03/21/2013 08:00 AM House STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB1 | |
| HB59 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 127 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 59 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 21, 2013
8:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bob Lynn, Chair
Representative Wes Keller, Vice Chair
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative Shelley Hughes
Representative Doug Isaacson
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Charisse Millett
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 1
"An Act establishing May 10 of each year as Alaska Mining Day."
- MOVED SB 1 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 59
"An Act relating to missing vulnerable adult prompt response and
notification plans."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 127
"An Act clarifying that the Alaska Bar Association is an agency
for purposes of investigations by the ombudsman; relating to
compensation of the ombudsman and to employment of staff by the
ombudsman under personal service contracts; providing that
certain records of communications between the ombudsman and an
agency are not public records; relating to disclosure by an
agency to the ombudsman of communications subject to attorney-
client and attorney work-product privileges; relating to
informal and formal reports of opinions and recommendations
issued by the ombudsman; relating to the privilege of the
ombudsman not to testify and creating a privilege under which
the ombudsman is not required to disclose certain documents;
relating to procedures for procurement by the ombudsman;
relating to the definition of 'agency' for purposes of the
Ombudsman Act and providing jurisdiction of the ombudsman over
persons providing certain services to the state by contract; and
amending Rules 501 and 503, Alaska Rules of Evidence."
- BILL HEARING RESCHEDULED TO 3/26/13
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 1
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA MINING DAY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GIESSEL
01/16/13 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/7/13
01/16/13 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/13 (S) STA
02/12/13 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
02/12/13 (S) Moved SB 1 Out of Committee
02/12/13 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/13/13 (S) STA RPT 4DP
02/13/13 (S) DP: DYSON, WIELECHOWSKI, COGHILL,
GIESSEL
03/04/13 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/04/13 (S) VERSION: SB 1
03/05/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/05/13 (H) STA
03/21/13 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
BILL: HB 59
SHORT TITLE: MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT RESPONSE PLAN
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) GRUENBERG
01/16/13 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/11/13
01/16/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/13 (H) MLV, STA
02/28/13 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
02/28/13 (H) Heard & Held
02/28/13 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/12/13 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
03/12/13 (H) Moved CSHB 59(MLV) Out of Committee
03/12/13 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/13/13 (H) MLV RPT CS(MLV) 4DP 3NR
03/13/13 (H) DP: GRUENBERG, SADDLER, FOSTER, LEDOUX
03/13/13 (H) NR: HIGGINS, HUGHES, REINBOLD
03/21/13 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as sponsor of SB 1.
DEANTHA CROCKETT, Associate Director
Alaska Miners Association, Inc. (AMA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 1.
EDMUND FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 1.
MIKE SATRE, Executive Director
Council of Alaska Producers
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 1.
REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as sponsor of HB 59.
MILES BROOKES, Staff
Representative Max Gruenberg
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 59 as staff to Representative
Max Gruenberg, sponsor of HB 59.
MIKE O'HARE, Deputy Director
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 59.
RODNEY DIAL, Lieutenant; Deputy Commander
A Detachment
Alaska State Troopers
Division of Statewide Services
Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 59.
PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, MSW, DSW;
Member, Board of Directors
Alzheimer Resource Agency
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 59.
BRADLEY JOHNSON, Deputy Chief
Fairbanks Police Department;
Vice President, Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc.
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 59.
KEN HELANDER, Advocacy Director
AARP
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 59.
KEN SPADAFORA, Lieutenant
Anchorage Police Department (APD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 59.
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director
Alaska Commission on Aging
Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS)
Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 59.
DAVE TALERICO
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 59.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:04:21 AM
CHAIR BOB LYNN called the House State Affairs Standing Committee
meeting to order at 8:04 a.m. Representatives Gattis, Hughes,
Isaacson, Keller, and Lynn were present at the call to order.
Representative Kreiss-Tomkins arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
SB 1-ALASKA MINING DAY
8:04:37 AM
CHAIR LYNN announced that the first order of business was SENATE
BILL NO. 1, "An Act establishing May 10 of each year as Alaska
Mining Day."
8:05:01 AM
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, Alaska State Legislature, stated that SB
1 would establish May 10th as Alaska Mining Day. She said that
this day was chosen since the General Mining Act of the United
States was approved on May 10, 1872. The Act has been amended
numerous times, but the essential principles remain in place:
If a citizen ventures on to federal public land not otherwise
designated as a park, refuge, or set aside in any other way, and
with his/her own energy, intellect, finances, and hard work
finds a valuable mineral deposit, then that citizen has the
first right to develop that mineral deposit, after obtaining the
required environmental and operating permits. Senator Giessel
related that the Act paved way for mineral development in Alaska
and many of the communities represented by the committee were
established because of mining. Well-known, large gold rushes
occurred in: Juneau in 1880; Turnagain Arm in 1885; Fortymile
in 1886; Kenai in 1888; Circle in 1892; the Klondike in 1896;
Nome in 1898; Fairbanks in 1902; and Iditarod in 1908. The Gold
Rush and copper discovery at Kennecott in 1905 brought miners,
adventurers, merchants and their families to Alaska in droves.
They built towns, roads, dams, ports and railroads in Alaska and
moved Alaska to a territory status in 1912 and eventually to
statehood.
SENATOR GIESSEL continued as follows:
If Alaska were a country it would be in the top ten
for a lot of our precious metals and strategic
minerals: gold, zinc - largest zinc deposit in the
world - silver, copper, platinum, molybdenum, rare
earth developments, which are used in all of the new
technology - clean energy technology. China now holds
the monopoly on rare earth elements, but lo and
behold, Alaska has a massive deposit.
