Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/20/2001 01:46 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 20, 2001
1:46 PM
TAPE HFC 01 - 89, Side A
TAPE HFC 01 - 89, Side B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Williams called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:59 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Eldon Mulder, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Williams, Co-Chair
Representative Con Bunde, Vice-Chair
Representative Eric Croft
Representative John Davies
Representative Carl Moses
Representative Richard Foster
Representative John Harris
Representative Bill Hudson
Representative Ken Lancaster
Representative Jim Whitaker
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Wendy Hall, Staff, Senator Kelly; Dean Guaneli, Chief
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of
Law; Elmer Lindstrom, Special Assistant, Department of
Health and Social Services; Russ Webb, Deputy Commissioner,
Department of Health and Social Services; Randall Burns,
Executive Director, Alaska Psychiatric Institute; Candace
Brower, Legislative Liaison, Department of Corrections;
Michael Stark, Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Law; Caren Robinson, Chairman, Alaska Mental Health Trust
Authority.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Albert Taylor, Anchorage; Craig Campbell, Executive Director
of Planning, Development and Public Works for the
Municipality of Anchorage; Steve Planchon, Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority; Donald Mahon, Regional Vice
President, Alaska Power and Telephone; Eric Yould, Executive
Director, Alaska Rural Electric Cooperative Association,
Anchorage; Robert Wilkinson, Copper Valley Electric
Association, Glennallen; Steve Haagenson, Acting President &
CEO for Golden Valley Electric Association, Fairbanks; Norm
Story, Homer Electric Association; Joe Cook, Vice President,
Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc., Cordova; Sylvia Lange,
Cordova; Katelyn Markley, Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority (AIDEA).
SUMMARY
HB 40 "An Act providing for the revocation of driving
privileges by a court for a driver convicted of a
violation of traffic laws in connection with a
fatal motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle
accident; amending Rules 43 and 43.1, Alaska Rules
of Administration; and providing for an effective
date."
CSHB 40 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a
"do pass" recommendation and with two previously
published zero fiscal notes (#2 and #3), and with
one previously published fiscal impact note (#1).
HB 52 "An Act relating to the Interstate Compact for
Adult Offender Supervision and the State Council
for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision;
amending Rules 4 and 24, Alaska Rules of Civil
Procedure; and providing for an effective date."
HB 52 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with two previously
published fiscal impact notes by the Department of
Corrections (#1 and #2).
HB 76 "An Act authorizing the commissioner of health and
social services to provide for the design and
construction of psychiatric treatment facilities
to replace the facilities of the Alaska
Psychiatric Institute."
CSHB 76 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a
"do pass" recommendation and with a previously
published (#1) zero fiscal note by the Committee
on Health, Education and Social Services.
HB 77 "An Act relating to appropriations for the design
and construction of a replacement facility or
facilities for the Alaska Psychiatric Institute
and for a grant to study the feasibility of
locating certain health programs at the site of
the Alaska Psychiatric Institute; and providing
for an effective date."
HB 77 was HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 175 "An Act making an appropriation to the Alaska
Industrial Development and Export Authority for
power projects; and providing for an effective
date."
HB 175 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 236 "An Act relating to the contracting and financing
authority of the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority; authorizing the authority to
issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed
$76,000,000 to finance the acquisition, design,
construction, inventory, and operation of natural
gas, propane air, or manufactured gas public
utility facilities; and providing for an effective
date."
HB 236 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new zero fiscal
note by the Department of Community and Economic
Development.
SB 154 "An Act relating to mental health treatment
facilities; repealing the termination date of the
mental health treatment assistance program; and
providing for an effective date."
SB 154 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a previously
published fiscal impact note (#1) by the
Department of Health and Social Services.
HOUSE BILL NO. 40
"An Act providing for the revocation of driving
privileges by a court for a driver convicted of a
violation of traffic laws in connection with a fatal
motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle accident;
amending Rules 43 and 43.1, Alaska Rules of
Administration; and providing for an effective date."
