Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124

03/13/2025 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS

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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+= HB 35 PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSHB 35(CRA) Out of Committee
-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --
+= HB 47 GENERATED OBSCENE CHLD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
-- Public Testimony --
+= HB 58 OPA: PUBLIC ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
-- Public Testimony --
+ Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
+= HB 50 SNOW CLASSICS TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
-- Public Testimony --
         HB  35-PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
8:15:46 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR  HIMSCHOOT announced  that the  first order  of business                                                               
would  be HOUSE  BILL NO.  35, "An  Act relating  to the  use and                                                               
possession  of electronic  devices  by prisoners."   [Before  the                                                               
committee, adopted  as the working  document on 2/25/25,  was the                                                               
proposed  committee  substitute  (CS)  for  HB  35,  Version  34-                                                               
LS0355\I, C. Radford, 2/22/25 ("Version I").]                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:16:02 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT, as  prime sponsor, gave a recap  of the bill,                                                               
explaining  that  it  would  allow   the  commissioner  [for  the                                                               
Department  of   Corrections  (DOC)]  to  set   up  policies  and                                                               
procedures  around  the  use of  electronic  tablets,  which  are                                                               
currently prohibited in Alaska's correctional system.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
8:16:36 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  PRAX moved  to adopt  Amendment 3  to Version  I,                                                               
labeled 34-LS0355\I.3, C. Radford, 3/3/25, which read:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
     Page 2, lines 3 - 5:                                                                                                       
          Delete "other than a level of basic cable                                                                             
      television service that is available as a substitute                                                                      
      for services that are broadcast to the public in the                                                                      
     community in which a correctional facility is located"                                                                     
          Insert "[OTHER THAN A LEVEL OF BASIC CABLE                                                                            
     TELEVISION SERVICE  THAT IS  AVAILABLE AS  A SUBSTITUTE                                                                    
     FOR SERVICES  THAT ARE BROADCAST  TO THE PUBLIC  IN THE                                                                    
     COMMUNITY   IN  WHICH   A   CORRECTIONAL  FACILITY   IS                                                                    
     LOCATED]"                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL objected.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:16:50 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  PRAX  explained  that Amendment  3  would  delete                                                               
subparagraph (C) on page 2, lines 3-5 of Version I.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT  clarified that  the proposed  amendment would                                                               
not insert substitute language, despite  the language on lines 5-                                                               
8 of Amendment 3.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX agreed.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
8:18:35 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND  shared  his  understanding  that  "cable                                                               
television  service"   would  remain   in  subparagraph   (C)  if                                                               
Amendment 3 were  to pass, which would prohibit the  use of cable                                                               
television (TV) in DOC facilities.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX responded yes, that  is the intent.  He asked                                                               
for the department's input on the proposal.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
8:20:07 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
APRIL WILKERSON,  Deputy Commissioner, Department  of Corrections                                                               
(DOC), agreed  that Amendment 3  would eliminate all  TV services                                                               
within the correctional facilities.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX  opined that  TV programs  condone antisocial                                                               
behavior.  He  asked what else is available  for entertainment in                                                               
the individual cells.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
8:21:57 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON relayed that basic  TV services are provided to the                                                               
offender  population  within their  cells.    In general  housing                                                               
areas, basic cable  is also provided with limited  channels.  The                                                               
TV services are  paid through the Inmate Welfare  Fund IIWF), not                                                               
with state dollars.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX  recognized that this  would be a  big change                                                               
and asked  whether there  were alternative  entertainment options                                                               
available that could be more "profitable" to the inmates.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
MS.   WILKERSON  offered   to  follow   up  with   the  requested                                                               
information.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
8:25:01 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:25 a.m.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
8:26:36 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX moved to table Amendment 3.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT objected.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
8:26:58 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
A roll call  vote was taken.  Representatives  Prax and Ruffridge                                                               
voted in  favor of  tabling Amendment  3.   Representatives Hall,                                                               
Holland, and Himschoot voted against  it.  Therefore, Amendment 3                                                               
was not tabled by a vote of 2-3.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
8:28:07 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL maintained her objection to Amendment 3.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
8:28:14 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
A roll call  vote was taken.  Representative Prax  voted in favor                                                               
