04/08/2014 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB217 | |
| Confirmation Hearings | |
| SB30 | |
| HB310 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 30 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 217 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 310 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 8, 2014
9:06 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Fred Dyson, Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair
Senator John Coghill
Senator Bill Wielechowski
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Bert Stedman
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Alaska Public Defender Agency
Quinlan Steiner - Public Defender
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Office of Administrative Hearings
Kathleen Frederick - Chief Administrative Law Judge
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 217
"An Act establishing November 14 each year as Dr. Walter
Soboleff Day."
- MOVED HB 217 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 30
"An Act relating to new defined benefit tiers in the public
employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement
system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose
between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of
the public employees' retirement system and the teachers'
retirement system; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 310(STA) AM
"An Act relating to the selection and duties of delegates to a
convention of the states."
- MOVED CSHB 310(STA) AM OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 217
SHORT TITLE: DR. WALTER SOBOLEFF DAY
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KREISS-TOMKINS, P.WILSON, MUNOZ,
KERTTULA
01/21/14 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/14
01/21/14 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/21/14 (H) STA
02/20/14 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/20/14 (H) Moved Out of Committee
02/20/14 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/21/14 (H) STA RPT 5DP
02/21/14 (H) DP: GATTIS, KELLER, KREISS-TOMKINS,
HUGHES, LYNN
03/27/14 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/27/14 (H) VERSION: HB 217
03/28/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/28/14 (S) STA
04/08/14 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 30
SHORT TITLE: TEACHERS & PUB EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) EGAN
01/22/13 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/13 (S) STA, FIN
03/27/14 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/27/14 (S) Heard & Held
03/27/14 (S) MINUTE(STA)
04/01/14 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/01/14 (S) Heard & Held
04/01/14 (S) MINUTE(STA)
04/08/14 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 310
SHORT TITLE: U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) T.WILSON
02/17/14 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/17/14 (H) STA
03/13/14 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
03/13/14 (H) Heard & Held
03/13/14 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/18/14 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NT 5DP
03/18/14 (H) DP: GATTIS, KELLER, ISAACSON, HUGHES,
LYNN
03/18/14 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
03/18/14 (H) Moved CSHB 310(STA) Out of Committee
03/18/14 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/04/14 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/04/14 (H) VERSION: CSHB 310(STA) AM
04/07/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/14 (S) STA
04/08/14 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
SASHA IVAN SOBOLEFF, representing himself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 217.
WALTER SOBOLEFF JR., representing himself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 217.
KIMBERLY STRONG, Alaska Native Sisterhood
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 217.
SUSETTNA KING, representing herself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 217.
PAULETTE MARINO
Alaska Native Sisterhood
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT:
QUINLAN STEINER, Director
Public Defender Agency
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as nominee to the position of
Public Defender for the State of Alaska.
KATHLEEN FREDERICK
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Office of Administrative Hearings
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as nominee to the position of
Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Administrative
Hearings.
MIKE BARNHILL, Deputy Director
Department of Administration
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 30.
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 310.
MIKE COONS, Regional Director
Citizen Initiatives
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns about the current form of
HB 310.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:06:59 AM
CHAIR FRED DYSON called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Giessel, Coghill, Wielechowski, and Chair
Dyson.
[NOTE: The call to order occurred prior to the start of the
recording.]
HB 217-DR. WALTER SOBOLEFF DAY
CHAIR DYSON announced the consideration of HB 217.
9:07:51 AM
SASHA IVAN SOBOLEFF, representing himself, said that as Dr.
Soboleff's son his task was to polish the cross and clean the
church, oftentimes while his friends played baseball across the
street. He related that in the summer he would spend time with
his father in Tenakee and one time John D. Rockefeller and
family stopped by for a visit. It was clear that the man that he
knew as Dad did many things and touched many lives. At the age
of 20 he was seeking education to better the people he touched.
He concluded that it's an honor to have the opportunity to speak
in support of setting aside November 14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff
Day.
9:13:43 AM
WALTER SOBOLEFF JR., representing himself, said he couldn't add
anything to what his brother, Sasha, said in support of setting
aside November 14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day.
9:14:19 AM
KIMBERLY STRONG, Alaska Native Sisterhood Committee Woman, said
she served at ANB and ANS Grand Camp a number of years under the
tutelage of Dr. Soboleff. He performed the marriage ceremony for
her mother and father and led the community of Klukwan in
Christianity. He was more than a Presbyterian minister; he was a
leader in Alaska. His heart was very much with the people he
served. She said she had the privilege to visit him in Tenakee
when she was running for public office. He invited her in and
gave her advice, just as he did to her opponent a little later.