ALBERT TAYLOR, ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference in
support of HB 40. He noted that a negligent driver killed
his only child. He stressed the need for accountability.
Representative John Davies MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1:
Page 2, line 3
Delete:
"a preponderance of the evidence"
Substitute:
"clear and convincing evidence"
Page 2, lines 7-8
Delete:
"(3) the violation of traffic laws by the person
contributed to the accident."
Insert:
"(3) the violation of traffic laws by the person was a
significant contributing cause of the accident."
Representative John Davies noted that the Department of Law
drafted the amendment to address his concerns regarding the
standard of proof. The amendment clarifies that the
violation must be a significant contributing cause of the
accident.
DEAN GUANELI, CHIEF ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, CRIMINAL
DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LAW spoke in support of the
amendment. He did not feel that the increase in the burden
of proof to clear and convincing evidence would make a
practical difference. The additional language of a
"significant contribution" allows the judge to take into
account the relative faults.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 was adopted.
Representative Hudson MOVED to report CSHB 40 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 40 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with two previously published zero fiscal
notes (#2 and #3), and with one previously published fiscal
impact note (#1).
HOUSE BILL NO. 236
"An Act relating to the contracting and financing
authority of the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority; authorizing the authority to issue
bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $76,000,000
to finance the acquisition, design, construction,
inventory, and operation of natural gas, propane air,
or manufactured gas public utility facilities; and
providing for an effective date."
Representative Harris MOVED to report HB 236 out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note.
Representative John Davies spoke in support of the bill but
pointed out that the legislation provides approval of the
bond issuance contingent on the due diligence findings of
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA).
He asked AIDEA to communicate with the Legislature regarding
their due diligence findings. Co-Chair Williams agreed and
noted that he would send a communication to AIDEA.
Representative Lancaster agreed with Representative Davies'
concerns and maintained that it is imperative that AIDEA
tell the Legislature how they are going to proceed with the
bonds.
There being NO OBJECTION, HB 236 was moved from Committee.
HB 236 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a new zero fiscal note by the
Department of Community and Economic Development.
SENATE BILL NO. 154
"An Act relating to mental health treatment facilities;
repealing the termination date of the mental health
treatment assistance program; and providing for an
effective date."
WENDY HALL, STAFF, SENATOR KELLY spoke in support of SB 154.
She observed that the bill repeals the sunset date on
previously passed legislation, which created the Designated
Evaluation Program. She maintained that the Designated
Evaluation Program is a critical component of mental health
services in Alaska, particularly for indigent persons with
mental illnesses who are being civilly committed or who meet
the criteria for civil commitment. Through this program many
poor people with mental illnesses who have not qualified for
Medicaid are able to receive services in community hospitals
around the state. Without the program it would be necessary
to transport many clients in crisis to the Alaska
Psychiatric Institute. She observed that the previous sunset
date was placed on the program as a result of concerns that
the funding would cease to exist, but funding has continued.
ELMER LINDSTROM, SPECIAL ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
SOCIAL SERVICES testified in support of the legislation. He
explained that the department had just received a one-time
federal grant at the time the original legislation was
adopted. Another source of non-general funds have since been
identified. Federal DSH funds through the Medicaid program
have been utilized as an on going stream of revenue. They
are expected to continue to support the program. He
explained the fiscal note and pointed out that the fiscal
cost is included in the Senate and House FY02 budgets.
Mr. Lindstrom gave examples of the success of the program.
The number of expected transports to API has fallen
dramatically from 75 to less than 10.
Representative Davies MOVED to report SB 154 out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. Co-Chair Mulder
OBJECTED for the purpose of a question. He asked how success
has been defined and when the program was established.
Mr. Lindstrom noted that the program has been on the books
for many years. Legislation was enacted two years ago, which
defined eligibility and outlined how the payments would be
made. The key measure of success has been the reduction in
transports to API and the ability to treat clients locally.
Co-Chair Mulder acknowledged the clinical value of treating
locally and questioned the cost. Mr. Lindstrom did not think
that it was more expensive to operate locally. He stated
that he would prepare a cost comparison. He clarified that
these clients are not Medicaid eligible and explained that
clients between 21 and 65 are not Medicaid eligible. The
income eligibility is 185 percent of the federal poverty
level.
There being NO OBJECTION, SB 154 was moved from Committee.
SB 154 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a previously published fiscal impact
note (#1) by the Department of Health and Social Services.
HOUSE BILL NO. 76
"An Act authorizing the commissioner of health and
social services to provide for the design and
construction of psychiatric treatment facilities to
replace the facilities of the Alaska Psychiatric
Institute."
Co-Chair Mulder MOVED to ADOPT proposed committee substitute
work draft 22-LS0349\P, Utermohle 4/20/01. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
RUSS WEBB, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
SOCIAL SERVICES testified in support of the legislation. He
stated that the legislation would be an effective means to
replace API, which has been a long-standing problem. He
noted that the Department of Health and Social Services,
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, University of Alaska,
and Providence Medical Center have worked together to
develop better land use in the area. The Department of
Health and Social Services will not use the old facility
under their site plan. He pointed out that the committee
substitute reduces cost.
Co-Chair Mulder explained that the objective was to provide
a price tag that the state could afford. The original cost
was $56 million dollars. A ranch style approach was
consolidated into a two story, which dropped the cost to $45
million dollars. A competitively bid design build achieved
an additional savings for a total cost of $41.744 million
dollars. A little over $19 million dollars remains from a
previous appropriation to the Department of Health and
Social Services. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
has made available an additional $3 million dollars to help
with construction costs. An additional $3.5 million dollars
in interest earnings from the remaining $19 million dollar
appropriation would be reappropriated. The remaining project
cost would be $16 million dollars, which would be paid with
the issuance of a 15-year note of $1.6 million dollars a
year. He observed that it would not cost the state "any cash
out of the pocket."
Representative Hudson asked if the debt retirement on the
bond issuance would be offset with reduced energy costs.
RANDALL BURNS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA PSYCHIATRIC
INSTITUTE noted that the current heating cost is $300
thousand dollars a year. He felt confident that these costs
would be reduced.
Representative Hudson suspected that the cost would be
reduced. Mr. Burns observed that the boiler and mechanical
systems are not very efficient. He thought that there would
be significant savings within the utilities.
Co-Chair Mulder noted that the proposal has brought the
competing interests of the Department of Health and Social
Services, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, University
of Alaska, Providence Medical Center and the Municipality of
Anchorage together. All the parties signed the memorandum of
agreement. He referred to item #8 of the memorandum of
agreement.
Co-Chair Mulder referred to the legislation as it pertains
to removal of the facility:
The Memorandum of Understanding contemplates a road
extension through the property presently occupied by
the Alaska Psychiatric Institute facility. The road
construction will be addressed separately, possibly
through federal funding.
Co-Chair Mulder clarified that the demolition costs were not
included in the legislation and are estimated at $13 million
dollars. A fiscal note would include the demolition costs.
He emphasized the importance of timing. He expressed
confidence that federal funding would be forthcoming for the
demolition.
CAREN ROBINSON, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST
AUTHORITY provided information relating to the legislation.
She discussed the memorandum of agreement, Track E. She
noted that a due diligence finding would be provided. It is
the intent to carry forward and utilize the land with the
understanding that when the University of Alaska is ready,
they would have the first right to purchase the land.
Representative John Davies noted that the university's
concern is that there could be some action taken in respect
to the land that would make it not in the university's
interest to subsequently acquire it. The university would
like the Trust to work with them regarding actions that
might be taken which could be negative in respect to future
acquisition.
Ms. Robinson stressed the importance of working with all the
involved individuals. She noted that they have worked with
the University of Alaska and felt that they would continue a
close relationship to assure that the lands are utilized in
an appropriate way.