SENATOR GIESSEL stated that Alaska Mining Day highlights that
tremendous history and the state's future in this industry, and
contributes significantly to communities. For example, in
Juneau, four of the hydroelectric projects were built over a
hundred years ago by the mining industry and the hydroelectric
projects still operate today. Also, hydroelectric projects
represent clean and durable energy. She pointed out that at
Lake Dorothy, the main purpose of the project was to bolster the
energy needs of Greens Creek Mine. In fact, Greens Creek Mine
in Juneau is now the largest private sector employer in Juneau -
with 340 employees - and the mine contributes significantly to
this economy. In conclusion, Senator Giessel stated that the
purpose of Alaska Mining Day on May 10th is to highlight and
draw attention and respect for Alaska's mining heritage. In
response to a comment, she said, "If it can't be grown it must
be mined."
CHAIR LYNN emphasized that Alaska must diversify its economy,
and one of the principal ways that can happen is through mining.
8:09:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said he can see that some may find this
bill frivolous. He wondered if the Alaska Mining Day could
become a day of education and whether the sponsor envisions this
as a day that students would have a day off from school.
SENATOR GIESSEL highlighted the Alaska Resource Education
Program, which is a program that has been developed, in part, by
the Alaska Miners Association, with packets distributed to
teachers throughout the state. In fact, the program emphasizes
the significant role that minerals play in the everyday lives of
Alaskans. She referred to a video in which fifth graders select
and showcase a mineral. She offered her belief it is important
for students to understand that mining is not detrimental to the
environment, can be done safely, and can coexist with other
industries.
8:11:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON referred language [in a sentence
beginning on line 10 through line 13 of SB 1, which read as
follows:]
Alaska Mining Day may be observed by educational and
celebratory events, projects, and activities to
increase public awareness of and appreciation for
mining and miners in the state and the many uses for
the minerals mined in the state.
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON suggested that if the language were
amended to change "may" to "shall", it could ensure mining
education would get into the school system.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether the sponsor was amenable to such
change.
SENATOR GIESSEL advised that such a change should be pondered
and she would consider it. In response to Representative
Isaacson, she answered that the Alaska Mining Association, Inc.
(AMA) is active in all communities, and she feels confident it
will move forward with [the methods of promoting public
awareness listed in the aforementioned language], "regardless of
what this resolution says."
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said he wants to ensure school districts
[observe Alaska Mining Day], because [to do so] is "a proper
role of education."
CHAIR LYNN said he is not opposed to any changes, but pointed
out that any change to the bill at this point may slow the
process.
8:15:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES acknowledged Alaska is a resource state,
and said she likes the pun, "We've barely scraped the surface."
She said she has had an opportunity to tour Usibelli Coal Mine,
Inc. She asked to put on the record that prior to all the
environmental laws being adopted, the Usibelli family for three
generations has shown stewardship. She offered her belief that
the reclamation the mine performs is impressive. In fact, the
care and stewardship by Alaskans has also been impressive. She
mentioned she attended a recent Energy Council meeting in
Washington, D.C., and she enjoyed telling members of Congress
how Alaskans take care of Alaska's environment. She asked about
the rare earth elements and if there has been any effort to
encourage the rare earth metals industry in Alaska.
SENATOR GIESSEL answered that Niblack Mining Corporation has a
mining project, which is located just south and west of "here"
[on the southeast side of Prince of Wales Island]. She deferred
to Ed Fogels for more information.
CHAIR LYNN remarked that he gets nervous when China has a
monopoly on anything.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS said that she thinks Alaska Mining Day is
a great thing to do to ensure Alaskan kids recognize the effects
of mining on Alaska. She also said she is going to be voting
yes today.
CHAIR LYNN related that he is the first cross-sponsor in the
House for SB 1.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS commented that the Prince of Wales
Niblack and Bokan Mountain mines are in his district. These
communities are excited about the potential of these mines, and
he is excited about this bill and the companion bill.
8:20:14 AM
DEANTHA CROCKETT, Associate Director, Alaska Miners Association,
Inc. (AMA), stated that making Alaska Mining Day a state holiday
would increase the popularity of the industry. She expressed
appreciation for Senator Giessel's sponsorship of SB 1. She
said it is important not to forget the contributions of the
mining industry. Ms. Crockett related that the mining industry
employs about 5,000 people directly and about 9,000 indirectly,
with an average industry wage of $100,000. Many of these jobs
are in rural areas that do not offer many other opportunities.
She stated that AMA helps fund local governments and the Alaska
Native corporations. She emphasized the importance of
recognizing the presence that mining has in the state, including
its rich history in communities such as Juneau, Fairbanks, and
Nome. She offered her belief that having an Alaska Mining Day
is a great way to recognize the mining history in Alaska.
8:21:53 AM
EDMUND FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), stated that the
department supports the bill, which would establish May 10th of
each year as Alaska Mining Day. He acknowledged that mining has
played a critical role in Alaska's history and continues to play
a critical role. While mining may seem overshadowed by oil and
gas in economic contributions, it is still very significant. He
echoed Ms. Crockett's statement that mining provides over 5,000
jobs, with an average wage of $100,000. He characterized the
jobs as being highly skilled jobs, including engineers,
environmental scientists, heavy equipment operators, and
mechanics. In fact, these are career building jobs. Mining
provides economic benefits to some of the poorest regions in
rural Alaska. For example, the Red Dog Mine is the only
taxpayer in the Northwest Arctic Borough (NWAB). He pointed out
that mines like the mine proposed by Donlin Gold LLC have the
potential to really carry the economy for generations. He
stated one aspect of his job has been to ensure that a strong
environmental permitting process exists for these projects. He
said all seven of the currently operating mines have a sound
environmental record with agency people monitoring the sites.
