Legislature(2015 - 2016)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/16/2016 09:00 AM Senate JUDICIARY
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB147 | |
| HB308 | |
| HB317 | |
| HB126 | |
| SB182 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 308 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 317 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 126 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 182 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 147-ANIMALS: PROTECTION/RELEASE/CUSTODY
9:21:30 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the consideration of CSHB 147. She noted
that this is the first hearing.
9:21:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE LIZ VAZQUEZ, Alaska State Legislature, speaking
as co-sponsor of HB 147, said the late Representative Max
Gruenberg was passionate about this bill. When he requested
help, the topic also became her passion. It has serious
provisions that will help victims of domestic violence, local
shelters, and individuals going through the divorce and
dissolution process. It will also save money. She deferred
further introduction to Ms. Bailey.
CHAIR MCGUIRE shared stories about the late Representative Max
Gruenberg.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ shared remembrances of the late
Representative Max Gruenberg.
9:26:14 AM
NICOLI BAILEY, Staff, Representative Amy Spohnholz and the late
Representative Max Gruenberg, stated that HB 147 accomplishes
three things: it amends the cost of care statutes for animals to
hold an owner responsible for the reasonable third-party costs
of caring for animals lawfully seized due to cruelty or neglect;
it provides statutory protection for animals in protective
orders, permits granting exclusive temporary custody of an
animal to the victim; and permits a judge to consider the well-
being of animals when deciding ownership in divorce and
dissolution proceedings.
MS. BAILEY highlighted that the Municipality of Anchorage
reported that from 2009 to 2014 it spent over $100,000 to house
neglected animals. She described it as a win-win if these
animals don't need to be in a shelter. She directed attention to
an article from the "New York Times" that speaks to the number
of domestic violence victims that stay in the situation in order
to ensure the safety of their pets. Point two in the bill
ensures the victim may take their pets.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked her to walk through current law and what
will happen should the bill pass with regard to seizure of an
animal due to cruelty or neglect. She expressed concern that
there be an opportunity for the other person with an interest in
the animal to have a chance to rectify the problem. She drew a
tangential parallel to a recent bill that allows parents that
agree to relinquish parental power of attorney to a third party.
MS. BAILEY said the cost of care provision is targeted on
individuals who have so many animals under their care that they
are neglected and dying. She suggested the domestic violence
part of the bill relates to the chair's concern; when someone is
trying to leave a domestic violence situation, they want to
ensure that all children and pets will be safe.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said she wants to make sure that all the
circumstances of animal seizure are considered. She asked if
there is an opportunity for the pet owner that hasn't been
awarded care rights to make a claim for a pet that is being
purposefully neglected by the individual given the
responsibility of caring for the pet.
MS. BAILEY said the animal will not be put up for permanent
adoption as long as the owner demonstrates they can take care of
the animal financially. Turning to the third part of the bill
that permits a judge to consider the well-being of animals when
deciding ownership in divorce and dissolution proceedings, she
discussed how important this piece was to the late
Representative Gruenberg who was a family lawyer.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE commented on the correlation between animal
cruelty and domestic violence. She expressed appreciation for
the bill.
9:34:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ noted a national survey found that 52
percent of domestic violence victims did not leave a domestic
violence situation due to concern about leaving their pets
behind.
MS. BAILEY shared that she will put her car on the ferry when
she leaves Juneau and fly home with her cats.
CHAIR MCGUIRE shared a story about the late Representative
Gruenberg's dismay that someone who stole a car with dogs inside
would only be charged with attempted theft of a vehicle.
9:38:33 AM
SENATOR COGHILL commented that the reading of the language in
Section 19, subsection (a) is inarticulate. He asked if there is
a reason for the wording.
MS. BAILEY explained that language clarifies it is a custodial
issue. The sponsor was ensuring that the property aspect was
included.
SENATOR COGHILL indicated he wouldn't offer the amendment.
CHAIR MCGUIRE found no further questions or comments and
solicited a motion.
9:41:14 AM
SENATOR COGHILL moved to report the CS for HB 147(JUD) from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced that without objection, CSHB 147(JUD) is
reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
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