Legislature(2001 - 2002)
05/08/2002 09:31 AM Senate RLS
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE
May 8, 2002
9:31 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Randy Phillips, Chair
Senator John Cowdery, Vice Chair
Senator Gene Therriault
Senator Johnny Ellis
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Rick Halford
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 252
"An Act renaming the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council as
the Alaska Workforce Investment Board and relating to its
membership; repealing the termination date of the state training
and employment program; relating to employment and training
activities; and providing for an effective date."
SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 355
"An Act establishing an account in the general fund to receive
general gifts, donations, and bequests to the State of Alaska."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
SENATE BILL NO. 371
"An Act exempting the use of munitions in certain areas from a
waste disposal permit requirement of the Department of
Environmental Conservation."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 4(FIN) am
"An Act relating to motor vehicles and to operating a motor
vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft; and providing for an effective
date."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 32(JUD) am
"An Act relating to the forfeiture of property used to possess or
distribute child pornography, to commit indecent viewing or
photography, to commit a sex offense, or to solicit the
commission of, attempt to commit, or conspire to commit
possession or distribution of child pornography, indecent viewing
or photography, or a sexual offense."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 225(FIN) am
"An Act relating to state taxation of alcoholic beverages; and
increasing the alcoholic beverage state tax rates."
ADOPTED A SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE AND APPROVED FOR
CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 274(L&C)
"An Act relating to the qualification of a physician used for an
employer's independent medical examination and to the authority
of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board to provide an expedited
hearing when an employee needs medical treatment; and providing
for an effective date."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 37
Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of
the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 274,
relating to workers' compensation.
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 286(RES) am
"An Act allowing a person to hold two commercial fishing entry
permits for a salmon fishery for the purpose of consolidating the
fishing fleet for a salmon fishery; relating to salmon fishery
associations and to salmon fishery assessments; and providing for
an effective date."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 344(STA)
"An Act increasing fees for driver's licenses, instruction
permits, and identification cards; and providing for an effective
date."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 397(STA)
"An Act exempting a person driving certain motor vehicles,
aircraft, or watercraft from driver licensing requirements; and
providing for an effective date."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 421(RES)(title am)
"An Act relating to requiring the Department of Natural Resources
to develop and maintain a standardized procedure for processing
applications and issuing permits, authorizations, and
certifications under the Alaska Water Use Act and to make a
record of those items and amendments and orders affecting them
available on the Internet."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 504(FIN) am
"An Act relating to the wages of people working in the fisheries
business."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 515(FIN) am
"An Act relating to missions and measures to be applied to
certain expenditures by the executive branch of state government
and the University of Alaska and by the judicial branch of state
government from the state operating budget for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2003; and providing for an effective date."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
SENATE BILL NO. 371
"An Act exempting the use of munitions in certain areas from a
waste disposal permit requirement of the Department of
Environmental Conservation."
APPROVED FOR CALENDARING
HOUSE BILL NO. 262
"An Act relating to accounting for and appropriations of receipts
from fees collected by the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development for certain inspections and for certain plumbing and
electrical worker certificates of fitness; establishing a
building safety account; and providing for an effective date."
ADOPTED A SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE AND APPROVED FOR
CALENDARING
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 225(FIN) am
"An Act relating to state taxation of alcoholic beverages; and
increasing the alcoholic beverage state tax rates."
ADOPTED A SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE AND APPROVED FOR
CALENDARING
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 252(RLS)
"An Act renaming the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council as
the Alaska Workforce Investment Board and relating to its
membership; relating to repayment on promissory notes for work-
related items paid for by grant programs; extending the
termination date of the state training and employment program;
relating to employment and training activities; and providing for
an effective date."
HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
SB 355 - See State Affairs minutes dated 4/11/02 and Finance
Report dated 4/30/02.
SB 371 - See Resources minutes dated 5/3/02.
HB 4 - See Judiciary minutes dated 5/5/01 and Finance Report
dated 5/6/02.
HB 32 - See Judiciary minutes dated 4/20/01 and 4/23/01 and
Finance Report dated 5/7/02.
HB 274 - See Labor and Commerce minutes dated 3/14/02 and 5/4/02.
HB 286 - See Resources minutes dated 4/8/02 and 4/24/02 and
Judiciary minutes dated 5/3/02.
HB 344 - See State Affairs minutes dated 4/23/02 and Finance
Report dated 5/1/02.
HB 397 - See Transportation minutes dated 4/16/02 and 4/30/02.
HB 421 - See Resources minutes dated 4/12/02 and Finance Report
dated 5/3/02.
HB 504 - See Labor and Commerce minutes dated 4/25/02 and Finance
Report dated 5/1/02.
HB 515 - See Finance Report dated 5/1/02.
SB 252 - See Labor and Commerce minutes dated 2/14/02, 4/18/02
and 4/25/02 and Finance Report dated 5/6/02.
SB 371 - See Resources minutes dated 5/3/02.
HB 262 - See Labor and Commerce minutes dated 3/21/02, State
Affairs minutes dated 4/2/02 and Finance Report dated 4/18/02.
HB 225 - No previous committee action.
WITNESS REGISTER
Representative Joe Hayes
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 32
Linda Sylvester
Staff to Representative Kott
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of the sponsor of HB 344
Representative Vic Kohring
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Opposed amending CSHB 397(STA)
Commissioner Ed Flanagan
Department of Labor & Workforce
Development
PO Box 21149
Juneau, AK 99802-1149
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 252 on behalf of the
Administration
Jerry Burnett
Staff to Senator Green
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of the sponsor of SB 355
Representative Lisa Murkowski
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 262
Annette Kreitzer
Staff to Senator Leman
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about SCS CSHB 262(RLS)
Nancy Slagle
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities
3132 Channel Dr.
Juneau, AK 99801-7898
POSITION STATEMENT: Explained and supported amendments to HB 262
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 02-12, SIDE A
Number 001
CHAIRMAN RANDY PHILLIPS called the Senate Rules Committee meeting
to order at 9:31 a.m. Senators Ellis, Therriault and Phillips
were present. He announced that SB 252, HB 225 and HB 262 will be
placed at the bottom of the calendar because amendments have been
proposed to those pieces of legislation.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved to calendar SB 355-LET ME HELP ACCOUNT
and its zero fiscal note at the Chairman's discretion.
SENATOR ELLIS objected and asked for an explanation of the bill.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS noted that he would put SB 355 on the bottom of
the calendar.
SENATOR ELLIS asked for a brief explanation of SB 371-WASTE
PERMIT & COASTAL ZONE EXEMPTIONS.
SENATOR THERRIAULT explained:
This came from a proposed amendment to the [indisc.]
office - the general permit bill. There's litigation
currently that alleges that the state agencies are
misinterpreting the solid waste disposal permit
statutes. The court case asked the court to interpret
the statutes to require a solid waste permit for the
operations of a bombing or firing range so this
[indisc.] basically just enshrines the current and past
administrative interpretation of the solid waste
permit. It clarifies that it's not needed on an active
range - active bombing or firing range.
SENATOR ELLIS asked if enacted, the bill will play into an
ongoing court case.
SENATOR THERRIAULT replied it would by enshrining the current and
longstanding interpretation of our statutes.
SENATOR ELLIS said he would prefer to let the case run its course
before the legislature weighs in.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS asked Senator Ellis if he would oppose
calendaring the bill.
SENATOR ELLIS said he would.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that SB 371 would be placed at the
bottom of the calendar.
The committee took up CSHB 4(FIN)am - DRUNK DRIVING & MOTOR
VEHICLES/BOATS/PLANE.
SENATOR ELLIS moved to calendar CSHB 4(FIN)am and its
accompanying fiscal notes at the Chairman's discretion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, the motion
carried.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that CSHB 32(JUD)am - SEX CRIME AND
PORNOGRAPHY FORFEITURES was before the committee.
SENATOR ELLIS moved to calendar CSHB 32(JUD)am.
SENATOR THERRIAULT said he has received conflicting information
from the court system and police departments as to whether this
legislation is needed. He was told the computers can be seized
and have been in certain circumstances. He asked to hear from a
representative of the prime sponsor's office.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that he would hold the bill but noted
that he has provided 48 hours of notice on the bills on today's
calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES arrived so the committee continued its
discussion of CSHB 32(JUD)am.
SENATOR THERRIAULT again explained the conflicting positions he
has received on this bill and asked what this bill will change
and what was wrong with the discretionary system used by the
court system. He advised that he does not want to create a
situation in which police departments seize equipment because
they want the latest model computers from businesses.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES said that issue was brought up in the House
and intent language was placed in the bill to specifically
address it. Equipment will be seized only from the person who
actually committed the crime and is convicted. Nothing will be
seized from a business; the equipment must be personal.
SENATOR THERRIAULT asked how that would apply to computer
equipment in a household - whether the person convicted owns it
or the person's spouse.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES said that would depend on whoever purchased
the equipment.