He offered his assurance that Alaska's water and fish are being
protected, as well as other environmental resources. He pointed
out that the division has been working to strengthen the mining
sector. He said the governor has initiated a strategic and
critical minerals initiative, including a statewide assessment
for strategic and critical minerals, including rare earth
elements. He noted that rare earth elements are also referred
to as REE. He described the Bokan Mountain project on southern
Prince of Wales Island as very promising.
8:24:11 AM
MR. FOGELS explained there are two types of rare earth elements:
heavy rare earth elements and light rare earth elements. He
pointed out that one of the biggest mines in the nation in
California contains light rare earth elements, but the more
valuable and important ones are the heavy rare earth elements.
He indicated that Bokan Mountain is blessed with high
concentrations of heavy rare earth elements.
8:24:49 AM
CHAIR LYNN remarked that someone said China has a monopoly on
rare earth elements. He asked whether any rare earth elements
are being produced in the U.S.
MR. FOGELS offered that Mountain Pass in California is the only
mine he is aware of at this time. Most of the rare earth
elements are being produced by China so it is imperative for
other sources to be developed.
CHAIR LYNN asked for the impact if China were to "cut off" rare
earth elements.
MR. FOGELS offered his belief that it would be a bad situation
if that were to happen; the minerals are important for defense
and alternative energy purposes. One interesting fact, he
noted, is the color red in flat screen televisions can only be
produced by the rare earth element europium. He characterized
these metals as being very important.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether this is critical to the U.S. defense.
MR. FOGELS answered yes.
CHAIR LYNN asked how close Alaska is to producing rare earth
elements.
MR. FOGELS answered that in Alaska, the company is close to
submitting permit applications. He estimated an average time
frame for permitting something like the Bokan Mountain mine,
which is anticipated to be a small mine, would be two or three
years in permitting - including federal permitting - and another
year in construction.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether any other locations in Alaska may have
rare earth elements.
MR. FOGELS answered that about 70 known locations contain rare
earth elements, but the department has not investigated them
enough to know if the minerals are economically feasible to
develop, so right now Bokan Mountain is the only one. In fact,
the Division of Geologic and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), [within
DNR], is in the process of reviewing rare earth elements in
Alaska.
8:28:41 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES asked whether the department has put a
price tag on REE in Alaska.
MR. FOGELS answered no.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES asked whether any work has occurred.
MR. FOGELS explained that exploration companies drill, perform
assay reports, and develop an exploration model. He stated that
the value is unknown, but he predicted the state has so much
unexplored land that many more mining deposits are likely to be
found.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES said she thinks it would be helpful and
supportive if the information was available.
8:31:16 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked whether the legislature needs to
work on the royalty tax structure.
MR. FOGELS responded that a number of years ago AMA brought up a
leading expert on mining taxes who reviewed the state's taxes
and royalty taxes as compared to other countries and determined
that Alaska was "in the middle of the pack." Beyond that the
state has not done significant work on tax structure evaluation.
He stated the primary economic benefit of mining is that it
benefits the local economies. For example, mining benefits the
community of Fairbanks with the Fort Knox mine; Juneau with the
Greens Creek and Kensington mines; and the Northwest Arctic
Borough with the Red Dog mine. He pointed out that while some
people focus solely on the state treasury as a benchmark, some
mines, such as the Red Dog Mine, are located on private land.
Kensington mine and Greens Creek mine are located on federal
land. He reported that Pogo and Usibelli mines are the only
ones on general state land, while Fort Knox is located on Mental
Health Trust Land. Therefore, it really isn't fair to consider
mining based solely on mining tax contributions to the treasury.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked where he could find a copy of the
report on the tax structure.
MR. FOGELS answered there wasn't a specific report since the
aforementioned royalty tax analysis was performed in a series of
meetings with a tax specialist, although he offered to try to
locate a PowerPoint on the matter.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER commented that when he hears the term
"Roads to Resources," it reminds him of the big deposit at the
Ambler mineral project. He remarked the legislature is working
on the preliminary stages of this mining project.
8:35:29 AM
MICHAEL SATRE, Executive Director, Council of Alaska Producers
(CAP), stated that the council is a non-profit trade association
that represents the large producing metal mines and major metal
development projects in Alaska. He emphasized that the council
supports establishing Alaska Mining Day. He reiterated Ms.
Crockett's comments on the significant economic benefits the
industry provides to the State of Alaska. He offered his belief
that Deputy Commissioner Fogels has done a wonderful job talking
about many aspects of the mining industry and has emphasized the
importance of the industry today. He also reminded members that
establishing Alaska Mining Day is about honoring the people who
have built the mining industry over the years. He mentioned
former Deputy Commissioner David Stone, Department of Labor, who
unexpectedly died last year. He remarked that Mr. Stone would
have loved to share his stories with the committee. He also
mentioned contributions by other Alaskans, such as Earl
Beistline, Fairbanks; Bartlett Lee "Bart" Thane, Juneau; and
Peter Miscovich, Flat, Alaska. He said that through their sweat
equity, they helped build the mining industry and the state.
Further, mining has allowed him to work in his hometown of
Juneau. In closing, he remarked that Alaska Mining Day is not
just about infrastructure and the economics, but about people
that have built the state, as well.
8:37:40 AM
CHAIR LYNN, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on SB 1.
8:38:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to report SB 1 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal
note. There being no objection, SB 1 was reported from the
House State Affairs Standing Committee.
8:38:32 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:38 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
HB 59-MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT RESPONSE PLAN
8:40:34 AM
CHAIR LYNN announced that the last order of business was HOUSE
BILL NO. 59, "An Act relating to missing vulnerable adult prompt
response and notification plans."
