Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-01-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1993 SB 278 SENATE BILL NO. 278 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to fees for the inspection of recreational devices, for certificates of fitness for electrical wiring and plumbing, for filing voluntary flexible work hour plans, and for licenses for boiler operators; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22: Dear President Therriault: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to fees for the inspection of recreational devices, for inspection and issuance of certificates of fitness for electrical wiring and plumbing, for filing of voluntary flexible work hour plans, and for licenses for boiler operators. The Department of Labor (Department) spends time and state funds inspecting, reviewing, approving, or denying all of the above activities. It is only fair that the individuals receiving the benefit of the Department's efforts pay for those services. 2004-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1994 Under AS 05.20.060, the Department conducts inspections of recreational devices to ensure public safety. Recreational devices include, but are not limited to, ski tows, roller coasters, merry-go- rounds, and ferris wheels. If an inspection reveals a defect that is an immediate safety hazard, the Department can shut down the device until the problem is fixed. This bill would allow the Department to collect an inspection fee of $200 from the owner or operator for each recreational device inspected. Under AS 18.60.395, a person can apply to the Department for a boiler operator license. The Department reviews the application for compliance with its regulations and standards for boiler operators. This bill would allow the Department to collect an application fee of $200 when a person applies for a boiler operator license. Under AS 18.62.030, except in limited situations, a person is required to obtain a certificate of fitness from the Department before the person can perform work under AS 18.50.580 (Electrical Safety Code) or AS 18.60.705 (Plumbing Code). Currently, an applicant for a certificate of fitness must pay a biennial application fee of $160. This bill would increase the fee to $200. Under AS 23.10.060(d)(14), an employer is required to obtain Department approval of the employer's proposed voluntary flexible work hour plan. Flexible work hour plans, for example, allow an employee to work 4 days of 10 hours each rather than 5 days of 8 hours each without additional overtime expense to the employer. The Department reviews the plan to make sure it meets certain requirements of Alaska's wage and hour laws. The bill would require an employer to pay a $100 fee when it files a plan for Department approval. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor