Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/16/2005 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB108 | |
| HB61 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| HB 88 | |||
| = | HB 61 | ||
| HB 108 | |||
| SB 42 | |||
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 16, 2005
1:56 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 1:56:04 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Eric Croft
Representative Richard Foster
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Jim Holm
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Carl Moses
Representative Bruce Weyhrauch
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Reggie Joule
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Mark Neuman; Representative Tom Anderson;
Mark Premo, General Manager, Anchorage Water & Waste Water
Utility (AWWU); Suzanne Cunningham, Staff, Co-Chair Meyer;
Shalon Szymanski, Staff, Representative Lesil McGuire; Chip
Wagoner, Executive Director, Catholic Community Conference,
Juneau; Brian Hove, Staff, Senator Seekins
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Kate Giard, Chair, Regulatory Commission of Alaska; James
Keene, Engineer, Regulatory Commission of Alaska; Virginia
Rusch, AARP, Anchorage; David Kranich, Potter Creek Water
Company, Anchorage; Larry Meyers, Deputy Director, Tax
Division, Alaska Department of Revenue; Vickie Otte,
Executive Director, Association of Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA); Sharon McConnell-Gillis, Executive
Director, Doyon Foundation; Kathy Mayo, President, Doyon
Foundation; Stan Harrington, Anchor Point Chamber of
Commerce; Amy Freeden, Senior Controller, Shared Services
Department, Cook Inlet Tribal Council; William Bomar,
Settlers Bay; Wayne Aderhold, Homer
SUMMARY
HB 108 "An Act relating to the regulation of water and
sewer utilities of political subdivisions that are
not in competition with other water and sewer
utilities."
CSHB 108 (FIN) was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HB 61 "An Act relating to licensing for a Calcutta pool
as a game of chance."
CSHB 61 (FIN) was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HB 88 "An Act relating to certain weapons offenses
involving minors; to aggravating factors in
sentencing for certain offenses committed against
a school employee; and providing for an effective
date."
HB 88 (FIN) was postponed.
SB 42 "An Act extending the reporting date for and the
termination date of the Task Force on Naturopathic
Scope of Practice; and providing for an effective
date."
SB 42 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note
from the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development.
1:56:18 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 108
"An Act relating to the regulation of water and sewer
utilities of political subdivisions that are not in
competition with other water and sewer utilities."
REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANDERSON explained that HB 108 changes
existing law by adding lines 5-8 on page 2, which would
exempt Anchorage Water & Waste Water Utility (AWWU) from
regulation by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).
The language states that a water utility owned by a
political subdivision that does not directly compete with
another water utility is exempt from RCA regulation. He
noted that the city of Pelican is the only city still
regulated by the RCA. Last year's legislation regarding
this issue was HB 515, but time ran out before it was
passed.
Representative Anderson related that local control is the
issue, and there is no evidence that shows that RCA is any
better for the consumer in Anchorage. He noted that he has
worked with AWWU, the Mayor's office, the Anchorage
Assembly, and Anchorage legislators to develop a plan for an
oversight authority over the utility to maintain the level
of consumer protection while encouraging and fostering
stronger local governments of locally owned and operated
water utilities. He opined that the new CS addresses
concerns about the assembly's overseeing rates.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked what the overall goal of the bill
is. Representative Anderson explained that the goal is to
discontinue payment to RCA, and allow for a public protest
process, better access to utilities, and parity with other
municipalities.
MARK PREMO, GENERAL MANAGER, ANCHORAGE WATER & WASTE WATER
UTILITY (AWWU), stated that the main reasons for HB 108 are
to attain parity and local control, and because RCA
regulation processes are very slow and expensive, and not
responsive to local needs. All other communities in Alaska
publicly own utilities.
Mr. Premo testified in support of HB 108. He related that
the bill would exempt AWWU from economic regulation by RCA.
During the last session, the House of Representatives
approved HB 515, which would have served the same purpose,
but time ran out and the Senate did not act on the bill.
