Legislature(2017 - 2018)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/07/2017 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB31 | |
| HB48 | |
| SB50 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 48 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 50 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 31 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 48
"An Act relating to the composition of the State Board
of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors; extending the termination date of the State
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and
Land Surveyors; and providing for an effective date."
1:55:40 PM
BIANCA CARPENETI, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE SAM KITO,
introduced the legislation.
1:57:08 PM
KRIS CURTIS, AUDITOR, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT, explained that the
purpose of a sunset audit was to determine whether the
board was serving the public interest, and whether it
served the public interest. She stated that it was found
that the State Board of Registration for Architects,
Engineers, and Land Surveyors (AELS Board) did serve the
public's interest by effectively registering and regulating
architects, engineers, and land surveyors.
Senator von Imhof remarked that the fiscal note had $29,600
included in the governor's FY 18 request, and the out-year
estimates had approximately the same number. She stated
that the funds would be covered with receipts. Ms.
Carpeneti replied in the affirmative.
Co-Chair MacKinnon commented on Ms. Carpeneti's family's
service to the state.
2:00:43 PM
COLIN MAYNARD, AELS BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared that he was available for questions. He announced
that there was a desire to keep a balance in the funds to
deal with a possible case.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered why it is wondered why the
board required a face-to-face meeting four times a year.
Mr. Maynard replied that two people must review each
application. He stated that it was easier to make
determinations when in the same place, rather than via
teleconference.
2:02:44 PM
AT EASE
2:03:54 PM
RECONVENED
2:04:15 PM
MICHELE ELFERS, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA PROFESSIONAL DESIGN
COUNCIL, JUNEAU, testified in support of the bill and
support of providing a permanent board seat for landscape
architects.
Senator Olson queried the number of landscape architects
versus the number of architects and engineers. Ms. Elfers
announced that there were approximately 50 licensed
landscape architects in the state. She did not know the
number of architects or engineers. She shared that there
were also approximately 50 licensed mining engineers in the
state, and they had representation on the AELS Board.
Co-Chair MacKinnon CLOSED public testimony.
2:06:50 PM
JANEY HOVENDEN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS,
BUSINESS, AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING, DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, introduced
herself.
Co-Chair MacKinnon queried the number of licensees in each
of the individual professional licensures.
2:07:36 PM
ALICIA JONES, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR, BOARD OF ARCHITECTS,
ENGINEERS, AND LAND SURVEYORS, replied that there were
approximately 3000 civil engineers; 843 mechanical
engineers; approximately 50 landscape architects; and 476
land surveyors. She agreed to provide further detailed
information.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether the licensing fee was
the same for each profession. She stressed that there was
travel associated with each position. Ms. Jones responded
that the fees were the same regardless of profession.
Senator von Imhof noted that page 5 of the audit had a list
of the different types of architects and engineers. She
noted that page 8 showed the different fees.
Senator Dunleavy noted that page 7 of the audit showed an
increased ending cumulative surplus, with the exception of
2013. He wondered whether there was a reimbursement with
the excess revenue. Ms. Hovenden noted that the surplus was
growing, and the fees were slightly reduced. She stated
that there was a hope to keep a "buffer." She stressed that
the lowered fees would slowly deplete the surplus.
Senator Dunleavy queried the definition of "they." Ms.
Hovenden replied that it was the board.
Co-Chair MacKinnon surmised that statute required
professional licensing to pay for itself, so there was some
fluctuation over time in account balances. Ms. Hovenden
agreed.
Ms. Jones revised her previous statement, and clarified
that there was a difference in the fees between those who
applied by exam versus those who applied by committee.
Ms. Hovenden shared that all the licensures fees were the
same.
Co-Chair MacKinnon queried the fee amount. Ms. Hovenden
replied that the fee was $150 for two years.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether there was a discount
for licensing two years out. Ms. Hovenden replied that it
was a set fee for two years.
Co-Chair MacKinnon queried comments.
2:12:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SAM KITO, SPONSOR, stated that the bill was
basically a sunset provision, with the one specific change
to allow for a permanent AELS Board position to a landscape
architect.
Vice-Chair Bishop addressed FN 1: CED.
Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that amendments were due by
Monday at 5pm.
SB 48 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
2:15:44 PM
AT EASE
2:16:36 PM
RECONVENED