SENATOR THERRIAULT asked whether the court would make that
finding. He questioned what would happen if he bought the
computer but his wife paid the credit card bill.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES said in that situation, he would assume the
police would have to make a determination about who the computer
belongs to and who committed the crime.
SENATOR THERRIAULT said he plans to approve this bill for
calendaring but he has heard on the federal level about police
seizing cars in drug busts because they want the cars for
undercover work. He does not want to create a similar situation.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES said that since this bill was introduced
last year, there have been 14 cases of child pornography or
soliciting sex from minors in Alaska. He just talked to the FBI,
which has just completed a huge national operation in which it
found 90 people involved in a child pornography network. The FBI
will be sending a letter today in support of this bill. He told
Senator Therriault that if the problem with his comfort level is
with police departments seizing equipment, he is not averse to
including schools.
SENATOR ELLIS moved to calendar CSHB 32(JUD)am and its
accompanying fiscal notes at the Chairman's discretion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved to calendar CSHB 274(L&C) - WORKERS'
COMP: HEARING/MEDICAL EXAM and its accompanying zero fiscal note.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS noted that without objection, the motion
carried.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that SCR 37-SUSPEND UNIFORM RULES FOR
HB 274 will need to accompany HB 274.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved to calendar SCR 37 at the Chairman's
discretion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that without objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar CSHB 286(RES)am-FISHING
PERMITS/ASSOCIATIONS/ASSESSMENTS with its accompanying fiscal
note at the Chairman's discretion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that without objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar CSHB 344(STA)-INCREASE DRIVER'S
LICENSE/PERMIT FEES with its accompanying fiscal notes at the
Chairman's discretion.
TAPE 02-12, SIDE B
SENATOR ELLIS asked for an explanation of CSHB 344(STA).
MS. LINDA SYLVESTER, staff to Representative Kott, told members
that HB 344 increases driver's license fees for the first time
since 1993. The Department of Administration submitted a fiscal
note with a cost of $500,000. That money will be used to convert
the Division of Motor Vehicles' Polaroid manual photography
system to a digital one. That change will bring Alaska up to the
national security standards encouraged the federal government.
Alaska is the last state to use the Polaroid system.
SENATOR COWDERY asked if a driver's license will contain more
information if the bill passes.
MS. SYLVESTER said it merely puts the information into a new
format. The information on current drivers' licenses is mandated
by statute. HB 344 eliminates the need for a social security
number on the driver's license. The driver's license will contain
a bar code, which a policeman can scan. In addition, drivers'
licenses for minors will be made using a landscape rather than a
portrait format for easy identification.
SENATOR COWDERY asked if the airlines will have the same ability
to scan a driver's license for identification.
MS. SYLVESTER said that possibility has not come up in testimony.
However, if one loses a license while traveling, the division can
replace the license using the original digital photo. Right now,
the division can issue a temporary replacement but cannot
transmit the photograph.
SENATOR COWDERY repeated his motion to calendar CSHB 344(STA).
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that without objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar CSHB 397(STA)- EXEMPTIONS FROM
DRIVER'S LICENSING and its three accompanying fiscal notes at the
Chairman's discretion.
SENATOR ELLIS said it was his understanding that this bill was
held up for further amending.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS said it is the policy of the Chairman, if the
sponsor objects to the amendments, to let the bill go to the
floor where amendments can be offered.
SENATOR THERRIAULT said he was considering offering an amendment.
He told Representative Kohring, sponsor of HB 397, that he is
personally torn on this bill because as a child he delivered
newspapers via snowmachine in the winter. However, his
snowmachine wasn't a fuel-injected rocket on skis. HB 397 removes
any kind of requirement for operation of a snow machine. He said
he is concerned about 12 and 13 year olds driving machines that
weight thousands of pounds that travel at 70 and 80 miles per
hour. He asked what should be done about when parents allow their
children to use those machines recklessly.
REPRESENTATIVE KOHRING said that violating property rights or
reckless endangerment is more of an enforcement issue and that
law enforcement officers will have to be attentive to that. HB
397 simply eliminates the need for a driver's license. He does
not see how getting a driver's license, which proves competency
to drive a car on a city street, as being germane to driving a
snowmachine out in the woods. He suggested the legislature look
at legislation in the future that deals with safety issues,
similar to Representative Hudson's bill on boating safety. He
noted the Alaska Snowmobile Representatives' Alliance is
suggesting something along that line be done in state regulations
and certification.
SENATOR COWDERY said the question of what to do with a 13 year
old who gets on a missile was raised in the Senate Transportation
Committee. He said the same issue occurs when a 13 year old gets
in a parent's car. He said he believes it is the parents'
responsibility to see that doesn't happen. He pointed out that
this [amendment] could affect battery operated four wheelers for
toddlers.