[Before the committee was CSHB 59(MLV).]
8:40:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG, Alaska State Legislature, as the
bill sponsor, explained that HB 59 would assist in the location
of missing adults via what is colloquially known as the "Silver
Alert System." He suggested that this bill would pertain to
people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and make sure if
they do wander away that they can be found. He offered his
belief that this can and will save some lives.
8:43:15 AM
MILES BROOKES, Staff, Representative Max Gruenberg, Alaska State
Legislature, presented HB 59 on behalf of Representative
Gruenberg, sponsor. He explained that HB 59 would create a new
statewide system that would help find missing vulnerable adults.
He stated that this concept passed the Senate of the 27th
Legislature unanimously and made it as far as the House Rules
Standing Committee. Currently, 29 states have the "Silver
Alert" System or a similar program used for the recovery of
missing vulnerable adults. A list of those states can be found
in members' committee packets.
MR BROOKES said there are many factors that can contribute to
putting vulnerable adults at risk, including terrain and
temperatures. Specifically, HB 59 would require the Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Department of
Public Safety (DPS) to develop and implement notification plans
for the event of a missing vulnerable adult. The plan would use
a voluntary network of television and radio stations and
newspapers to alert the public of a missing adult.
Additionally, the bill calls for DMVA and DPS to establish
standards on when an alert is triggered and protocols on when a
vulnerable adult is considered missing.
MR. BROOKES said the bill would provide a valuable public system
to help ensure that the search for Alaska's missing vulnerable
adults happens quickly and efficiently. He stated that the
efforts would be totally voluntary. He expressed his hope that
a relationship could be developed between the two departments to
implement this plan. The bill would define vulnerable adult in
Section 2(d). Prior to the bill passing from the Military and
Veterans' Affairs Committee, the sponsor had referenced the
definition of vulnerable adult in AS 47.24.900. However, he
recalled that the definition of vulnerable adult has changed for
the purposes of elder abuse and fraud, but that definition
includes intoxication, chronic drug use, and fraud confinement.
Therefore, the sponsor has inserted the prior definition as it
was in AS 47.24.900, prior to passage of the bill last year.
Thus the definition is the one in proposed AS 44.41.060 (d). He
noted that this definition of vulnerable adult does not affect
any other legislation or statute and is limited to this section.
MR. BROOKES named those in support of HB 59, including the
Alaska AARP, the Alaska Commission on Aging, the Alaska
Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., the Alaska Peace Officers
Association, and the Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network. He
stated that the letters of support can be found in members'
committee packets.
8:47:57 AM
MR. BROOKES, in response to a comment, referred to Section 2(b),
which would give broadcasters immunity from being sued for
implementing the plan.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG clarified that would be as long as
[broadcasters] were doing so in accordance to the plan. In
response to Chair Lynn, Representative Gruenberg explained that
he is not aware that any broadcasters have been sued, but
[Section 2(b)] would give them comfort that if they implemented
the plan properly, they would not be sued. He characterized it
as a positive step.
8:48:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said he held an informal discussion with
Deputy Commissioner McHugh Pierre. He asked whether this is
something the agencies could do under emergency powers. He
asked for further clarification why the statute change is
necessary rather than to defer to the agency.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered he believes it is important
that as many parts of the state participate in this as possible.
Some local governments have the ability to implement missing
vulnerable adult prompt response and notification plans. This
will make sure they do it, that it is publicized, that the
program gets going and keeps going with a solid statutory
framework. He emphasized the issue is not "if" someone has the
authority, but whether the plan gets done. He offered his
belief this will be important to achieve this purpose, and other
witnesses will testify as well.
CHAIR LYNN asked how the plan would be initiated. He asked
whether it would be done by a caretaker, at home or in an
institution.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered yes. He compared it to being
like an "Amber Alert" System for a child. The parent, friend,
or caregiver would state that "so and so" was missing from the
private or institutional residence. The party would notify the
appropriate law enforcement official and then the word would go
out.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether the word would go local first rather
than all over state.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered yes, the plan would be
regionalized.
8:51:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked whether other groups of people are
categorized by DMVA or whether this would be unique.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that this has nothing to do
with military, unless an elderly person who lives on a military
base goes missing. He said the reason the authority rests with
DMVA is that DMVA's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management has the network set up that would help provide the
communications and work with DPS on the plan. He stated it
would be the civil defense emergency aspects and not the
military.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER said this is mandate specific to the DMVA.
It is specific to vulnerable adults. He asked whether other
classes or categories are defined for which the legislature has
charged the DMVA to provide similar communication requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that he doesn't know. He
deferred to the DMVA.
8:53:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS asked how the Amber alert was instituted
and whether there is any reason vulnerable adults should be
treated differently.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG deferred to the DMVA.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether there was any opposition to the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that he was not aware of any
opposition.
8:54:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES noted about 30 other states have similar
programs. She referred to the zero fiscal note. She recalled
testimony given in a prior committee where the DMVA was
confident that it would take little effort to implement. She
wondered if other states' "Silver Alert" programs have a cost
associated with them.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG said he doesn't know, but he offered to
find out and report back to the committee.
8:55:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said he thinks the bill has merit. He
remarked that today the proposed legislation does not have a
fiscal note; however, it is the nature of things that in five
years there may be a 10-person division. He said he hopes not.
He expressed concern that someone, who doesn't like where
his/her parents are, could erroneously report them as missing,
which could impede elder mobility. He expressed further
concern, noting it might be necessary to establish a medical
assessment. He described local efforts in his community when
someone goes missing. He maintained his reservation about
putting a good idea into an agency program with the authority to
take action. He offered his understanding that the sponsor
wants to ensure there will not be any question of someone
stepping beyond their authority.
