Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/02/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB170 | |
| SB89 | |
| SB99 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 170 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 89 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 136 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 99 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 2, 2025
1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Kelly Merrick, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Forrest Dunbar
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Robert Yundt
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 170
"An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to pull-
tabs and electronic pull- tab systems; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 89
"An Act relating to physician assistants; relating to
collaborative agreements between physicians and physician
assistants; relating to the practice of medicine; relating to
health care providers; and relating to provisions regarding
physician assistants in contracts between certain health care
providers and health care insurers."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 99
"An Act relating to private professional conservators; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 136
"An Act relating to the privacy of firearm transactions;
relating to discrimination against firearm retailers by
financial institutions and payment networks; relating to the
disclosure of financial records by financial institutions and
payment networks; and amending Rules 65 and 82, Alaska Rules of
Civil Procedure."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 170
SHORT TITLE: GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BJORKMAN
04/11/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/11/25 (S) L&C, FIN
04/16/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/16/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/16/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/28/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/28/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/28/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/02/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 89
SHORT TITLE: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) TOBIN
02/07/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/07/25 (S) HSS, L&C
02/18/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/18/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/18/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
02/27/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/27/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/27/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
03/04/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/04/25 (S) Moved SB 89 Out of Committee
03/04/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
03/05/25 (S) HSS RPT 5DP
03/05/25 (S) DP: DUNBAR, CLAMAN, GIESSEL, TOBIN,
HUGHES
03/14/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/14/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/14/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/16/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/16/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/16/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/02/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 99
SHORT TITLE: CPA AS PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATORS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MYERS
02/14/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/14/25 (S) L&C, FIN
03/17/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/17/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/17/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/02/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
BILL BRESLO, President
Diamond Game Enterprises (Diamond Game)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 170.
JOHN POWERS, Owner
Tudor Bingo Center
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 170.
JON WEAVER, Owner
Pilot Games
Minnetonka, Minnesota
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 170.
MARC DOWNING, Chief Counsel
Grover Gaming
Greenville, North Carolina
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 170.
JULIE OTTO, Manager
Easy Street Pull Tabs
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 170.
MATT FISCHER, Owner
Alaska Wholesale LLC
Kasilof, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 170.
MACKENZIE POPE, Staff
Senator Loki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a brief recap of SB 89.
JANICE SHEUFELT
representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 89.
KRISTIN MITCHELL, M.D., President
Alaska State Medical Association (ASMA)
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 89.
JAN DENAPOLI, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
KATHERINE VAN ATTA, representing self
Naknek, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
KATHERINE SCHNEIDER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
TAYLOR SHARMAN, representing self
Portland, Oregon
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
RILEY BENNETT-VOCKNER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
MOLLY SOUTHWORTH, M.D., representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 89.
HELEN ADAMS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 89.
KELSEY CAIN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
LEIGH COOPER, D.O., representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 89.
JENNIFER FAYETTE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
JACQUELYN SERRANO, M.D., representing self
Nome, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 89.
DANIELS REYNOLDS, M.D., representing self
Lees Summit, Missouri
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 89.
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 99.
LAURA BONNER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 99.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:33:04 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar and Chair
Bjorkman.
SB 170-GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS
1:34:07 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
170 "An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to
pull-tabs and electronic pull- tab systems; and providing for an
effective date."
1:34:23 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN speaking as sponsor provided a brief recap of SB
170 and stated that the bill modernizes charitable gaming laws
to maximize benefits for charities and nonprofits through e-tabs
and electronic gaming. He said SB 170 engages stakeholders to
support gaming businesses and the organizations they fundsuch
as youth sports, senior centers, and veterans' groups
recognizing their vital community work and reducing the need to
seek state funding.
1:35:32 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 170.
1:35:43 PM
BILL BRESLO, President, Diamond Game Enterprises (Diamond Game),
Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 170 and moved
to slide 1-4. He stated that several gaming businesses under
Diamond Game's umbrella have supplied charitable gaming products
in Alaska for decades, including paper pull tabs, vending
machines, and electronic pull tabs. He noted that Diamond Game,
founded in 1994, specializes in device-based gaming and is part
of Pollard Banknote Limited, a family-owned company since 1907.
He said their approach emphasizes long-term, sustainable markets
by working with local stakeholders, regulators, and lawmakers to
introduce the right products responsibly. Drawing on experience
in lottery, casino, and tribal gaming, he cautioned against
expanding too quickly, which has caused market failures
elsewhere. He added that in Alaska, manufacturers should either
all be allowed or all be prohibited from owning distributors,
emphasizing consistent regulations without grandfathering
exceptions.
1:39:38 PM
MR. BRESLO moved to slide 5-6 and said that a committee formed
after last session examined electronic pull tabs, focusing on
whether they should be offered through slot-style cabinets or
handheld tablets. The debate centered on ensuring a level
playing field and avoiding the appearance of mini-casinos across
the state. He said similar discussions in other markets
supported the committee's conclusions and noted that choosing
between cabinets and tablets is a "false choice," as cabinets
typically dominate the market and quickly reach capacity limits.
1:41:07 PM
At ease.
1:42:10 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting.
1:42:26 PM
MR. BRESLO continued with slide 6 and stated that the company
produces cabinet-style machines and values their role in the
business, but noted that when both cabinets and tablets are
allowed, cabinets tend to dominate the market. He added that
locations often reach the machine caps quickly, as some
manufacturers install the maximum number allowed to block
competitors rather than based on actual performance needs.
1:43:34 PM
MR. BRESLO moved to slide 7 and said Minnesota's experience
shows that tablet-based electronic pull tabs strengthen
charitable gaming rather than replace paper pull tabs. Since
tablets were introduced in 2013, paper pull tab sales have
doubled to over $2 billion, while electronic pull tabs reached
$2.7 billion in 2024.
1:44:14 PM
MR. BRESLO moved to slides 8-9 and stated that in contrast,
cabinet-style machines have reduced paper sales, as seen in
Idaho where sales fell 50 percent after cabinets were
introduced, and similar trends occurred in North Dakota, Ohio,
and Virginia. He explained that tablets are cheaper to produce,
ship, and maintain, providing greater savings for charities,
while cabinets are more costly and tend to dominate locations.
He also said revenue comparisons between the two are misleading
because cabinets in other states have higher payout rates,
making tablets potentially more profitable when adjusted for
differences. He noted that tablets have performed well even in
markets with slot machines, such as Minnesota's tribal casinos,
showing they can compete effectively.
1:47:40 PM
MR. BRESLO moved to slides 10-11 and noted that tablets have
performed well even in markets with slot machines, such as
Minnesota's tribal casinos, showing they can compete
effectively. He said the success of Minnesota's tablet-based
model is hard to dispute and believes it would work well in
Alaska, adding that while the company could provide cabinets if
authorized, tablets offer a more effective approach.
1:48:26 PM
JOHN POWERS, Owner, Tudor Bingo Center, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 170 and stated that he has worked
in charitable gaming since 1994 and now owns his business. He
expressed concern with Section 31, AS 05.15.186(f) on electronic
pull tab costs. He opposed allowing manufacturers and
distributors to receive up to 35 percent of proceeds when
charities get only 30 percent, arguing they should not earn more
than the nonprofits. He noted that Minnesota recently reduced
its cap from 30 percent to 25 percent and that all parties there
remain profitable, suggesting Alaska should adopt the same 25
percent limit.
1:50:49 PM
JON WEAVER, Owner, Pilot Games, Minnetonka, Minnesota, testified
by invitation on SB 170 and stated that Pilot Games is the
largest charitable gaming company focused solely on electronic
pull tabs and is independently owned. Founded in Minnesota in
2014, it is the state's oldest electronic pull tab operator and
has experienced steady growth over 11 years. He thanked the
committee for considering electronic pull tabs in Alaska,
describing them as easy to regulate, track, and account for. He
said the company provides real-time reporting tools for
charities and the state, allowing effective oversight even in
large or remote areas, ensuring strong accountability and
regulation.
1:53:10 PM
MR. WEAVER continued with his testimony of SB 170 and stated
that he supports electronic pull tabs, noting his company began
in Minnesota in 2014 when the product was struggling because
distributors feared it would hurt paper pull tab sales. He
designed games to complement, not compete with, paper pull tabs,
emphasizing that electronic versions should expand participation
and increase funds for charities. Over 11 years, his company has
helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for local
nonprofits, while tax revenue from electronic pull tabs helped
Minnesota pay off bonds for the Vikings' U.S. Bank Stadium 20
years early. He added that tablets also support local bars and
veterans' clubs, especially after COVID-19, by providing social,
community-based gaming rather than casino-style play. He said
tablets better suit the atmosphere of local venues and offered
to share his company's experience in charitable gaming, noting
it has twice been named U.S. Gaming Company of the Year.
