HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE March 21, 2007 1:43 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Chenault called the House Finance Committee meeting to order at 1:43:54 PM. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair Representative Harry Crawford Representative Les Gara Representative Mike Hawker Representative Reggie Joule Representative Mike Kelly Representative Mary Nelson Representative Bill Thomas Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT Representative Richard Foster SUMMARY HB 95 An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date. HB 95 was HEARD & HELD in Committee for further consideration. HB 96 An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date. HB 96 was HEARD & HELD in Committee for further consideration. AMENDMENTS: Department of Education & Early Development Department of Environmental Conservation Department of Health and Social Services HOUSE BILL NO. 95 An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date. HOUSE BILL NO. 96 An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Representative Gara MOVED to WITHDRAW DEED 4, which would be replaced by DEED 6. There being NO OBJECTION, DEED 4 was withdrawn. Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT DEED 6. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Language Section APPROPRIATION: Fund Capitalization ALLOCATION:  Education Loan Fund ADD: The sum of $20,000,000 is appropriated from Alaska Student Loan Corporation receipts to the education loan fund (AS 14.42.210). FUNDING SOURCE: Alaska Student Loan Corporation receipts Representative Gara explained that the amendment would appropriate money to fund needs-based education grants for students attending Alaskan institutions, reinserting the language section of the Governor's original budget. The transfer of $20 million from the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) to the Education Loan Fund will provide approximately $1 million/year in income to be used for needs-based financial aid grants. Because it would restrict use of corporate assets to a non-loan purpose, the ASLC regards the appropriation as a return of capital to the State. ASLC intends to complete the return of capital in FY 09 with a $40 million dollar transfer of bond proceeds. The principal will not be spent and could be returned to the State for appropriation for other future purposes. Co-Chair Meyer thought the dollar amount should be placed into the General Fund. He pointed out that Alaska is placed in the national lower third for offering adequate tuition rates. 1:46:34 PM Representative Joule spoke in favor of the amendment noting that it would provide opportunities to students outside the top 10%. DEED 6 provides opportunity to the "average" students. Representative Crawford stressed that 48 other states offer the option and that Alaska is not placing enough students into college. He recommended the endowment program as the way to help. Representative Nelson commented on the need for a trained Alaskan workforce. She pointed out that many schools no longer offer a vocational technical program. People need to be trained for the skilled jobs to be offered through building a Alaska Gas Line. There are many unemployed residents that are not qualified for those jobs. 1:55:10 PM A roll call vote was taken on DEED 6. IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson, OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault Representative Foster was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (4-6). 1:56:02 PM DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT DEC 1, indicating that he co- sponsored it with Representative Bill Thomas. Representative Gara OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Environmental Conservation APPROPRIATION: Environmental Health ALLOCATION:  Laboratory Services ADD: New language section: The sum of $80,000 is appropriated from the Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Fund to the Department of Environmental Conservation for paralytic shellfish poisoning testing for commercial shellfish farmers and dive fishermen for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. FUNDING SOURCE: Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Fund (Fund code: 1166) Representative Bill Thomas explained that the amendment would provide funding to offset the fee increase ($35 to $125) shellfish farmers and dive fishermen face in FY08 for paralytic shellfish poisoning testing. Funds are granted on a one-time basis with the understanding that the industry would continue to work with interested parties to find new fund sources in the future. Representative Bill Thomas continued, funds from the Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Fund may be appropriated for "the department's operational costs necessary to carry out activities under Alaska Statutes 46.03.490 relating to commercial passenger vessels." AS 46.03.488(2) allows for "monitoring and studying of direct or indirect environmental effects of those vessels". Excess funds would be available in FY08; they may not be available in the future. Representative Gara understood that the request was to offset a fee increase to $35 dollars from $125 dollars. Representative Thomas stated that the additional fee prohibits any "ma & pa" type business from participating as it is a struggling new industry. Representative Gara suggested it be placed in the Capital Budget. Co-Chair Meyer interjected this would be a one time funding; next year, it will need to be justified. He did not think it was appropriate to place it in the Capital Budget. Representative Gara questioned if the money would come from the new cruise ship initiative. Co-Chair Meyer said it would not. Representative Thomas noted that previously, the State did provide the shell fish testing. Now the service burden has been placed on the back of the State residents. He reiterated that the rates are too high for the small business people. AT EASE: 2:02:12 PM RECONVENE: 2:02:52 PM Representative Gara WITHDREW his OBJECTION, noting that he would judge future amendment as to the importance of the service being offered. Co-Chair Chenault suggested speaking with each Committee member regarding the way a vote is made. Co-Chair Chenault OBJECTED to DEC 1. He offered to AMEND DEC 1, changing the funding code to one time item (OTI). Co-Chair Meyer agreed. Co-Chair Chenault WITHDREW his initial OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTIONS, the amended DEC 1 was adopted. 