Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/22/2021 03:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR13 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SJR 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SJR 13-IMPROVE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS
3:32:40 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 13 Supporting broadband deployment in the state;
recognizing the benefits of broadband; urging facilitation of
broadband deployment; urging engagement with stakeholders;
urging the United States Congress to include broadband in 2021
federal infrastructure legislation; and urging the Alaska
delegation in Congress to advocate for flexible broadband
funding parameters.
3:33:36 PM
CHAIR HUGHES advised that the bill was being fast-tracked to
take advantage of the existing funding from the American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) as well as the funding that is expected to come
to the state from the forthcoming infrastructure bill. She
recounted that there was about $112 million in ARPA funding,
$400 million to tribes in Alaska from the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, and the annual $150 million from the Alaska
Plan for infrastructure. Combined, she said this funding
provides an opportunity to improve broadband internet coverage
in all areas of the state.
CHAIR HUGHES continued the introduction of SJR 13 paraphrasing
the following sponsor statement:
It is well known that in many parts of the state,
internet access is scarce at best. In regions such as
the unorganized borough, the internet can be extremely
limited, slow, and prohibitive in terms of cost. In
order for these regions to grow and increase their
autonomy, an economic base is fundamental. Alaska
certainly faces unique challenges to keep up with the
rest of the developed world, considering that our
communities are often separated by vast distances and
geographical impediments. These facts, combined with
winter weather, relatively low business demand in
certain areas, and limited daylight hours half the
year, are all challenges not only to the initial
deployment of services, but to the ongoing operation
and maintenance which can entail exorbitant costs.
As internet becomes more readily available in
particular regions of the state, we see its benefits
in education, healthcare, and commerce. Improved
broadband in areas of Alaska where the capacity is now
slow and limited could bring us similar benefits.
Senate Joint Resolution 13 aims to address the issue
of broadband access, speed, capacity, and
affordability in the state by urging Congress to
include the "information highway" in any forthcoming
federal infrastructure legislation, just as roads,
bridges, ports, and other projects essential for a
functional and vibrant society are included.
Passage of SJR 13 would send a clear message that
the legislature firmly supports broadband deployment
in the state, recognizes the benefits of broadband,
urges engagement with stakeholders throughout Alaska,
and requests technology-neutral and flexible funding
criteria in federal appropriation legislation to allow
for Alaska's unique terrain and size.
CHAIR HUGHES advised that the "whereas" clauses address that
technology is foundational for economic development, that
broadband was essential during the pandemic and will be during
any other type of crisis, that broadband will be needed for
ongoing innovation in many sectors, and that between 2017 and
2020, broadband providers have invested more than $1 billion in
Alaska. It is also clear that the need and cost outpaces what
the state alone can provide.
3:38:17 PM
DAWSON MANN, Staff and Committee Aide, Senator Shelly Hughes,
Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, paraphrased a summary
of the resolve statements in SJR 13.
First, the legislature supports further broadband
deployment and urges the administration to streamline
right-of-way and review processes related to
broadband.
Second, the legislature urges the administration to
avoid unnecessary fees and roadblocks to broadband
deployment.
Third, the legislature urges the administration to
seek input from broadband providers in the state
before making any policy changes related to broadband.
Fourth, the legislature urges the U.S. Congress to
include broadband funding in any federal
infrastructure plan along with other forms of vital
infrastructure.
Fifth, the legislature urges the Alaska delegation in
Congress to advocate for flexible broadband funding
parameters given the unique challenges in the state.
MR. MANN offered his understanding that the current
infrastructure bill sets aside roughly $100 for broadband. He
also listed the individuals who would receive copies of the
resolution.
3:38:57 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON joined the committee.
3:41:01 PM
CHAIR HUGHES turned to invited testimony.
3:41:29 PM
RYAN PONDER, Director of Legal, Regulatory and Government
Affairs, Matanuska Telephone Association (MTA), Palmer, Alaska,
stated that MTA is a nonprofit cooperative that is focused on
serving the needs of the company's owners, who are also its
member customers. He said it is clear that if adopted and
implemented, SJR 13 will help MTA's customers stay connected
into the future. The resolution accurately portrays the lifeline
that broadband has become to society. The resolves make it clear
that the Alaska State Legislature would support the widespread
deployment of broadband by removing state-imposed right-of-way
and permitting roadblocks. He noted that these have delayed
deployment of MTA's broadband projects. He highlighted that the
further resolves would help future-proof the way Alaskans stay
connected. He stated support for SJR 13 on behalf of MTA.
3:43:56 PM
CHRISTINE O'CONNOR, Executive Director, Alaska Telecom
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that as a lifelong
Alaskan, she knows that broadband is a game changer and she is
committed to finding ways to get broadband to all Alaskans. She
emphasized that ATA's member companies are committed to
improving and extending Alaska's broadband networks. She
confirmed the earlier statement that these companies have
invested more than $1.2 billion in upgrades and deployment since
2017. She said the important findings and urgings in SJR 13 will
result in more broadband access for Alaskans. Resolving to avoid
unnecessary fees and roadblocks can make projects viable and
facilitate the deployment of more broadband. She emphasized that
engaging with stakeholders is critical to identify effective
policies that will encourage and support the deployment of
broadband networks. Furthermore, urging Congress to dedicate
funding for broadband infrastructure that recognizes the unique
needs in Alaska sends a powerful message that likely will result
in further expansion of broadband.
3:46:38 PM
LESIL MCGUIRE, OneWeb, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that OneWeb is
the first LEO (low-earth-orbit) spatial constellation project
licensed and committed to broadband coverage over the entire
state of Alaska. She said the launch in May will complete this
coverage. On behalf of OneWeb, she stated support for SJR 13 and
lauded the committee for its leadership and focus on rural
broadband. She listed the important findings in the resolution
and expressed a commitment to work cooperatively to further
broadband in Alaska.
3:48:33 PM
CHAIR HUGHES asked if LEO refers to low-earth-orbit.
MS. MCGUIRE said yes and added that these constellations orbit
1,200 kilometers or less from the earth and thus have better
latency.
3:49:22 PM
CHAIR HUGHES asked if the older geospatial satellites orbit
75,000 miles above the earth.
MS. MCGUIRE answered yes, they are 32,000 to 35,000 kilometers
from the earth. She noted that the constellation of satellites
was now the size of a washing machine as opposed to a school bus
and when in polar orbit would cover the entire state.
3:50:19 PM
CHAIR HUGHES offered her understanding that some satellites are
the size of a basketball.
MS. MCGUIRE agreed.
3:51:12 PM
At ease
3:51:29 PM
CHAIR HUGHES reconvened the meeting and noted that Senator Myers
had an amendment.
3:51:35 PM
SENATOR MYERS moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 32-
LS0756\B.1.
32-LS0756\B.1
Klein
4/19/21
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR MYERS
TO: SJR 13
Page 1, line 4, following "legislation;":
Insert "urging broadband providers to use savings
from federal infrastructure legislation to provide
broadband service at a reduced rate to the state and
its political subdivisions;"
Page 2, following line 24:
Insert new material to read:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges broadband providers to use savings
from federal infrastructure legislation that
appropriates public funds for the installation or
improvement of privately owned broadband
infrastructure to provide broadband service at a
reduced rate to the state and its political
subdivisions; and be it"
3:51:40 PM
CHAIR HUGHES objected for discussion purposes.
3:51:43 PM
SENATOR MYERS explained that the purpose of Amendment 1 is to
ensure that the state sees a direct return for the public money
that is expended on privately owned infrastructure. The
amendment asks the companies that benefit from this public money
to offer reduced rates to the state, municipalities, and perhaps
the federal government where applicable.
CHAIR HUGHES commented that she believes that the return on
investment happens naturally, but it is important to make it
clear. She noted that some of these providers are private
companies and some are cooperatives.
3:53:55 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked for assurance that consumers that do
not have agreements with providers are not subjected to too much
pressure. She cited the example of the pressure GCI places on
consumers that do not have agreements.
3:54:36 PM
SENATOR WILSON stated that he had the same concerns as Senator
Gray-Jackson.
3:54:51 PM
CHAIR HUGHES removed her objection; finding no further
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:55:09 PM
CHAIR HUGHES moved to adopt Amendment 2, work order 32-
LS0756\B.2.
32-LS0756\B.2
Klein
4/21/21
AMENDMENT 2
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HUGHES
TO: SJR 13
Page 2, line 19:
Following "from":
Insert "all stakeholders, including"
Following "providers":
Insert ","
3:55:18 PM
SENATOR MYERS objected for discussion purposes.
3:55:24 PM
CHAIR HUGHES explained that the purpose of Amendment 2 is to
ensure that all stakeholders and different types of technology
providers will be engaged in the process and part of the
discussion.
3:56:03 PM
SENATOR MYERS removed his objection to Amendment 2.
3:56:11 PM
CHAIR HUGHES found no further objection and Amendment 2 was
adopted.
3:56:19 PM
CHAIR HUGHES moved to adopt Amendment 3, work order 32-
LS0756\B.3.
32-LS0756\B.3
Klein
4/21/21
AMENDMENT 3
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HUGHES
TO: SJR 13
Page 1, line 2, following "stakeholders;":
Insert "urging the development of a centralized,
technology-neutral broadband and internet access
entity in the state;"
Page 2, following line 20:
Insert new material to read:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges the Governor's administration to
create a centralized, technology-neutral broadband and
internet access entity to provide all Alaskans an
equal seat at the table; and be it"
3:56:23 PM
SENATOR MYERS objected for discussion purposes.
3:56:25 PM
CHAIR HUGHES explained that she had Amendment [3], B.3 drafted
after discussion with stakeholders. It seeks to ensure that a
technology-neutral broadband and internet access entity exists
within the state. She said close to $1 billion could come into
the state to expand broadband and she believes that it is
important to have some kind of working group as the central
point of contact. She highlighted that when the unmanned systems
taskforce started, there was no entity in the state for people
to check to see what they could do with unmanned aerial systems
and by default, her office became the point of contact.