Co-Chair Mulder observed that the University is concerned
that the land could be used to expand the McLaughlin Youth
facility. He stressed the importance of working with the
University on any future activities that utilize the
property.
Representative Hudson noted that there are some private
landholders and questioned if they have been contacted. Ms.
Robinson acknowledged that South central Foundation owns
some of the adjoining property. There is also a Respite
Center on parcel D. The city might want to build a health
facility on parcel E. There are concerns regarding the
neighborhood.
Representative Croft referred to page 3, line 8 - 9: The
replacement facility must include a forensic psychiatric
unit. Mr. Webb responded that the state is committed to
maintaining the forensic unit, but it will not be expanded.
TAPE HFC 01 - 89, Side B
HOUSE BILL NO. 77
"An Act relating to appropriations for the design and
construction of a replacement facility or facilities
for the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and for a grant to
study the feasibility of locating certain health
programs at the site of the Alaska Psychiatric
Institute; and providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Mulder explained that funding is contained in the
capital budget and a new appropriation bill is not needed.
Authorization is provided in HB 76.
HOUSE BILL NO. 175
"An Act making an appropriation to the Alaska
Industrial Development and Export Authority for power
projects; and providing for an effective date."
STEVE HAAGENSON, ACTING PRESIDENT & CEO FOR GOLDEN VALLEY
ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS testified in support of the
legislation.
The upgrade of the Anchorage to Fairbanks power
transmission intertie, to 230 kilowatts is a very
important project for Interior Alaska. This project, at
a minimum, should, involve the construction of a second
transmission line between Douglas Substation located
near Willow and Teeland Substation located in Wasilla.
The new transmission line would ho constructed to
operate at 230 thousand volts, and would provide the
source, for converting the remainder of the Anchorage
to Fairbanks intertie to 230 thousand volts operation.
The existing line from Douglas to Teeland is a
bottleneck for delivery of power from Anchorage to
Fairbanks. The electrical capacity to Healy would
increase from 70 megawatts to approximately 130
megawatts, after project completion. The increase in
transfer capacity would provide access to both now and
existing gas-fired cogeneration in Anchorage.
Power can flow either direction Oil these transmission
lines. After the natural-gas pipeline is constructed
the transmission capacity increase could allow for
delivery of 130 megawatts of North-Slope gas fired
power to the Anchorage bowl.
The increased capacity will also provide a method to
share spinning reserves, which are not always available
to Fairbanks.
The existing line from Douglas to Teeland has had
numerous faults due to insulator flashovers and other
causes. Every time this line tripsa significant
portion, if not all, of the power in Fairbanks goes
off. The addition of a second circuit will improve
reliability between Teeland and Douglas by providing an
alternative path during faults.
The addition of a second transmission line will reduce
electrical transmission losses between Teeland and
Douglas, as will the voltage conversion from 138
kilovolts to 230 kilovolts will, for the entire
Anchorage in Fairbanks transmission line.
Representative Davies clarified that the estimated amount
needed to build the 26 miles between Teeland and Douglas and
convert other substations to 230 kilovolts is $24 million
dollars.
ROBERT WILKINSON, CEO, COPPER VALLEY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
(CVEA), GLENNALLEN testified via teleconference in support
of the legislation:
In 1993, the 18th Alaska Legislature appropriated a $35
million, 50-year, zero-interest loan for an intertie
project. The purpose of the loan was to benefit the
region by lowering electrical rates. After much
effort and expense the intertie project ground to a
halt in 1996. Instead CVEA constructed a state of the
art combustion turbine cogeneration project. That
project has numerous benefits. It is high tech, it is
green, and it turns Alaska crude into kilowatt-hours.
It also adds five megawatts of generating capacity to
Copper Valley's system. Having said that, the project
does nothing to lower the high cost of electricity for
the region. Copper Valley's request accomplishes a
number of things. It reduces the fixed costs of the
Cogeneration project. It replaces 30-year old diesel
fired units, thereby improving system reliability and
air quality. It also reduces fuel and maintenance
expenses. In addition, a project, which recovers heat
from the Glennallen diesel plant to reduce heating
expense for the Copper River School District Glennallen
schools. Finally, it reimburses Copper Valley for the
DCRA intertie feasibility study required by the
Legislature.
