05/02/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB129 | |
| HB286 | |
| HB81 | |
| HB146 | |
| SB229 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 293 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 208 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 129 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 286 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 81 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 146 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 229 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 2, 2024
3:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Matt Claman, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 129(JUD)
"An Act relating to voter registration; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED SCS CSHB 129 (STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE -
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 286(STA)
"An Act relating to victim restitution and compensation."
- MOVED CSHB 286(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE -
HOUSE BILL NO. 81
"An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the
owner; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SCS HB 81(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE -
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 146(STA)
"An Act relating to fireworks; repealing restrictions on the
sale of fireworks; directing the Department of Public Safety to
adopt fireworks regulations; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED SCS CSHB 146(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE -
SENATE BILL NO. 229
"An Act relating to gun violence protective orders; relating to
the crime of violating a protective order; relating to a central
registry for protective orders; relating to the powers of
district judges and magistrates; amending Rules 4 and 65, Alaska
Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 9, Alaska Rules of
Administration; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD -
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 129
SHORT TITLE: ELECTIONS: VOTER REG./LEGAL FUND/COMMS
SPONSOR(s): HOUSE JUDICIARY
03/22/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/22/23 (H) STA, JUD
03/28/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 (TSBldg)
03/28/23 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/30/23 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/30/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/27/23 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/27/23 (H) Moved CSHB 129(STA) Out of Committee
04/28/23 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP 2AM
04/28/23 (H) DP: CARPENTER, C.JOHNSON, ALLARD,
WRIGHT, SHAW
04/28/23 (H) AM: ARMSTRONG, STORY
04/28/23 (H) FN1: ZERO(GOV)
05/01/23 (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
05/01/23 (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 1:15 PM --
05/03/23 (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
05/03/23 (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 1:30 PM --
05/05/23 (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
05/05/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/08/23 (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
05/08/23 (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 3:25 PM --
01/17/24 (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
01/17/24 (H) Moved CSHB 129(JUD) Out of Committee
01/18/24 (H) JUD RPT CS(JUD) 4DP 2NR 1AM
01/18/24 (H) DP: C.JOHNSON, CARPENTER, ALLARD, VANCE
01/18/24 (H) NR: GRAY, GROH
01/18/24 (H) AM: EASTMAN
01/18/24 (H) FN2: ZERO(GOV)
01/31/24 (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 1/31/2024
01/31/24 (H) READ THE SECOND TIME
01/31/24 (H) JUD CS ADOPTED UC
01/31/24 (H) AM NO 1 FAILED Y1 N39
01/31/24 (H) AM NO 2 FAILED Y2 N38
01/31/24 (H) AM NO 3 FAILED Y1 N39
01/31/24 (H) AM NO 4 FAILED Y1 N39
01/31/24 (H) AM NO 5 FAILED Y1 N39
01/31/24 (H) AM NO 6 NOT OFFERED
01/31/24 (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 2/2 CALENDAR
02/02/24 (H) READ THE THIRD TIME CSHB 129(JUD)
02/02/24 (H) PASSED Y33 N6 E1
02/02/24 (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE
02/02/24 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
02/02/24 (H) VERSION: CSHB 129(JUD)
02/05/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/05/24 (S) STA, FIN
03/05/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
03/05/24 (S) Heard & Held
05/02/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
BILL: HB 286
SHORT TITLE: CRIME VICTIM RESTITUTION
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE
01/24/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/24 (H) STA
