HB 12 GROUP HEALTH INS. FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS                                  
                                                                               
  REP. BETTYE DAVIS, PRIME SPONSOR of HB 12, read her sponsor                  
  statement.  Rep. Davis stated that SSHB 12 promotes the                      
  availability of health insurance coverage for small                          
  employers and reforms the small employer health insurance                    
  market.  Based on model legislation drafted by the National                  
  Association of Insurance Commissioners, SSHB 12 would                        
  improve the overall fairness and efficiency of the small                     
  employer health insurance market.                                            
                                                                               
  Number 611                                                                   
                                                                               
  GORDON EVANS, representing the Health Insurance Association                  
  of America, testified in support of SSHB 12.  Mr. Evans                      
  stated that HB 12 was supported by the Health Care Task                      
  Force and has been adopted by 24 states.                                     
                                                                               
  TAPE 93-35, SIDE B                                                           
  Number 015                                                                   
                                                                               
  HARLAN KNUDSON, representing the ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL &                     
  NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION, testified in support of HB 12.                     
                                                                               
  MR. KNUDSON stated that HB 12 would fit into the National                    
  Health reform.                                                               
                                                                               
  Number 030                                                                   
                                                                               
  RESA JERREL, representing the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF                         
  INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, testified in support of HB 12.  Ms.                    
  Jerrel stated that health insurance was a number one                         
  priority for business across the states.                                     
                                                                               
  Number 040                                                                   
                                                                               
  REP. MACKIE moved to consolidate the two amendments offered                  
  by Rep. Davis and to pass them.                                              
                                                                               
  No objections were heard, the amendments were adopted.                       
                                                                               
  Number 057                                                                   
                                                                               
  REP. PORTER moved to pass SSHB 12 as amended with individual                 
  recommendations.                                                             
                                                                               
  No objections were heard; it was so ordered.                                 
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN HUDSON adjourned the meeting at 6:04 p.m.