CHAIR LYNN offered his belief that currently there must be some
kind of procedure in place when someone goes missing, which he
surmised is a fairly common event in neighborhoods. He asked
what would be done under HB 59 differently from what is already
being done.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG said testifiers could shed light on the
issue. In further response to a question, he anticipated there
probably would not be any change in areas that already have
similar programs; however, but the proposed legislation would
enable the program to be used throughout the state. He said he
anticipates that this program would work through local police
agencies, and he suspects the process would remain the same in
Anchorage. He deferred to the department to answer how it would
be handled in the villages.
9:00:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES questioned whether the beep on the radio
and information printed on the bottom of the television during
programming could only be used for an Amber Alert for missing
children, or if it could be used for missing vulnerable adults.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG deferred to the department.
9:00:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS understood the panic parents experience
with missing children. She could envision similar panic that
adult children experience with aging parents. She could see
this bill as dovetailing with the Amber Alert process. She
wondered why differences were given to vulnerable adults since
it really wouldn't matter if it was small children or elderly
parents who have wandered off.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that it would be similar. He
shared his family's experience, when his son's friend, David,
was intoxicated and went outside and it was days before they
found him in a snow bank. He said intoxication isn't something
specifically listed in the bill, but he wished David had been
found earlier.
CHAIR LYNN recalled when he lived in California that his elderly
grandparents wandered off a few times, but they were able to
find them.
9:03:35 AM
MIKE O'HARE, Deputy Director, Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs (DMVA), stated that the division supports the intent of
the bill. He acknowledged that the division coordinates with
DPS on all matters of emergency plans, procedures, and
communications.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether this is duplicative.
MR. O'HARE answered that plans are in place in larger
communities and in some small or medium communities. The
proposed bill would ensure there are local plans in place to
find missing vulnerable adults. If the plans are not already in
place, it would be up to DPS, in collaboration and in
conjunction with DMVA, to help and assist in developing the
plans. Mr. O'Hare relayed that the Amber Alert System (AAS) is
not in statute; it is national program in which the state
participates. He described AAS as "the most urgent alert
warning system necessary for abducted/missing children." He
related that children can be grabbed and taken anywhere against
their will, whereas missing elders usually are not more than a
one-mile radius of their home. He indicated that [searching for
a missing adult] does not necessarily require use of AAS or the
statewide Emergency Alert System (EAS), unless an expanded
search becomes necessary - based on circumstances, weather, or
the individual - in which case, the alert mechanisms in place
would be escalated.
9:07:11 AM
MR. O'HARE stated that the department would want to leave AAS in
place, but would like to convey to the legislature that there
are plans in place to search and find missing and vulnerable
adults. He reiterated that the department supports the intent
of HB 59. In response to the chair, he answered that specific
instances [of missing adults] would be handled on a case-by-case
basis. He deferred to DPS to respond with respect to law
enforcement. He said local search and rescue entities in
community would be activated and, beyond that, DPS and DMVA
would become involved, as needed. He clarified that search and
rescue is the responsibility of DPS, so he would not answer on
its behalf.
9:09:23 AM
CHAIR LYNN asked how this would be handled differently from a
regular missing person report, such as a runaway teenager.
MR. O'HARE answered that a runaway child is a situation
different from that of a missing or vulnerable adult with either
physical or cognitive impairments, which prevent the adult from
caring for him/herself.
9:10:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER said the reason he was asking the sponsor
about DMVA's role is that the bill requires the department to
cooperate with DPS to implement and develop the plan. He then
said it strikes him as odd because currently the three items
that outline the duties of DMLV seem broad, and the fourth item
seems out of place. For example, the statute requires the
department to handle the military affairs of the state, report
to the state, and handle veterans' services, whereas this will
implement response and notification plans for vulnerable adults.
He acknowledged that with respect to missing vulnerable adults
the goal would be the same. He asked about possible costs
involved in DMVA's cooperation with DPS.
MR. O'HARE responded that there are no costs associated in
providing cooperation. He stated that DMVA houses the Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which is also
involved with coordination and planning of emergency
communication. He said [the division] supports the intent of
the proposed bill and promises to collaborate and coordinate.
He related that the division currently performs these tasks and
will continue to do so under bill.
CHAIR LYNN remarked that the legislature creates laws; however,
the legislature does not "legislate intent."
9:12:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS related a scenario in which her mother
wandered off, but her mother may have felt she was just going
for a walk. She asked, under HB 59, at what point her mother
would be considered a vulnerable adult and whether it would be
based on her mother's say, on her say, or if a medical report
must be on file. For example, perhaps her mother may have
decided she would go fishing for the day. She said she would
like to think that the local police would respond based on her
concern about her mother's welfare; however, she also wondered
if a missing person must be missing for 24 hours before a report
can be filed.
MR. O'HARE deferred to DPS to respond.
9:14:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES recalled Representative Isaacson's earlier
concerns that a program such as this one might expand. She
asked whether the same personnel and equipment could be used for
the vulnerable adult notification as for AAS. She further asked
how much time and energy might be necessary if this bill were to
become law.
MR. O'HARE answered that this is about communications planning,
not about adding equipment, staff, or any bureaucracy. He
explained that EAS can be regionalized and provides tsunami
warnings, severe storm and Amber Alert warnings. This bill
would provide local planning for search and rescue for
vulnerable adults, and identify procedures to expand from local,
to regional, and, if necessary, to a statewide alert system. He
offered his belief that it would not require more manpower or
funds, just some assurance of planning. He reported that DPS
and DMVA currently have plans in place in some local
communities, but HB 59 would expand the process and require
assurance that plans are in place to help other communities in
similar situations.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES offered her understanding that the
proposed bill is not just about planning, but would also pertain
to implementing the plan. She offered her understanding that
Mr. O'Hare had stated that the division would be involved in the
planning but not the implementation.
