Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
05/04/2007 08:30 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB226 | |
| HCR8 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HCR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 88 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 226 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HCR 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8
Establishing a task force to make recommendations
regarding job descriptions and salary changes for the
commissioners and support staff of the Regulatory
Commission of Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE KURT OLSON, sponsor, explained that the bill
which was a result of a February 22 letter from the
Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) to Governor Palin
indicating that the RCA commissioners needed a salary
increase. The resolution would establish a legislative task
force to make recommendations for job descriptions and
salaries, as well as staffing within the RCA. The task
force would consist of nine members, three from the House,
three from the Senate, and Governor Palin or her designee,
the Attorney General or his designee, and Commissioner Notti
or his designee. The task force would meet up to five times
during the interim and make recommendations to the
legislature in the first week of the next session. It would
sunset on May 30, 2008. He noted that the administration is
supportive of HCR 8. He drew attention to the $10,000
fiscal note by the Legislature.
9:45:20 AM
KATE GIARD, COMMISSIONER, CHAIR, REGULATORY COMMISSION OF
ALASKA (RCA), related that there have been thirty years of
problems with RCA. She said the goal is to have open and
transparent business and yet protect Alaska. There is a
need to balance the needs of the infrastructure with those
of the rate payers. She testified in support of HCR 8,
which sets up a task force. A task force was set up in
2002, which never met. Ms. Giard looked at this legislation
as an opportunity to work together.
9:49:54 AM
SALLY SADDLER, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, said zero fiscal notes would be
forthcoming.
Vice Chair Stoltze asked who would absorb expenses of the
executive branch. Ms. Saddler reported it would be
administrative branch funds, not RCA.
9:51:13 AM
Representative Hawker referred to a memo from the governor's
chief of staff which states that the governor would select
the commission chair. He pointed out that the bill does not
provide for that. He asked if it would be problematic if
the members elect the chair.
Representative Olson reported that HB 209 would address that
issue.
Representative Hawker read from the memo regarding the
governor's preferences. Representative Olson said HB 110
deals with the sunset date; HB 209 deals with the board
appointment and timelines. Representative Hawker noted an
inconsistency. Ms. Saddler said the administration is
comfortable with this approach of two bills and a
resolution.
Representative Joule said the resolution speaks of a task
force and the memo speaks to a commission. Representative
Olson noted that the administration supports the resolution.
9:54:50 AM
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT CSHCR 8 (L&C) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note.
Representative Gara OBJECTED for discussion purposes. He
commented on Ms. Giard's expertise.
Representative Gara WITHDREW his objection. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHCR 8 (L&C) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Legislature.
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