of Amendment  3.  Representatives  Ruffridge, Hall,  Holland, and                                                               
Himschoot voted against  it.  Therefore, Amendment 3  failed by a                                                               
vote of 1-4.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
8:29:11 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  PRAX moved  to adopt  Amendment 4  to Version  I,                                                               
labeled 34-LS0355\I.5, C. Radford, 2/28/25, which read:                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 21 - 27:                                                                                                     
          Delete all material.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
     Renumber the following bill section accordingly.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 30 - 31:                                                                                                     
          Delete ", and AS 33.30.015(f), enacted by sec. 2                                                                      
     of this Act, apply"                                                                                                        
          Insert "applies"                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL objected.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:29:19 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  PRAX  explained  that Amendment  4  would  delete                                                               
subsection (f)  under Section  2 of Version  I and  reasoned that                                                               
the commissioner is  more equipped to decide how  the tablets are                                                               
used and what services they provide.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND  said  he  is  inclined  towards  keeping                                                               
subsection  (f)  to  encourage  more  interactions  and  pathways                                                               
towards successful transitions post release.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
8:32:06 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE   RUFFRIDGE   opined   that  subsection   (f)   is                                                               
concerning  due  to  components regarding  existing  programs  or                                                               
services provided for  the purpose of rehabilitation.   He stated                                                               
that  the   subsection  is  restrictive   and  would   limit  the                                                               
commissioner's  ability  to   provide  options  for  incarcerated                                                               
people.   Nonetheless,  he expressed  uncertainty  as to  whether                                                               
deleting  the  language  in  its  entirety  would  be  the  right                                                               
approach.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL maintained her objection.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:33:45 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
A roll call  vote was taken.  Representative Prax  voted in favor                                                               
of  Amendment  4.    Representatives  Ruffridge,  Hall,  Holland,                                                               
Mears, and  Himschoot voted against  it.  Therefore,  Amendment 4                                                               
failed by a vote of 1-5.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
8:34:28 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  PRAX moved  to adopt  Amendment 5  to Version  I,                                                               
labeled 34-LS0355\I.6, C. Radford, 3/3/25, which read:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 23 - 27:                                                                                                     
          Delete   "To    the   extent    practicable,   the                                                                    
      commissioner may not replace an existing program or                                                                       
     service  provided  to a  prisoner  for  the purpose  of                                                                    
     rehabilitation   with  the   use  of   a  computer   or                                                                    
     electronic  tablet authorized  under (a)(3)(I)  of this                                                                    
     section. A  computer or electronic  tablet may  be used                                                                    
     only to supplement an existing program or service."                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 30 - 31:                                                                                                     
          Delete "and AS 33.30.015(f), enacted by sec. 2 of                                                                     
     this Act, apply"                                                                                                           
          Insert "applies"                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL objected.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:34:38 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX explained  that if Amendment 5  were to pass,                                                               
the  commissioner would  still be  prohibited from  replacing in-                                                               
person visitations  with the  use of  an electronic  computers or                                                               
tablets,  but  they would  be  able  to eliminate  programs  they                                                               
deemed obsolete.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND considered  a  conceptual amendment  that                                                               
would  remove  the last  sentence  from  Amendment 5  to  address                                                               
Representative Ruffridge's concerns.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
8:37:08 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE  pointed out  that amending  Amendment 5                                                               
as such  would keep the  language in  Version I because  it would                                                               
delete language from a deletion.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND   conceded  he   would  not   pursue  the                                                               
conceptual amendment further.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:38:49 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The committee took a brief at-ease at 3:38 p.m.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
8:39:49 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT  considered an  example of sex  offender group                                                               
therapy and said  she would not want in-person  programming to be                                                               
offered virtually in  the future.  She questioned  the purpose of                                                               
Amendment 5.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE   PRAX  said   the  intent   is  to   empower  the                                                               
commissioner   to  make   that   decision  as   opposed  to   the                                                               
legislature.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT sought to confirm  that if Amendment 5 were to                                                               