He wasn't a person to choose sides; he encouraged everyone to do
the best they could and improve their community. The hours of
dedication he gave to the state are countless. She asked the
committee to support setting aside November 14 as Dr. Walter
Soboleff Day.
9:18:36 AM
SUSETTNA KING, representing herself, said she is originally from
Angoon, Alaska. Her parents were friends with Dr. Soboleff and
his wife, and he always had time to talk to the kids. During one
visit he asked if any of the kids wanted to offer the prayer
before dinner. She said a very fast prayer and after dinner Mrs.
Soboleff said it was a good thing she volunteered because
everyone would still be praying if her husband had offered the
prayer. She related a story about telling him she didn't enter a
Fourth of July race because she had always won in the past. When
he asked her what she would have done if someone had beat her,
she told him she probably would have come back the next year to
try and beat them. He told her it's always good to let others
win so they feel good about themselves. She didn't understand
that advice until years later.
MS. KING said she last interacted with Dr. Soboleff when she had
a leadership role at the ANB/ANS Convention in Ketchikan. They
discussed what she'd learned and he told her that she was there
for a reason; it wasn't by mistake. In every interaction he made
people feel better and want to do better, she said.
9:24:24 AM
PAULETTE MARINO, member, Alaska Native Sisterhood and past
president of ANS Sitka Camp 4, said that honoring Dr. Soboleff
sends a message to Juneau, Southeast, the nation, and the world.
This recognition will lift a spiritual leader who has guided
many people on many different paths. Young children and elders
will see November 14 as a time to celebrate their communion with
their heavenly father, their families, their people, and the
human race. It will also provide an opportunity for
introspection, to stand straighter, to make good decisions, to
be kind, and to challenge oneself intellectually. She concluded
that it's an honor to speak in support of setting aside November
14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day.
CHAIR DYSON related his interactions with Dr. Soboleff.
SENATOR COGHILL thanked the family and the others who offered
encouraging testimony.
9:34:40 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report HB 217, labeled 28-LS0932\U,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR DYSON announced that, without objection, HB 217 is
reported out of the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
9:35:03 AM
CHAIR DYSON at ease.
^CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Alaska Public Defender Agency
Office of Administrative Hearings
9:36:49 AM
CHAIR DYSON announced the next order of business will be
confirmation hearings. He asked Mr. Steiner why he wants to
continue to serve as the public defender for the State of
Alaska.
QUINLAN STEINER, Appointee, Public Defender Agency, said that
he's the director of the agency and if he's confirmed this will
be his third four-year appointment. His entire legal career has
been spent working for the Public Defender Agency and in public
service. The work is rewarding; one motivation is working to
ensure the fairness and credibility of the criminal justice
system. Working on behalf of indigent defendants is compelling
and needs to be attended to on a daily basis. He offered to
answer specific questions.
9:38:38 AM
CHAIR DYSON said he's enjoyed working with him and if he sees
any barriers in the process that make it difficult to accomplish
his mission and indigent people from getting justice, the
committee would like to know.
SENATOR COGHILL expressed appreciation for Mr. Steiner's work.
9:40:09 AM
CHAIR DYSON asked Ms. Frederick to tell the committee about
herself and why she wants to serve as Chief Administrative Law
Judge.
9:40:45 AM
KATHLEEN FREDERICK, Appointee, Chief Administrative Law Judge,
Office of Administrative Hearings, said she applied for the
position because it is a good fit with her background and
experience. She related that she's been an attorney for 30 years
and has handled a wide range of civil matters. She was attracted
to the position because she enjoys the challenge of mastering
new areas of law. She noted that she has also litigated cases
for over 20 years before administrative agencies and in state
and federal courts so she's familiar with the adjudicative
process. On behalf of clients she has drafted and reviewed
legislation and while she was a commissioner with the Alaska
Public Offices Commission (APOC) she became familiar with
rewriting statutes. She is familiar with the executive branch
ethics and has experience with the adjudicative side of
administrative proceedings.
MS. FREDERICK said she's had management and supervisory
experience and has held various board positions in years past.
