Legislature(2013 - 2014)BUTROVICH 205
04/04/2013 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearings | |
| HJR12 | |
| HB1 | |
| HB113 | |
| HCR6 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 113 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HCR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HJR 12 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HCR 6-EST. LEG. TASK FORCE ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
10:24:34 AM
CHAIR DYSON announced that the final order of business would be
HCR 6. [CSHCR 6(EDT) was before the committee.]
REPRESENTATIVE SHELLEY HUGHES, sponsor of HCR 6, explained that
HCR 6 would establish a legislative task force on unmanned
aircraft. She explained that the issue came to her attention
because of constituents' concerns about privacy as it relates to
drones. She said her research turned up positive things
happening in Alaska involving drones. She said she learned that
the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Center for Unmanned
Aircraft Systems Integration was a leader in the nation
regarding drone technology and was harnessing it for good
purposes. She noted it was important to recognize the good, but
also address privacy matters.
Representative Hughes explained that the resolution does two
things. It recognizes the accomplishments of the University of
Alaska - Fairbanks, Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Integration and the research conducted to advance this
technology in a safe manner. It establishes a task force within
the legislative branch to come up with policy recommendations
regarding privacy protection, as well as the use for public and
private purposes, including for law enforcement.
She recalled a presentation on the House side by retired Air
Force Brigadier General Rowe Bailey who brought a model of an
unmanned aircraft named Scout. She listed some of the tasks
drones can do.
She said HCR 6 also recognizes that with new technology comes
the need to revisit certain laws to ensure the safety of our
citizens.
10:28:44 AM
CHAIR DYSON thought the bill was on the right track.
SENATOR GIESSEL said she is supportive of the program, but not
of another task force of 15 members and the expense of it.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI also wondered about the fiscal note for a
large task force and why 15 members and commissioners are needed
on it.
CHAIR DYSON said that is a legitimate concern. He commented
that a drone is being used to survey the beaches for tsunami
debris. He noted that private aviation has concerns about the
military using drones.
CHAIR DYSON held HCR 6 in committee. He suggested the sponsor
address some of the concerns at a later hearing.
10:30:41 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES pointed out that April 10 is the date the
Center is trying to put forward its application. She said the
commissioners are included on the task force because of the
areas in which a drone might be used, such as Natural Resources.
She added that the expenses of the task force will be absorbed
by departments for commissioners attending. The thought was that
the funding within the legislative budget was adequate for
private industry members. Thus, the zero fiscal note.
SENATOR GIESSEL observed that there are two legislators on the
task force and they would not accrue a zero note.