pass, the legislature would make that call.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX  clarified that the proposed  amendment would                                                               
allow the  commissioner, not the  legislature, to  make decisions                                                               
on programming.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
8:43:08 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON  said the department  would utilize the  tablets to                                                               
enhance existing  practices and identify efficiencies.   She said                                                               
the goal is to utilize  technology to provide services across the                                                               
state.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR  HIMSCHOOT shared  her  understanding  that Amendment  5                                                               
would  take away  the commissioner's  discretion.   She commented                                                               
that without  working in these  facilities and  having first-hand                                                               
knowledge of  the offender population,  the commissioner is  in a                                                               
better position to  make decisions.  For that  reason, she stated                                                               
her opposition to Amendment 5.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
8:45:16 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE  disagreed  with  Co-Chair  Himschoot's                                                               
assessment of  Amendment 5.   He explained  that Version  I would                                                               
take  away the  commissioner's authority  to replace  an existing                                                               
program  or service  provided to  a prisoner  for the  purpose of                                                               
rehabilitation with the  use of a computer  or electronic tablet.                                                               
By  deleting  that  section,  Amendment  5,  would  maintain  the                                                               
commissioner's  authority  to  make these  decisions  and  remove                                                               
language that would be better left out of statute, he opined.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:47:54 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND restated  his  interest  in deleting  the                                                               
last sentence  [on line 5  of Amendment  5] from the  bill, which                                                               
would seemingly  remove flexibility and  block the ability  for a                                                               
computer or  tablet to be used  for something new in  the future.                                                               
He shared  his belief that  the language [that Amendment  5 seeks                                                               
to  delete]   would  create  barriers   to  innovation   and  new                                                               
programming that would not serve the legislature's intent.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
8:50:01 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR MEARS  said her intent  is to avoid  replacing in-person                                                               
programming  with a  tablet for  lower cost  or convenience,  for                                                               
example, which may not be captured by the existing language.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR  HIMSCHOOT  said it  sounds  like  the committee  is  in                                                               
support  of  Amendment  5.    She  spoke  to  the  importance  of                                                               
supplementing,   not   replacing,   in-person   visitation   with                                                               
electronic tablets.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HALL  removed  her  objection.   There  being  no                                                               
further objected, Amendment 5 was adopted.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
8:51:36 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE  moved to  adopt Amendment 1  to Version                                                               
I, labeled 34-LS0355\I.1, C. Radford, 2/25/25, which read:                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
     Page 2, lines 8 - 13:                                                                                                      
          Delete all material and insert:                                                                                       
               "(A)  possess in the prisoner's cell a                                                                           
      cassette tape player or recorder, [A] video cassette                                                                      
      recorder (VCR), telephone, or computer or electronic                                                                  
     tablet [OR A COMPUTER OR MODEM OF ANY KIND];"                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 10 - 17:                                                                                                     
          Delete all material and insert:                                                                                       
               "[(I)  USE A COMPUTER OTHER THAN THOSE                                                                           
     APPROVED  BY THE  CORRECTIONAL FACILITY;  THE USE  OF A                                                                    
     COMPUTER UNDER  THIS SUBPARAGRAPH MAY BE  APPROVED ONLY                                                                    
     AS  PART OF  THE PRISONER'S  EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION,  OR                                                                    
     VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND  MAY NOT BE USED  FOR ANY OTHER                                                                    
     PURPOSE;]"                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 25 - 26:                                                                                                     
          Delete "authorized under (a)(3)(I) of this                                                                            
     section"                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL objected.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:51:45 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE   explained  that  Amendment   1  would                                                               
prohibit   the  possession   of  tape   players/recorders,  video                                                               
cassette  recorders   (VCR),  telephones,   or  computers/tablets                                                               
inside the  prisoner's cell.   In addition, it  would essentially                                                               
give the commissioner the ability  to govern how tablets are used                                                               
within DOC facilities, as long as  they are not in the prisoner's                                                               
cell.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT sought  to confirm that the  goal of Amendment                                                               
1 is to give the commissioner greater latitude.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE  said  the   goal  is  provide  greater                                                               
latitude   by  deleting   subparagraph  (I),   which  is   overly                                                               