NORM STORY, HOMER ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION testified via
teleconference in support of the legislation. He noted that
Homer Electric's appropriation request would replace an
underwater cable that spans 3.8 miles across Kachemak Bay
from Homer to the Southside of the bay [McKeon Flats]. It
would also replace four backup diesel generators that are
approximately 50 years old, which are used during power
outages.
Mr. Story maintained that it is critical that the 700
consumers in villages south of Kachemak Bay continue to have
access to reliable and affordable electric power. The
underwater cable is the only access to the electrical grid.
The people in these communities are doing their part now to
keep electric costs down. The average consumer in this area
uses only 440-kilowatt hours per month per consumer compared
to almost 700-kilowatt hours per consumer north of the bay.
He noted that the general membership of Homer Electric
Association has always subsidized the cost of providing
service to these communities. In the absence of this subsidy
the villages would probably receive Power Cost Equalization
bonds or some other assistance. The calculated rate [without
subsidy] would be .20 cents a kilowatt-hour as opposed to
the current cost of .11 cents. The costs associated with
replacement of the cable and the diesel generators would
have a catastrophic impact on the electrical rates in these
villages. Recovering costs in these small communities
endangers their already fragile economy. They cannot afford
the additional .5 cents a kilowatt-hour. A zero percent
interest loan repaid over 25 years would greatly assist in
lessening the impacts to villages south of the bay.
JOE COOK, VICE PRESIDENT, CORDOVA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.,
CORDOVA testified via teleconference in support of HB 175.
The Power Creek Hydroelectric project has been a community
priority for the past four years and will be the salvation
of Cordova. Funding is critical, as it will have positive
long-term effects on Cordova's economy, due to reductions in
electrical power rates, which would lower the cost-of-living
and the cost-of-doing business in Cordova. Lower power costs
would improve operating conditions in the community's
economic sectors and increase job opportunities.
SYLVIA LANGE, CORDOVA testified via teleconference in
support of HB 175. She noted that as an owner of a fish
processor facility, that the single greatest impediment to
economic diversity and survival is the exorbitant cost of
electricity. Electric rates including fuel surcharges and
taxes were over .30 cents a kilowatt-hour as compared to .04
cents an hour in Seattle. She maintained that they are
forced to send their product elsewhere for "value added"
processing.
Representative Ken Lancaster, Sponsor testified in support
of HB 175. He clarified that the Anchorage/Fairbanks
Transmission Line Bottleneck project is a state project. The
Power Creek Hydropower project in Cordova would provide a
payback of approximately $600 thousand dollars. He observed
that he will have a technical amendment to add back language
that was inadvertently deleted. The Railbelt Energy Fund was
the initial fund source. The legislation was changed in the
House Labor and Commerce Committee to fund the project from
the Constitutional Budget Reserve.
In response to a question by Representative Hudson,
Representative Lancaster clarified that there would be
sufficient funding in the Railbelt Energy Fund to fund the
projects. He noted that $71 million dollars of interest has
accrued since 1973. However, it was felt that the money
should remain in the fund to be used as leverage or seed
money when the gas pipeline comes to fruition.
Representative Croft clarified that there is approximately
$80 million dollars in the Fund. The appropriations [in the
legislation] total $62 million dollars.
In response to a question by Representative Davies,
Representative Lancaster clarified that the appropriations
would be no interest loans. He noted that the $25 million
dollars for the Anchorage/Fairbanks intertie would be a
state project and the costs would be recovered.
DONALD MAHON, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, ALASKA POWER AND
TELEPHONE testified via teleconference in support of the
legislation. He noted that two of the communities they serve
are on stand-alone high cost diesel generation. The
Tok/Chistochina Transmission Intertie would reduce the
energy cost for these communities by .15 cents a kilowatt-
hour and provide central station power for an additional 100
customers along the highway. He maintained that it makes
good sense to tie these communities to the Tok power plant.