02/08/24 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/08/24 (H) Heard & Held
02/09/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): WRIGHT
02/12/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): HIMSCHOOT
02/14/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): CARRICK
02/19/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): CARPENTER, STORY
02/20/24 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/20/24 (H) -- Invited & Public Testimony -- --
MEETING CANCELED --
02/27/24 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/27/24 (H) Moved CSHB 286(STA) Out of Committee
02/28/24 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 7DP
02/28/24 (H) DP: WRIGHT, CARPENTER, C.JOHNSON,
ALLARD, CARRICK, STORY, SHAW
02/28/24 (H) FN1: ZERO(AJS)
02/28/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): C.JOHNSON
03/13/24 (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 3/13/2024
03/13/24 (H) READ THE SECOND TIME
03/13/24 (H) STA CS ADOPTED UC
03/13/24 (H) AM NO 1 FAILED Y1 N39
03/13/24 (H) AM NO 2 OFFERED AND WITHDRAWN
03/13/24 (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 3/14 CALENDAR
03/13/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): RAUSCHER, SADDLER,
RUFFRIDGE, JOSEPHSON, VANCE
03/14/24 (H) READ THE THIRD TIME CSHB 286(STA)
03/14/24 (H) PASSED Y39 E1
03/14/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): ARMSTRONG, CRONK,
SCHRAGE, TILTON
03/14/24 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/14/24 (H) VERSION: CSHB 286(STA)
03/15/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/15/24 (S) STA
03/18/24 (S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): HUGHES
04/18/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
04/18/24 (S) Heard & Held
04/18/24 (S) MINUTES (SSTA)
05/02/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at #:30 BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
BILL: HB 81
SHORT TITLE: VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER
02/22/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/22/23 (H) TRA, STA
03/02/23 (H) TRANSPORTATION at 01:00 PM BARNES 124
03/02/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/02/23 (H) Minutes (HTRA)
03/03/23 (H) COSPONSOR(S): SUMNER
03/07/23 (H) TRANSPORTATION at 01:00 PM BARNES 124
03/07/23 (H) Moved HB 81 Out of Committee
03/08/23 (H) TRA RPT 6DP 1NR
03/08/23 (H) DP: C.JOHNSON, SUMNER, MCKAY, MINA,
VANCE, MCCABE
03/08/23 (H) NR: STUTES
03/08/23 (H) FN1: INDETERMINATE(H.TRA/ADM)
03/21/23 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/21/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/29/23 (H) COSPONSOR(S): ORTIZ
04/11/23 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/11/23 (H) Moved HB 81 Out of Committee
04/14/23 (H) STA RPT 7DP
04/14/23 (H) DP: ARMSTRONG, STORY, ALLARD,
C.JOHNSON, CARPENTER, WRIGHT, SHAW
04/14/23 (H) FN1: INDETERMINATE(H.TRA/ADM)
04/14/23 (H) COSPONSOR(S): MCKAY
04/19/23 (H) COSPONSOR(S): TOMASZEWSKI
04/24/23 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER STA
05/04/23 (H) FINANCE at 01:30 PM ADAMS 519
05/04/23 (H) Heard & Held -- Recessed to 5/5/23 at
9:30 am --
02/01/24 (H) FINANCE at 01:30 PM ADAMS 519
02/01/24 (H) Heard & Held
02/14/24 (H) FIN RPT 10DP 1NR
02/14/24 (H) DP: STAPP, GALVIN, HANNAN, ORTIZ,
COULOMBE, CRONK, TOMASZEWSKI,
D.JOHNSON,
02/14/24 (H) EDGMON, FOSTER
02/14/24 (H) NR: JOSEPHSON
02/14/24 (H) FN2: (ADM)
02/14/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): WRIGHT
02/14/24 (H) FINANCE at 08:30 AM ADAMS 519
02/14/24 (H) Moved HB 81 Out of Committee -- Please
Note Time Change --
02/15/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): GALVIN
03/04/24 (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 3/4/2024
03/04/24 (H) READ THE SECOND TIME
03/04/24 (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 3/6 CALENDAR
03/04/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): HANNAN, STAPP, CRONK
03/06/24 (H) READ THE THIRD TIME HB 81
03/06/24 (H) PASSED Y40
03/06/24 (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE
03/06/24 (H) COSPONSOR(S): ALLARD, MINA, STUTES,
STORY, TILTON
03/06/24 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/06/24 (H) VERSION: HB 81
03/07/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/07/24 (S) TRA, STA
03/21/24 (S) TRANSPORTATION at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH
205
03/21/24 (S) Heard & Held
03/26/24 (S) TRANSPORTATION at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH
205
03/26/24 (S) Moved HB 81 Out of Committee
03/27/24 (S) TRA RPT 1DP 3NR
03/27/24 (S) DP: KAUFMAN
03/27/24 (S) NR: MYERS, TOBIN, WILSON
03/27/24 (S) FN2: (ADM)
03/27/24 (S) REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS
03/27/24 (S) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER STA
04/23/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
04/23/24 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/25/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
04/25/24 (S) Heard & Held
05/02/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
BILL: HB 146
SHORT TITLE: REGULATION OF FIREWORKS
SPONSOR(s): HOUSE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
03/29/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/23 (H) STA, L&C
03/29/23 (H) FN1: ZERO(DPS)
03/29/23 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
04/13/23 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/13/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/27/23 (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/27/23 (H) Moved CSHB 146(STA) Out of Committee
05/01/23 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP 2NR
05/01/23 (H) DP: CARPENTER, C.JOHNSON, ALLARD,
WRIGHT, SHAW
05/01/23 (H) NR: ARMSTRONG, STORY
05/01/23 (H) FN1: ZERO(DPS)
05/08/23 (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 03:15 PM BARNES 124
05/08/23 (H) Heard & Held
01/24/24 (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 03:15 PM BARNES 124
01/24/24 (H) Moved CSHB 146(STA) Out of Committee
01/26/24 (H) L&C RPT CS(STA) 7DP
01/26/24 (H) DP: FIELDS, CARRICK, PRAX, WRIGHT,
RUFFRIDGE, SADDLER, SUMNER
01/26/24 (H) FN2: ZERO(DPS)
03/20/24 (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 3/20/2024
03/20/24 (H) READ THE SECOND TIME
03/20/24 (H) STA CS ADOPTED UC
03/20/24 (H) AM NO 1 OFFERED
03/20/24 (H) AM NO 1 NOT TABLED Y20 N20
03/20/24 (H) AM NO 1 FAILED Y3 N37
03/20/24 (H) AM NO 2 FAILED Y1 N39
03/20/24 (H) AM NOS 3, 4, AND 5 NOT OFFERED
03/20/24 (H) AM NO 6 OFFERED AND WITHDRAWN
03/20/24 (H) AM NO 7 OFFERED AND WITHDRAWN
03/20/24 (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 3/21 CALENDAR
03/21/24 (H) READ THE THIRD TIME CSHB 146(STA)
03/21/24 (H) PASSED Y39 N1
03/21/24 (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE
03/21/24 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/21/24 (H) VERSION: CSHB 146(STA)
03/22/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/22/24 (S) STA, L&C
04/18/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
04/18/24 (S) Heard & Held
05/02/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
BILL: SB 229
SHORT TITLE: GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR TOBIN
02/14/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/14/24 (S) STA, JUD
02/14/24 (S) REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS
02/14/24 (S) COSPONSOR(S): GRAY-JACKSON
04/30/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
04/30/24 (S) Heard & Held
05/02/24 (S) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105
(TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DAVID DUNSMORE, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the explanation of changes from
Version S to R of HB 129.
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE, District 6
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 129.
EDRA MORLEDGE, Staff
Representative Julie Coulombe
Alaska State legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke to HB 286.
JOE HAYES, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the explanation of changes from
Version A to B of HB 81.
RYAN MCKEE, Staff
Representative George Rauscher
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke to Version B of HB 81.
JOE HAYES, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the explanation of changes from
Version A to S of HB 146.
LISA PURINGTON, Acting Legislative Liaison
Department of Public Safety
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke to Version S of HB 146.
ROCHELLE PARKER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
VICTORIA CURRAN, representing self
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
OLIVIA EMERY, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
JANICE PARK, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
JOYANN BLOOM, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
LAURA SPAAN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
DAVID LOCKARD, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
RUDY POGLITSH, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 229.
GLENDA BLAYLOCK, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
PETER LABARBERA, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 229.
TERRY NICHOLS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 229.
SCOTT SIKKENGA, representing self
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 229.