prescriptive.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
8:57:14 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT  asked Ms.  Wilkerson to  explain what  a cell                                                               
is.                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON said  general housing, termed "dorms,"  is one room                                                               
with many  beds, whereas  housing mods  are where  the individual                                                               
cells  are  located.    She shared  her  understanding  that  the                                                               
tablets  could be  utilized in  general housing,  but not  in the                                                               
housing mods.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR MEARS sought  to confirm that inmates in  the dorms have                                                               
more freedom than those in the mods.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON answered yes.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
9:00:46 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT  asked for the  practical impact  of Amendment                                                               
1.                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON  said the ability to  use a tablet in  a segregated                                                               
cell, for  example, would be  beneficial because it  could expand                                                               
program participation.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR  HIMSCHOOT   shared  her  understanding   that  removing                                                               
subparagraph (I) would leave tablet  use to the discretion of the                                                               
commissioner.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
MS.  WILKERSON responded  yes;  however,  the commissioner  would                                                               
still be required  to follow the regulatory process  per line 16,                                                               
of subparagraph I.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR  HIMSCHOOT pointed  out  that Amendment  1 would  delete                                                               
subparagraph I entirely.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
9:03:06 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE  re-explained  the  amendment,  stating                                                               
that  by  removing  subparagraph  (I), it  would  repeal  current                                                               
statute.   He added that in  his research for the  bill, he found                                                               
that Alaska  is the only  state that requires a  statutory change                                                               
to allow  for the  use of  electronic devices.   He  gave further                                                               
background and  opined that by  allowing tablet use in  cells, it                                                               
may further isolate  inmates who choose to watch  movies on their                                                               
device  if  that were  allowed.    By granting  the  commissioner                                                               
greater authority, he said Amendment  1 would allow governance on                                                               
these policies.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked whether  the commissioner would have the                                                               
ability  to turn  the tablets  off  and on  and further  regulate                                                               
their usage.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON answered yes, the  commissioner has that ability in                                                               
the existing  pilot program.   She explained that the  tablets do                                                               
not work outside the general  housing area and the department has                                                               
the  ability  to  turn  them  off  and  on.    She  welcomed  the                                                               
flexibility offered by  Amendment 1, as it  would provide greater                                                               
efficiency without seeking a statutory change.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT sought to clarify  whether movies or games are                                                               
allowed on the tablets.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
MS.  WILKERSON stated  that currently,  movies or  games are  not                                                               
allowed on the  tablets.  She explained  that corrections vendors                                                               
sell games  and movies so  if this policy  were to change  in the                                                               
future,  this revenue  generating  aspect could  help offset  the                                                               
cost of tablets to the state.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
9:11:33 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND  asked  whether prohibiting  the  use  of                                                               
computers in the  prisoner's cell would also prohibit  the use of                                                               
gaming consoles.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILEKRSON  said the department  would seek guidance  from the                                                               
Department  of Law  (DOL) but  assured the  committee that  these                                                               
consoles are  purchased from corrections  vendors and  provide no                                                               
access to the Internet.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
9:13:44 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR MEARS returned  to the first part of  Amendment 1, which                                                               
would  prohibit  the  use  of tablets  in  the  prisoner's  cell.                                                               
Because  certain inmates  are confined  to  individual cells  for                                                               
various  reasons,  she  said  she would  not  be  supporting  the                                                               
amendment.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
9:14:49 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND sought to  clarify the intent of Amendment                                                               
1.                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE said the intent  is not to eliminate the                                                               
use  of tablets  in the  dorms,  but instead,  to prohibit  their                                                               
usage in cells  because of the reasons already stated.   He asked                                                               
what is currently allowed in segregation.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
MS.   WILKERSON  noted   that   there  are   various  levels   of                                                               
segregation.   A  person  who  is housed  in  segregation is  not                                                               
participating in  programming and  is separated from  the general                                                               
population.   They are  allowed one hour  of recreation  time per                                                               
