SB 51-EXTEND BOARD OF VETERINARY EXAMINERS  9:14:10 AM CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of the second hearing of SB 51. She closed public testimony and noted that there is a proposed committee substitute (CS). 9:14:59 AM SENATOR HUGHES moved to adopt the work draft CS for SB 51, labeled 30-LS0465\O, as the working document. CHAIR COSTELLO objected for an explanation of the changes. 9:15:19 AM WESTON EILER, Staff, Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, explained that the CS for SB 51 reflects the comments the committee heard during public testimony regarding the challenges facing Alaska's veterinarian community and the availability of services. The CS adds new sections 2-4. Section 2 designates that one member of the board shall reside in a community with a population of less than 7,500 people. Section 3 requires the Board of Veterinary Examiners to submit an electronic report to the legislature on the standards and availability of veterinary services in the state, including rural areas, before 1/31/2020. The language is taken from the board's authorizing statute that requires the board to make such a report at the request of the department. Section 4 transitions the new seat to the next time a seat comes up for appointment. 9:18:32 AM SENATOR STEVENS reviewed the list of licenses in the packet and noted there is a weak relationship between number of licenses in a community and its population. MR. EILER agreed. SENATOR GARDNER commented that she is interested to see JBER listed as a community. She asked if there is reason to think that one of the limited number of veterinarians who are living in a community of 7,500 or less will be willing to serve on the board, and what happens if one can't be found. MR. EILER said the sponsor and chair of the committee gained confidence as they heard the overwhelming public testimony about veterinary issues, especially in rural areas. 9:20:42 AM SENATOR GARDNER said there ought to be a plan B if a qualified applicant can't be found. CHAIR COSTELLO said if that becomes the reality, we could always return to the current composition of the board. However, judging from the public testimony she imagines that there will be qualified candidates willing to serve and fill that designated seat. 9:21:54 AM SENATOR MEYER joined the committee. SENATOR HUGHES commented that she is sure the board heard the message in public testimony loud and clear and will be doing what it can to address that. "Having someone from one of these smaller communities will be important to help them realize the need." CHAIR COSTELLO said that during a previous administration she served as the deputy director of Boards and Commissions and the requirements for this board tend to be less prescriptive than for others. She said, "I don't share the concern about finding somebody, but if that does happen we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." 9:23:55 AM CHAIR COSTELLO removed her objection and version O was adopted. She listed the individuals available to answer questions. 9:24:21 AM SENATOR HUGHES moved to report the CS for SB 51, labeled 30- LS0465\O, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR COSTELLO announced that without objection, CSSB 51(L&C) moved from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.