2:04:57 PM Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT DEC 2. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Environmental Conservation APPROPRIATION: Water ALLOCATION:  Water Quality ADD: n/a Representative Gara pointed out the intent of the Legislature that the Department submit a FY08 request to fund the positions needed to provide Ocean Ranger services not already provided by other cruise ship personnel. If that is consistent with the statutory language, it is the intent that Ocean Rangers board cruise ships to perform the work at the first available Alaskan port of call. Co-Chair Meyer responded that the Department of Environmental Conservation is working diligently on the issue as is the Legislature. He mentioned the "host of problems" facing the initiative. Representative Gara did not want to wait for the other bill and recommended coming up with a program consistent with what the citizens voted upon and funding it as efficiently as possible. 2:07:45 PM A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Nelson OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Joule, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault Representative Foster & Vice Chair Stoltze were not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (3-6). 2:08:58 PM Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT DEC 3. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Environmental Conservation APPROPRIATION: Administration ALLOCATION: Unallocated Reduction ADD: $500,000 FUNDING SOURCE: Oil and Hazardous Substance Release Prevention and Response Fund Representative Gara explained that the amendment would assure continued funding for existing core spill prevention and response programs without a delay of newly proposed flow-line integrity activities. The bill reflects a departmental unallocated reduction in the Response Fund spending authority of $500,000 dollars. The reduction was predicated on a lapse report showing that the Division of Spill Prevention and Response had approximated $800,000 dollars in unspent expenditure authority during FY06. The Division has been working to reduce lapse for several years, with the FY06 amount being much less than prior years. Although it is necessary to retain some flexibility for unexpected events, potential excess authorization was again reduced $775,000 dollars through the FY07 budget process with the expectation that lapse would become insignificant. Representative Gara continued, current projections suggest that there will be very little, if any, response fund lapse at the end of FY07. Without lapse, a further reduction of $500,000 dollars for FY08 will impact current core spill prevention and response programs or could delay activities planned to address flow line integrity. Co-Chair Meyer noted the handouts provided to the Subcommittee by the Department addressing these concerns. (Copy on File). AT EASE: 2:13:00 PM RECONVENE: 2:13:41 PM Representative Gara understood it was the position of Department that they might not be able to make the requested budget savings. He stated that by not providing the funding could jeopardize the safety monitoring of the North Slope pipeline. Co-Chair Chenault advised that dollars had been put into the supplemental for such programs; if they do run out of money next year, the Departmental could then request supplemental funding. 2:15:35 PM A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson, OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault Representative Foster was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (4-6). 2:16:24 PM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT HSS 1. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Behavioral Health ALLOCATION: Behavioral Health Grants DELETE: Enhanced Detoxification & Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Anchorage $300.0 General Fund Co-Chair Chenault explained that HSS 1 deletes funding for enhanced detox and dual diagnosis treatment in Anchorage. Representative Hawker counseled the Committee on making a significant contribution to a detox program, which he thought was only "sobering-up". The initial budget did include the Fairbanks Medical Center & is ready to assimilate the additional funding. Social detox in Anchorage was not met with a lot of support in previous processes. He recommended that a community requesting to establish those services should do a better job of front-end loading the request to the Legislature. Representative Crawford noted that the people suffering from a dual diagnosis are often the ones that self-medicate. He emphasized the serious need for the requested funding, strongly disagreed with removing it from the budget. Representative Gara questioned what a "social" detox center was. Co-Chair Chenault understood it was a supervised sleep-off clinic, offering peer support. Representative Hawker noted that the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASM) description, which provides 24-hour supervision, observation support for patients that are intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal. Representative Gara referenced Representative Hawker's statement that the spending on these concerns does not "get out of control". He stated it is the "lack of funding that is getting out of control". Alaska provides less than ½ the funding provided in 2002. He stated that he did not support the amendment. 