Mr. Premo shared the two reasons why the Municipality of
Anchorage (MOA) desires exemption from RCA: current
regulation procedures are slow and expensive and are non-
responsive to local needs. He shared that from 1993 to
2003, AWWU filed only minor housekeeping and procedural
matters with the RCA and never requested a rate increase,
yet ratepayers paid approximately $2.8 million in regulatory
assessments during this period. In 2004, AWWU paid $445,000
to cover the cost of regulation and estimates are that more
than $500,000 will be paid in 2005. He emphasized that the
greater cost is in the form of preparing filings and in
regulatory lag. History and present events show that local
regulation is faster, less structured and more economical.
Mr. Premo shared that the RCA process was designed for
private utilities and is not entirely appropriate for
municipal utilities. The RCA process is very structured and
intimidating to a ratepayer. The RCA is not accountable to
Anchorage residents. The municipality is more responsive to
local needs and is directly accountable to the ratepayers
and municipal voters through public hearings.
Mr. Premo maintained that self-regulation has worked
effectively in Anchorage. He cited the proven track record
of the Port of Anchorage, Merrill Field, and Solid Waste
Services. AWWU has provided its customers with excellent
service, low stable rates and sound finances, without the
assistance from the RCA. MOA supports the establishment of
a strong, independent authority to oversee and regulate AWWU
in lieu of the RCA.
Mr. Premo emphasized that the MOA supports amendments to HB
108. During the hearing before the House Commerce and Labor
Committee, some members proposed strengthening the bill to
include language that the bill not become effective until
the municipality created an authority designed to protect
the consumer. There was also interest in addressing the
transition of the current rate case AWWU has before the RCA.
Mr. Premo referred to a letter (copy on file) which states
Mayor Begich's support for establishing an authority made up
of a board of experts appointed by the mayor and approved by
the assembly, which would serve 5-year staggered terms. The
board would be responsible for the operation and management
of AWWU under the oversight of the municipal assembly. Both
the board and the assembly would have to hold public
hearings on all rate increases.
Mr. Premo indicated that the MOA would support an amendment
requiring that HB 108 not become effective until the MOA
creates an authority. It would also support an amendment to
address the transition of the current rate case if self-
regulation occurs. The passage of HB 108 would balance
consumer protection with financial soundness and AWWU would
continue to operate on a sound business basis.
2:07:29 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT work draft 24-LS0455\G,
Craver, 3/15/05. Representative Weyhrauch objected for
discussion purposes.
Representative Holm asked why Pelican is not involved in
this process. Mr. Premo replied that he does not know. He
recalled testimony during HB 515 last session that it is
related to when Pelican took over the water system from the
cold storage fisheries processor. Representative Holm
inquired if the Regulatory Commission of Alaska would be
testifying. Co-Chair Meyer replied yes.
Representative Weyhrauch asked if Section 1 in the new CS
was added by the House Labor and Commerce Committee.
Representative Anderson said yes. He asked why the intent
of the committee is not directly stated in a letter, as
opposed to including it in the bill. Representative
Anderson deferred to Mr. Premo.
2:10:44 PM
Mr. Premo speculated that Section 1 is the wording provided
by legislative legal council. Representative Weyhrauch
discussed the merits of having a letter of intent. He
rationalized that the goals of the city are met, the
public's interest is met, and the legislature's duty of
passing law is met. Representative Anderson said he has no
problem with attaching a letter of intent. Representative
Weyhrauch suggested that the committee consider this idea.
Co-Chair Meyer agreed to allow Representative Weyhrauch a
day to research and possibly draft such a letter.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked if the legislative intent should be
codified with "shall". Mr. Premo explained that eighteen
months ago there were two very separate issues, the
termination of self-regulation and the desire for an
authority to run the utility in a more businesslike manner.
Now the two issues are joined together in this bill. The
MOA will move forward to form an authority to govern the
utilities. However the legislature decides to handle it,
the MOA will be supportive.
2:14:23 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze wondered if rate collections by the new
authority could possibly run into the same problems as the
RCA had. Mr. Premo explained that the regulatory charge
would no longer be charged to consumers under the new plan.
2:15:57 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked if MOA would replicate a surcharge.
Mr. Premo said no. Vice-Chair Stoltze asked where the money
would come from. Mr. Premo replied rate structures that the
board would set. Vice-Chair Stoltze inquired whether the
board or the assembly has final authority. Mr. Premo said
the board. Vice-Chair Stoltze asked if the assembly has any
role in setting rates. Mr. Premo said the assembly would
approve the rates as stated in the charter through a public
hearing process.
2:18:34 PM
Co-Chair Meyer voiced similar concerns. He maintained that
the authority concept is a good idea, with the understanding
that the authority serves with the assembly's approval. Mr.
Premo explained there would be seven board seats based on
specific expertise with staggered 5-year terms, appointed by
the mayor and confirmed by the assembly, and only removed by
cause. Co-Chair Meyer asked if AWWU and Pelican are the
only two areas still under RCA.
Representative Anderson said that is correct. He stated
that the questions and concerns are fair because there could
be a monopoly by the assembly and the mayor. He suggested
that 3-year terms might be more appropriate. He maintained
that it is not the intent of the bill to save money by
reducing rates, but to bring in local control.
2:23:05 PM
Co-Chair Meyer agreed with the idea of 3-year terms.
Representative Weyhrauch WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopt the
CS as a work draft. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
In response to a question by Vice-Chair Stoltze, Mr. Premo
defined a competing entity as an entity that has overlapping
service areas and provides the same service. Small
utilities have their own service areas. He pointed out that
the bill is for regulation, not for service area regulation.
Co-Chair Meyer opened up public testimony.
2:25:46 PM
KATE GIARD, CHAIR, REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA, related
that Anchorage has a very well run utility and the MOA should
take pride in it. She voiced a concern that the consumer
should be offered the same level of protection from rate
increases that they have now. RCA has not gone through a
rate case with the utility for several years. The city is
putting forward a step in the right direction so that
consumers can be certain of stability in the utility. She
cited maintenance problems in Fairbanks when their utility
became unregulated. She related strengths of the Anchorage
utility. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity for
consumers to have a fully-bedded rate structure.
2:30:25 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked if the bill affects Pelican.
Ms. Giard replied that it does not. She explained that when
Pelican Seafood transferred the water utility to the city it
was concerned about rate increases and the city agreed to
come under economic regulation.
Co-Chair Chenault asked about the fiscal note, the three new
positions, and their effect on RCA. Ms. Giard explained
that RCA collects revenues based on a percentage of total
growth revenues of all regulated utilities, and AWWU has $60
million in revenue in its pool, which will begin to
decrease. Decreased revenues will lead to a smaller budget,
and decisions will be made based on a smaller operating
budget. She opined that it is not good public policy to
require an entity to continue to be regulated just to
provide regulatory cost charges to the agency.
Vice-Chair Stoltze referenced Mr. Premo's testimony about
smaller utilities not affecting service areas. Ms. Giard
agreed with Mr. Premo's conclusions. Vice-Chair Stoltze
asked if a balloting process would be needed when a LID is
proposed, if this bill passes.
2:35:41 PM
JAMES KEENE, ENGINEER, REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA,
explained that RCA would retain control of a service area
but would not have jurisdiction over specific LIDs and WIDs.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked what would be left for RCA to
manage. Mr. Keene replied that if the entire AWWU service
area were to be altered, RCA would review the alteration.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked if alter means to create a new
service area, as well, and if approval would be needed by
RCA. Mr. Keene replied yes and explained the procedure.
2:38:00 PM
VIRGINIA RUSCH, AARP, ANCHORAGE, related her background in
utility regulation. She shared that AARP has over 30,000
members in Anchorage and more in the surrounding area. She
voiced a concern about the way AWWU is regulated, and noted
that AARP supports having utility rates determined by an
independent agency with adequate expertise and staff,
allowing public participation and having a well-funded
consumer advocate. She emphasized that passage of HB 108
would derail the rate case that is in progress right now.
