subsection to the statute governing
appointments to the commission, stipulating that the
governor can only remove a commissioner for cause.
Cause could include incompetence, neglect, misconduct,
or public or private statements that undermine the
commission's work.
Sec. 3 Changes the timing and method of the
commission's annual report to the legislature. Instead
of the week before convening, the report would be due
on November 15. Also, the report could be delivered
electronically instead of requiring paper copies.
Sec. 4 Adds a defense against a discrimination claim
if the employer is a religious organization and the
employee is hired for a religious purpose.
Sec. 5 Conforming language to the change in Sec. 1,
allowing municipal civil rights commissions.
Sec. 6 Conforming language to the change in Sec. 1, in
the definition of "commission" in the enabling
statutes.
Sec. 7 Changes the definition of "employer" in the
commission's enabling statutes to include all
employers except for nonprofit social and fraternal
organizations. The change broadens coverage to
employees of other nonprofit employers.
Sec. 8 Conforming language to the change in Sec. 1,
describing the role of the executive director.
Sec. 9 Conforming language to the change in Sec. 1,
describing referrals from the Select Committee on
Legislative Ethics to the commission.
Sec. 10 Conforming language to the change in Sec. 1,
regarding the list of public officials required to
make financial disclosures.
Sec. 11 Conforming language to the change in Sec. 1,
regarding applicability of the Administrative
Procedures Act.
2:23:12 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked whether the mandate addressing
employment discrimination based on physical and mental
disability also includes race and age.
2:23:31 PM
MR. HAYES replied that he believes it does.
2:23:50 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked about Section 4, AS 18.80.220(e)(1), noting
it appears broader than the traditional ministerial exception.
He expressed concern that, as written, it could allow religious
organizations to discriminate in any position regardless of
religious purpose, unlike prior practice or the narrower scope
established by the U.S. Supreme Court.
2:26:05 PM
MR. HAYES answered that he didn't know, however Executive
Director Corbisier could answer the question.
2:26:23 PM
MR. HAYES moved to slide 2 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Alaska State Commission on Human Rights
• State agency that enforces the Alaska civil
rights law in AS 18.80
• Seven commissioners appointed by the Governor and
confirmed by the Legislature
• Small staff and office in Anchorage
• Statewide powers to accept and investigate
complaints from individuals across all regions of
the state
Mission Statement:
To eliminate and prevent discrimination for all
Alaskans
In Alaska, it is illegal to discriminate in:
• Employment
• Places of Public Accommodation
• Sale or Rental of Real Property
• Financing and Credit
• Practices by the State or its Political
Subdivisions
Because of:
• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National Origin
• Disability
2:27:02 PM
MR. HAYES moved to slide 3 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Background: Current Jurisdiction
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) protects non-profit employees from
discrimination if the employer has at least 15
employees
• Municipal commissions, like the Anchorage Equal
Rights Commission (AERC) and the Juneau Human
Rights Commission (JHRC), cover non-profit
employees in those communities
• The State commission has no jurisdiction to
accept or pursue discrimination cases brought to
them by non-profit employees
(This is due to language in the definition of
"employer" in the ASHRC statutes, AS 18.80.300(5))
2:27:47 PM
MR. HAYES moved to slide 4, a bar graph on nonprofit workforce
and coverage. He stated that Alaska has 5,600 nonprofits
employing about 35,000 people, roughly 12 percent of the state's
workforce, none of whom are covered under the Alaska Non-
Discrimination Employment Statute.
2:28:09 PM
MR. HAYES moved to slide 5 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
ASCHR: Annual Report
For at least the past five years, the Alaska State
Commission for Human Rights (ASCHR) has stated that
one of their main legislative priorities is to:
"Work with the State Legislature to add non-profits to
ASCHR's jurisdiction in an effort to include
protections for 44,000 currently unprotected workers"
2:28:34 PM
MR. HAYES moved to slide 6 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
What does the bill do?
1. Changes definition of "employer" to include non-
profit organizations
• The change in HB23 only applies to the State
Commission for Human Rights [AS 18.80.300(5)]
• Retains exceptions for social and fraternal
organizations, and employees of religious
organizations hired for a religious purpose
2. Change name of the commission to the Alaska State
Commission for Civil Rights
3.New statute saying that the governor can only remove
a commissioner for cause (incompetence, neglect,
misconduct, etc.)
4.Change the timing of their annual report to November
15, and allow for it to be provided electronically
2:29:34 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked if he heard correctly that 12 percent of all
jobs in Alaska are direct employment of a non-profit.
2:29:44 PM
MR. HAYES answered yes.
[CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 117.]
2:30:21 PM
ROBERT CORBISIER, Executive Director, Alaska State Commission
for Human Rights, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on
SB 117. He said this applies to all protected classes and does
not change protections in any of the five jurisdictional areas.
2:30:47 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked if the physical attributes are broken
down in statute to specify race and age.
2:31:10 PM
MR. CORBISIER answered that the statute specifies physical and
mental disabilities and cites existing laws where these
protected classes apply.
2:31:21 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked whether state statutes break down
categories like the slide or simply list "physical" disability.
2:31:45 PM
MR. CORBISIER replied that in statute it says physical or mental
disability.
2:31:51 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON suggested that the statute should be broken
down to list all types of attributes.
2:32:12 PM
MR. CORBISIER explained that he drafted the language to address
Representative Josephson's past concern that a church janitor
should be able to file a discrimination claim. SB 117 clarifies
that only positions involving ecclesiastical services qualify
for exemption, determined by reviewing job descriptions used in
investigations.
2:33:33 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR referenced the Hosanna-Tabor (2012) and Our Lady
of Guadalupe (2020) Supreme Court cases, which expanded the
ministerial exception to teachers performing some religious
duties. He noted concern that these rulings allow religious
institutions to bypass discrimination laws, even for non-
religious roles. He used Providence Hospital as an example of a
religious nonprofit managed by a Catholic order of nuns. He
emphasized that Alaska's language should ensure the
ecclesiastical exception is narrowly applied to genuine
religious work and not so broad that it removes protections for
employees of religiously affiliated but non-religious
nonprofits.
2:36:42 PM
MR. CORBISIER agreed that organizations like soup kitchens with
a general religious mission, but no church affiliation, should
not be allowed to discriminate. He noted that while Providence
is a large religious nonprofit, only roles explicitly involving
religious duties, such as chapel staff, should qualify for a
religious exemption, not positions like physicians.
2:37:47 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR answered that he agrees.
2:37:54 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether churches should be allowed to
consider a job applicant's faith when hiring, noting that many
in the public might find restricting that ability unacceptable.
2:39:01 PM
MR. CORBISIER replied that the First Amendment and U.S. Supreme
Court precedents must be respected. He said the ministerial
exemption was written narrowly to protect legitimate religious
roles while ensuring broader employee protections. He shared
examples, such as church singers and teachers in parochial
schools, where faith-based hiring is permissible due to the
positions' ecclesiastical nature.
2:40:57 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR noted that most related court cases involve
discrimination based on disability or age claims, not religion.
He explained that while it's settled law that churches may hire
based on religion for ministerial roles, the more complex issue
is whether religious employers can discriminate based on race or
disability, areas typically protected under other laws like the
Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
2:42:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 117 in committee.
2:42:52 PM
At ease.
SB 159-TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROG: CONTRIBUTIONS
2:43:59 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act increasing
contributions to the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development for the State Training and Employment Program."
2:44:20 PM
LAURA ACHEE, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented a summary on SB 159 and
read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 159 was introduced at the request of the
Alaska Department of Labor to better address the need
for workforce development programs in Alaska.
The bill would redirect a portion of the taxes that
Alaska workers already pay into the state's
unemployment trust fund to funding for technical and
vocational education.
Alaska workers would not see any change in the taxes
they pay, and the unemployment insurance trust fund is
more than healthy enough to withstand lowering the
inflow of revenue.
2:45:28 PM
PALOMA HARBOUR, Director, Division of Employment and Training
Services, Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 159 and read
the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 159 would double the State Training and Employment
Program, or STEP, funding available to support
eligible training grants to prepare Alaskans for high-
demand high-wage occupations and help meet the need
for a trained Alaskan workforce.
In the current fiscal year, FY 2025 grant cycle, the
Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) received a
total of $11 million in STEP applications and was only
able to award $7.1 million. In addition, AWIB has seen
in applications that costs are going up across the
board for grantees, which means STEP dollars are not
going as far as they used to. With so many responsive
and important projects across the state, the FY2025
funding cycle resulted in some tough decisions and no
applicant receiving the full amount of funding
requested.
2:46:50 PM
MS. HARBOUR continued with her testimony of SB 159:
Also, in FY 2025, the Division of Employment and
Training Services (DETS) received a one-time State
Training and Employment Program appropriation of over
$1.3 million to support direct grants to individuals
to assist in the training of Alaskans. With this
increased funding we were able to grow STEP
enrollments by 75 percent year to date as compared to
this same timeframe last year.
With the increased STEP funding proposed in SB 159,
DETS could maintain this growth in training of
Alaskans.
2:47:57 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 159 in committee.
2:48:27 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:48 p.m.