ERIC YOULD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA RURAL ELECTRIC
COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE testified via
teleconference in support of HB 175. He observed that the
Board expressed strong support for HB 175. He added that
Chugach Electrical Association and the Anchorage Municipal
Light and Power Association also support the project. He
asked why the appropriation fund source was changed.
Representative Hudson asked the affect of the legislation on
Power Cost Equalization.
Mr. Yould responded that the Cordova project would be a
grant in exchange for relinquishing their annual $600
thousand dollar PCE grant. The original project structure
would have reduce the Chistochina Mine's PCE amount. Under
the long-term, low interest loan, power costs for Cordova
would be lower but they would continue to receive PCE
adjustments.
Representative John Davies asked what use the Railbelt
Energy Fund would be put to in regards to the gas pipeline.
KATELYN MARKLEY, ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT
AUTHORITY (AIDEA) testified via teleconference in support of
the legislation. She noted that HB 238 would address the
concerns of AIDEA. The Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority (AIDEA) felt that funding should go through
the Alaska Energy Authority. She stated that all the
projects have merit.
HB 175 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 52
"An Act relating to the Interstate Compact for Adult
Offender Supervision and the State Council for
Interstate Adult Offender Supervision; amending Rules 4
and 24, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing
for an effective date."
CANDACE BROWER, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS provided information on HB 52. She noted that
the legislation would repeal the current Interstate Compact
for adult offender supervision and replace it with a new
Compact. The old compact was enacted nationally in 1937 and
in Alaska in 1957. The compact governs the state-to-state
transfer and supervision of parolees and probationers. It is
a reciprocal agreement to exchange these persons across
state lines and continue needed supervision. The current
compact is old and outdated. There are currently 2 million
probationers and parolees nationwide. She noted that if
Alaska were one of the first states to enact the compact
that it would have a voice in decisions. The current compact
is not much more than a gentleman's agreement between
states. There is no mechanism for acquiring or maintaining
routine data or structure to adopt rules to enforce
compliance, or adequately consider victims. The
restructuring provides more oversight at state and national
levels and promotes communications between states. Offenders
that cross state lines are overseen by thousands of
different parole and probation officers operating within
hundreds of different agencies. This fragmented system makes
it difficult to account for offenders. The compact creates
an effective management system that addresses public safety
concerns and offender accountability. There have been a
variety of entities working on the legislation. The compact
would go into effect when it has been enacted by 35 states.
The department feels that it is important to be one of the
first 35 states to enact the legislation in order to have a
voice in the rule making process.
Representative John Davies spoke in support of the
legislation and stressed the importance of Alaska's
participation.
Representative Whitaker asked if any states indicated that
they would refuse involvement. Ms. Brower pointed out that
many of the Western states have enacted the legislation.
Fees are based on population and volume. Alaska exports more
offenders than it imports.
Representative Hudson asked if there is anything comparable
with Canada. Ms. Brower stated that there is no similar
agreement with Canada.
In response to a question by Representative Croft, Ms.
Brower observed that there are 343 Alaskan parolees or
probationers being supervised outside of Alaska. There are
220 parolees or probationers from other states being
supervised in Alaska.
MICHAEL STARK, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF LAW
provided information on the legislation. He pointed out that
there is no way for the state to enforce rule violations
under the current compact. The new compact will provide
enforcement mechanisms. He stressed the need to prevent a
dumping of parolees or probationers. The compact is looking
at the establishment of a national registry system to track
all parolees or probationers outside of their states. There
would be an annual report. Alaska would have recourse to
require other states to recall parolees or probationers that
are not authorized in Alaska.
Representative John Davies MOVED to report HB 52 out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 52 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with two previously published fiscal
impact notes by the Department of Corrections (#1 and #2).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:16 p.m.
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