day and may or may not be allowed access to books and a phone.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE  asked why  the committee would  want to                                                               
insert a tablet into that environment.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR   HIMSCHOOT  asked   whether   books   are  allowed   in                                                               
segregation.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS.  WILKERSON said  books are  allowed, but  it depends  on each                                                               
person's situation and circumstance.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
9:21:34 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL maintained her objection.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
9:21:39 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
A roll call  vote was taken.  Representatives  Prax and Ruffridge                                                               
voted in  favor of Amendment  1.  Representatives  Holland, Hall,                                                               
Mears, and  Himschoot voted against  it.  Therefore,  Amendment 1                                                               
failed by a vote of 2-4.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
9:22:15 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE  moved to  adopt Amendment 2  to Version                                                               
I, labeled 34-LS0355\I.2, C. Radford, 2/25/25, which read:                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, lines 18 - 20:                                                                                                     
          Delete ";                                                                                                         
               (4)  allow a state correctional facility                                                                     
      operated by the state to charge a fee for electronic                                                                  
     mail or electronic visitation services"                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, line 30:                                                                                                           
          Delete "AS 33.30.015(a)(4), enacted by sec. 1 of                                                                      
     this Act, and"                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, line 31:                                                                                                           
          Delete "apply"                                                                                                        
          Insert "applies"                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR MEARS objected.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
9:22:32 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE explained that  Amendment 2 would delete                                                               
overly  prescriptive language  relating  to  fees for  electronic                                                               
mail  or  electronic  visitation  and  allow  the  department  to                                                               
regulate this policy as needed.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
9:24:35 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE HALL asked about the fee structure.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
MS.  WILEKRSON said  fees are  set  by the  vendor; however,  the                                                               
federal government  implemented a  regulatory change  that limits                                                               
the  fees  associated  with  video  visitation  and  phone  calls                                                               
effective January 2025.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
9:26:16 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HALL  shared  her understanding  that  currently,                                                               
there are no charges imposed on the inmate or their family.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILEKRSON  said currently, video  visitation is  not provided                                                               
in DOC institutions.  Instant  messaging and emails are provided,                                                               
however, at  a cost to the  offender or their family.   She added                                                               
that as of January, offenders  are provided two agency paid phone                                                               
calls per month.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
9:28:49 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE  reported   that  video  visitation  is                                                               
currently  capped  at $0.11  to  $0.13  per  minute, which  is  a                                                               
significant reduction  to previous rates,  which were $15  to $18                                                               
for a twenty-minute phone call.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
9:29:28 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND expressed  concern that  placing fees  on                                                               
access could  create detrimental barriers.   For that  reason, he                                                               
stated his opposition to Amendment 2.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE pointed  out that  the tablet  program,                                                               
its infrastructure,  and the vendor  services are  expensive, and                                                               
the  cost  would  either  be  passed  on  to  the  state  or  the                                                               
prisoner's family.   He emphasized  that if  HB 35 were  to pass,                                                               
tablets would not be handed out  for free, so there would already                                                               
be a barrier to access.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
MS.  WILKERSON explained  that  if  the bill  were  to pass,  the                                                               
department would need  to evaluate its options and  work with the                                                               
vendor  to determine  the level  of services  and the  associated                                                               
cost.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HOLLAND shared  his understanding  that paragraph                                                               
(4)  stands independent  of the  tablet program  and is  making a                                                               
statement on  charging people for  access to electronic  mail and                                                               
electronic visitation services.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
9:35:02 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE asked  whether  inmates currently  have                                                               
access to  email services and if  so, whether they are  charged a                                                               
fee.                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
MS. WILKERSON  confirmed that there  is a pilot email  program at                                                               
Goose  Creek Correctional  Center (GCCC)  and the  fees are  paid                                                               
entirely by the inmate or their family.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
9:36:09 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE  commented   that  although  access  is                                                               
important, he  characterized the idea of  offering these services                                                               
to prisoners  for free as "strange."   He said he  struggled with                                                               
the  idea of  limiting DOC's  ability [to  charge a  fee] because                                                               
everyone  in  life must  pay  for  access  to  nice things.    He                                                               
questioned  why  incarcerated  individuals should  be  given  the                                                               
right to pay  nothing when he, for example, does  not receive the                                                               
same privilege.   He said the amendment would  give discretion to                                                               
the commissioner on whether to enact a fee or not.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR    HIMSCHOOT   pointed    out   that    there   is    an                                                               
overrepresentation  of incarcerated  people  who  lack means  and                                                               
struggle with mental  health issues and may be spending  up to 30                                                               
days in  segregation.   She said  the purpose  is to  grant these                                                               
individuals access to services.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
9:39:22 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  HALL shared  a personal  anecdote about  a friend                                                               
who  was recently  released from  federal prison.   She  said she                                                               
struggled with  the idea  of making inmates  pay for  services if                                                               
they could help  with personal or professional  development.  She                                                               
said she would be voting "no" for the reasons described.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR MEARS maintained her objection.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
9:41:36 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
A roll call  vote was taken.  Representatives  Prax and Ruffridge                                                               
voted in  favor of Amendment  2.  Representatives  Hall, Holland,                                                               
Mears, and  Himschoot voted against  it.  Therefore,  Amendment 2                                                               
failed by a vote of 2-4.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
9:42:15 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CO-CHAIR MEARS moved  to report CSHB 35,  Version 34-LS0355\I, C.                                                               
Radford, 2/22/25,  as amended, out  of committee  with individual                                                               
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE objected.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
9:42:32 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
A  roll call  vote  was taken.    Representatives Hall,  Holland,                                                               
Mears,  and  Himschoot  voted  in favor  of  reporting  CSHB  35,                                                               
Version I,  as amended, out  of committee.   Representatives Prax                                                               
and  Ruffridge voted  against it.   Therefore,  CSHB 35(CRA)  was                                                               
reported out of the House  Judiciary Standing Committee by a vote                                                               
of 4-2.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

Document Name Date/Time Subjects
HB 35 Sponsor Statement - Version N 2.9.25.pdf HCRA 2/20/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 - Version N 1.5.25.pdf HCRA 2/20/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Work Draft CS - Version I 2.22.25.pdf HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Sectional Analysis - Version N 2.12.25.pdf HCRA 2/20/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 CS Explanation of Changes - Version I 2.24.25.pdf HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Fiscal Note - DOC-IDO 2.20.25.pdf HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Research - Technology to Support Reentry 2022.pdf HCRA 2/20/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Research - Technology Protects Inmate Mental Health 12.12.23.pdf HCRA 2/20/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Research - Technology Education Programs in Prisons 3.4.24.pdf HCRA 2/20/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 2/25/2025 9:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Testimony - Received by 3.12.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Amendment One - I.1 - Ruffridge 2.25.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Amendment Two - I.2 - Ruffridge 2.25.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Amendment Three - I.3 - Prax 3.3.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Amendment Four - I.5 - Prax 2.28.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 35 Amendment Five - I.6 - Prax 3.3.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 35
HB 47 (34-LS0334-A) - Sponsor Statement.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Version A.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Fiscal Note - DOA-OPA 3.7.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Fiscal Note - DOA-PDA 3.7.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Fiscal Note - EED-FSS 3.7.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Fiscal Note - JUD-ACS 3.7.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Fiscal Note - LAW-CJL 3.6.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 - Supporting Document, AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Materia....pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 - Research, IWF Report Update (What has Changed...).pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 - Research, IWF Report (How AI is being abused to create child sexual abuse imagery).pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 Presentation - AI CSAM - Rep. Vance 3.11.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 47 (34-LS0334-A) - Sectional Analysis.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 4/24/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 47
HB 50 Sponsor Statement, version A.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 50
HB 50, version A.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 50
HB 50 Sectional Analysis, version A.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 50
HB 50 Fiscal Note - DOR-TAX 3.7.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 50
HB 50 Research - Alaska Department of Revenue Tax Division 2023 Charitable Gaming Annual Report.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 50
HB 58 ver. A Sponsor Statement.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 5/13/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 58
HB 58 ver. A Sectional Analysis.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 5/13/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 58
HB 58 Fiscal Note - DOA-OPA 3.7.25.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 58
HB 58 Research - CH 55 SLA 1984.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 5/13/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 58
HB 58 Research - SB 312 Fiscal Analysis.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
SCRA 5/13/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 58
SB 312
HB 58 Research - DOA HFIN.SFIN SubCom OPA Presentation 2.27.24.pdf HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 58
HB 58 Presentation - Rep. Fields 3.11.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 58
HB 50 Testimony - Received by 3.17.25.pdf HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM
HB 50