Legislature(2025 - 2026)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/10/2025 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB69 | |
| SB57 | |
| SB76 | |
| SB44 | |
| SB69 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 44 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 76 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 69 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 56 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 69 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 57 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE BILL NO. 44
"An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing
evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric
hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or
restraint of minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating
to a report published by the Department of Health;
relating to inspections by the Department of Health of
certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an
effective date."
10:36:23 AM
SENATOR MATT CLAMAN, SPONSOR, introduced the bill. He
explained that in 2022 the United States Department of
Justice (DOJ) investigated Alaska's behavioral health care
system for youth. It found the state had an overreliance on
institutionalization to treat minors with behavior health
disabilities in Alaska. In response to the finding, DOJ
embarked upon a behavioral health roadmap for Alaska's
youth in fall 2023. His office appreciated the steps that
providers stakeholders in the state put into regional
meetings and a drafted report. He stressed the urgent need
for transparency and parent/guardian involvement in the
psychiatric hospitals that served the state's youth.
Senator Claman explained that the bill enhanced and
protected the rights of the young patients then had care or
evaluation at the psychiatric hospitals. The bill had four
main objectives. The first was to ensure youth patients had
access to at least one hour of interaction with parents or
legal guardians per week. Secondly, to ensure there were
twice-per-year unannounced inspections of facilities
providing residential treatment to youth psychiatric
patients in which 50 parent of all youth patients were
interviewed about their experiences. Thirdly, to report
within 24 hours in any case restraint was used, available
to DOH and the patient's parent or guardian. Fourth, to
enhance transparency there was a required report by DOH to
prepare an annual report about minors in psychiatric
hospitals. He read from written testimony of a parent from
Fairbanks with a long history of psychiatric care.
10:39:39 AM
BEN MALLOTT, PRESIDENT, ALASKA FEDERATION OF NATIVES (via
teleconference), (AFN) spoke to the benefits of the
legislation. He believed the bill ensured children in
vulnerable states had the ability to communicate with
parents or guardians. He supported the transparency and
other provisions of the bill. He mentioned a lack of
available care in the state, which could be traumatizing
for young people. He mentioned trauma to residents of
villages that had experienced institutions.
10:42:01 AM
MATEO JAIME, YOUTH BOARD MEMBER, FACING FOSTER CARE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the bill. He recounted
being placed in a psychiatric institution for two months
due to no foster homes being available. He recalled
physical violence from staff. He recounted poor conditions.
10:45:05 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman OPENED public testimony.
Co-Chair Hoffman CLOSED public testimony.
Senator Kiehl reviewed three fiscal notes. He addressed FN
1 from DOH, OMB Component 2944, with an FY 26 cost of
$212,100 UGF and one full time position.
Senator Kiehl addressed FN 2 from DFCS, OMB Component 3314.
The department reported a zero fiscal note.
Senator Kiehl addressed FN 3 from DFCS, OMB Component 3321,
which was a zero fiscal note.
Senator Claman thanked the committee.
SB 44 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
10:46:43 AM
AT EASE
10:48:43 AM
RECONVENED