MR. O'HARE offered his understanding that is correct. He
explained that the implementation of the plan under HB 59 would
be local implementation of a plan for local search and rescue
for vulnerable adults. He offered his belief that if it is
necessary to require regional coordination and collaboration to
implement the search, then the division would need to make sure
it had plans in place for a regional effort.
9:17:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES said she read from the sponsor statement
that the bill would require DMVA and DPS to develop and
implement notification plans. She suggested if that information
is not correct, then the sponsor statement should be corrected.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether statute is necessary for the department
to accomplish the plan.
MR. O'HARE deferred to the committee to make that decision. He
acknowledged that local agencies and communities already work to
find missing persons, since it is the right thing to do, but
this bill would provide planning assurance, coordination, and
collaboration of local search and rescue plans for vulnerable
adults.
CHAIR LYNN asked who would monitor to make sure that is
accomplished.
MR. O'HARE answered that according to the proposed bill, DPS, in
collaboration with the DMVA, would do so.
CHAIR LYNN understood that the agencies will contact local
communities to find out whether they have plans in place.
MR. O'HARE answered that is his understanding, as well.
9:19:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES referred to page 1, line 14, of HB 59,
which requires DMVA to cooperate with DPS to develop and
implement missing vulnerable adult prompt response and
notification plans under AS 44.41.060. She said in reviewing
the bill it seems as though the department has a role in
implementation.
MR. O'HARE answered that the bill would not require the
department to activate any equipment unless it was deemed to be
necessary, for example, if an individual left the local
community and it was necessary to send out a broader alert
system for search and rescue teams and other communities.
Further, if regional or statewide alerts were necessary, the
department would activate an emergency alert system (EAS) either
by contacting DPS or using a backup system in the emergency
operation center.
9:21:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON surmised the reason for both DMVA and
DPS to be involved is that DPS needs to know the community can
respond quickly, and the Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management is responsible for general emergency
planning. Thus he envisioned this coordination being
incorporated into the emergency planning documents and
procedures in communities.
MR. O'HARE answered that is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said this seems to be already within
DMVA's purview, and the division doesn't need legislation to do
these emergency planning tasks.
MR. O'HARE answered that this could annex a local emergency
operations plan that a local community deemed necessary. The
division would operate under the guidance of the governor's
initiative and any laws developed by the legislature to
accomplish [the emergency search and rescue for vulnerable
adults.]
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON surmised the next part is to ensure the
search and rescue effort is also done through news broadcasts.
He offered his understanding that the emergency system allows
the division to basically connect every community to address
earthquakes or other emergencies. He asked whether this system
can be used to alert not only the public safety agency, but also
fire departments, police departments, municipalities, and
communities. He asked whether the Alaska Land Mobile Radio
System (ALMR) would be used.
MR. O'HARE responded that the infrastructure for ALMR is a vital
piece of day-to-day emergency communication, but the system is
not a statewide system. However, he identified the EAS as a
statewide relay that goes over various media, which would be
used on a case-by-case basis. He said that development of a
localized plan for alerting the community to be on the lookout
for a missing vulnerable adult may be as simple as an e-mail
notification system to broadcasters or quick phone calls out to
first responders and local search and rescue teams. In fact,
the effort may not warrant a statewide or further regionalized
warning.
9:26:15 AM
RODNEY DIAL, Lieutenant; Deputy Commander, A Detachment, Alaska
State Troopers, Division of Statewide Services, Department of
Public Safety (DPS), stated that the department is neutral on HB
59, but supports the intent of the bill. With respect to a
previous question, he said the department does not see the
proposed legislation creating a notification system similar to
an Amber Alert. In fact, if the department were to expand its
Amber Alert System to incorporate the vulnerable adults, it
would result in a fiscal note to the department. He said that
under the proposed bill, the department envisions a plan would
be created in conjunction with DMVA to develop a localized
contact list and policy the department would use to disseminate
to media outlets in the area when a "qualifying" vulnerable
person went missing. Currently, the department maintains
emergency and immediate contact lists at all of its Alaska State
Trooper posts that can be utilized in missing person cases.
Further, the department works with media regarding wanted or
dangerous individuals. Thus, the main difference that would
result under the bill would be a change in the amount of
discretion the department has and when the department would
issue notifications. Therefore, the notification system would
basically consist of phone, e-mail, and facsimile ("fax")
systems to the media outlets. The department would potentially
use its regional dispatch centers to receive information and
send out the notifications. Using such a format to coordinate
and implement the [missing vulnerable adult prompt response and
notification plans] would not result in any cost to department,
he said.
9:28:21 AM
LIEUTENANT DIAL, in response to Chair Lynn, reported that
currently the department has no set waiting period and assesses
missing person cases on a case-by-case basis. Certainly, the
department exercises discretion in terms of the amount of the
initial response it directs to a case. For example, a certain
percentage of individuals in communities frequently go missing,
and the department's response to them may be different from its
response to a report of an elder with dementia who has wandered
away from his/her home. He acknowledged that municipalities may
have slightly different policies with respect to timing of
activating elements for each situation; however, the department
treats every missing person as an emergency. Of course, the
department has always been responsible for search and rescue
efforts statewide and takes actions to resolve situations as
quickly as possible.
9:30:05 AM
CHAIR LYNN asked whether HB 59 would enhance the safety of
elders.
LIEUTENANT DIAL answered that the greatest benefit of this
legislation may be to the smaller municipalities that do not
already have a plan in place. Additionally, it would encourage
communities to use the [missing vulnerable adult prompt response
and notification plans], since they would be available. The
department currently has search and rescue plans in place and it
uses the media for notifications when it believes the
notifications would be helpful.
9:30:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked Lieutenant Dial to clarify the
reason the bill would benefit municipalities, since the mandate
is for the department [to implement missing vulnerable adult
prompt response and notification plans.]
LIEUTENANT DIAL explained that the department would create the
plans, which would basically "push" some of the communities to
develop a short plan. Typically, the communities would call the
department's regional dispatch centers to have the notifications
happen. He said the department would assist in local efforts
and try to comply with the intent of HB 59 by bringing some of
the smaller municipalities on-line and obtain commitment for use
of the plan.
CHAIR LYNN offered his understanding that the department would
formalize a plan and impose it on communities.
LIEUTENANT DIAL said he does not think the department would have
the authority to mandate municipalities to use a plan, but it
would create the plan in conjunction with DMVA and try to
convince them to use it. He envisioned the department would
take action on behalf of municipalities by issuing regional
notifications. In further response to a question, Lieutenant
Dial indicated the department could currently take that action
now.
9:33:09 AM
PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, MSW, DSW; Member, Board of Directors,
Alzheimer Resource Agency, stated that this agency provides
services throughout Alaska for persons who have Alzheimer's
disease and related dementia and their families. Additionally,
he serves as an associate professor at the University of Alaska
Anchorage's (UAA) School of Social Work in the College of
Health. He estimated that approximately 7,000 Alaskans have
"this disease." He said an unfortunate manifestation of "this
disease" is that 6 of 10 dementia victims will tend to wander at
least once from their place of residence and be unable to make
their way home or to a safe place. According to the National
Alzheimer's Association, if not located within a 24-hour period,
the person may suffer a serious injury or death. For example,
last summer an elder woman became missing and was later found
dead just off the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage.
Additionally, some adults with physical and intellectual
disabilities, persons with mental illness who may become
distraught and suicidal, and soldiers or veterans who suffer
from traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorders
may become disoriented and also be in need of assistance.
Further, these people could be on foot or in a motor vehicle.
Additionally, he reported that many of the beneficiaries of the
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority fall into these categories.
DR. CUNNINGHAM reported that approximately 35 states have
already put into place some type of a Silver Alert program. The
current system in Alaska is fragmented, and HB 59 would remove
that fragmentation by creating a safety plan for vulnerable
adults and promoting awareness about the vulnerable adults. In
fact, the underlying value of this bill is the preservation of
human life. He offered the Alzheimer Resource Agency's strong
support for this bill and said he hopes it will become law. He
thanked members for the opportunity to testify and for
legislators' service to Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER surmised that as prevalent as Alzheimer's
disease is, nearly everyone on committee has someone they know
with the disease.
9:36:33 AM
BRADLEY JOHNSON, Deputy Chief, Fairbanks Police Department; Vice
President, Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., offered
to answer any questions members may have. In response to Chair
Lynn, Mr. Johnson said passage of HB 59 would not substantially
change what is currently being done, but he believes the bill
would add tools that would speed up response time. Typically
when the department receives a report of a missing vulnerable
adult, the department will determine which measures to implement
to attempt to locate the person. He indicated that if the
situation rose to the level of a need for an areawide search or
if the department determined it was necessary to get the word
out to the public quickly, the bill could help provide access
through DPS, including the EAS. He said he understands some
concern surrounds who could request the service and under what
criteria.
9:38:36 AM
MR. JOHNSON said he thinks law enforcement currently does a good
job of assessing the circumstances of the report and determining
the vulnerability of the missing person as well as the validity
and immediacy of the need to locate the missing person. He
offered his belief that the process his police agency would use
would be to notify the Division of Alaska State Troopers, which
would provide additional assessment before any type of
notification was made. Further, he stated his belief that the
bill is appropriate and would afford Alaska's police departments
and organizations some tools not currently available.
9:39:32 AM
CHAIR LYNN characterized a missing vulnerable adult as a form of
a missing person. Thus the local police organization would
assess the danger to the missing person. He asked whether the
department would assign a priority based on the report. For
example, the priority may differ for a missing Alzheimer's
patient, a teenager who has left the house, or a husband who
hasn't come home on time.
MR. JOHNSON answered yes; that's exactly what the police
department would do. He related his understanding of HB 59 is
that under specific circumstances, the department would afford
the police agency an opportunity to use tools currently used in
the Amber Alert system specifically for missing vulnerable
adults.
9:40:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said Mr. Johnson's responses clarified
that the proposed legislation does not merely sound good, but
would offer practical application in helping vulnerable
citizens. He offered his understanding the proposed legislation
would give police departments some tools, speed up the
notification period, and have a practical application in helping
vulnerable citizens.
MR. JOHNSON answered that is correct.
9:41:36 AM
KEN HELANDER, Advocacy Director, AARP, stated that he has worked
with the Alzheimer's Resource Agency and the many families who
have experienced problems related to dementia. He offered
support on behalf of AARP for HB 59, since it would provide an
additional tool in an array of tools [for missing vulnerable
adults.] He found that the [search and rescue] response always
begins locally to make sure the person is found quickly.
However, if an elder is not found quickly, the net would need to
widen. He reported that the National Alzheimer's Association
released 2013 facts and figures, and the most startling news is
one out of three elders will die with Alzheimer's disease and
some symptoms of dementia. Luckily, only once did he find it
necessary to activate the actions this bill would call for,
since most of the time a vulnerable adult will go missing in
close proximity to the place in which they receive care. In
closing, he offered his belief that given the complexity of our
lives, HB 59 would give reassurance to communities and
especially to family members who bear the burden of the
responsibility daily to care for those with Alzheimer's disease
or dementia.