APRIL ROCHFORD, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 229.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:34:20 PM
CHAIR SCOTT KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:34 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Bjorkman, Merrick, and Chair Kawasaki.
Senators Claman and Wielechowski arrived thereafter.
HB 129-ELECTIONS: VOTER REG./LEGAL FUND/COMMS
3:36:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL
NO. 129(JUD), "An Act relating to voter registration; and
providing for an effective date."
3:37:00 PM
At ease
3:37:16 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting.
3:37:22 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:37:23 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to adopt the Senate committee substitute
(SCS) for CSHB 129, work order 33-LS0668\R, as the working
document.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI joined the meeting.
3:37:35 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:37:58 PM
DAVID DUNSMORE, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the explanation of
changes from Version S to R for HB 129, which includes the
following Senate provisions taken from a variety of legislation
previously heard by this committee:
[Original punctuation provided.]
HB 129 version S to CS HB 129 Version R
Summary of Changes
Section 15: Requires DOE to develop procedures
for risk limiting audits (SB 138).
Sections 1-7, 26: Allow voters to update their
registration within 30 days of an election (SB 138).
Section 22: Requires DOE to develop a cybersecurity
program (SB 1, SB 138).
Sections 20-21: Allow ballot curing (SB 1, SB 19, SB
138).
Sections 16, 18-20: Repeals witness signature
requirement for absentee ballots (SB 138).
Section 17: Prevents special needs ballots from being
rejected because of poll worker or representative
errors (SB 138).
Section 23: Requires disclosure statement for campaign
related deepfakes (SB 177).
Sections 14, 24-25: Allow campaign legal funds (SB
246).
3:39:50 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN joined the meeting.
3:41:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE, District 6, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 129, noted that she
had been on the House floor and therefore had not had a chance
to review the SCS. She stated that the SCS contains same day
registration along with a host of measures that she does not
support. She briefly discussed the unsuccessful history of
voting omnibus bills in the legislature. She explained that she
chose to take a systematic approach to breaking the larger
changes down into smaller changes that more legislators agree
on. She explained that the original version of HB 129 received
bipartisan support in the House. She noted that the original
intent of HB 129 was simply to clean up voter rolls. She opined
that this change would show Alaskans that the legislature is
serious about systematically approaching election reform. She
apologized for not being able to review the SCS and emphasized
that she was not able to support it.
3:43:08 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI acknowledged that the SCS has provisions that
were not in the original bill and pointed out that these are
from legislation previously heard by the committee. He briefly
discussed the path HB 129 will take as it moves through the
Senate and expressed the intent for this legislation to move as
quickly as possible. He noted that additional changes may be
made during this process. He added that the provision regarding
16-year-old pre-registration was removed at the sponsor's
request. He acknowledged that the SCS is a work in progress and
expressed appreciation for the original intent related to voter
list maintenance, registration, and that those on the voter list
are able to vote. He reiterated that several other provisions
were added from other pieces of legislation previously discussed
in committee.
3:44:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE reiterated that she had not had a chance to
review the SCS and expressed appreciation to the committee.
3:45:33 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN referred to Section 4 and asked why someone who
registers on election day would need to vote an absentee ballot.
3:45:57 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI said that absentee ballots require specific,
detailed information in order to verify the individual's
identity. He explained that this process - which is dictated in
current law - is intentionally arduous. This is why the absentee
ballot was used for those registering to vote on election day.
3:47:00 PM
MR. DUNSMORE offered additional information regarding the use of
absentee or questioned ballots for same-day voting. He explained
that the absentee application on the questioned ballot form
serves as a voter registration form. He noted that currently,
someone who votes a questioned ballot within 30 days of the
election will only be counted toward the presidential race. He
briefly explained the registration review process and added that
this would ensure that individuals are eligible to vote on.
3:48:04 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said that he understands the need to vote a
questioned ballot, but wondered why there is an option to vote
absentee on Election Day.
3:48:20 PM
MR. DUNSBAR replied that it would not necessarily be on Election
Day, since absentee by mail and in person absentee ballots can
be requested within the 30-day window. He explained that
absentee in-person is functionally equivalent to a questioned
ballot.