RCA should be able to consider the Attorney General's
filings. She shared a negative experience in Fairbanks when
the city sold all of its municipal utilities to a regulated
investor-owned utility. She concluded that AARP recommends
a "no" vote on HB 108.
2:50:22 PM
DAVID KRANICH, POTTER CREEK WATER COMPANY, ANCHORAGE,
related his experience with unregulated utilities and RCA.
He maintained that RCA is a great resource because they help
regulate according to accepted utility management practices.
He voiced concern that a board appointed by the mayor may
not have needed expertise. By utilizing RCA, maintenance
problems may be avoided. He spoke against HB 108.
2:54:16 PM
Co-Chair Meyer closed public testimony.
Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1. Co-Chair
Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
SUZANNE CUNNINGHAM, STAFF, CO-CHAIR MEYER, explained that
Amendment 1 amends the title of the bill to provide for an
effective date and for a contingent effective date. There
was some concern about AWWU, which was owned by a political
subdivision, coming out from underneath the regulation of
the RCA, and a lack of consumer protection and lack of
authority over the utility. Ms. Cunningham referred to a
written promise from Mayor Begich letter (copy on file),
which establishes an authority commission composed of seven
members with staggered five-year terms to deal with consumer
protection issues.
Co-Chair Meyer asked Representative Weyhrauch if his
concerns are assuaged.
Representative Weyhrauch replied that he has written a
conceptual amendment that deals with his concerns.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopt Amendment 1.
Representative Holm OBJECTED. He referred to line 13 in the
amendment and related that he comes from Fairbanks and
remembers problems with an appointed board. He pointed out
that there is no structure in Amendment 1 that protects the
consumer. He opined that it works better right now in
Fairbanks with RCA oversight. He questioned whether
appointing an authority is the best way to allow for
consumer protection, but he acknowledged the need to get rid
of excessive regulatory rates.
2:59:47 PM
Co-Chair Meyer agreed with Representative Holm about the
inconsistency of the effectiveness of authority commissions.
He explained the advantages of having a body separate from
the Anchorage Assembly to be used as a checks and balance
when determining rates.
Vice-Chair Stoltze pointed out a concern about the Anchorage
Parking Facility. He termed it a "political entity run
amok."
Ms. Cunningham addressed Representative Holm's concern about
the requirements of the commission. She explained that when
drafting the contingency language, legal services was
hesitant about inserting specific stipulations about the
board. She concluded, "This was the closest that we could
get to require that there be some kind of authority
commission in place that was approved by the governing body
of the political subdivision."
Representative Holm repeated that it is a difficult
situation. He again related how much better it is today in
Fairbanks with RCA providing services.
3:04:33 PM
Representative Hawker suggested that Representative Holm's
objections might be about the whole bill rather than
Amendment 1. The words "fair and open process" are in the
amendment in order to provide sound language based on
standard industry practices. He opined that the amendment
provides adequate control and oversight by the RCA, prior to
the RCA ceding its control. He asked if he is on track with
his ideas.
Ms. Cunningham replied yes. The board must be in place
before the utility can come out from under RCA regulation.
Representative Hawker added that a standard for the board
has been established, and the chair of RCA makes the
determination that the standard has been met. Ms.
Cunningham agreed.
3:07:01 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze concurred with Representative Hawker's
analysis of the assurances in the amendment.
Representative Holm WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
Co-Chair Meyer spoke in support of Amendment 1. There being
NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
3:08:26 PM
Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Conceptual Amendment
2, which would remove the intent language in the bill and
make it a part of the statute. Representative Hawker
OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Representative Weyhrauch explained that page 1, lines 6-9
would read, "Section 1. A water or sewer utility owned and
operated by a political subdivision that is exempt from AS
42.05 as provided by AS 42.05.711(b)(2)(B) and (C), added by
sec. 2 of this Act, shall establish fair and open public
processes for rate setting." The words, "The uncodified law
of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to
read:" would be deleted.
