02/27/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB185 | |
| SB223 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 223 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 185 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 27, 2024
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Matt Claman, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 185
"An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission; and
relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military Affairs
Commission."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 223
"An Act relating to the appointment of an assistant adjutant
general; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 185
SHORT TITLE: ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS
01/16/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/24 (S) STA, FIN
02/27/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 223
SHORT TITLE: ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/12/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/12/24 (S) STA, JUD
02/27/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
RILEY VON BORSTEL, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for SB 185.
BRYCE WARD, Mayor
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for SB 185.
KEITH KLAEHN, representing self
Colorado Springs, Colorado
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for SB 185.
TAMMIE PERREAULT, Northwest Regional Liaison
Department of Defense (DOD)
Defense-State Liaison Office
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for SB 185.
SUSAN ALLMEROTH, representing self
Two Rivers, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 185.
CRAIG CHRISTENSON, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 223 on behalf of the
administration.
ANGELA LAFLAMME, Legislative Liaison
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for SB 223.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:22 PM
CHAIR SCOTT KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Bjorkman, Merrick, and Chair Kawasaki.
Senators Wielechowski and Claman arrived thereafter.
SB 185-ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
3:30:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
185 "An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission;
and relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military
Affairs Commission."
3:31:27 PM
SCOTT KAWASAKI, Senator, District P, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, speaking as sponsor of SB 185, stated it would
establish the Alaska Military Affairs Commission (AMAC). Several
other states including North Carolina, Kentucky, Nebraska, and
Arkansas recently established similar bodies within their
legislature. The Alaska Civilian Armed Services Team (ACAST)
will sunset. It was created under executive order to exist
within the Department of Veteran and Military Affairs (DMVA)
nearly seven years ago. AMAC replaces ACAST and would exist
within the Office of the Governor.
3:32:24 PM
RILEY VON BORSTEL, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented SB 185. She said the
military's presence in Alaska continues to grow and is one of
the largest contributors to the state's economy. Not only is the
military a vital component of communities and economy, but the
Arctic is becoming increasingly prominent in its role as a
strategic location in defense operations. Since the military
holds such a significant role in Alaska, it makes sense to
establish a body in statute to aid in all matters regarding the
military, from advocacy and recommendations to expansion. Doing
so would ensure continuity beyond a single governor's
administration or a single legislature. The membership of this
commission is composed of nine members including the lieutenant
governor, who would serve as commission chair, the adjutant
general of DMVA or the adjutant general's designee, the
commissioner of Commerce, Community Development or their
designee, three members who are mayors or their designee from
municipalities with military installations within municipal
boundaries nominated by an organization that represents two
municipal governments within the state and appointed by the
governor, two public members with extensive military experience
or expertise, each representing a different branch of the armed
services appointed by the governor, and one public member with
statewide business or economic development experience appointed
by the governor. SB 185 has a fiscal note of $86,500. This cost
covers personnel expenditures or a single Anchorage-based part-
time position. Given that the lieutenant governor is the chair
of the committee, an assistant will be needed for administrative
tasks.
MS. VON BORSTEL presented the sectional analysis for SB
185:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 185 Alaska Military Affairs Commission
Sectional Summary
Section 1
• Details that members shall be varied in
geographical location to promote representation
of military interests throughout the state
Section 2
• Establishes the Alaska Military Affairs
Commission in and places responsibility of
administrative support on the Office of the
Governor
• Defines the Commission membership to include nine
voting members.
• Sets (staggered) three-year member terms.
• Details Commission meetings, quorum rules, and
authorizes per diem and travel expenses.
• Enumerates the duties of the Commission.
Section 3
• Sunsets the Alaska Military Affairs Commission on
June 30, 2030.
Section 4
• Adds uncodified law regarding the initial terms
of Alaska Military Affairs Commission members
3:36:02 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony for SB 185.
3:36:23 PM
BRYCE WARD, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Fairbanks,
Alaska, said Alaska holds a significant strategic importance to
the U.S. due to its close proximity to international borders. He
suggested that establishing a military affairs commission could
help enhance state readiness and ensure emerging national
security challenges are addressed appropriately. The military
also plays a critical role in Alaska's economy. A military
affairs commission could actively work to strengthen the
connection between military presence and Alaska's economic
development. He said the military complex holds equal value to
the fishing industry in Alaska and represents almost 30 percent
of the Fairbanks North Star Borough economy. Military families
are also an important part of Alaska's communities, and the
commission could enhance the quality of life for military
families. Support from the commission would contribute to the
wellbeing of the state. He suggested that the commission would
align state interests with military priorities, such as
infrastructure. Establishing a military commission could serve
as a comprehensive and proactive approach to leveraging benefits
for military purposes as well as state interests.
3:38:36 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked for details on the Tiger Team in Fairbanks
and its integration with the local Air Force and Fort Wainwright
installation.
3:38:53 PM
MR. WARD replied that the Tiger Team has been in operation for
two decades. It brings together community leaders, the
congressional delegation, and state legislators to address
military concerns specific to the Fairbanks area. The Tiger
Team's primary focus revolves around issues such as potential
base closure or the warm basing of Eielson Air Force Base (AFB).
Force structure changes to Fort Wainwright included recent
change to the 11th Airborne Division. This collaborative effort
has empowered Fairbanks to actively engage with the military,
ensuring that the municipality meets the needs of military
personnel and their families effectively. Furthermore, the Tiger
Team is actively advocating for significant economic adjustments
in the Fairbanks area, including supporting the F35 mission.
3:40:30 PM
KEITH KLAEHN, Director of the Association of Defense
Communities, Colorado Springs, Colorado, invited testimony for
SB 185, stated he was the past chair of the Military Affairs
Counsel. He said he currently serves as the Chair of the Defense
Mission Task Force. As part of the Board of Directors for the
National Association of Defense Communities, he also leads a
group of nearly 40 members twice a year to military defense
events nationwide. He expressed his pride in the strong
connections with Alaska, emphasizing its strategic importance
globally. He acknowledged the Fairbanks North Star Borough for
its recognition as one of ABC's Great American Defense
Communities last year and highlighted the program's significant
impact through grants for various projects and installations.
There has been increasing pressure from the Department of
Defense (DOD) on military communities to address issues related
to quality of life, critical infrastructure, utilities, and
other base concerns. Given the vast distances between military
communities in Alaska, he opined that individual communities
would struggle to handle significant financial pressures alone.
The state is in needs of a state-level organization to provide
support in addressing these challenges. While each state
approaches these issues differently, Alaska's unique
geographical situation requires a coordinated effort at the
state level to effectively address the needs of military
communities. Since 2005, the last of the Base Realignment and
Closure (BRAC) worked hard to save their base. In light of
recent news and issues impacting the nation, discussions have
surfaced about the risk of foreign investments from bad actors.
Military communities would face significant challenges if left
to address these issues independently, so Alaska should be
prepared on a state level. All facets of quality of life rely
upon communities to help military bases. There have never been
more federal resources to leverage in these efforts. He stated
he strongly supports SB 185 and the good it represents to
service members and their families. He expressed his belief that
it is time for Alaska to step up and demonstrate its
capabilities.
3:45:33 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI expressed appreciation for his service and
the service of his family stationed at Fort Wainwright.
3:46:27 PM
TAMMIE PERREAULT, Northwest Regional Liaison, Defense-State
Liaison, Department of Defense (DOD), Defense-State Liaison
Office, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, said the Defense-
State Liaison Office works under the direction of military
defense and policy. The Defense-State Liaison Office is
dedicated to assisting communities in addressing issues and
providing support to military families nationwide. States with
structures similar to those proposed in SB 185 offer a
centralized platform for discussing military concerns, with the
most successful models typically led by the executive branch.
Considering the dispersed nature of Alaska's 21 thousand
military personnel, having a unified statewide voice is
particularly important. She noted that military issues often
differ from those related to veterans.
3:48:48 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI concluded invited testimony and opened
public testimony on SB 185.
3:49:11 PM
SUSAN ALLMEROTH, representing self, Two Rivers, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 185. She said while she
understands the intent of SB 185, she has concerns about the
bill's excessive overreach. Existing community services should
take the lead in reaching out to leaders to determine necessary
actions. She stated her belief that expanding the size of the
executive branch is not necessarily the answer to budgetary
issues. The words for the yellow highlight "civilian lives". SB
185 would establish a system that would allow the military
branch to dictate civilian lives. She urged the committee to
reject this legislation.
3:50:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether there are any existing
organizations that perform the same service.
3:50:47 PM
MS. ALLMEROTH replied that when she was in the military, some
places assisted with settling into town. Military members had
sponsors who directed them to various local facilities for
assistance. She said she primarily relies on services provided
by Veteran's Affairs (VA).