2:26:19 PM Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. Representative Crawford OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault OPPOSED: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson Representative Foster was not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (6-4). 2:27:19 PM Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 2. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Boards & Commissions ALLOCATION: Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education ADD: $100,000 FUNDING SOURCE: Mental Health Trust Authority Receipts (MHTAAR) Representative Hawker explained that during the March 12, 2007 Mental Health Trust meeting, the members approved a change of intent for the Micro Enterprise Designated Grant. The change of intent would transfer $100 thousand dollars (MHTAAR) funding to the Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education to manage the Micro Enterprise Designated Grant program. That program is an element of a portfolio of services that support self-employment opportunities for beneficiaries in collaboration with the Mental Health Trust Authority. Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTION, it was adopted. 2:28:37 PM Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 3. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Division of Social Services ALLOCATION: Health Planning & Infrastructure ADD: $30,000 FUNDING SOURCE: Mental Health Trust Authority Authorized Receipts (MHTAAR) Representative Hawker explained that at the March 12, 2007, Mental Health Trust meeting, the members approved an increase of $30 thousand MHTAAR funding dollars for the Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Plan. The Department has made significant progress in developing the plan and the additional amount would ensure adequate funding for the development of the project. Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTION, it was adopted. 2:29:03 PM Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 4. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health & Social Services APPROPRIATION: Health Care Services ALLOCATION: Medical Assistance Administration DELETE: $190.9 1189: Senior Care Fund APPROPRIATION: Senior and Disabilities Services ALLOCATION: Senior and Disabilities Services Administration DELETE: $66.1 1189: Senior Care Fund APPROPRIATION: Department Support Services ALLOCATION: Information Technology Services DELETE: $7.5 1189: Senior Care Fund Representative Hawker explained that the Senior Care Program is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2007 and the associated Senior Care Fund will become an invalid funding source in FY08. The amendment removes the remaining Senior Care funding from the Department of Health & Social Services three allocations within the FY08 budget. If the Legislature chooses to extend the Senior Care Program's funding, it could be included in a fiscal note. Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. Representative Gara OBJECTED. Representative Gara stated that he had every intention to fund a Senior Care Program this year; to delete funding that will be placed back into the program is not efficient. Representative Hawker countered that this is a Senior Care fund source, which has no money in it at this time & that there will be no more money placed into it. It is empty authority. Representative Gara understood that the funding was part of the General Fund and that the Legislature could put any amount into that account. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Crawford, Hawker, Joule, Nelson, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault OPPOSED: Gara Representative Foster was not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (9-1). 2:33:25 PM Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 5. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Behavioral Health ALLOCATION: Behavioral Health Grants DELETE: 1,000.0 I/A Receipts - TANF Bonus Representative Hawker explained that in an effort to fully fund the federal shortfall of $3,203.2 dollars and maintain Behavioral Health Grants funding at the FY07 continuation levels, the House Finance Subcommittee proposed funding sources of $2,203.2 dollars in General Funds and $1,000.0 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Bonus. The Department has indicated programs funded through Behavioral Health Grants do not meet the TANF spending requirements. 2:40:46 PM Representative Kelly questioned the affect the amendment would have on the State's anticipated federal funding. Representative Hawker explained that in meeting obligations, the Department was able to cover funding for the current year. Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTION, it was adopted. 