SENATE BILL 103 "An Act relating to hearings before and authorizing fees for the State Commission for Human Rights; and providing for an effective date." PAULA HALEY, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation and explained that in an effort to reduce budgets, some actions that save money also create efficiencies which better meet public service goals as is the case with the Human Rights Commission. The bill would allow the Human Rights Commission to hold hearings at the office in Anchorage rather than where the alleged discrimination occurred, as is required under current law. She suggested that it would save time and money in travel costs. The Commissioner would continue to ensure that complainants may participate in the hearings. 2 Ms. Haley continued, the bill would also allow the Commission to charge fees to cover the costs of services, information and materials and to provide tapes rather than transcriptions of the hearings. The changes would reduce the cost and time involved in resolving cases, helping the Commission to work through its tremendous backlog of cases, and better respond to the public's increased requests for its services. The result would be better human rights protection for Alaskans. Representative Foster MOVED to report CS SB 103 (STA)am out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CS SB 103 (STA)am was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with two fiscal notes by the Office of the Governor dated 4/29/97 and 3/24/97.