1:57:28 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if a 30 percent manufacturer cap on ideal
net, excluding taxes, work for Pilot Games in Alaska.
1:57:41 PM
MR. WEAVER replied that a 30 percent cap would be workable for
Pilot Games, but 25 percent is not sustainable even in
Minnesota. Developing new games costs about $350,000 and
requires major investment in technology, security, and
reliability, supported by a staff of over 100 and offices in
multiple states. He noted that Minnesota's 25 percent rate was
reduced at the request of tribes, not charities or the state,
and his company's rate had been 31 percent. He added that
operating at 25 percent caused losses in early 2025, and without
1,800 sites and strong ties to Minnesota charities, continuing
business there would be difficult.
2:00:08 PM
MARC DOWNING, Chief Counsel, Grover Gaming, Greenville, North
Carolina, testified by invitation on SB 170 and read the
following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
My name is Marc Downing, and I am Chief Counsel of
Grover Gaming, Inc. Grover Gaming is a software
development company headquartered in North Carolina.
Grover Gaming is the nation's leader in electronic
charitable gaming. Our products have netted our
charitable partners over $860 million nationwidein
New Hampshire, North Dakota, Kentucky, Ohio, and
Virginia.
2:00:38 PM
MR. DOWNING continued with his testimony of SB 170:
We believe electronic pull tabs would be a boon to
Alaska charities and the local communities they serve.
In every state that has modernized its charitable
gaming to allow electronic pull tabs, charities have
seen a tremendous increase in their fundraising. With
this new revenue, charities have been able to reinvest
in themselves by renovating and updating their posts
and lodges, offer new services to their members and,
most importantly, invest more in their charitable
causes in their local communities. Additionally,
participating charities have seen their membership
increase, tapping into younger demographics. The
modernization of charitable gaming has brought about
positive, palpable change to charities and local
communities in other states, and the same would happen
in Alaska.
The only change we encourage you to make is
authorizing consoles in addition to tablets in order
to provide flexibility to the charities. We are
cognizant of not having the appearance of mini casinos
as that is not the intent of charitable gaming.
Therefore, one solution is to authorize consoles in
members-only locations, but then only tablets in
establishments open to the public. Nevertheless, I
encourage you to support SB 170.
2:03:08 PM
JULIE OTTO, Manager, Easy Street Pull Tabs, Kenai, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 170, providing the following
testimony:
[Original punctuation provided.]
2:03:39 PM
MS. OTTO continued with her testimony of SB 170:
Where does the money go, how does it affect us, what
would we do without it?
People often ask, where does the money from charitable
gambling go? Well, the money from our pull tab store,
EZ Street Pull Tabs in Kenai, AK goes to support the
operating costs of the Ninilchik Senior Center. The
center has been around since 1983 and has come upon
hard times more than once. We rely of grant dollars
from the Borough and the State as well fundraising
money we raise ourselves. Having the pull tab store
has made a world of difference for us and the needs of
the center. If we didn't have charitable gaming to
support our operations, we would rely a lot more on
grants, which we all know are not guaranteed.
Paper costs, along with everything else keep going up,
If our e-tabs follow the MN model and we could double
our net, why wouldn't we?? Without them our profits
could start going the other way as costs continue to
rise
Next generation of pull tab players likes electronics
We have had the pull tab store for 5 years now. We
have a pretty loyal clientele however they are aging
out. The next generation is more familiar with
technology as compared to paper in whatever they do.
Pull tabs are no different. We need to stay with the
times and offer that next generation a new form of
entertainment so hopefully we can maintain the money
coming in through charitable gambling. E-tabs will do
that.
Available space
Smaller store. Tablets will do well as far as our
space. Our pull tab store doesn't have a lot of extra
room to add a bunch of cabinets or the counter space
to add an electronic gaming area. Having tablets only
allows the smaller pull tab store only (no bar or big
gaming area) to compete effectively against other
venues.
Limits on payouts:
SP 170 kept the cap on payouts for pull tabs at $2M.