3:49:00 PM
[CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection; he found no further
objection and SCS CSHB 129 was adopted.]
3:49:10 PM
[CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.]
3:49:17 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SCS CSHB 129, work order 33-
LS0668\R, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:49:31 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SCSHB 129(STA) was
reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
3:49:52 PM
At ease
HB 286-CRIME VICTIM RESTITUTION
3:50:21 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 286(STA), "An Act
relating to victim restitution and compensation."
3:51:08 PM
EDRA MORLEDGE, Staff, Representative Julie Coulombe, Alaska
State legislature, Juneau, Alaska, referenced a question from
the previous hearing regarding the Crime Victim's Compensation
Board funding and said she was available to answer any
additional questions the committee may have. She shared her
understanding that there were also questions about the intent of
HB 286. She clarified that HB 286 does not change current victim
restitution practices but adds lost income, childcare, eldercare
and transportation expenses to the items the court can include
in restitution expenses if these are incurred as a result of
participating in the investigation.
3:52:24 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:52:31 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report CSHB 286(STA), [work order 33-
LS1012\S], from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:52:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and CSHB 286(STA) was reported
from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
3:52:59 PM
At ease
HB 81-VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE
3:53:15 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 81, "An Act relating to the
transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for
an effective date."
3:53:36 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:53:37 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to adopt the Senate committee substitute
(SCS) for HB 81, work order 33-LS0366\B, as the working
document.
3:53:49 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:54:00 PM
JOE HAYES, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the explanation of
changes from Version A to B of HB 81:
[Original punctuation provided.]
HB 81 Version A to CS HB 81 Version B
Summary of Changes
"An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the
death of the owner; and providing for an effective
date."
Change:
Page 2, line 27
Insert ", with the names of at least one and not more
than two designated beneficiaries,"
Intent:
The intention of the change is to make explicit that
beneficiaries must be named in order to obtain a
transfer on death title from the DMV. This change
prevents a situation in which a person obtains a
transfer on death title without naming recipients,
therefore making them vulnerable to unintended
transfer of their property.
3:54:45 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN said that this change addresses the concerns he
raised at the last hearing. He explained that the title
recipient must be named prior to leaving the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV). He added that any changes must be made in person
at the DMV.
3:55:32 PM
RYAN MCKEE, Staff, Representative George Rauscher, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, said that Representative Rauscher
is supportive of the changes contained in the SCS.
3:55:49 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection; finding no further
objection, SCS HB 81 was adopted.
3:55:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:56:11 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SCS HB 81, work order 33-
LS0366\B, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:56:28 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SCS HB 81(STA) was
reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
3:56:46 PM
At ease
HB 146-REGULATION OF FIREWORKS
3:57:07 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 146(STA), "An Act
relating to fireworks; repealing restrictions on the sale of
fireworks; directing the Department of Public Safety to adopt
fireworks regulations; and providing for an effective date."
3:57:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:57:29 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to adopt the Senate committee substitute
(SCS) for HB 146, work order 33-GH1356\S, as the working
document.
3:57:54 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:58:03 PM
JOE HAYES, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the explanation of
changes from Version B to S of HB 146:
[Original punctuation provided.]
HB 146 version B to SCS HB 146 Version S
Summary of Changes
"An Act relating to fireworks; repealing restrictions
on the sale of fireworks; directing the Department of
Public Safety to adopt fireworks regulations; and
providing for an effective date."
The bill was rewritten in consultation with the
Department of Public Safety to address concerns raised
by committee members.
The current statutory category of "salable fireworks"
is replaced with two categories of legal fireworks:
"consumer fireworks" which may be sold to the general
public and "display fireworks" which can only be used
for public display purposes. A new pyrotechnic license
is created which will be required to purchase or
possess display fireworks. Conforming changes to
existing statutes are made throughout the bill.
