Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/27/2001 03:38 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 137 - RECORDS OF VETERANS Number 0064 CHAIR CHENAULT announced the final order of business, HOUSE BILL NO. 137, "An Act relating to records of veterans of the armed forces; and providing for an effective date." Number 0102 SHARON YOUNG, State Recorder, State Recorder's Office, Division of Support Services, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), testified via teleconference regarding the need for HB 137. She characterized the bill as an efficient, time-saving measure; it would streamline one small segment of her office's work that now requires a cumbersome manual process. Ms. Young noted that her office is continuing to look at streamlining processes and eliminating manual time-intensive systems, where possible. MS. YOUNG informed members that AS 26.10.070 now assigns to two separate agencies the task of maintaining the same records regarding veterans. This seems merely duplicative. Ms. Young pointed out that there is a zero fiscal note for HB 137; however, time saved - perhaps 200 hours a year in the manual preparation of reports and copies currently provided to Vital Statistics [Department of Health and Social Services] - could be used for her office's other priorities that are established by statute. Ms. Young concluded by stating support for HB 137. Number 0253 REPRESENTATIVE MASEK made a motion to move HB 137 out of committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note; she asked for unanimous consent. Number 0293 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked Ms. Young how her office acquires the DD214 forms. MS. YOUNG answered that recording of DD214s is not mandatory. When veterans separate from military service, however, it is usually recommended by the military that veterans record those - either with a clerk and recorder, if they are in another state, or with the State Recorder's Office, if they are in Alaska. If they do so, veterans always will be able to get a certified copy of an official government record of that document for pursuing veterans' benefits or other matters. Ms. Young added that this "highly preventive recording" is done by the hundreds every year. REPRESENTATIVE KOTT recalled that [recording of the DD214 form] is on the retirement checklist as something a veteran should think about doing. Number 0465 AL ZANGRI, Chief, Vital Statistics, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Services, came forward. He stated simply that the department supports the bill wholeheartedly, and offered to answer questions. Number 0486 REPRESENTATIVE MASEK renewed her motion to move HB 137 from committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note; she asked for unanimous consent. There being no objection, HB 137 was moved from the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
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