SENATOR ELLIS said he believes CSHB 397(STA) is an incomplete
package. He hears from the medical professionals who deal with
the "kids on the missiles" with traumatic head injuries. He
stated he wishes there was an effort to address some of the
safety concerns in this bill. He added that the boating safety
legislation took almost 20 years to pass and it applied primarily
to adults. He hopes the sponsor will give more consideration to
minimal safety requirements.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS said he shares Senator Ellis's concerns and
that two or three amendments will be proposed on the Senate
floor.
SENATOR ELLIS noted objection to Senator Cowdery's motion to
calendar CSHB 397(STA).
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that the motion to calendar HB 397
carried with Senators Therriault, Cowdery and Phillips in favor
and Senator Ellis opposed.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar CSHB 421(RES)(title am)-WATER
USE ACT PROCEDURES & RECORDS at the Chairman's discretion with
its attached fiscal notes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar CSHB 504(FIN)am - WAGES FOR
WORKERS IN FISHERIES at the Chairman's discretion.
SENATOR ELLIS objected.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced the motion carried with Senators
Therriault, Cowdery and Phillips in favor and Senator Ellis
opposed.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS asked if members had any questions about CSHB
515(FIN)am - OPERATING BUDGET MISSIONS AND MEASURES.
SENATOR ELLIS asked if HB 515 was sponsored by the House Finance
Committee.
SENATOR THERRIAULT said he believes it is a committee bill. He
then moved to approve for calendaring CSHB 515(FIN) am with its
zero fiscal note at the Chairman's discretion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, the motion
carried.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS indicated that Senator Ellis had a proposed
amendment to SB 252-EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM/BOARD.
SENATOR ELLIS moved to adopt Amendment 1. He said Amendment 1 is
a technical amendment and that a representative from the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development was available to
answer questions.
SENATOR COWDERY objected.
COMMISSIONER ED FLANAGAN, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development (DOLWD), told members that Amendment 1 is technical.
An amendment was adopted by the Senate Finance Committee that
pertained to the percentage available for administrative costs:
rather than 15 percent of the total amount, it would be based on
20 percent of the amount actually expended in the prior year.
That amendment changed language on page 16, line 29. Senator
Ellis's amendment merely corrects an earlier reference on page 9
to make it consistent with the Senate Finance Committee
amendment.
SENATOR COWDERY removed his objection.
SENATOR THERRIAULT asked if Amendment 1 will make the language
consistent throughout that the administrative costs are based on
20 percent of prior year expenditures.
COMMISSIONER FLANAGAN said that is correct.
SENATOR THERRIAULT asked if the legislative auditor agrees that
the two references need to be the same.
COMMISSIONER FLANAGAN said he could not speak for the legislative
auditor.
SENATOR THERRIAULT said he believes Amendment 1 is appropriate.
COMMISSIONER FLANAGAN clarified that Amendment 1 makes the change
in two places: page 9 and page 21.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS noted that with no further objection, Amendment
1 was adopted.
SENATOR ELLIS moved to calendar SB 252-EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
PROGRAM/BOARD with its accompanying fiscal notes at the
Chairman's discretion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar SB 355-LET ME HELP ACCOUNT and
its zero fiscal note at the Chairman's discretion.
SENATOR ELLIS objected for the purpose of an explanation.
MR. JERRY BURNETT, staff to Senator Lyda Green, sponsor of SB
355, explained that SB 355 provides people with an opportunity to
contribute to the state to close the fiscal gap. SB 355 was
inspired by Governor Huckabee's "Tax Me More Fund" in Arkansas.
SENATOR ELLIS asked if SB 355 is a serious effort.
MR. BURNETT said it is.
SENATOR COWDERY asked if the program in Arkansas was successful.
MR. BURNETT said, to his understanding, it has not been
successful. Although the residents were asking for taxes, they
were not willing to contribute voluntarily. It has only raised
about $4,000.
SENATOR THERRIAULT asked if the "Let Me Help Account" allows
people to designate to specific government programs.
MR. BURNETT said SB 355 does not speak to designation but it
could be used for that purpose.
SENATOR THERRIAULT read, "... for which no specific purpose is
stated shall be deposited into the account," and asked how a
contribution to a particular program will be handled.
MR. BURNETT said that it is his understanding that the
contribution will go to that particular program. He added that
donations will be tax deductible on federal income taxes if a
person itemizes.