3:59:17 PM
LISA PURINGTON, Acting Legislative Liaison, Department of Public
Safety, Anchorage, Alaska, expressed her appreciation for the
committee working with the department to draft the SCS. She
expressed hope that the changes in the SCS address concerns
regarding statutory updates, which would help with enforcement,
public safety, and licensure.
4:00:07 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection; finding no further
objection, SCS CSHB 146 was adopted.
4:00:17 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
4:00:19 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SCS CSHB 146, work order 33-
GH1356\S, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
4:00:32 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SCS CSHB 146(STA) was
reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
4:00:48 PM
At ease
SB 229-GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS
4:01:24 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 229, "An Act relating to gun
violence protective orders; relating to the crime of violating a
protective order; relating to a central registry for protective
orders; relating to the powers of district judges and
magistrates; amending Rules 4 and 65, Alaska Rules of Civil
Procedure, and Rule 9, Alaska Rules of Administration; and
providing for an effective date."
4:02:42 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 229.
4:02:51 PM
ROCHELLE PARKER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 229. She said that she is a constituent of
Senator Claman. She stated that she reads about incidents of gun
violence in the Anchorage Daily News almost weekly. She said
that firearms are the leading cause of death for children and
teens in Alaska. Additionally, Alaska has the second highest
rate of gun suicides and the fourth highest rate of gun deaths
in the nation. She shared that she is the parent of three
elementary school aged children and expressed concern with the
nationwide trend of gun violence in schools. She expressed
frustration with the lack of response from local communities.
She shared her belief that SB 229 would be a powerful tool to
prevent mass shootings and firearm suicide in Alaska. She shared
stories of families impacted by gun violence and gun suicide.
She opined that SB 229 could have saved those individuals'
lives. She noted that the National Rifle Association also
supports ensuring that dangerous individuals do not have access
to guns. She opined that SB 229 provides due process to achieve
this result without infringing on the rights of gun owners and
briefly described this process. She noted that other states with
extreme risk laws have penalties in place for those who provide
a false statement She added that these laws have withstood
constitutional challenges. She emphasized the importance of
taking action to stop tragedy before it arrives.
4:05:24 PM
VICTORIA CURRAN, representing self, Sitka, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 229. She shared that her life has been touched by
gun suicide and homicide. She stated that Alaska has the second
highest rate of gun suicide and the fourth highest rate of gun
deaths in the country. She asserted that lawmakers should do all
they can to prevent gun violence. She suggested that Alaska join
the 21 states already utilizing extreme risk laws. She commented
on the role of scientific research in creating effective policy.
She noted that parents and law enforcement are among the first
to recognize warning signs for gun violence or gun suicide and
briefly described this process. She stated that for every ten
extreme risk petitions that are granted, one life is saved. She
said that the ripple effect of a single gun death is
catastrophic and emphasized the positive impact extreme risk
legislation would have had in Alaska in 2023.
4:07:31 PM
OLIVIA EMERY, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 229. She said Alaska has the second highest rate
of gun suicide. She shared that she lost a family member to gun
suicide. She stated that this is not a partisan issue and opined
that extreme risk legislation would save many lives.
4:08:26 PM
JANICE PARK, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 229. She said that federal law prohibits those
charged with domestic violence from owning a gun. She added that
every month, an average of 57 women are killed by guns at the
hands of their domestic partner. She opined that an extreme risk
protective order (ERPO) would protect Alaskan women, who are
most often the victim of domestic violence - and who face a
higher risk of death by gun at the hands of their significant
other than any other state. She said that Alaska is second in
the country for gun suicide. She shared a story of a former
Alaska legislator who lost close family members to gun suicide.
She urged members to consider the victims of domestic violence
and the tragic consequences of gun suicides. She opined that SB
229 could avert these. She noted that previously introduced ERPO
legislation was supported by nearly 80 percent of gun owners.
4:10:43 PM
JOYANN BLOOM, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 229. She expressed appreciation for legislation
that addresses gun violence in the state without impacting
second amendment rights. She shared about a family domestic
dispute involving guns. She stated that SB 229 would provide a
cool-down period without access to weapons that could make a
difference in these situations. She added that this legislation
would protect Alaskans from gun violence and gun suicides. She
shared a variety of reasons someone may reach for a gun and act
out of rage. She asserted that legislators are in a position to
prevent these tragedies.