3:51:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI said he will strive to make improvements to SB
185 as it moves through the process.
3:52:08 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI wondered whether the American Medical College
Application Service Team (AMCAST), currently structured within
DMVA, would be housed under the lieutenant governor and if that
location is appropriate.
3:52:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 185.
3:52:59 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked why the Alaska Municipal League was not
specifically named in SB 185, page 2, paragraph 4, as that is
the organization it seems to reference.
3:53:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI replied the intention was to develop the language
in a way that includes any organization, now or into the future.
3:54:20 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 185 in committee.
SB 223-ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT
3:54:50 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
223 "An Act relating to the appointment of an assistant adjutant
general; and providing for an effective date."
3:55:22 PM
CRAIG CHRISTENSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Anchorage, Alaska, said SB 223
would change the requirement of five-year service in the Alaska
National Guard for the assistant adjutant general positions to a
preference. There are currently two positions that serve dual
roles: one as the commander of the Army National Guard and a
state-level director, and the other as the commander of the Air
National Guard and a director. DMVA found it necessary to expand
the selection pool for these appointments. By making the
requirement a preference, it helps to widen the pool of
potential candidates.
3:56:46 PM
ANGELA LAFLAMME, Legislative Liaison, Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Anchorage, Alaska, presented the
sectional analysis for SB 223:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis
Senate Bill 223 Assistant Adjutant General
Qualifications (33-GS2609\A)
Section 1 amends AS 26.05.180(a) relating to
headquarters staff of the Alaska National Guard
regarding appointment and qualification of an
assistant adjutant general by removing the requirement
for at least five years of service in the Alaska Army
National Guard or Alaska Air National Guard and
replacing it with language providing the Adjutant
General flexibility when appointing an assistant
adjutant general to provide a preference to a
candidate with at least five years of service.
Section 2 establishes the effective date of this
legislation.
3:57:49 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how many years the five-year
requirement has been in place.
3:58:07 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON offered to return to the committee with further
information. He stated his belief that it could have been a
decade or two.
3:58:26 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI commented that it seems likes people with
service in the Alaska National Guard and Air National Guard
should receive preference over candidates from other states and
others without experience.
3:58:51 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI concurred, emphasizing the importance of
prioritizing candidates with Alaska training or experience with
the Alaska National Guard.
3:59:32 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN stated the last time AS 06.26.05.180 was last
amended in 1973, so the 5-year requirement has existed for at
least 50 years.
4:00:14 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that in the Army National Guard, a
person is selected based on eligibility for O-7. Currently,
there are twelve positions for O-6, including some in medical
and non-combat roles which limits the applicant pool to four
guardsmen. He noted that some individuals are newly promoted,
while others may be considering retirement. Transitioning from
the position of Active Guard Reserve to the Assistant Adjutant
General means becoming a state employee and a part-time
guardsman, resulting in a significant pay reduction of $80 to
$90 thousand dollars. While preference is given to those with
Alaska National Guard experience, widening the candidate pool is
necessary due to individuals with diverse career plans and
potential candidates from other states who have worked at
National Guard bureaus. However, the selection must prioritize
the right fit for the role.
4:03:02 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if the National Guard has experienced
issues filling the positions in the past 50 years.
4:03:22 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON said DMVA is unable to fill the currently
vacant position.
4:03:30 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether the position of Assistant Adjutant
General could legally be filled by a U.S. Air Force colonel, or
higher, stationed in Alaska.
4:04:08 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that a candidate could not be brought on
as an Assistant Adjutant General unless they had five years of
experience with the Alaska National Guard.
4:04:20 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether individuals with 20 years of
experience in the federal Air Force or Army would still be
required to serve five years in the Alaska National Guard to be
considered.
4:04:29 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that is correct.
4:04:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if Alaskan residency is required for
eligibility.
4:04:58 PM
MS. LAFLAMME replied that statute does not dictate that, and the
qualifications for the position of state director would be
consistent with those of any other state director. She stated
her belief that employment with the state of Alaska would
require residency.
4:05:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI suggested that more research may be needed.
4:05:29 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how many people are currently
eligible for the open position.
4:05:46 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON stated his belief that currently no one, but he
would contact personnel and report back to the committee.
4:06:02 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether someone with no National Guard
experience but has 20 years of experience with the U.S. Air
Force and their last five years served in Alaska, could the
National Guard hire them as the assistant under the proposed
changes.
