Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/12/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| SB172 | |
| SB136 | |
| HB116 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 172 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 136 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 12, 2025
1:37 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
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
Tyler Andrews - Anchorage
Emily Hall - Anchorage
Jennifer Yuhas - Fairbanks
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Bradley Austin - Auke Bay
Mike Dennis - Wasilla
Randy Beltz - Anchorage
Sara Faulkner - Homer
Sarah LeFebvre - North Pole
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Doug Moore - Talkeetna
Jessica Pestrikoff - Anchorage
Shannon Thompson - Anchorage
Willie Canady - Anchorage
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Darcy Lucey - Wasilla
Holly Steiner - Palmer
Lori Lindsay - Soldotna
Staci Miller - Valdez
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Timothy Kanady - Anchorage
Board of Dental Examiners
Christina Hansen - Fairbanks
Kenley Michaud - Anchorage
Traci Elison - Wrangell
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Ethan Arndt - Anchorage
Sheryl Lentfer - Anchorage
Charles Rudstrom - Soldotna
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Shawnmarie Carpenter - Anchorage
Chantel Cohen - Anchorage
Board of Massage Therapists
Michelle Steiner -Kodiak
Board of Nursing
Cheryl Payne - Wasilla
Mariann Murray - Chugiak
Board of Pharmacy
Dylan Sanders - Anchorage
Julie McDonald - Craig
Board of Professional Counselors
Mary Elkins - Anchorage
Crystal Herring - Anchorage
Ashley Martin - Anchorage
Carrie-Elaine Border - Anchorage
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Lorin Bradbury - Bethel
Board of Public Accountancy
Donovan Neal - Juneau
Rachel Hanks - Fairbanks
James Doughty - Anchorage
Marijuana Control Board
Bruck Clift - Palmer
Lacy Wilcox - Juneau
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
Isaac Diboue - Anchorage
Ryan Sharratt - Kodiak
Zachery Schasteen - Dutch Harbor
Real Estate Commission
Elizabeth Schok - Fairbanks
Jimi Cash - Fairbanks
Susan Wilcox - Soldotna
Traci Heaton - Juneau
Yolanda Logan - Anchorage
State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers,
and Land Surveyors
Edward Leonetti - Anchorage
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board
Victoria Daugherty - Douglas
Jonathan Gates - Kenai
Valeria Phelps - Anchorage
Board of Veterinary Examiners
Robert Gerlach - Chugiak
Sarah Johnson - Chugiak
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
William McKean - Palmer
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
SENATE BILL NO. 172
"An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating
to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an
occupational therapist licensure compact."
- MOVED SB 172 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 136
"An Act relating to the privacy of firearm transactions;
relating to discrimination against firearm retailers by
financial institutions and payment networks; relating to the
disclosure of financial records by financial institutions and
payment networks; and amending Rules 65 and 82, Alaska Rules of
Civil Procedure."
- MOVED SB 136 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 116
"An Act exempting from insurance regulation cooperative
agreements entered into by two or more persons engaged in
commercial fishing for the purpose of paying claims or losses."
- MOVED HB 116 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 172
SHORT TITLE: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE
04/14/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/14/25 (S) L&C, FIN
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/09/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/09/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/12/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 136
SHORT TITLE: FIREARM FINANCIAL PRIVACY
SPONSOR(s): CRONK
03/19/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/19/25 (S) L&C, JUD
04/14/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/14/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/14/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/02/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/02/25 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
05/12/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 116
SHORT TITLE: COMMERCIAL FISHING INSURANCE CO-OP
SPONSOR(s): FISHERIES BY REQUEST OF TASK FORCE EVAL ALASKA
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
02/26/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/26/25 (H) FSH, L&C
03/01/25 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/01/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/04/25 (H) FSH AT 10:30 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/04/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/04/25 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/06/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/06/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/11/25 (H) FSH RPT 6DP 1NR
03/11/25 (H) DP: VANCE, KOPP, EDGMON, HIMSCHOOT,
ELAM, STUTES
03/11/25 (H) NR: MCCABE
03/11/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/11/25 (H) Moved HB 116 Out of Committee
03/11/25 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/13/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/13/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/21/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/21/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/24/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/24/25 (H) Moved HB 116 Out of Committee
03/24/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/26/25 (H) L&C RPT 5DP 1NR
03/26/25 (H) DP: CARRICK, COULOMBE, BURKE, FIELDS,
HALL
03/26/25 (H) NR: NELSON
04/25/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/25/25 (H) VERSION: HB 116
04/28/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/28/25 (S) L&C
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/09/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/09/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/12/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Reviewed the names of the governor
appointees.