2:41:42 PM Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT Amendment HSS 6. Representative Hawker OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Senior and Disabilities Services ALLOCATION: Senior and Disabilities Medicaid Services ADD: N/A Representative Gara explained that it is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Health and Social Services shall review and propose regulations Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living homes that compensate for the cost and care and reflect the needs of individuals with different acuities. It is the intent that it provide the appropriation need to the Legislature for the cost of implementing the regulations. The Department shall review actual costs of providing services and develop rates that reimburse providers at rates that reflect the acuity of the residents and their corresponding needs for assistance on an annual basis. It is the intent that the Department propose regulations to determine the proper reimbursement rate, and the proper annual adjustment similar to the annual adjustment given to nursing home facilities. Representative Hawker spoke against the amendment, noting that it was an issue of reimbursement rates facing the Department. Within the Medicaid system, there are three driving cost factors, services & eligibility. The Legislature has made policy decisions regarding determination of the level of service. There is evidence that the Department has a regular recurring process to prioritize. There are competing needs that must be judged each year. He felt the need for further discussions with the Department for rate and priority changes. He argued that the budget and subcommittee process has been successful with the Department and did not agree with the use of "proper" use. He emphasized that there are limited resources and infinite needs. Representative Gara recommended a friendly amendment, changing "proper" for another word. He mentioned concern voiced by the Department, but reiterated that assisted living homes have remained flat funded and now are having a hard time recruiting personnel since the rate has not gone up and wages have remained low. He maintained the action is needed. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Chenault Representative Foster & Co-Chair Meyer were not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (4-5). 2:51:04 PM Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT Amendment HSS 7. Representative Hawker OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Office of Children Services ALLOCATION: Foster Care Base Rate Representative Gara noted that it was the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Health and Human Services should update reimbursement rates for foster care and provide the appropriate appropriation request to the Legislature for the cost of implementing the regulation. The reimbursement rates have been frozen for eight years and the Office of Children Services (OCS) highlighted it as a part of their plan to address the foster family shortage. Representative Crawford noted for the record that he is a foster care parent. Many hopeful foster families can not afford to take more children at the rates being offered in Alaska. Basic day-care costs are higher than the amount allocated to a family for a foster care child. These children are at risk for being safe. He supported a rate adjustment, emphasizing that the current path is "wrong". Representative Hawker acknowledged the compelling arguments for increased funding, but questioned if the intent language was appropriate. Constitutionally, the Governor determines the request level, which the Legislature accepts or rejects. He noted the policy call of what degree the State of Alaska should compensate the foster care program. The question is whether the program is based on human charity or a financial cash-incentive program. He worried about those outcomes. Representative Joule pointed out that the current system is based on reimbursement. He asked if there is a differentiation based upon where the foster child is taken in [lives]. Representative Hawker advised that the Alaska system is complex with cost-of-living adjustments for areas around the State. Representative Joule hoped that the Department could address concerns of the costs associated in raising a child especially throughout rural Alaska. Representative Nelson was disturbed by comments made by Representative Hawker regarding the motives of some people taking in foster children. She asserted that outfitting a child is very expensive. Representative Nelson pointed out that no longer are there children homes in Alaska. She emphasized that a foster parent does not make money especially a working parent. Representative Kelly acknowledged the merit in the above arguments; however, pointed out that some foster parents do not need financial assistance to apply what those kids really need, which is love. He acknowledged that it is not a simple matter. Representative Gara clarified that different foster parents need different amounts and types of help. There are no foster parents in Alaska that are making a profit. Being compensated at $7,000 a year, is not a handsome profit. Representative Gara argued that the Governor had not requested the funding, but that the Department did indicate a need. The rates have been frozen for many years and there is a shortage of foster parents throughout Alaska and it is a major problem in the State. He stressed that the Department needs to upgrade their reimbursement rate. Representative Thomas noted he had been raised in a foster home. He commented that he and his wife had contemplated becoming a foster family; however, the amount of paper work associated with that attempt was overwhelming & discouraging. He recommended cutting the paperwork. Co-Chair Chenault commented that he too was a foster parent and acknowledged the problem existing throughout Alaska. 3:13:08 PM A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Gara, Joule, Crawford OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault Representative Nelson & Representative Foster were not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (3-6). 