There's a mediation component of this position and she's been
involved in mediation for about 15 years, initially as an
attorney. She received a mediation certificate from Pepperdine
University and was a contract mediator for the Alaska Court
System for three years. She said she's also raised two children
as a single mother and managed a busy law practice, which means
she's had to hone her time-management skills. With regard to
personal characteristics, she said she's hard working and takes
pride in her work. Finally, she said she is attracted to the
position because it appears to be challenging. It is an honor to
be appointed by Governor Parnell.
9:44:41 AM
CHAIR DYSON asked her to let him know if she sees things that
are within the committee's purview that can help the process. He
expressed hope that she'd get satisfaction from the job and go
home some days knowing that the world's a little better because
she did her job. He thanked her for being willing to serve.
CHAIR DYSON stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080 and AS
46.64.010, the Senate State Affairs Committee reviewed the
following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration. This does not reflect an intent
of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the
individual during any further sessions.
There was no objection and the names were forwarded.
SB 30-TEACHERS & PUB EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS
9:46:00 AM
CHAIR DYSON announced the consideration of [SB 30].
9:46:15 AM
MIKE BARNHILL, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Administration, noted that this morning he submitted responses
to questions the committee had previously. He asked the chair
how he would like to proceed.
CHAIR DYSON asked him to reiterate the questions that were asked
and summarize the answers.
MR. BARNHILL reviewed the following committee questions and his
written answers:
1. What is the long-term expectation of growth in the defined
benefit plans?
A. The Alaska Retirement Management (ARM) Board has adopted
the investment earnings assumption of 8 percent per year.
1.b. What will the defined benefit plans look like if the
State received an average of 4 percent, 6 percent, and 8
percent return on its investments?
A. The assumption is that the returns are long-term. At
the, The FY2012 actuarial valuations assume an 8 percent
rate of return and show an unfunded liability of $11.9
billion. That valuation will be updated at the end of April
when the ARM Board considers the FY2013 actuarial
valuations. The expectation is that the unfunded liability
will remain about the same.
If the assumed rate of return is decreased to 4 percent,
which some consider a "riskless rate of return," the
unfunded liability would immediately double to roughly $24
billion.
If the assumed rate of return is 6 percent, the unfunded
liability would be about $18 billion
MR. BARNHILL explained that the assumed rate of return
assumption has the greatest impact of any of the many actuarial
assumptions that are used to calculate the actuarial valuation
every year.
9:49:54 AM
2. What is the most current breakdown of costs between
healthcare and other pension costs for Alaska's retired
public employees?
A. For both the PERS and TRS retirement systems, the
pension unfunded liability is 69.4 percent and healthcare
liability is 30.6 percent. The FY2013 comprehensive annual
financial (CAF) report shows that for PERS the pension
benefits were just over $599 million and the health
benefits were just over $370 million. For TRS the pension
benefits were just over $380 million and the health
benefits were just about $121 million.
3. Please provide a graph with two trend lines, one being the
smooth rate of return compared to a trend showing the
fluctuations in Alaska's historic rates of return.
A. In the first chart the blue line shows the fairly
volatile rate of return across a period ranging from 1989 -
2014. The red line shows a rolling five-year annualized
return. From the late 1980s through 2000 the returns trend
from 16 percent down to 8 percent. In 2001 the line drops
in response to the dotcom collapse and then trends up and
down again for the 2009 recession. Over the last couple of
years the five-year return has started back up towards the
assumed rate of 8 percent. The next two charts show PERS
TRS returns versus the S&P 500 over the same time period.
The trend tracks fairly closely, primarily as a result of
the pension funds' 60-70 percent investment in equities.
Page 3 shows the 75 year chart on the S&P 500. The blue
line shows the annual return and is the most volatile. The
green line shows a five-year rolling return and the red
line shows the ten-year rolling rate of return.
4. If the investment rates go down, would the system proposed
in SB 30 provide lower risk for the state than the current
defined contribution plan?
A. The plan may not pencil out fiscally if the return is
less than 8 percent.
5. If one tier of the defined benefit plan took a
disproportionate amount from the retirement plan, how would
this affect the other defined benefit tiers?
A. The unfunded liability is computed as the cost to each
of the defined benefit tiers. Thus, if PERS Tier I consumed
a disproportionate amount of the resources, the system as a
whole would reflect an unfunded liability. One way this
could happen is if the mortality assumptions proved to be
incorrect and Tier I retirees lived longer than projected.
If an experience study by the actuary showed that people
were living longer than expected, there would be an update
to the mortality table and a corresponding unfunded
liability for the system would be added to the valuation.
Would the defined contribution tier be affected?