MATT CHURCHILL, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief summary and read the
sectional analysis for SB 172.
SYLVAN ROBB, Director
Corporation, Business, and Professional Licensing (CBPL)
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question on SB 172.
GLENN SAVIERS, Deputy Director
Corporation, Business, and Professional Licensing (CBPL)
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question on SB 172.
BRIANNE OSWALD, President
Alaska Occupational Therapy Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 172.
KATIE JOHNSON, Vice President
Alaska Occupational Therapy Association
Ninilchik, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 172.
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 136.
PAUL MENKE, Staff
Senator Mike Cronk
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question on SB 136.
MATT GRUENING, Staff
Representative Louise Stutes
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief summary of HB 116.
LORI WING-HEIER, Director
Division of Insurance
Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question on HB 116.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:37:03 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:37 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, Yundt and Chair
Bjorkman. Senator Merrick arrived thereafter.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Board of Dental Examiners
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Board of Massage Therapists
Board of Massage Therapists
Board of Nursing
Board of Pharmacy
Board of Pharmacy
Board of Professional Counselors
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Board of Public Accountancy
Marijuana Control Board
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
Real Estate Commission
State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board
Board of Veterinary Examiners
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
1:38:02 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of the Governor's
appointees to boards and commissions that were referred to the
Labor and Commerce Committee.
1:39:21 PM
At ease.
1:39:51 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting.
1:39:54 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion.
1:39:55 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved that the appointees named to the
boards and commissions below be advanced to a joint session of
the legislature for consideration.
1:40:11 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
1:40:23 PM
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, reviewed the names of the governor
appointees.
1:45:19 PM
SENATOR MERRICK joined the meeting.
1:45:26 PM
At ease.
1:46:47 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting.
1:47:03 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection.
1:47:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on confirmations; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
1:47:50 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee reviewed the
following and recommends the appointments be advanced to a joint
session for consideration:
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
Tyler Andrews - Anchorage
Emily Hall - Anchorage
Jennifer Yuhas - Fairbanks
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Bradley Austin - Auke Bay
Mike Dennis - Wasilla
Randy Beltz - Anchorage
Sara Faulkner - Homer
Sarah LeFebvre - North Pole
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Doug Moore - Talkeetna
Jessica Pestrikoff - Anchorage
Shannon Thompson - Anchorage
Willie Canady - Anchorage
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Darcy Lucey - Wasilla
Holly Steiner - Palmer
Lori Lindsay - Soldotna
Staci Miller - Valdez
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Timothy Kanady - Anchorage
Board of Dental Examiners
Christina Hansen - Fairbanks
Kenley Michaud - Anchorage
Traci Elison - Wrangell
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Ethan Arndt - Anchorage
Sheryl Lentfer - Anchorage
Charles Rudstrom - Soldotna
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Shawnmarie Carpenter - Anchorage
Chantel Cohen - Anchorage
Board of Massage Therapists
Michelle Steiner -Kodiak
Board of Nursing
Cheryl Payne - Wasilla
Mariann Murray - Chugiak
Board of Pharmacy
Dylan Sanders - Anchorage
Julie McDonald - Craig
Board of Professional Counselors
Mary Elkins - Anchorage
Crystal Herring - Anchorage
Ashley Martin - Anchorage
Carrie-Elaine Border - Anchorage
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Lorin Bradbury - Bethel
Board of Public Accountancy
Donovan Neal - Juneau
Rachel Hanks - Fairbanks
James Doughty - Anchorage
Marijuana Control Board
Bruck Clift - Palmer
Lacy Wilcox - Juneau
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
Isaac Diboue - Anchorage
Ryan Sharratt - Kodiak
Zachery Schasteen - Dutch Harbor
Real Estate Commission
Elizabeth Schok - Fairbanks
Jimi Cash - Fairbanks
Susan Wilcox - Soldotna
Traci Heaton - Juneau
Yolanda Logan - Anchorage
State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors
Edward Leonetti - Anchorage
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board
Victoria Daugherty - Douglas
Jonathan Gates - Kenai
Valeria Phelps - Anchorage
Board of Veterinary Examiners
Robert Gerlach - Chugiak
Sarah Johnson - Chugiak
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
William McKean - Palmer
CHAIR BJORKMAN reminded members that signing the report(s)
regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no way
reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the
appointees; the nominations are merely advanced to the full
legislature for confirmation or rejection.
SB 172-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
1:48:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
172 "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure;
relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and
relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact."