I would like to see that raised more than 10 percent
(since it hasn't been raised since 2015) as all this
money helps out the non-profits and they can always
use more money. In light of not increasing that one,
the payout of $4M on e-tabs seems like a great
opportunity to increase a non-profits bottom line.
2:06:33 PM
MATT FISCHER, Owner Alaska Wholesale LLC, Kasilof, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 170 and moved to slide 2, Who we
Are. He said he has operated his distribution business for four
years, continuing the company his father started in the 1990s.
As Alaska's only remaining full-time resident distributor, he
said the charitable gaming industry cannot survive on paper pull
tabs alone due to rising costs and supply shortages, making
modernization essential for its future.
2:07:39 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 3, Alaska Gaming Its About the
Nonprofits. He said Alaska's gaming industry is unique because,
unlike other states, it includes operators and pull-tab stores,
which makes adopting new systems more complex. While
stakeholders compare roles, he supports the Minnesota model,
noting its $75 million increase in net revenue and emphasizing
that net gains, not gross figures, reflect true growth since
most gross revenue is paid out in prizes.
2:08:36 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 4, How Permits Can be Run, and
explained that Alaska has several gaming models: self-directed
sites like senior centers that run their own pull-tab stores,
multi-beneficiary setups with several permittees, and for-profit
operators who raise money for nonprofits. He clarified that the
30 percent nonprofit share is a minimum, not a fixed amount
operators can give more. Similarly, vendors can keep up to 30
percent but may choose less, as these percentages serve as
flexible guardrails rather than rigid limits.
2:10:14 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 5, Paper Pull-Tabs, and explained how
revenue from an 82 percent payout pull-tab game is divided. Of
each dollar, $0.18 remains after player winnings. From that,
about 30 percent goes to manufacturers and distributors, and 36
percent to operators when used. Bingo halls typically have lower
payout rates, while pull-tab stores prefer higher ones but have
had to reduce payouts due to rising paper costs.
2:11:22 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 6, Issues Facing Nonprofits and
Charitable Gaming, and said Alaska nonprofits face growing
challenges, including illegal online pull-tab games on Facebook
and unlicensed gaming stores that cut legitimate proceeds in
half. SB 170 aims to give authorities power to act against these
operations. Meanwhile, nonprofits struggle with rising costs for
rent and supplies while ticket prices remain fixed.
2:12:33 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 7, Key Points From Alaska Industry
Talks, and said he spoke with a few Alaskans that are concerned
about a potential manufacturer monopoly, rising e-tab costs, and
money leaving the state. Bars worry tips could decline with
electronic play, and some fear the games move too fast, though
he noted they are actually slower than paper. He added that
Alaska's permit limits, based on prizes, encourage low payout
games that drive players away.
2:14:03 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 8, Key Points From Alaska Industry
Talks, and said many prefer having the rules in statute rather
than regulation, noting that most of SB 170 is modeled after
Minnesota law, which has already been tested. He added that some
reporting requirements go unused and should be removed to save
time.
2:14:41 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 9, 100 Percent of Nothing, is
Nothing, and said reducing bar shares isn't practical, noting
that without incentives, bars won't offer pull tabs. Paper pull
tabs already hurt service and reviews, and with electronic
games, bars risk losing tips. He encouraged profit-sharing to
keep them engaged, emphasizing that "100 percent of nothing is
nothing."
2:15:26 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 10, The Minnesota Model, and
explained that the Minnesota model, recently adjusted from an 88
percent to an 85 percent payout, includes strong regulations
requiring manufacturers to sell to all distributors, prohibits
gifts, and bars manufacturers from also acting as distributors
to maintain fair competition.
2:16:06 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 11, Minnesota Compared to Alaska
Games, and said he favors the Minnesota model because, while
Minnesota pull-tab revenue rose 267 percent over the same
period, Alaska's increased only 12.1 percent, even as inflation
climbed 33 percent, showing Alaska's gaming industry is falling
behind.
2:16:33 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 13, Opposition to This Bill, and said
opposition fears about job losses are valid, but adopting the
Minnesota model could generate $75 million from e-tabs,
supporting roughly 800 jobs. Without SB 170, additional revenue
is lost, causing pull-tab stores and nonprofits to struggle or
close, as paper pull tabs alone are no longer sufficient to
sustain them.
2:17:35 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 14, Pull Tabs as Entertainment,
Payout Percentage Matters and referenced a bar chart. He
explained that higher payout percentages increase the number of
plays per $100 spent, for example, 85 percent payout equals 650
clicks, while 90 percent approaches 900990 clicks, allowing
players to "replay" winnings. He emphasized that electronic pull
tabs are meant to provide entertainment, and higher payouts
extend playtime, keeping participants satisfied.
2:18:19 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 16 and showed a picture of the
typical bar setup in Minnesota and stated that a tablet stand
can hold 10 tablets.
2:18:43 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 18, Pull-tab Store Death Spiral, and
stated that pull-tab stores are stuck in a cycle of lowering
payouts to boost profits, which drives away customers and
eventually forces them out of business.
2:19:06 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 19 and stated that raising the $4
million prize cap increases player winnings, and keeps the
players coming back to play.
2:19:32 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 21, a comparison of paper and
electronic tabs showing that after a 3 percent tax deduction,
distributors and manufacturers earn 27 percent. The only
scenario where they make more than permittees is when working
with an operator.
2:20:22 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 24, Why an Electronic Gaming Bill in
2025, and stated that SB 170 establishes guardrails, while
specific details like vendor payment schedules will be handled
through regulations. He said it makes most sense to adapt to the
Minnesota model, with monthly deposits being more practical than
weekly ones.
2:20:56 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 25, Why so Many Changes in Statute,
and stated that lessons from Minnesota and North Dakota show the
importance of strong regulations, noting North Dakota's
unregulated payouts led to problems. Removing key elements from
the model could undermine the system, which is why Alaska favors
Minnesota's proven approach.
2:21:46 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 29 and stated that one of the biggest
concerns is the limited number of manufacturers, noting his
company is one of only three distributors remaining.
2:21:55 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 30 and argued manufacturers should
not be distributors, citing a past case where dual licensing
enabled cheating. He said keeping manufacturers, distributors,
and permittees separate ensures accountability and consistent
reporting to the state.
2:22:35 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 32 and referenced a chart. He
emphasized keeping provisions to prevent kickbacks, noting that
some companies lure permittees with upfront payments that
ultimately reduce profits. Many permit holders lack time to
analyze long-term impacts, so he urged keeping anti-kickback
provisions in SB 170, following Minnesota's regulatory model.
2:23:45 PM
MR. FISCHER moved to slide 37 and referenced a chart. He
described Alaska's current gaming distribution as dominated by
one company, Arrow, which owns both major point-of-sale systems
and several manufacturers. He said this consolidation limits
competition, allows access to competitors' sales data, and
threatens smaller distributors. He urged maintaining separation
between manufacturers and distributors, similar to Minnesota's
model, and said he supports fair competition that benefits
nonprofits.
2:25:49 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 170 in committee.
2:25:54 PM
At ease.
SB 89-PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE
2:27:11 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 89 "An Act relating to
physician assistants; relating to collaborative agreements
between physicians and physician assistants; relating to the
practice of medicine; relating to health care providers; and
relating to provisions regarding physician assistants in
contracts between certain health care providers and health care
insurers."
2:27:41 PM
MACKENZIE POPE, Staff, Senator Loki Tobin, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented a brief recap of SB 89.
She stated that as previously heard, SB 89 would modernize
Alaska's physician assistant statutes and update the
collaborative agreement structure governing their profession.
2:28:27 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 89.
2:29:05 PM
JANICE SHEUFELT, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 89 and said she has supervised many physician
assistants (PAs) that value their work but believes patient
safety depends on PAs continuing to practice in collaboration
with physicians. She expressed concern that SB 89 would allow
inexperienced PAs to practice independently, potentially
reducing access to primary care and leading to unintended
consequences similar to those seen with independent nurse
practitioners.
2:31:41 PM
KRISTIN MITCHELL, M.D., President, Alaska State Medical
Association (ASMA), Soldotna, Alaska, testified in opposition to
SB 89. She said no physician group supports PA independence and
stressed the importance of physician-led, team-based care.
Studies showing comparable outcomes involved collaboration, not
solo practice. ASMA attributes access issues to physician
shortages, not PA rules, and favors revising, not removing,
collaboration. If independence advances, ASMA urges strict
limits, added supervision, and clear title rules.
2:34:43 PM
JAN DENAPOLI, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 89. She said rural care suffers from restrictive
collaboration rules that hinder PAs despite their medical-model
training. Unlike Nurse Practitioners (NPs), PAs face limits that
block them from serving underserved areas. SB 89 would let PAs
practice more independently, expanding rural healthcare access.
