HB 523 STATE'S POLICY ON SOBRIETY  Number 188 CHAIRMAN GREEN introduced HB 523 as the next order of business before the committee. DANIELLA LOPER, Staff to Representative Porter, explained that HB 523 places written language into the declaration of policy for the Division of Alcohol and the Drug Program which states that Alaska recognizes and reinforces the example set by its citizen that lead and support a life of sobriety. For the Alaska Federation of Natives and 58 other local, regional, and statewide organizations sobriety is understood as "a positive, healthy and productive way of life free from the devastating effects of alcohol and drugs." Ms. Loper pointed out that the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse placed the definition of "sobriety" in their strategic plan "meeting the Challenge" which has been adopted by the division and the Governor. Ms. Loper read from a letter from Greg Nothstine which was included in the committee packets. SENATOR LEMAN noted that the existing policy of the state is that alcoholics and intoxicated persons should not be criminally prosecuted for their consumption. There are laws that prosecute for the evidence of consumption. Has that been discussed? DANIELLA LOPER clarified that HB 523 does not address that issue. This question was also asked in House HESS. HB 523 merely recognizes that sobriety should be one of the solutions for those having problems with drugs and alcohol. Number 257 SENATOR SALO acknowledged that the issue is taking a turn. Does the current state policy encourage villages to go dry? DANIELLA LOPER could not answer that question. Ms. Loper said that HB 523 would not substantially change the policy of drug and alcohol programs. HB 523 merely offers another alternative to appreciate, recognize, and reinforce. This is not mandatory language. SENATOR MILLER did not believe that there was any conflict between current policy and HB 523. He believed that alcoholics were only being criminally prosecuted when they committed a crime, otherwise they are held until they are no longer intoxicated. DANIELLA LOPER said that the Division of Alcohol and Drug Program supports HB 523. DON DAPCEVICH, Executive Director for the Advisory Board of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, said that the board supported the legislature's passage of HB 523. The bill advocates sobriety for those who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs. The bill also speaks to those who never have a problem with alcohol and drugs, but who choose to lead a sober lifestyle publicly. CHAIRMAN GREEN did not oppose HB 523, but was not sure that statute was the appropriate place for this. Number 312 SENATOR LEMAN moved that HB 523 be reported from committee with individual recommendations and the zero fiscal note. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered.