Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/25/2005 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB26 | |
| HB167 | |
| HB213 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 26 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 167 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 213 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 167
"An Act relating to providing a death certificate for a
deceased veteran without cost."
REPRESENTATIVE BOB HOLM, sponsor, explained that HB 167
provides a death certificate, without cost, to a surviving
spouse or relative of a deceased veteran. It also provides
for a program honoring deceased veterans.
2:26:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG explained that the bill was
introduced by the House Military and Veterans' Affairs
Committee and melds two bills together. He related that
Section 1 is modeled on an Arizona statute and makes things
easier for the deceased's family. The second part is
modeled on federal law. It permits the Department of
Military and Veteran's Affairs to honor the memory of a
deceased veteran who was a state resident by sending a
certificate bearing the governor's signature to the next of
kin.
2:29:19 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked about the requirement for 5 copies.
Representative Gruenberg related a personal story about
receiving a free death certificate.
2:29:57 PM
Representative Joule spoke about members of Native
Corporations and their need for more than one original copy
of a death certificate. Representative Gruenberg suggested
that the number could be limited.
2:31:28 PM
Representative Lynn noted that it is not intended to enhance
a genealogical quest.
2:31:50 PM
PHILLIP MITCHELL, BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS, DIVISION OF
PUBLIC HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES,
reported on the fiscal note and the average number of
certificates requested. He noted that it might take time
for people to become acquainted with this program. He
related that there has been a 5 percent increase in the
number of deaths.
2:34:01 PM
Representative Holm asked if there have been any requests
for this to be a free service. Mr. Mitchell said no.
2:34:38 PM
Representative Hawker referred to a statement about no
general funding being budgeted. He clarified that the FY06
has $84,000 budgeted. He pointed out that there would be a
decrease of $50,000 in receipt services. He suggested that
a zero or indeterminate note would be better. Mr. Mitchell
agreed that there could be a change to reflect that.
Representative Hawker explained the budget process. He said
it is a grey area. He suggested a zero note.
2:37:54 PM
Representative Kelly opined that the note could be a zero
note. He debated the issue.
2:39:04 PM
Representative Hawker put it in the context of the bureau's
budget and the effect on the governor's $2 million budget.
Representative Weyhrauch stated his appreciation as to how
the bureau is being managed. He asked for an interpretation
of "one death certificate". Mr. Mitchell explained that his
understanding that one is provided per every request.
2:40:46 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked if they would be certified copies.
Mr. Mitchell said yes. Co-Chair Chenault related a personal
story. Representative Weyhrauch asked if the first one is
free and the rest are not. Mr. Mitchell said that would be
correct if one individual is making the request.
2:41:53 PM
JERRY BEALE, DIVISION SERVICE MANAGER, MILITARY AND VETERANS
AFFAIRS, testified (via teleconference) in favor of HB 167.
He spoke of the Veterans Administration's requirements.
2:43:13 PM
Representative Hawker asked the committee to approve two
zero fiscal notes to HB 167. He MOVED to ADOPT a House
Finance Committee zero note to the Department of Health and
Social Services. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
2:43:35 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 167 (STA) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 167 (STA) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal impact note #1
by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and with
a new zero fiscal impact note by the House Finance Committee
for the Department of Health and Social Services.
2:45:55 PM
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