3:14:15 PM Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT HSS 8. Representative Hawker OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Senior and Disabilities Services ALLOCATION: Senior and Disabilities Medicaid Services ADD: N/A Representative Gara noted that it was the intent of the Legislature that the Department should review reimbursement rates to determine the rate necessary to provide a minimum of a 10% increase to the individual providing Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services to offset inflation for personal care attendants since the rate was last adjusted. The reimbursement rate has been frozen since 2003. It is the intent that the Department propose regulations to determine the proper reimbursement rate, and the proper annual adjustment similar to the annual adjustment given to nursing home facilities. Representative Hawker acknowledged that these are difficult choices. The PCA was started six years ago and was an $8 million dollar net program that has escalated into a $100 million dollar program in a short period of time. The most significant efforts have directed the Department to not increase the program but rather to get services under control. He stated that it is premature to direct the Department to determine a 10% increase. He worried about the usage of "proper" & recommended a no vote. Representative Gara offered to change "proper" to "fair & appropriate" services. He reiterated that there are many problems with the PCA statewide services and identified concerns not addressed by the amendment. The rate paid has been frozen since 2003 and can no longer keep up with inflation. The Department has cut back too far on the number of hours. The amendment addresses the hourly rate. Representative Gara MOVED to AMEND HSS 8 to delete the word "proper" and insert the words "fair and appropriate". There being NO OBJECTION, the change was made. Representative Kelly worried about the growing budget for the Department of Health & Social Services. He recommended that only the "neediest of the needy" in the State should be given any assistance. He believed that Government should not sustain the growth rate spending; it is not the State's responsibility. 3:28:01 PM Representative Gara wrapped up, noting that a family would not receive PCA services unless they are very sick or disabled. He emphasized that the services are provided to families that otherwise would send their family member to a nursing home, costing the State much more money. He thought that the amendment would save money for the State by compensating workers. Representative Kelly was familiar with the statewide need. He believed that nursing homes and Medicaid will eventually collapse because they are unsustainable. 3:29:39 PM A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Nelson OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault Representative Joule & Representative Foster were not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (3-6). 3:30:25 PM Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT HSS 9. Vice Chair Stoltze OBJECTED. DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services APPROPRIATION: Children's Services ALLOCATION: Front Line Social Workers ADD: $1,065.1 Front Line Social Workers $349.1 Front Line Support Staff FUNDING SOURCE: General Funds Representative Gara commented that the amendment would implement the Office of Children Services (OCS) workload study recommendations for the front line foster care social workers and support staff as recommended by that office through the "Statewide Social Worker Study." In 2005, OCS responded to the Legislature's request to commission the study in order to assess the true social worker and support staff shortage. The study found that OCS is short (19) nineteen social workers and (6) six support staff statewide. It would cost $360 thousand dollars to fund the additional four social workers and $175 thousand dollars to fund an additional three support staff to implement half the workload study recommendation for FY 2008. 3:34:25 PM Representative Hawker responded that this year's budget includes ½ the study amount and that OCS would be shifting some of their administrative functions. He worried about sustainability of the issue. Representative Gara disagreed & said that was not what the Department has advised. He read from a letter by Janet Clarke, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Finance and Management Services, Department of Health and Social Services, indicating a staffing shortage. He stressed it was more than ½ the number presented by Representative Hawker. The Department needs six more social workers this year for a total of nineteen & support staff in order to free up social worker's time. He urged support of HSS 9. Representative Hawker submitted that the Governor's proposed budget to the Subcommittee made no additional recommendations to the Department for funding that component. (Copy on File). Representative Gara requested that the Department testify. AT EASE: 3:43:39 PM RECONVENE: 4:11:15 PM Co-Chair Chenault noted that following discussion with the Department, the intent was ½ the study or ½ the employees. He understood that ½ the study would be sufficient & it was funded by the Subcommittee. Representative Gara countered that both parties were correct using different points. He pointed out that the Department needs will not be completely met and that he knew they would still be short-staffed. He recommended that the study be implemented now. 4:14:51 PM A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Gara, Crawford OPPOSED: Hawker, Nelson, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault Representatives Foster, Kelly & Joule were not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (2-6). 4:15:39 PM Co-Chair Chenault concluded that the intent was to finish with the amendment process at next scheduled meeting on 3/22/07. HB 95 & HB 96 were HELD in Committee for further consideration. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P.M.