Representative Croft requested information about municipal
charter restrictions and how much leeway the legislature has
to mandate procedures.
Representative Hawker looked at the construct of Conceptual
Amendment 2. He questioned which entity is being directed
by the word "shall", the utility or the political
subdivision. Representative Weyhrauch amended Conceptual
Amendment 2, to remove Section 1 because Amendment 1 already
discusses the "fair and open process".
Representative Hawker removed his OBJECTION to adopt
Conceptual Amendment 2, as amended.
Representative Weyhrauch emphasized that by striking Section
1 it is not the intent of the committee to strike the idea
of a fair and open public process.
3:13:47 PM
Mr. Premo, in response to an earlier question about water
utility rates and the Anchorage tax cap, pointed out that
they are independent and separate.
HB 108 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
3:14:47 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 61
"An Act relating to licensing for a Calcutta pool as a
game of chance."
SHALON SZYMANSKI, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE, explained
that under current state law there is a very narrow and
specific list of allowable games of chance for charitable
purposes. This bill would add "Calcutta pool" to that list.
Calcutta pools have been held in the past to raise money for
charity. The way that one is run is that prior to the
sporting event, the teams are auctioned off and the money is
put into a pot. The person who is the high bidder on the
winning team gets a predetermined percentage of the pot and
the remaining money goes to the organization holding the
permit. Calcutta pools present no more harm to the public
than other charitable giving activities such as "rat races",
classics, and pull tabs, which are already legal.
Representative Stoltz MOVED to ADOPT work draft 24-LS0281\F,
Luckhaupt, 3/04/05. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
In response to Representative Weyhrauch's question, Ms.
Szymanski explained how a Calcutta pool works.
Representative Stoltz asked about the derivation of the
game. Ms. Szymanski replied that she does not know.
3:18:21 PM
Representative Hawker noted that there have been three
expansions of the statutes. He questioned why the
prohibition on municipalities conducting games of skill and
chance are not just removed. Ms. Szymanski declined to
answer.
3:20:07 PM
LARRY MEYERS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, TAX DIVISION, ALASKA
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, testified via teleconference. He
noted that he oversees charitable gaming for the department.
3:20:52 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked how the proposed statute would
interface with existing statute. He observed the complexity
of the statutes.
Mr. Meyer noted that Calcutta pools have been in the state
of Alaska in an unauthorized form. It would be an expansion
and would have an impact around the state. He noted that
communities from around the state could game on the winner
of the Iditarod. They would need to provide gaming permits
and reports and the state would receive one percent of the
prizes awarded. The real benefit would go to the charities.
Calcutta gaming occurs in only three other states, all in
western areas. He predicted that Calcutta pools would be
exciting events.
3:25:40 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze observed that it would be a significant
change and questioned the department's position. Mr. Meyers
stated that there are risks and rewards with every new
program. From the charity's point of view, the activity
will be beneficial. He stressed the need to bring current
practices "above the table". He noted limitations on
participation: no one under 18 can wager.
3:28:12 PM
In response to a question from Vice-Chair Stoltze, Mr.
Meyers suggested that the scope could be limited to specific
classifications and the legislation could narrowly define
events.
3:29:22 PM
Representative Croft asked what the effect would be of
allowing entities to do whatever they want. Mr. Meyer
observed that there are social and economic impacts to the
extension of charitable gaming. He was not prepared to
comment further on the ramifications.
3:30:44 PM
VICKIE OTTE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION OF ALASKA NATIVE
CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT (ANCSA), testified via teleconference
in support of the legislation. She observed that charitable
gaming helps to provide assistance to non-profits and people
in need. She stressed the difficulty of raising money for
charities and noted that many would participate in golf
tournaments. One Calcutta event raised $800 thousand for
charity before it was deemed to be illegal. She spoke in
support of the legislation and emphasized those that it would
help.
3:33:52 PM
SHARON MCCONNELL-GILLIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DOYON
FOUNDATION, testified via teleconference in support of the
legislation. She observed that Doyon provides scholarships,
which rely on revenues from fundraisers and corporate
contributions. Doyon Foundation anticipates additional
scholarship dollars could be raised through Calcutta pools.
3:35:43 PM
KATHY MAYO, PRESIDENT, DOYON FOUNDATION, testified via
teleconference in support of SB 61. She opined that Calcutta
pools would bring in money from new sources.
AMY FREEDEN, SENIOR CONTROLLER, SHARED SERVICES DEPARTMENT,
COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, testified via teleconference in
support of HB 61, which would provide another tool for non-
profit fundraising. She observed the reduction of support
for non-profits and the difficulty of maintaining funds. She
thought that the Calcutta pools would be centered on golf.
3:38:44 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze noted that the testimony centered on golf.
WILLIAM BOMAR, SETTLERS BAY, testified via teleconference in
support of HB 61. He noted that he has participated in a
number of Calcutta pools, which only benefited the players.
He stressed that the legislation would be a successful way
for non-profits and local charities to raise funds.
3:42:08 PM
STAN HARRINGTON, ANCHOR POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, testified
via teleconference in support of the bill. He observed that
they have operated a Calcutta tournament for the last two
years unaware of its illegality. He echoed sentiments of
previous testifiers and encouraged passage of HB 61 with an
effective date. He added that they plan to hold a King
Salmon tournament during Mother's Day.
3:45:39 PM
CHIP WAGONER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
CONFERENCE (CCC), Juneau, responded to previous questions.
Each game of skill and chance should be evaluated to see its
affect on population. Addiction to gaming is the primary
issue. The Catholic community is concerned about its
effects on children and about wagering on college campuses.
If Calcutta pools cause addictive behavior there would be
concern. Three percent of gamblers are addicted, at immense
cost to society.
3:49:26 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze noted that CCC sells raffle tickets. Mr.
Wagoner observed that they are curtailing raffle activities.
Vice-Chair Stoltze referred to testimony that indicated that
the legislation would greatly expand gaming activities and
questioned if the scope should be narrowed. Mr. Wagoner
agreed.
3:51:12 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1 on behalf of
Representative Neuman. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for the
purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, spoke in support of Amendment 1.
He noted that it would allow a crane classic as an
authorized form of charitable gaming. Profits would go to a
non-profit radio station in Talkeetna and to sandhill crane
land preserves.
3:53:55 PM
Representative Holm clarified that the radio station (KFAR)
in Fairbanks, a non-profit, has a goose classic. He
inquired if birds fell into the category of animal classics.
In response to a question by Representative Holm, Vice-Chair
Stoltze noted that the goose classic was passed in the mid-
eighties in Fairbanks. All of the animal classics have
specific references and are in the generic animal classic
category.
Representative Holm questioned where it would end, if there
should be statutes for every animal that comes back to
Alaska in the spring. He suggested that "animal classic"
should be identified.
3:55:38 PM
Representative Neuman observed that the Game Commission has
to identify each activity. He noted that the crane classic
refers to sandhill cranes.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. Vice-Chair Stoltze
WITHDREW Amendment 1.
HB 61 was heard and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
3:57:44 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 42
"An Act extending the reporting date for and the
termination date of the Task Force on Naturopathic
Scope of Practice; and providing for an effective
date."
BRIAN HOVE, STAFF, SENATOR RALPH SEEKINS, explained the
history of the task force and the intention of the bill,
which should now have a broader base of support.
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the fiscal note is a zero note. Mr.
Hove said it is.
Representative Hawker asked why the deadline was extended
and why there is a zero fiscal note. Mr. Hove replied that
it is important to have the force of law to obtain better
results from the task force. He related that there is no
cost and nothing is budgeted.
4:01:40 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked why it is a statute instead of a
resolution. Mr. Hove responded that the bill morphed from a
naturopathic bill into a naturopathic task force.
Representative Foster MOVED to report SB 42 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 42 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a zero fiscal note from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:04 PM.
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