Legislature(2015 - 2016)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/12/2016 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB100 | |
| HB77 | |
| HB155 | |
| HB143 | |
| HB41 | |
| HB137 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 100 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 77 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| HB 155 | |||
| + | HB 143 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 137 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 77(FIN)
"An Act relating to training regarding disabilities
for police officers, probation officers, parole
officers, correctional officers, and village public
safety officers; relating to guidelines for drivers
when encountering or being stopped by a peace officer;
relating to driver's license examinations; and
relating to a voluntary disability designation on a
state identification card and a driver's license."
9:39:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON, SPONSOR, discussed the
legislation:
When people with non-apparent disabilities interact
with peace officers and corrections officers, elements
of their disabilities often brush against officers'
protocols and may result in serious misunderstanding
or even tragedy. The goal of HB77 is to improve
communications between law enforcement and corrections
professionals who interact with people who have non-
apparent disabilities, whether these disabled
individuals encounter the "systems" as victims,
witnesses, or alleged perpetrators.
The first part of HB 77 focuses on training regarding
interactions with people with non-apparent
disabilities. The bill requires the implementation of
a non-apparent disability awareness training component
for Alaska peace officers, corrections officers and
parole/probation officers. The Alaska Police Standards
Council, has established a basic course at the academy
level. The training instructs officers how to engage
in appropriate interactions with individuals who
experience a non-apparent disability. The course
instructs officers and the guidelines will stress
understanding of the different manner in which people
with non-apparent disabilities process sensory stimuli
and language.
The bill also requires that the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) add a section to the Passenger Vehicle
Driver Handbook that instructs drivers as to their
responsibilities when interacting with a peace
officer. Basic instruction will be added to the
driver's manual and one or more questions will be
added to the written driver's license test. Awareness
training for both police officers and the public will
aid in increasing the safety of most encounters.
Another component of HB 77 is to implement a statewide
voluntary identification system where a discrete
marker will be placed on an Alaska Driver's license or
an Alaska ID card. The marker would indicate that the
individual has a disability that may not be apparent.
The police or corrections officer, having taken the
disability awareness training, will be able to
understand and more appropriately interact with the
individual.
If a person's disability is not recognized during an
encounter, it may affect the outcome of that
encounter. This bill would push to improve
communication between peace officers, corrections
officers and parole/probation officers when
interacting with people who have non-apparent
disabilities. The hope of this bill is to reduce the
potential for tragic encounters in our state.
9:42:20 AM
JANE PIERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON,
discussed the sectional analysis (copy on file):
Section 1. Amends AS 18.65.220 to include statutory
language that expands the duties of the police
standards council's training program to include
training in recognizing and interacting with a person
with disabilities, as well as familiarization with
resources that are available to those with hidden
disabilities.
Section 2. Adds a new subsection to AS 18.65.310.
Providing that a person may voluntarily designate on
their state identification card that the person has a
disability and the proof required for the designation.
Section 3. Amends AS 18.65.670(c) to include
disability training to village public safety officers.
Section 4. Amends AS 28.05.011 by adding a new
subsection to include the duties and responsibilities
of drivers when encountering or being stopped by a
peace officer be included in the driver's manual.
Section 5. Amends AS 28.15.081(a) to include the
duties and responsibilities of drivers when
encountering or being stopped by a peace officer on
the driver's test examination.
Section 6. AS 28.15.111 is amended by adding a new
subsection (d), providing that a person may
voluntarily designate on their Alaska Driver's License
a disability designation, proof required for the
designation and fees that may be charged.
Ms. Pearson remarked that Section 1 was in accordance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II.
9:44:04 AM
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if the driver's license indicator
would qualify the individual for something else, and
whether they would be screened for additional benefits.
Ms. Pierson answered in the negative, and clarified that an
individual would be required to get a health care provider
to receive the designation. It would not change any
designation for any other type of services.
Co-Chair MacKinnon surmised that the only issue was the
work to receive the designation.
Mr. Pierson agreed and restated that it was voluntary.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether the DMV would address
the boundaries.
Ms. Pierson replied that there was already a set process.
Co-Chair MacKinnon remarked that there was some alleged
issue of posing as police officers.
Senator Olson wondered if there were other states that had
similar implementation.
Ms. Pierson was not sure. She had seen recent legislation
that proposed to mark license plates.
9:49:19 AM
ART DELAUNE, WALLBUSTERS/ACCESS ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the bill.
Co-Chair MacKinnon CLOSED public testimony.
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if there would be sensitivity to
training when adding to the manual.
AMY ERICKSON, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), stated that the DMV had no problem putting
a designation in the manual or license.
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if Ms. Erickson had checked with
the Department of Law about integration.
Co-Chair MacKinnon directed attention to a memo from LAW
(copy on file).
LT. CHAD GODEN, ALASKA STATE TROOPERS, SITKA (via
teleconference), stated that he it would not be a problem
to implement the program.
HB 77 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.