2:37:13 PM
KATHERINE VAN ATTA, representing self, Naknek, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 89. She explained that current PA collaboration
rules are impractical in remote Alaska. When PAs apply for
licensure, they must submit a collaborative plan listing two
physicians. PAs are then required to submit a Periodic Record of
Assessment requiring a four-hour face-to-face meeting that
disrupt physician schedules. Nurse practitioners face no such
restrictions despite similar training. SB 89 would create parity
with NPs and improve rural healthcare access.
2:39:30 PM
KATHERINE SCHNEIDER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 89. She has worked as a PA in Alaska
since 2002, often as the sole provider, consulting physicians as
needed. SB 89 would not change PA practice or scope but reduce
administrative burdens. She urged support to help recruit and
retain qualified providers in underserved areas.
2:41:25 PM
TAYLOR SHARMAN, representing self, Portland, Oregon, testified
in support of SB 89. She said SB 89 grants independent
licensure, not practice, keeping collaboration and oversight.
New graduates remain under agreements supervised by the medical
board. She highlighted Alaska's healthcare gaps and PAs' vital
role in rural areas. SB 89 lets PAs fully use their training
while ensuring patient safety.
2:43:47 PM
RILEY BENNETT-VOCKNER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 89. She said she often serves as the
sole provider in remote communities and said SB 89 enables
independent licensure, not practice. PAs already collaborate
effectively and know when to seek specialized care. Current
rules add administrative burdens without improving outcomes,
hindering rural staffing. She said independent licensure would
ease these barriers and help retain experienced providers to
address shortages.
2:46:27 PM
MOLLY SOUTHWORTH, M.D., representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 89. She supported SB 89's
amendments and shared research showing Alaska's shift from
primary care to specialty care. From 20022021, specialists grew
13 times faster than general physicians, and PAs in primary care
fell from 47 percent to 43 percent. She said low pay,
administrative burdens, and burnoutnot licensingdrive this
trend. She urged lawmakers to pursue broader solutions like the
AMPA HQ proposal to expand access to quality care.
2:49:22 PM
HELEN ADAMS, M.D., representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 89. She acknowledged Alaska's
limited healthcare access and PA administrative burdens. She
said SB 89 doesn't reflect ASMA's 2024 workgroup efforts and
supports ASMA's amendments, including 10,000 hours for
independent licensure. She emphasized clear surgical practice
rules and warned of possible patient confusion over professional
titles.
2:51:36 PM
KELSEY CAIN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 89. PA training has advanced, but outdated laws
still require unnecessary collaboration. SB 89 keeps teamwork
central while modernizing oversight. SB 89 seeks parity with
nurse practitioners to expand access to care. PAs already serve
across Alaska, often in remote areas with few physicians. SB 89
ensures sustainable, effective healthcare for Alaskans.
2:53:54 PM
LEIGH COOPER, D.O., representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 89. She stated that as a former
critical care nurse with 20,000 hours of experience that didn't
go towards hours needed for medical training. She completed over
11,000 hours of medical training to become a physician. Alaska
requires at least two years of residency for independent
practice and three for board certification. This rigorous
process ensures high-quality care. She argued physician
assistants lack equivalent training for equal licensure.
2:56:16 PM
JENNIFER FAYETTE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 89. She said the bill modernizes
outdated PA supervision laws to improve workforce efficiency and
healthcare access. SB 89 cuts red tape, reduces clinic costs,
and supports rural care. Similar reforms in other states
expanded access without compromising safety. Alaska should do
the same to strengthen the healthcare system.
2:58:40 PM
JACQUELYN SERRANO, M.D., representing self, Nome, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 89. She acknowledged the valuable
work of PAs, but expressed concern that inexperienced PAs could
be unprepared in rural settings. She argued PAs should meet a
10,000-hour experience standard and opposed unsupervised
practice without oversight.
3:00:07 PM
DANIELS REYNOLDS, M.D., representing self, Lees Summit, MO,
testified in support of SB 89. He praised Alaska's physician
assistants as highly trained professionals who provide excellent
care and improve health outcomes. He argued that opposition from
physician organizations is financially motivated and emphasized
that expanding PA roles would increase access, affordability,
and quality of care across the state.