A. No.
6. Will the unfunded liability decrease with more employees in
the system?
A. The unfunded liability is computed with respect to every
employee so adding new employees will have no impact. A new
tier of defined benefit employees may or may not meet or
exceed actuarial assumptions but it won't impact the
existing unfunded liability associated with the current
members of the plan.
7. What number does the administration use to calculate
investment returns?
A. Eight percent.
8. Please provide a graph that shows the effect of SB 30
employee and employer contributions.
A. The chart (with yellow bars) is modeled on the previous
version of the bill, Senate Bill 121. The actuarial
calculations are somewhat stale and both the model and
calculations probably warrant updating.
9:57:56 AM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if the bill has a positive or
negative fiscal note when using the actuary and ARM Board
assumption of an 8 percent investment return.
MR. BARNHILL replied the administration's fiscal note is
indeterminate, primarily because it reflects the inherent
uncertainty in any defined benefit plan. He credited the sponsor
for going to great lengths to eliminate certain types of
uncertainty, particularly with respect to healthcare costs, but
continued to assert that it isn't possible to eliminate risk
with respect to all of the assumptions. He cited the assumed 8
percent investment earnings, mortality assumptions, and
inflation as examples.
10:00:02 AM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI pointed out that fiscal notes are prepared
all the time when all the variables aren't known. He cited the
price of oil as an example. He asked if the fiscal impact to the
state is positive or negative, using all the assumptions that
the actuary and the ARM Board used.
MR. BARNHILL conceded that the actuary letter indicates a short-
term savings over "the first X years" under the assumptions that
go into the bill.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how much.
MR. BARHILL replied it's $68.9 million.
CHAIR DYSON asked if there is a discernable difference in
recruitment and retention of PERS and TRS employees since the
State adopted the defined contribution plan.
MR. BARNHILL said he would provide the trend data that was
prepared for Senator Giessel and the committee could draw its
own conclusions. The State of Alaska hasn't done an employee
movement report since the end of FY2011 but those numbers didn't
show an increase in employee terminations subsequent to FY2007
when the defined contribution plan was adopted. They showed a
small decrease in people leaving the state, but that could be
due to the nationwide economic recession. Alaska experienced
fairly high rates of employee turnover prior to the closing of
the defined benefit plan and he believes that's the nature of
Alaska.
CHAIR DYSON asked if the state has a formal process for looking
at trends and analyzing the efficacy of the salary and benefits
program.
MR. BARNHILL replied there is an informal process where the
State is constantly being asked to evaluate the fairness of its
salary schedules and pension benefits. He segued to highlight
the benefits of the existing PERS Tier IV defined contribution
plan. The employee contributes 8 percent of their income into an
account that they control and the PERS employer contributes 5
percent. There is also the Supplemental Annuity System (SBS) in
which the employee contributes 6.13 percent and the employer
matches that contribution. The combined total comes to a
contribution rate of 25.26 percent of an employee's salary. In a
defined contribution system, employees are expected to stay
employed for 30-35 years. That's not unreasonable; it's a normal
working career. He submitted that testimony suggesting fewer
years isn't reasonable because it's not possible to build a
sustainable retirement plan on a 20-year career. With
compounding, 35-40 years of contributions to a defined
contribution pension plan add up to a secure retirement.
MR. BARNHILL described the array of investment options that the
ARM Board and the Division of Treasury put together as
phenomenal. Under the U.S. Department of Labor regulations,
defined contribution employees default into a target date fund
that's based on their age. The funds are professionally managed
and have low administrative and investment expenses. For
example, the 2040 Target Date Fund charges 0.26 percent, which
is far less than the administrative costs paid to the investment
managers in the defined benefit plan. An employee who remains
employed by the State of Alaska for 30-40 years may build up a
defined contribution of over $1 million, assuming an 8 percent
rate of return. Adding in the SBS roughly doubles that amount.
10:09:42 AM
CHAIR DYSON commented that the defined contribution also allows
portability.
MR. BARNHILL agreed.
10:10:43 AM
CHAIR DYSON stated he would hold SB 30 in committee. Although he
didn't believe that the bill would pass this year, he said he
was impressed with the efforts that were put forth to make it
happen.
HB 310-U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES
10:11:32 AM
CHAIR DYSON announced the consideration of HB 310. [CSHB
310(STA) AM was before the committee for the first hearing.]
10:11:52 AM
At ease from 10:11 a.m. to 10:13 a.m.
10:13:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 310, introduced the legislation speaking
to the following sponsor statement:
HB 310 defines the process of delegate selection and
duties of delegates selected to represent the State of
Alaska at a Convention of the States called under
Article V of the Constitution of the United States.
When a Convention of the States is called, the Alaska
State Legislature shall by a joint resolution appoint
delegates, alternate delegates and an observer to the
convention. All delegates will serve their state
without compensation. Before the convening of the
Convention of the States, the state legislature will
provide instructions to delegates, alternate delegates
and observer by joint resolution regarding the topics
to be discussed and voted upon. Each delegate and
alternate delegate will be sworn in and will
faithfully discharge all of the duties provided by the
Alaska State Legislature. The legislature can recall
any selected delegates or observer at any time and
appoint a new delegate, alternate delegate or an
observer by joint resolution. Votes cast by delegates
that are outside of the scope of the provided
instructions by the Alaska State Legislature are
considered ultra vires and void. Delegates who casts
or attempts to cast non-authorized votes is subject to
immediate replacement by an alternate delegate and is
guilty of a class C felony and may be punished as
provided in AS 12.55.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON related that the amendment that was
made on the House floor removed the felony charges for any
delegate who didn't follow the legislature's instructions.
Furthermore, there will be just two delegates and the
compensation isn't determined.
10:16:40 AM
CHAIR DYSON asked which version was before the committee.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON replied it's version C.A. She noted
that most states that intend to send delegates to a convention
of the states have passed a bill to that effect. She posited
that the most important part is for each legislature to
determine whether they want the delegates to talk about all
three topics, offer suggestions, or submit amendments for the
delegates to consider.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if appointing two delegates is the
standard.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON offered that having just two delegates
makes it easier to realize who is following the instructions.
That number was inserted by the House State Affairs Committee.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI questioned locking in the number.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON said she isn't tied to the number, but
there doesn't seem to be a standard. Regardless of the number of
delegates, each state gets just one vote, she said.
10:20:59 AM
CHAIR DYSON pointed out that in order to get to a convention,
there has to be convergence on the subject. His understanding is
that the state wouldn't be excluded dependent on the number of
delegates it sends.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON agreed.
CHAIR DYSON commented on the two or three groups in the nation
working on this process and his goal of ensuring that Alaska is
in the queue no matter what happens.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON added that the bill specifies two
delegates and two alternates.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if she had any comment on the email
Mike Coons sent highlighting subsection (d) on page 2, lines 8-
12, that abdicates state sovereignty.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON said that Mr. Coons indicated that he
would call in today and explain his position if didn't agree
with the language in the bill.
10:24:23 AM
MIKE COONS, Regional Director, Citizen Initiatives, Palmer,
Alaska, said he supports the intent of HB 310, but the language
on page 2, lines 8-12 abdicates state sovereignty and
potentially makes the convention a deliberative body and opens
the door for large states to make the rules. He also questioned
the intention of the instructions on page 2, lines 13-17, and
noted that Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia have passed a call for a
convention of the states to propose the single topic of a
balanced budget amendment.
He said he has no problem with codifying the criminal aspect of
a delegate who violates their oath, but this bill is just one
part of the issue. To maintain the sovereignty of the State of
Alaska, it must have a delegate resolution that not only binds
the delegates, but also ensures that under Article 4, Section 4
of the U.S. Constitution that there is one state one vote,
language that lays out the rules of the convention in advance,
and any pre-approved amendment. He reported that Citizen
Initiatives is working to be the facilitator to the state
legislatures as to the resolution and amendment so that a
majority of the states have the same language prior to the
convention. He noted that he sent the Citizen Initiatives
proposed delegate resolution, which will ensure a safe,
efficient, and concise convention.
CHAIR DYSON asked if passing the bill in this legislature would
preclude addressing his concerns and suggestions.
MR. COONS answered that it wouldn't preclude a change in the
future. He added that the Citizen Initiatives resolution would
further define how the convention would be run; if 26 states
pass the same or a similar delegate resolution they would
control the convention. This would prevent the more populous,
liberal states from running rough shod over the states with less
population.
CHAIR DYSON closed public testimony and solicited a motion.
10:29:33 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report CS for HB 310(STA) AM, labeled
28-LS0991\C.A, from committee with individual recommendations
and attached fiscal note(s).
10:29:49 AM
CHAIR DYSON announced that without objection, CSHB 310(STA) AM
is reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
10:29:54 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Dyson adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee hearing at 10:29 a.m.