1:48:26 PM
MATT CHURCHILL, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a brief summary and read
the sectional analysis for SB 172:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 172 enacts the interstate Occupational
Therapy Licensure Compact. Enactment of the compact
will alleviate the shortage of occupational therapists
in Alaska and enhance the state's ability to protect
the public's health and safety.
Enactment of the Compact will draw more occupational
therapists to live and work in our state and thus
improve access to physical therapy for thousands of
Alaskans.
1:49:18 PM
MR. CHURCHILL read the sectional analysis for SB 172:
[Original punctuation provided.]
This is a summary only. Note that this summary should
not be considered an authoritative interpretation of
the bill and the bill itself is the best statement of
its contents. Section 1: Amends AS 08.84.010(b) by
adding implementation of the Occupational Therapy
Licensure Compact to the duties of the State Physical
Therapy and State Occupational Therapy Board. Section
2: Amends AS 08.84.150(b) by adding compact privilege
as a possible prerequisite for providing occupational
therapy. Section 3: Amends AS 08.84 by adding a new
article: Article 3A. Occupational Therapy Licensure
Compact. Section 1: "Purpose" Outlines purposes of
Compact. Section 2: "Definitions" Defines terms
referenced throughout the Compact and limits the scope
of the definitions to the Compact. Examples of defined
terms include "Active Duty Military," "Compact
Privilege," "Member State," and "Occupational
Therapy." Section 3: "State Participation in the
Compact" Establishes requirements for States
participating in the Compact. Section 4: "Compact
Privilege" Establishes requirements for Licensees
using compact privileges. Section 5: "Obtaining a New
Home State License by Virtue of Compact Privilege"
Outlines procedure for obtaining a new home state
license if an Occupational Therapists' primary state
of residence changes.
Section 6: "Active Duty Military Personnel or Their
Spouses" Provides flexibility for Active Duty Military
personnel or their spouses to designate a home state
and retain that state license for the duration of
active duty.
1:51:01 PM
MR. CHURCHILL continued with the sectional analysis:
Section 7: "Adverse Actions" Protects the unique right
of a licensee's home state to take adverse action
against a home state license. Protects the right of
remote states to take adverse action against a
licensee's compact privilege. Establishes a mechanism
for joint investigations and subpoenas between member
states and requires disclosure of adverse actions to
the shared data system.
Section 8: "Establishment of the Occupational Therapy
Compact Commission" Establishes the Occupational
Therapy Compact Commission. Outlines commission
membership, for establishment, executive committee,
financing, and requirement for public meetings.
Section 9: "Data System" Describes Member State
obligations for participation in the shared data
system.
Section 10: "Rulemaking" Sets terms for rulemaking;
rules established by the Commission carry the force of
law in member states.
Section 11: "Oversight, Dispute Resolution, and
Enforcement" Establishes process for ensuring Member
State compliance with the Compact.
Section 12: "Date of Implementation of the Interstate
Commission for Occupational Therapy Practice and
Associated Rules, Withdrawal, and Amendment" Describes
effective date of Compact, sets terms for joining,
withdrawing from, and amending the Compact.
Section 13: "Construction and Severability" Declares
that the Compact shall be liberally construed to
effectuate its purposes, and notes that the Compact's
provisions are severable.
Section 14: "Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws"
The Compact is binding upon member states and
supersedes conflict with member state laws to the
extent of the conflict.
1:53:10 PM
SENATOR MERRICK asked how SB 172 is different from the physical
therapist and occupational therapist compact that passed last
year.
1:53:27 PM
SYLVAN ROBB, Director, Corporation, Business, and Professional
Licensing (CBPL), Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED), Juneau, Alaska, answered a question on SB
172. She stated that the compacts are structurally similar, with
the practice privilege allowing professionals to work in another
state. The main difference is that SB 172 requires OTs to
complete fingerprinting requirements before they are given the
compact privilege of working in another state.
1:54:55 PM
GLENN SAVIERS, Deputy Director, Corporation, Business, and
Professional Licensing (CBPL), Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development (DCCED), Juneau, Alaska, answered a
question on SB 172. She stated that the main change between SB
172 and the bill passed last year is that applicants who did not
complete a background check when initially licensed in their
home state are no longer grandfathered in. She explained that
these applicants must now obtain a background check before
receiving a compact privilege in another state.
1:55:25 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 172.
1:55:44 PM
BRIANNE OSWALD, President, Alaska Occupational Therapy
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 172.
She said the Alaska Occupational Therapy Association represents
over 170 occupational therapists and assistants working in
hospitals, schools, and community clinics. SB 172 will reduce
licensing bureaucracy and improve access to care for Alaskans.