3:02:04 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 89 in committee.
SB 99-CPA AS PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATORS
3:02:10 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 99 "An Act relating to private
professional conservators; and providing for an effective date."
3:02:42 PM
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 99. He said the bill would create
a second licensing path for private professional conservators,
allowing licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPAs) to qualify
without completing the full national guardianship certification,
much of which is unrelated to conservatorship duties.
3:03:35 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 99.
3:03:59 PM
LAURA BONNER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 99. She shared her experience as a guardian and
co-guardian for her daughter with a disability, noting her
understanding of the distinct roles of guardians and
conservators. She said SB 99 would allow CPAs to be licensed as
conservators without needing guardianship certification,
expanding resources for those needing professional conservator
services.
3:05:31 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 99.
3:06:21 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion.
3:06:23 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 34-
LS0527\A.2.
34-LS0527\A.2
Gunther
4/7/25
A M E N D M E N T 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON
TO: SB 99
Page 1, line 1, following "conservators;":
Insert "amending Rule 17(e), Alaska Rules of
Probate Procedure;"
Page 4, following line 7:
Insert new bill sections to read:
"* Sec. 6. AS 13.26.465(g) is amended to read:
(g) In addition to any other requirement
of this section, [WHEN APPOINTING A RELATIVE OR
FRIEND OF THE PROTECTED PERSON AS THE CONSERVATOR
OF THE PROTECTED PERSON,] the court shall require
that a [THE] proposed conservator complete one
hour of mandatory education on the basics of
conservatorship before the appointment or within
30 days after the appointment if the proposed
conservator is a
(1) relative or friend of the protected
person; or
(2) private professional conservator who
obtained a private professional conservator
license by satisfying the licensure requirement
provided under AS 08.26.030(4)(B) and has not
previously completed the mandatory education
required by the court under this subsection. [IF
THE PERSON IS APPOINTED BASED ON THE PERSON'S
AGREEMENT TO COMPLETE THE MANDATORY EDUCATION AND
THE PERSON FAILS TO COMPLETE THE MANDATORY
EDUCATION WITHIN THE 30 DAYS, THE COURT SHALL
REMOVE THE CONSERVATOR AND APPOINT A SUCCESSOR.]
* Sec. 7. AS 13.26.465 is amended by adding a new
subsection to read:
(h) If a person is appointed as a
conservator based on the person's agreement to
complete the mandatory education within 30 days
under (g) of this section and the person fails to
complete the mandatory education within 30 days,
the court shall remove the conservator and
appoint a successor.
* Sec. 8. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska
is amended by adding a new section to read:
DIRECT COURT RULE AMENDMENT. Rule 17(e),
Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure, is amended to
read:
(e) Mandatory Education. A person
required to complete one hour of mandatory
education on the basics of conservatorship under
AS 13.26.465(g) [RELATIVE OR FRIEND OF THE
PROTECTED PERSON WHO IS APPOINTED AS A
CONSERVATOR] must complete the [ONE HOUR OF]
mandatory education [ON THE BASICS OF
CONSERVATORSHIP] before [THE] appointment or
within 30 days after [THE] appointment as
provided by AS 13.26.465(g)."
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
3:06:29 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
3:06:34 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON read the explanation of Amendment 1:
[Original punctuation provided.]
3:06:33 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON continued with explanation of Amendment 1:
The court system pointed out that they offer free
training online for family and friends who are
appointed as non-professional conservators.
This short 1-hour training course covers the basics of
the laws surrounding conservators in the state of
Alaska.
This amendment would simply require that private
professional conservators who are licensed through the
CPA take this short training upon appointment with
their first client.
CPA's already have training to be competent
conservators, but this training would ensure they know
the specific laws governing conservators.
This one-time, free training would make sure that all
private conservators understand what laws apply to
their practice.
In closing, this amendment protects the person who
needs a conservator, and the bill sponsor is in
support of this bill.
3:07:36 PM
SENATOR MYERS said the idea originated from the court system,
which later informed them about the available training. He said
the training is a valuable addition to SB 99, as fiduciary
principles are already well understood in the CPA community. He
expressed support for the amendment.
3:08:05 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection.
3:08:08 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and Amendment 1 was
adopted.
3:08:18 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 99, as amended, in committee.
3:09:56 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 3:09 p.m.