9:44:32 AM
KEN SPADAFORA, Lieutenant, Anchorage Police Department (APD),
stated that one of his responsibilities is for the
communications center at APD. He said that APD generally
supports efforts that will help find missing people. However,
Anchorage has extensive policies and tools set up in Anchorage,
especially since APD has more resources than some police
agencies and communities. For example, the department has
specific policies for different situations, such as runaways,
missing adults, and people of need. It is a myth that police
must wait 24 hours before an agency will respond. In fact, if
life threatening circumstances arise, APD can quickly "ratchet
up" its resources.
MR. SPADAFORA asked members to keep in mind that the Amber Alert
System was designed for rapid and widespread alert of criminal
abductions of children, to prevent children from being murdered
or raped. He expressed concern over anything that would dilute
the system, such as using it for non-criminal situations. In
fact, each week APD receives reports of one or two elderly
people who have wandered away from an assisted living home, and
the department would not put a regional broadcast out for
missing persons in those situations. He warned that if the
alerts are frequently occurring, the public will become numb to
the request for assistance. He admitted that does not seem to
happening, but said he wanted to express his concern. In
conclusion, Lieutenant Spadafora stated that APD already has
plans in place, but he offered his support for any action or
bill that would provide process and policy for the smaller
communities. He assured members that APD would lend any
assistance to any other agency that needs it.
9:47:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS reminded the committee that the proposed
bill would not be limited to the elderly, but would pertain to
"vulnerable adults."
9:48:27 AM
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging,
Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS), Department of
Health & Social Services (DHSS), stated that the Alaska
Commission on Aging is charged with making recommendations to
the governor, the legislature, and the administration on budget
appropriations, regulations, and services for older Alaskans.
She said the commission is concerned with the growing number of
people with Alzheimer's and dementia, which is primarily due to
the aging of Alaska's population. She explained that Alaska is
number one in percentage of elders residing in the state, which
has been the case for four years. More than 6,100 elders reside
in Alaska who are 65 and older and have Alzheimer's disease.
She reported this number is expected to triple. Ms. Daniello
said "wandering" really affects the elderly population. She
related that the commission has been working to determine the
number of people who are 100 years old or older. She reported
that this segment of the population has increased by 52 percent
since 2010. The commission has been working on a state plan
devoted to people with Alzheimer's disease. As part of its
development effort, the department has taken surveys and done
community forums. She reported that the commission completed
seven community forums last year, with 161 attendees. One of
the main concerns expressed during the forums was public safety
for people with Alzheimer's disease. Respondents see a need to
enhance and increase the state's coordinated response system.
She offered the Commission on Aging's support for the bill,
since it will help increase awareness about the needs of people
with cognitive impairment and will help reduce [emergency search
and rescue] response time.
9:52:05 AM
CHAIR LYNN asked whether the current system is adequate.
MS. DANIELLO offered her belief that HB 59 would enhance the
current system, because it would provide more emphasis on
community response. By sending out alerts through the public
media and social networks more people will look for the missing
person, in addition to the public enforcement officials.
9:53:36 AM
DAVE TALERICO, at the request of the sponsor, came forward to
testify. He stated that he is staff to Representative Doug
Isaacson, but is speaking on his own behalf today. He spent 10
years as Denali Borough Mayor, as well as having served on the
assembly and school board. He indicated he was intrigued by the
bill. He spent years working on an all-hazards plan for the
Denali Borough. He characterized the location of the borough as
being unique, since it borders the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and
the Fairbanks North Star Borough, with two major transportation
corridors traversing the borough. He identified the highways as
the George Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad. He said the
Denali Borough's emergency responders are pretty busy. Although
the borough residents only number 1,800 people, emergency
responders respond approximately 600 times per year. The Denali
Borough has developed a large search and rescue program within
the all-hazards plan. He pointed out the numerous times search
and rescue operations have occurred near the Teklanika River as
a result of the Into the Wild film, which made the bus
[Christopher McCandless used as a shelter] an attraction. He
reported that the Denali Borough revamps its search and rescue
plan every two years, but he noted the plan does not mention
vulnerable adults. The Denali Borough has an AST detachment in
the area, and four troopers live within the borough. He
commended the job AST performs on the Parks Highway and within
the Denali Borough. At times, for search and rescue operations,
troopers cover a 180-mile stretch of the Parks Highway.
Therefore, at any given time, an AST could be over an hour away
from the crisis. He reported that there are over 100 pagers in
the area for volunteers who are part of the search and rescue
effort.
9:56:45 AM
MR. TALERICO discussed the change of demographics of the area in
which he has been a resident for 44 years. In the past, people
would leave when they became retirees, but he said that does not
happen any longer. As residents tend to stay, the demographics
have also changed. Additionally, he emphasized that there is a
substantial difference between vulnerable adults and regular
missing persons, since the needs of vulnerable adults probably
require attention much sooner. He expressed interest in seeing
this bill move forward, not only for the planning aspect, but
for the communications aspect. He said emergency responders for
the Denali Borough are dispatched from the University of Alaska
Fairbanks dispatch center. He envisioned that the additional
planning required under HB 59 could streamline and improve the
effectiveness of the response process for his area.
MR. TALERICO related that he had an uncle who suffered from
Alzheimer's disease, who was once found a considerable ways from
his home in Seattle, because he had somehow managed to travel
quite a distance on foot and by bus. He appreciated the sponsor
bringing [HB 59] forward, since the effort could make
substantial changes in [how vulnerable adults are assisted] in
all municipalities in Alaska.
9:59:57 AM
CHAIR LYNN, after ascertaining that there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 59.
10:00:15 AM
[HB 59 was held over.]
10:00:42 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
State Affairs Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:00
a.m.