HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE January 23, 1995 3:05 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Pete Kott, Chairman Representative Norman Rokeberg, Vice Chairman Representative Brian Porter Representative Jerry Sanders Representative Beverly Masek Representative Kim Elton Representative Gene Kubina MEMBERS ABSENT None COMMITTEE CALENDAR Organizational Meeting WITNESS REGISTER None ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 95-1 SIDE A Number 001 CHAIRMAN PETE KOTT called the meeting of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee to order at 3:05 p.m. Members present were Representatives Kott, Rokeberg, Sanders, Masek, and Elton. Number 018 CHAIRMAN KOTT gave a brief overview of the ground rules and scheduling. He stated that materials necessary for the bill packet have been named in a previously received memo. Any substitutes or amendments need to be turned in to the chair by 12:00 p.m. the preceding day. The packets will be ready at 3:30 p.m. on the day preceding the committee meeting. Chairman Kott said he will consistently try to begin the meetings at 3:00 p.m., and he asked that all members try to be on time. He said no action will be taken on a bill unless a quorum is present. When a quorum is not present it will be up to the discretion of the chair whether to continue debate or to cancel the meeting. A roll call will be taken at the beginning of each meeting and will be done by voice, as will the roll call votes. REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN PORTER arrived 3:08 p.m., and apologized for his tardiness. CHAIRMAN KOTT asked that members be careful not to make noises that interfere with the microphones. He said that he will operate the meetings by calling for a sponsor statement and then follow with debate by the Administration. The debate will be followed by public testimony. The committee will then debate and decide their actions on the bill. He said expected issues include the Alaska Public Utilities Commission's extension which ought to be time consuming and controversial. He referred to the Gilmore Case, a workman's compensation issue, and said that will also be a controversial bill. The Workers' Compensation Committee of Alaska (WCCA) has put together a proposal that has been circulated through the members of labor. They appear to be on board, but have not yet concurred. He indicated that tort reform may be another laborious issue. Marine pilotage extension and reform is also expected to be an issue before the committee. He indicated he will know more about this in early February. CHAIRMAN KOTT then introduced his two secretaries, Debby McCaughan and Judy Geraghty, and his aide, George Dozier. Complaints should go to George. CHAIRMAN KOTT said that he expects to hold meetings only two days a week, most likely Mondays and Wednesdays depending on holidays. He reminded members that the rules call for a simple majority of the quorum, that is four members, to adopt a committee substitute, amendment, or to pass the bill out of committee. Chairman Kott again noted he will try to begin the meetings at 3:00 p.m. with or without a quorum. Number 111 REPRESENTATIVE NORMAN ROKEBERG asked for a copy of the Gilmore Case. Number 190 CHAIRMAN KOTT replied that a summarized copy will be available in the bill packets and copies are currently available in his office. Number 195 REPRESENTATIVE PORTER asked if a bill, with general approval, would be considered a committee bill or if it needs to be individually supported? CHAIRMAN KOTT responded that he would notify all members on which bills would be considered committee bills and give a brief synopsis of each. He asked that members consult with him if they have a strong opposition to the bill. REPRESENTATIVE PORTER said that he has asked the ad hoc committee of the WCCA to finish their work before bringing it to him and, therefore, the legislation should be less controversial. CHAIRMAN KOTT then stated for the record that Representative Kubina arrived at 3:16 p.m. Number 235 REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY MASEK asked what to do about absences? CHAIRMAN KOTT replied that a member cannot cast a vote but may participate by teleconference. ADJOURNMENT Number 276 The meeting was adjourned at 3:18 p.m.