Legislature(2015 - 2016)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/24/2015 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB30 | |
| SB46 | |
| SB6 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 46 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 30 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 6
"An Act exempting the state from daylight saving time;
and providing for an effective date."
10:33:13 AM
ERIN SHINE, STAFF, SENATOR ANNA MACKINNON, explained the
legislation. She stated that SB 6 exempted Alaska from
observing daylight saving time. She shared that in 1966,
uniform time map, provided in Title 15 of the United States
Code, in chapter 6, subchapter 4, Section 260(a) provided
the option for states to exempt themselves from daylight
saving time. She announced that the legislation was similar
in essence, but technically different from the 2009
legislature bill, HB 19. She shared that daylight saving
time was extensively studied, which showed negative health
consequences and safety concerns related to the daylight
saving time in the spring. Some data showed that the rates
of heart attacks among men increased at that time. She
added that the suicide rates among men increased at that
time. She stated that there was also an uptick in fatal car
crashes. She remarked that the school test scores fell
during that time. She understood that there was opposition
with the time zone difference, and the impact of those
working in tourism, broadcasting, and finance industries.
She shared that the original intent of the bill was to go
onto daylight saving time in the spring, and remain on
daylight saving time. Legislative Legal found that the
uniform time map of 1966 did not allow for that intent. She
shared that the result of the finding was a twostep
process: 1) eliminate the state from daylight saving time;
and 2) petition the U.S. Department of Transportation to
address Alaska's time zone. She clarified an incorrect
statement that she made in the State Affairs Committee. In
that committee she said that there were five time zones,
when in fact there were only four time zones.
Co-Chair MacKinnon added that the effective date was
extended to 2017 in order to adjust to some issues from
businesses. Ms. Shine agreed.
10:37:35 AM
HOLLY JOHNSON, PRESIDENT, WINGS AIRWAYS, JUNEAU, testified
against the legislation. She shared that the legislation
would negatively affect her business. She announced that
the bill would cause a loss of 15 to 20 percent of business
that could not be recouped. She felt that a self-imposed
loss of business would be unfortunate in the time of
economic strife. She understood the health concerns, but
reiterated her concern of the negative impact to
businesses.
Senator Olson wondered how the legislation may affect the
accident rate, related to those that may need to fly later
in the evening or too early in the morning. Ms. Johnson
replied that safety was the most important concern. She
stated that there was a "buffer" at the end of the day, due
to possible weather changes and allowing the pilots enough
time to sleep. She remarked that there were voluntary
compliances that restricted early morning flights. She did
not believe that the legislation would affect the pilots'
safety.
10:39:43 AM
Vice-Chair Micciche wondered how the legislation would
cause of loss of business. Ms. Johnson responded that there
were certain hours of the day that the business could
operate. Her business was primarily cruise line guests, and
the planes flew every hour. The ships would not arrive
earlier in the day to adjust to the light in the morning.
The schedule matched the cruise ship schedule. She stated
that the darkness in May and September would force the
cancellation of an entire evening tour option.
Co-Chair MacKinnon understood that the federal government
required a certain daylight for float planes to lang. Ms.
Johnson agreed
Senator Olson did not believe that all float planes were
under that federal restriction. Ms. Johnson replied that
the civil twilight times were the focus of her business
operations.
10:42:11 AM
RON PHILEMONOFF, TANADAGUSIX (TDX) CORPORATION, ST. PAUL
ISLAND (via teleconference), spoke in support of SB 6. He
felt that Alaska did not need daylight saving. He remarked
that Alaska already stretched across four time zones.
Co-Chair MacKinnon shared that there was a survey that
Alaskans could take regarding the legislation.
10:48:11 AM
MICHAEL WARD, MANAGER, TAKU LODGE, JUNEAU, spoke in
opposition to the legislation. He shared that his company
relied on float plane traffic. He echoed Ms. Johnson's
remarked.
Co-Chair MacKinnon appreciated the comments regarding how
the legislation affects business.
10:49:25 AM
DR. PETER HANSEN, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference),
testified in support the legislation. He had observed some
negative side effects of daylight savings. He announced
that the early morning sunlight had a positive impact on
his life.
10:52:08 AM
AT EASE
10:52:48 AM
RECONVENED
10:53:22 AM
PETER NAOROZ, STAFF, SENATOR DENNIS EGAN, testified against
the legislation. He shared that the legislation would not
work for Southeast Alaska.
Co-Chair MacKinnon shared that there was a survey online
related to the legislation.
SB 6 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.