Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-03-05 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0438 HB 166 HOUSE BILL NO. 166 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to adoptions that include a subsidy payment by the state; eliminating annual review of the subsidy paid by the state after adoption of a hard-to-place child has occurred; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows: "Dear Speaker Kott: Under the authority of art. III, sec 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the elimination of annual reviews for adoptive parents or guardians receiving subsidy payments for special needs children. This bill would repeal AS 25.23.220, which requires the Department of Health and Social Services to conduct an annual evaluation of the 2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0439 need for continued adoption or guardianship subsidy payments and the amount of those payments. Persons who adopt or become legal guardians for a hard-to-place child may receive a monthly subsidy payment for the care and support of that child. After the court finalizes an adoption or guardianship with subsidy, the family is independent of the Department with the exception of a statutorily required annual evaluation of the subsidy. Adoptive parents and guardians have the right to request a review of their subsidy payments at any time. The repeal of AS 25.23.220 would not affect this right, but would be a cost saving measure for the Department of Health and Social Services. Eliminating this required annual review will provide an estimated cost savings in the amount of $185,000 to the budget. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"