SENATOR ELLIS noted it is expensive for a bill to travel through
the legislative process and that the cost of this bill may exceed
the amount it collects. He pointed out that Senator Leman
proposed legislation that pertains to assignment of permanent
fund dividends for charitable donations. He commended that
legislation to the Chairman.
SENATOR COWDERY repeated his motion to calendar SB 355.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that without objection, SB 355 would
be calendared.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved to calendar SB 371-WASTE PERMIT &
COASTAL ZONE EXEMPTIONS and its zero fiscal notes at the
Chairman's discretion.
SENATOR ELLIS objected.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that the motion carried with Senators
Therriault, Cowdery and Phillips in favor and Senator Ellis
opposed.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that the committee would again take
up HB 262-STATE PROGRAM RECEIPTS/ BLDG.SAFETY ACCT. and that
members adopted version P but Version O was now under
consideration.
REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI, sponsor of HB 262, told members,
"I'm okay with it Mr. Chair, quite honestly, doing the laundry
list to make it add up rather than the more generic paragraph
..."
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS asked if she has any objections to Version O.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said she does not.
MS. ANNETTE KREITZER, staff to Senator Leman and testifying on
behalf of the Senate Finance Committee, informed members that two
amendments to HB 262 have been proposed. The first is a request
from the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOTPF) and pertains to passenger facility charges. It will allow
DOTPF, as recommended by the Division of Legislative Budget and
Audit, to account for the passenger facility charges separately
as the FAA requires. She said it is her understanding that the
Finance Committee Chairs of both houses have no objection to this
amendment. It does not affect the intent of the bill, it is a
vehicle to correct an accounting problem.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS asked if the passenger facility fees are being
charged now.
MS. KREITZER said they are.
MS. NANCY SLAGLE, Division of Administrative Services, DOTPF,
verified that DOTPF has been collecting passenger facility fees
since October of 2000.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to adopt Version O as the working document
of the committee.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, Version O was
adopted.
SENATOR ELLIS moved to adopt Amendment 1.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, Amendment 1
was adopted.
MS. KREITZER explained the next proposed amendment adds a
reference to AS 02.15.020, which pertains to fingerprint-based
criminal background checks that DOTPF is required to do on
airport employees.
MS. SLAGLE explained that the FAA has required DOTPF to do
fingerprint-based criminal background checks on anyone with
access to secure areas of Alaska's certificated or international
airports, as a result of the 9/11 event. DOTPF has requested
about $110,000 in the Homeland Security appropriation bill for
receipt authority to charge airline employees and concessionaire
employees a fee for processing the background checks.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS identified the amendment to insert, after AS
02.15.090 on page 3, line 13, "and AS 02.15.020" [Amendment 2].
SENATOR ELLIS offered to sponsor that amendment and moved to
adopt it. Without objection, it was so ordered.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar Version O of HB 262 as amended.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that with no objection, the motion
carried.
The committee took up CSHB 225(FIN)am-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE TAX.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that a Senate Rules Committee
substitute (Version X) had been prepared.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to adopt SCS CSHB 225(RLS) for the purpose
of discussion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS asked Representative Murkowski if she had any
objections to Version X.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI, sponsor of HB 225, said if Version X
gives certain members the comfort level they need to support the
measure, she does not object. She said that she sees this as an
attempt to direct certain monies toward treatment programs while
recognizing that funds cannot be dedicated.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS said Sections 3 and 4 were added in Version X
and offered to hold it in committee for 24 hours so that members
could study it further.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI clarified that Section 4 is new as well
as the purpose clause. Section 3 was in the existing bill.
SENATOR THERRIAULT asked what happened to the section that
allowed local governments to adjust the rates and deal with local
problems.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said that was in the initial draft of HB
225 but became complicated with the discussion of an increase to
the excise tax. One section of the bill was about an excise tax
while another was about the ability to assess on a sales tax. It
became far more complicated than the House was able to deal with
at that point in time so the House Labor and Commerce Committee
deleted that portion of the bill.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS again asked Representative Murkowski if Version
X was acceptable to her.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said it is.
SENATOR COWDERY moved to calendar SCS CSHB 225(RLS) [Version X]
with any accompanying fiscal notes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that without objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR THERRIAULT expressed concern about an amendment that was
adopted to SB 252. He said it was his understanding that they
were dealing with two sections pertaining to administrative costs
on the STIP funds. He thought the two sections, on pages 9 and
21, dealt with administrative costs. However, on page 21, the
language that was amended has nothing to do with the STIP
program. He asked that the bill be held for 24 hours.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that he would hold SB 252 in
committee for 24 hours for the purpose of clarification. He then
adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
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