3:57:52 PM
SENATOR MYERS commented that when unmanned aerial systems came
into vogue in the civilian market, it made sense to figure out
how to integrate them because of the likelihood of interfering
with traditional aircraft. He pointed out that, except for
satellites that are handled at the federal level, this was not
new technology. He asked what needed to be coordinated in an
office because the bill was about expanding what already exists.
3:58:52 PM
CHAIR HUGHES said she envisioned a work group for a limited
time, not an office for the long term. She related that the task
force for unmanned aerial systems existed three or four years.
She pointed out that there is new technology with the LEOs and
the amendment is an opportunity to keep everyone communicating
and working together to get statewide coverage. She suggested he
conceptually amend Amendment 3 to clarify the intention that the
work group would be temporary.
3:59:56 PM
SENATOR MYERS moved Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 3.
Insert "temporary" between "a" and "centralized" on [page 1,
line 3].
4:00:26 PM
CHAIR HUGHES objected for discussion purposes. Finding no
comments or questions, she removed her objection.
4:00:48 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced that without further objection,
Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 3 was adopted.
4:01:01 PM
At ease
4:01:41 PM
CHAIR HUGHES reconvened the meeting and moved Conceptual
Amendment 2 to Amendment 3. Delete "entity" and insert "working
group". [No page or line number was identified.]
4:01:58 PM
SENATOR MYERS objected for discussion purposes.
CHAIR HUGHES found no comments or questions.
4:02:06 PM
SENATOR MYERS removed his objection.
4:02:15 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced that without further objection,
Conceptual Amendment 2 to Amendment 3 was adopted.
CHAIR HUGHES asked Senator Myers if he maintained his objection
to Amendment 3.
4:02:48 PM
SENATOR MYERS removed his objection to Amendment 3.
4:02:54 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced that without further objection Amendment
3, as amended, was adopted.
4:03:09 PM
CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony on SJR 13.
4:03:34 PM
CHARLES MCKEE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, mentioned
the written material he submitted indicating that Lewis T.
McFadden initiated HJR -federal- which established the Social
Security agency. He drew a parallel to that and SJR 13 because
public money was mentioned.
4:05:58 PM
CHAIR HUGHES asked him to speak to SJR 13.
MR. MCKEE answered that he was talking about public money and
that he wanted $80 million restitution to remedy the harm done
to him through municipal and state action.
CHAIR HUGHES asked for his closing statement.
MR. MCKEE stated that based on information he submitted and the
gospel, his constitutional rights were being violated.
4:07:45 PM
MARGE STONEKING, Associate State Director of Advocacy, AARP
Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that AARP supports most of the
goals of SJR 13 but urges including consumers in addition to
providers in the process of determining how to reduce the
digital divide in Alaska. She related that AARP works on issues
that matter to elders and their families, which includes access
to broadband. She said this can benefit all segments of society,
but for elders it makes aging in place possible. Reliable high
speed internet service provides access to telehealth, civic
engagement, entrepreneurism, teleworking, connection to friends
and family, educational opportunities, and vital assistance
programs. She said that AARP urges the legislature to create a
state broadband office at DCEED or the Denali Commission as
recommended in the 2019 blueprint. She highlighted that no
entity has been designated to oversee the implementation of the
plan to continue engagement with stakeholders and ensure equity
and accountability in federal funding decisions. A dedicated
broadband office will help policymakers bring digital equity to
all Alaskans.
CHAIR HUGHES noted that the amendments the committee adopted
ensure that all Alaskan have a seat at the table and expressed
appreciation for AARP's support for the resolution.
4:11:31 PM
CHAIR HUGHES closed public testimony on SJR 13.
4:11:36 PM
At ease
4:12:16 PM
CHAIR HUGHES reconvened the meeting and noted that Senator Gray-
Jackson had a conceptual amendment to offer.
4:12:38 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1 to
SJR 13.
CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT 1
Page 2, line 19, following "providers":
Insert "and consumers"
4:12:49 PM
CHAIR HUGHES objected for discussion purposes.
4:12:55 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said the testimony from Ms. Stoneking was
compelling; consumers should be specifically included in the
resolution.
CHAIR HUGHES stated support for the amendment.
4:13:29 PM
SENATOR MYERS noted that Amendment 2 added "all stakeholders"
and questioned whether that term was broad enough to cover all
consumers.
4:13:49 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON offered her belief that adding the word
"consumers" added clarity.
4:14:04 PM
CHAIR HUGHES read the line with the proposed conceptual
amendment: "...to engage with and seek input from all
stakeholders including broadband providers and consumers in the
state..." She commented that it works nicely.
4:14:26 PM
CHAIR HUGHES removed her objection to Conceptual Amendment 1.
Finding no further objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 was
adopted.
She solicited the will of the committee.
4:15:11 PM
SENATOR MYERS moved to report SJR 13, work order 32-LS0756\B as
amended, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
4:15:19 PM
At ease
4:15:35 PM
CHAIR HUGHES reconvened the meeting and made committee
announcements.
4:16:19 PM
At ease
4:16:33 PM
CHAIR HUGHES reconvened the meeting and announced that without
objection, CSSJR 13(CRA) moved from Senate Community and
Regional Affairs Standing Committee.