1:56:25 PM
KATIE JOHNSON, Vice President, Alaska Occupational Therapy
Association, Ninilchik, Alaska, testified in support of SB 172.
She stated her belief that the bill could reduce barriers to
providing occupational therapy services. She said in rural areas
patients wait over a year for occupational therapy services.
1:57:03 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 172.
1:57:16 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
1:57:18 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SB 172, work order 34-LS0772\N,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
1:57:33 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 172 was reported from
the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
1:57:46 PM
At ease.
SB 136-FIREARM FINANCIAL PRIVACY
2:00:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 136 "An Act relating to the
privacy of firearm transactions; relating to discrimination
against firearm retailers by financial institutions and payment
networks; relating to the disclosure of financial records by
financial institutions and payment networks; and amending Rules
65 and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure."
2:00:31 PM
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as the sponsor of SB 136 he said the bill
addresses firearm transaction privacy, prohibits financial
institutions and payment networks from discriminating against
firearm retailers, regulates financial record disclosures, and
amends Rules 65 and 82 of the Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure.
2:01:20 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON referred to page 4, line 15, "...a person
may not knowingly keep or cause to be kept a list, record, or
registry of privately owned firearms or owners of privately
owned firearms." She asked whether SB 136 could prevent
individuals from storing firearms for legitimate reasons.
2:01:50 PM
PAUL MENKE, Staff, Senator Mike Cronk, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, answered a question on SB 136. He referenced
line 14-15, " ...otherwise required by law..." and line 17-19,
"This subsection does not apply to an owner of a privately owned
firearm who keeps or causes to be kept a list, record, or
registry of the owner's own firearms." SB 136 wouldn't prevent
someone from transferring a firearm to a licensed dealer or
police department. Federal law requires dealers to record all
firearms they receive, including those stored temporarily. For
example, the University of Alaska allows firearm storage at its
police department, with owners signing the required paperwork.
However, additional bill language could clarify this point if
needed.
2:03:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 136; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
2:04:08 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:04:11 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SB 136, work order 34-LS0715\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
2:04:26 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 136 was reported from
the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
2:04:37 PM
At ease.
HB 116-COMMERCIAL FISHING INSURANCE CO-OP
2:06:35 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 116 "An Act exempting from
insurance regulation cooperative agreements entered into by two
or more persons engaged in commercial fishing for the purpose of
paying claims or losses."
2:07:04 PM
MATT GRUENING, Staff, Representative Louise Stutes, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a brief summary of HB 116.
He stated that, following recommendations from the Joint
Legislative Task Force on Alaska's seafood industry, HB 116
would let commercial fishermen form cooperative insurance
agreements for vessel liability or damage without regulation
under AS 21. Currently, three similar pools operate through a
Washington-based organization. Together the three insurance
pools insure about 840 Alaska vessels. With rising premiums and
limited coverage options, HB 116 aims to lower costs and improve
insurance access for Alaska's aging fishing fleet at no cost to
the state.
2:08:37 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on HB 116; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
2:08:58 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked for an explanation of the practical
differences for these cooperatives if HB 116 passes compared to
the current system.
2:09:31 PM
MR. GRUENING replied that these cooperatives would no longer be
regulated under AS 21, meaning no minimum capital requirements,
no coverage by the Alaska Guarantee Policy, and no departmental
audits. The cooperatives would operate as self-governing,
member-owned cooperatives. He said the main change is that HB
116 would allow Alaska based organizations to legally form their
own insurance pools instead of relying on out-of-state ones.
2:11:30 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked if HB 116 legitimizes existing practices or
is expected to create new insurance pools and are there any
potential negative effects from the division giving up
regulatory authority in this area.
2:11:55 PM
LORI WING-HEIER, Director, Division of Insurance, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Juneau,
Alaska, answered a question on HB 116. She answered that the
governing board is expected to self-regulate, following the
successful model of the Prince William Sound purse seiners. Each
cooperative should determine its coverage limits and rates to
remain solvent. Most vessels aren't covered by Alaska's
Guarantee Association since they're insured through London. She
said complaints would likely be handled internally by the
cooperative's executive director and board, with the expectation
of similar success to the Seattle-area pools.
2:13:15 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:13:17 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report HB 116, work order 34-LS0616\I,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
2:13:33 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and HB 116 was reported from
the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
2:14:11 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:14 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB136 Legal Memo-Response to member questions 04.17.2025.pdf |
SL&C 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 136 |
| 2025 Memo to Senate Secretary re Gov's Appointees 05.12.25.pdf |
SL&C 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees-SLAC |