4:12:03 PM
LAURA SPAAN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 229. She said that she is a gun owner and
emphasized the importance of being a responsible gun owner,
keeping guns out of the hands of children and those who are at
risk of hurting themselves or others. She commented that this is
an act she can take as an individual and asserted that community
action must also be taken. She emphasized the importance of
living in safety and avoiding tragedy. She briefly shared two
stories of gun violence that impacted her life. She opined that
failure to enact laws that create greater responsibility around
gun use and ownership is a failure to Alaskans.
4:15:08 PM
DAVID LOCKARD, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 229. He said that he is an occasional hunter
and owns two guns, which he keeps in a gun safe. He stated that
Alaska ranks fourth in the nation for gun-related deaths and
second in the nation for gun suicides. He said an extreme risk
law would allow law enforcement and family members to intervene
before tragedy strikes. He pointed out that 21 states have
similar laws in place and added that Alaska should follow suit.
4:16:13 PM
RUDY POGLITSH, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 229. He stated that red flag laws do not reduce
gun violence or gun suicide. He added that, according to the
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island, these
laws could negatively impact those who pose no real threat to
themselves or others. He stated that all 50 states have laws and
procedures in place to address these issues.
4:17:13 PM
GLENDA BLAYLOCK, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 229. She shared that her family has been
impacted twice by gun violence. She said that the stories of
those impacted are heartbreaking and shared her belief that SB
229 would help save some lives in Alaska.
4:18:26 PM
PETER LABARBERA, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 229. He shared his belief that there are
already laws in place to regulate this problem.
4:19:10 PM
TERRY NICHOLS, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 229. He shared his belief that this
legislation is flawed. He asserted that it opens the door for
abuse. He added that individuals' rights could be stripped based
on false allegations and assumptions - and without any
supporting evidence. He expressed concern about ex-parte
warrants. He stated that, while 21 states have enacted similar
laws, 28 states have chosen not to. He asserted that there is no
evidence that extreme risk laws have had the intended
consequences in any state. He shared five states where red flag
laws failed - or would have failed and gave this as evidence
that red flag laws are not the solution. He shared his belief
that firearm education starting at a young age (as is done in
Wyoming) would teach firearm safety. He stated that SB 229
conflicts with the 2nd, 4th, and 14th constitutional amendments.
He said that, in the United States v Rahimi, the Supreme Court
held that red flag laws are unconstitutional.
4:22:15 PM
SCOTT SIKKENGA, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 229. He said he has five children. He expressed
doubt that decreased access to firearms will result in fewer
deaths and asserted that increasing the government's ability to
seize firearms makes law abiding citizens less safe. He opined
that SB 229 would simply enable the government - and a political
party - to seize firearms from those they disagree with,
creating an environment where individuals are "guilty until
proven innocent." He expressed concern with increasing
governmental reach. He said that current laws adequately address
this issue. He shared a story illustrating how friends and
family can obtain firearms from at-risk loved ones without
government intervention.
4:24:57 PM
APRIL ROCHFORD, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 229. She said she has two children and is a
member of the scientific community. She stated that she
experiences gun violence regularly in Alaska's largest city. She
expressed concern about the possibility of school shootings. She
offered several statistics to illustrate that red flag laws
result in fewer deaths.
4:27:30 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held public testimony on SB 229 open.
4:27:59 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 229 in committee.
4:29:17 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:29 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| CS HB 81.pdf |
SSTA 5/2/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| Summary of Changes HB 81 version A to B.pdf |
SSTA 5/2/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| CS HB 146.S.pdf |
SSTA 5/2/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 146 |
| Summary of Changes HB146 version B to S.pdf |
SSTA 5/2/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 146 |
| CSHB129.R.pdf |
SSTA 5/2/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 129 |
| Summary of Changes HB129 versions S to R.pdf |
SSTA 5/2/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 129 |