4:06:34 PM
MS. LAFLAMME replied yes and said a candidate with qualified
military and background experience could meet federal
requirements without having five years of service with the
Alaska National Guard.
4:06:56 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 223; hearing none,
he closed public testimony.
4:07:12 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI said he recently met General Wilkins, a one-star
general from the 11th Airborne as well as a guardsman for the
Montana National Guard. He requested written clarification on
residency requirements.
4:07:44 PM
MS. LAFLAMME said in active military, a candidate could still be
a resident in their home state and be stationed in Alaska. She
said she is uncertain how the Montana National Guard compares,
specifically if a candidate follows Title 10 orders with the
National Guard to serve as a commander in Alaska. That
individual could be on active duty while still being a member of
the National Guard.
4:08:16 PM
SENATOR MERRICK wondered why anyone would want to take a huge
pay cut to get this promotion.
4:08:35 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON said many people in the military strive to
advance to higher levels of leadership. He stated that reaching
the top leadership positions in the National Guard, such as
commander of the Army or Air Force, represents a promotion to
the rank of general officer. From there, they could become the
Adjutant General or pursue other positions within the National
Guard bureau in Washington D.C. It could be driven by a career
shift, patriotism, or a professional goal.
4:09:23 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how it is possible there are no
federally recognized field-grade commissioned officers with five
years' experience.
4:09:41 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that according to statute, the position
requires a field-grade officer, which would mean major,
lieutenant colonel, or colonel. Under federal regulations, the
individual would need to be eligible for a promotion to the O-7
rank, which means an O-6 general officer. While there are many
field grade officers, O-6 positions are voluntary. There are
currently no individuals who have met the requirements for
promotion to that board. Those who have met the requirements may
be among those considering retirement.
4:10:58 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI expressed that he is uncomfortable with
allowing an out-of-state individual who has never stepped foot
in Alaska to fill this position. He opined that SB 223 opens it
up to that possibility and asked if that could occur under this
bill.
4:11:32 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied it is technically possible. However, the
hiring for this position is taken seriously and requires highly
qualified candidates. He expressed confidence that it is
unlikely for someone who has never been to Alaska to fill the
role.
4:12:01 PM
MS. LAFLAMME added that "the statute for hiring an appointment
of adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard has this
preference. So, theoretically that could be the same situation
that we find ourselves in right now under the current statute
and it makes it very difficult for hiring the next level to
potential replace the assistant or the adjutant general with an
assistant adjutant general to have those strict qualification
there and it be open at the higher level."
4:12:31 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if she would consider an amendment to
require five years of Alaska residency.
4:12:45 PM
MS. LAFLAMME replied that her only concern is if someone were in
active military in Alaska for only three years, it would
disqualify them for the position unless they changed their
residency prior to leaving active service.
4:13:18 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether an adjutant general must have
residency in Alaska.
4:13:31 PM
MS. LAFLAMME replied that the position appointed by the governor
adheres to the same requirements as any other commissioner. A
candidate must have military service and be federally recognized
as a general grade officer to hold that position. Other than the
federal requirements, they would have to meet the same
requirements to be appointed as the executive principal of the
department.
4:13:59 PM
At ease
4:14:20 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting.
4:14:24 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN quoted AS 26.05.160 (a), "To be eligible for
appointment as adjutant general, a person must be a citizen of
the state and must be a federally recognized general-grade
officer in the Alaska National Guard or an officer who has the
qualifications to gain federal recognition." He said the
provision about citizens of the state is not in AS 26.05.180.
4:15:03 PM
SENATOR MERRICK asked if there is a definition for citizen of
Alaska.
4:15:17 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN replied [undiscernible]
4:15:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether the assistant adjutant general
ascends to the position of adjutant general if the position
becomes vacant.
4:15:47 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied not necessarily. He said while the
governor may consider the assistant adjutant general when the
position of adjutant general becomes vacant, it is not
guaranteed.
4:16:02 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI commented that as head of the agency for DMVA,
the adjutant general position is subject to legislative
confirmation.
4:16:40 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 223 in committee.
4:17:05 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:17 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 02.08.24 DMVA Staff Qualifications Senate Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB0223-1-2-021224-MVA-Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB0223A.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB223 Sectional Analysis version A.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB 185 Full Text.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185 Supporting Documentation.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185.Fiscal Note.Gov.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| 030624 SSTA DMVA Answers from SB 223 Bill Hearing 022724.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |