Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/07/2000 02:30 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 7, 2000
2:30 P.M.
TAPE HFC 00 - 109, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 109, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 110, Side 1
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Therriault called the House Finance Committee
meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Mulder
Co-Chair Therriault Representative Foster
Vice Chair Bunde Representative Grussendorf
Representative Austerman Representative Phillips
Representative G. Davis Representative Williams
Representative J. Davies and Representative Moses were
absent from the meeting.
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Brian Porter; Representative Norm Rokeberg;
Mike Tibbles, Staff, Representative Therriault;
Representative Andrew Halcro; Jonathan Lack, Staff,
Representative Halcro; Paul Grossi, Director, Division of
Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development; Guy Bell, Director, Division of Retirement and
Benefits, Department of Administration; Barbara Sue Roth,
Private Rehabilitation Counselor, Juneau.
TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE
Chancy Croft, Attorney, Anchorage; Willy Van Hermert,
Anchorage; Kevin Dougherty, Attorney, Anchorage; Margorie
Linder, Anchorage; Charles W. Coe, Anchorage; Ron Johnson,
Kenai; Sharon Boyd, Anchorage
SUMMARY
HB 207 "An Act relating to the registration of persons
who perform home inspections; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 207 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
"no recommendation" and with a new fiscal impact
note by the Department of Community and Economic
Development.
HB 277 "An Act relating to payment of retirement benefits
for subsequently reemployed retired members of the
teachers' retirement system."
CSHB 277 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal impact
note by the Department of Administration,
published date 2/15/00.
HB 320 "An Act approving the application for and
acceptance of a grant of certain federal land by
the Alaska Railroad Corporation; approving the
conveyance of the entire interest in the Whittier
DeLong Dock and associated uplands, tidelands, and
submerged lands by the Alaska Railroad
Corporation; relating to use and disposition of
the Whittier DeLong Dock and associated land; and
providing for an effective date."
CSHB 320 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal
note by the House Transportation Committee for the
Department of Community and Economic Development.
HB 419 "An Act relating to the weekly rate of
compensation and minimum and maximum compensation
rates for workers' compensation; specifying
components of a workers' compensation reemployment
plan; adjusting workers' compensation benefits for
permanent partial impairment, for reemployment
plans, for rehabilitation benefits, for widows,
widowers, and orphans, and for funerals; relating
to permanent total disability of an employee
receiving rehabilitation benefits; relating to
calculation of gross weekly earnings for workers'
compensation benefits for seasonal and temporary
workers and for workers with overtime or premium
pay; setting time limits for requesting a hearing
on claims for workers' compensation, for selecting
a rehabilitation specialist, and for payment of
medical bills; relating to termination and to
waiver of rehabilitation benefits, obtaining
medical releases, and resolving discovery disputes
relating to workers' compensation; setting an
interest rate for late payments of workers'
compensation; providing for updating the workers'
compensation medical fee schedule; and providing
for an effective date."
HB 419 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HCR 22 Establishing the Joint Special Committee on Ways
and Means as a joint committee of the legislature.
CSHCR 22 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with a new zero
fiscal note by the Legislative Affairs Agency.
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 22
Establishing the Joint Special Committee on Ways and
Means as a joint committee of the legislature.
Co-Chair Mulder MOVED to ADOPT proposed committee
substitute, work draft 1-LS1515\K, dated 3/31/00. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN PORTER, SPONSOR testified in support of
the legislation. He observed that given the amount of time
left in the current legislative session that it is doubtful
that the legislature will be able to formulate a complete,
total fiscal plan for the revenue side of the fiscal gap.
The resolution asks that the Legislative Budget and Audit
Committee look at the issues and formulate a report so that
the next legislature can "hit the ground running and be in a
position to formulate a plan that can take the state of
Alaska into the future." The legislation would not preclude
the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee from adding or
developing additional items.
Vice Chair Bunde observed that the report would be due on
January 5, 2001.
Representative Austerman expressed support for the
legislation, but emphasized that he would like to see
something accomplished in the current year.
Co-Chair Mulder MOVED to report CSHCR 22 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHCR 22 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new zero fiscal note by the
Legislative Affairs Agency.
HOUSE BILL NO. 207
"An Act relating to the registration of persons who
perform home inspections; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Therriault provided members with Amendments 1 - 6
(see below).
MIKE TIBBLES, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT provided
information on Amendment 1:
Page 6, line 5:
After "without"
Delete "alleging and'
Mr. Tibbles observed that the language was confusing and
explained that the drafter indicated that the language was
not needed.
Representative Phillips MOVED to ADOPT. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2:
Page 2, line 7:
After education of"
Insert licensed'
Page 4, line 15:
After "licensed'
Insert 'or registered"
Page 4, line 18:
After 'inspector'
Insert 'or associate home inspector'
Page 4, line 20:
After "license"
Insert "or registration"
Page 6, line 1:
After "applicant'
Insert "for licensure'
Page 6, line 4:
After 'license'
Insert "or registration'
Page 6, line 21:
After "licensee'
Insert "or an associate home inspector"
Mr. Tibbles explained that the amendment adds technical
changes to make the legislation consistent. It adds language
where either a license or registration is required.
Representative Rokeberg questioned if "or an associate home
inspector" was necessary. Mr. Tibbles explained that the
language is needed to clarify the reference to a licensee or
an associate home inspector on line 13. The amendment would
make the two sections consistent.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 2 was adopted.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 3:
Page 3, line 26:
After "AS 08.57.060."
Insert "No license may be reinstated if the license has
been lapsed for more than five years."
Mr. Tibbles explained that AS 0.8.01.100(d) provides that an
individual with a license that has lapsed for more than five
years may not reinstate the license. The legislation
contains procedures for an individual who has a lapsed
license for more than two years but does not specify what
happens after five years. The amendment would address
licenses that have lapsed for more than five years.
Representative G. Davis observed that the amendment does not
preclude an individual from obtaining a new license. Co-
Chair Therriault agreed that a person whose license has
lapsed for more than five years would not renew their
license; they would have to get a new license.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 4:
Delete "or'
Page 7, line 14, following 'premises;":
Insert "or
(C) by the home inspector in an administrative or
judicial proceeding in which disclosure of the home
inspection report is relevant to resolution of the
legal issues in the proceeding;"
Representative Rokeberg observed that an inspector could not
expect to get written permission or consent from a client
that to issue a copy of the report to the inspector's
attorney if the client was suing the inspector. The
amendment was intended to address the issue. Representative
Rokeberg recommended the Amendment be amended: (c) by the
home inspector in which disclosure of the home inspection
report is relevant to resolution of the legal issues.
Co-Chair Therriault observed that an inspector that is being
sued by his client needs the ability to give his defense
attorney a copy of the report. Mr. Tibbles did not discuss
the amendment with legal counsel.
Co-Chair Therriault WITHDREW Amendment 4 in order to allow
it to be redrafted.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 5:
"(8) certified to demonstrate that a building complies
with the thermal and lighting energy standards required
by AS 46.11.040 and is performing only activities that
are authorized under that certification."
Mr. Tibbles explained that the amendment was drafted to
address individuals that provide energy-rating
certification. The amendment clarifies that that they would
not be required to acquire a license. The issue was based on
the definition of home inspector.
Co-Chair Therriault recalled concerns by Representative J.
Davies that the legislation would sweep in energy raters.
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) certifies most
of the energy raters; builders can also be certified.
Representative Rokeberg spoke in support of the amendment
and noted that it is not the intent to cover energy raters,
which are trained and handled separately.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 5 was adopted.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 6. Amendment 6
would change the sunset provision from 2004 to 2003. The
amendment was drafted in response to concerns by Co-Chair
Mulder.
Mr. Tibbles stated that it was his understanding, based on a
conversation with Catherine Reardon, Director, Division of
Occupational Licensing, that everyone would need a license
or a transactional license by July 2001.
Representative Rokeberg spoke in opposition to the
amendment. He noted that fees are on a biannual basis. Co-
Chair Therriault pointed out that there would be a wind down
year.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 6 was adopted.
Co-Chair Therriault reintroduced Amendment 4. Co-Chair
Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 4. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
RON JOHNSON, KENAI testified via teleconference. He
expressed concerns with consumer protections. He pointed out
that there are a large number of educational programs
available on the Internet. He maintained that the report is
being construed as a warranty or guarantee. He stressed that
it should be viewed as a snap shot of the property; it is
not evidence of future problems or a warranty. He pointed
out that the state of Connecticut's application fee is only
$40 dollars and the biannual renewal is $200 hundred
dollars.
In response to a question by Representative Grussendorf, Mr.
Johnson stated that his understanding of the intent of the
legislation is to control an industry and allow the state to
retaliate on behalf of the public if there is harm. He
pointed out that if a home inspector says that the
foundation of a building is fine and then two weeks later
there is water running in under the foundation that the
harmed consumer has no recourse.
Representative Rokeberg disagreed with statements by Mr.
Johnson. He emphasized that the visual inspection of the
foundation by a home inspector is only "visual". The home
inspector cannot be responsible. Liability would only occur
if he omits a defect or should have been aware of some
anomaly. The consumer protection is the ability to revoke
the license to do business or to fine the inspector.
Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 207 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note
CSHB 207 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with "no
recommendation" and with a new fiscal impact note by the
Department of Community and Economic Development.
HOUSE BILL NO. 277
"An Act relating to payment of retirement benefits for
subsequently reemployed retired members of the
teachers' retirement system."
Vice Chair Bunde provided members with proposed committee
substitute, work draft 1-LS1202\I, Cramer, 4/4/00 (copy on
file). He noted that the proposed committee substitute was
the work of the Subcommittee and the sponsor.
JONATHAN LACK, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO reviewed the
proposed committee substitute. He observed that the original
legislation allowed all retired teachers to return to work
and receive retirement and pay benefits at the same time.
The committee substitute requires that each school district
demonstrate a need in an area or discipline before rehiring
a teacher. Teachers would not necessarily return at their
retirement level. The emphasis of the bill is to address
teacher shortages.
Representative Phillips questioned if the Department of
Education and Early Development would verify the need.
Mr. Lack responded that the committee substitute provides
that individual school districts would adopt a policy. The
Department of Education and Early Development would not be
involved. He noted that the subcommittee's intent was that
individual school districts report to the Teacher's
Retirement System (TRS) in order to track costs. (See letter
dated April 7, 2000 to Co-Chair Therriault from
Representative Halcro, copy on file.) There is a 2003 sunset
clause.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW HALCRO explained that the intent of
the legislation is to address the shortage of teachers and
provide and incentive for retired teachers to stay in the
state. There are 8,000 retired teachers living outside of
Alaska, many of which are teaching in other states.
Representative Austerman clarified that a retired teacher
could receive full benefits and a negotiated salary at the
same time.
Mr. Lack affirmed and explained that school districts would
need to negotiate contract terms for rehired teachers. Hire
would not be made unless the school district approved the
terms.
Representative Foster expressed appreciation for the
legislation and referred to a letter by Dr. John A. Davis,
Superintendent, Bering Strait School District (copy on
file.) He questioned if issues raised by Dr. Davis were
addressed in the committee substitute. Mr. Lack pointed out
that Dr. Davis supports the legislation and noted that
several of the issues were addressed. He noted that Dr.
Davis expressed support for two-year contracts. He explained
that the decision was made to remain with one-year
contracts, to slowly review the process. He argued that
working teachers should pay into a retirement system.
Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the
legislation.
Vice Chair Bunde pointed out that federal law requires that
rehired teachers be under a retirement system. He stressed
that it would be difficult to set up contributions to Social
Security for a small number of teachers.
Co-Chair Therriault noted that Representative Halcro's
letter of intent was not adopted and suggested that it be
redrafted and submitted to the full body during floor
session.
Representative Austerman acknowledged that there is a
teacher shortage. He felt that the legislation would be a
band aide and questioned if the legislation is the right
answer. He noted that the fiscal impact would fall on the
state since school districts are supported by the state. He
noted that school funding has not increased with inflation
over the last 10 - 15 years.
Co-Chair Therriault noted that the hiring process is
controlled by the school district.
Representative Halcro acknowledged that the legislation is a
band aide but emphasized that it is a needed band aide.
(TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00 - 109, SIDE 2)
Representative Austerman clarified that there is a sunset
clause on page 2, line 28.
Vice Chair Bunde noted that the laws of supply and demand
remain. He stressed that a raise in salary would increase
applicants.
Co-Chair Mulder MOVED to ADOPT work draft 1-LS1202\I,
Cramer, 4/4/00. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
GUY BELL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION provided information on the
fiscal note. He observed that the department submitted an
indeterminate fiscal note. The cost to TRS will depend on
the amount of teachers that are rehired. He pointed out that
controls were placed on the legislation. A reporting
requirement was added. He stated that the department could
determine if the legislation results in a cost savings after
the fact.
Co-Chair Mulder MOVED to report CSHB 277 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 277 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with fiscal impact note by the
Department of Administration, published date 2/15/00.
HOUSE BILL NO. 419
"An Act relating to the weekly rate of compensation and
minimum and maximum compensation rates for workers'
compensation; specifying components of a workers'
compensation reemployment plan; adjusting workers'
compensation benefits for permanent partial impairment,
for reemployment plans, for rehabilitation benefits,
for widows, widowers, and orphans, and for funerals;
relating to permanent total disability of an employee
receiving rehabilitation benefits; relating to
calculation of gross weekly earnings for workers'
compensation benefits for seasonal and temporary
workers and for workers with overtime or premium pay;
setting time limits for requesting a hearing on claims
for workers' compensation, for selecting a
rehabilitation specialist, and for payment of medical
bills; relating to termination and to waiver of
rehabilitation benefits, obtaining medical releases,
and resolving discovery disputes relating to workers'
compensation; setting an interest rate for late
payments of workers' compensation; providing for
updating the workers' compensation medical fee
schedule; and providing for an effective date."
PAUL GROSSI, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT testified in
support of the legislation. He observed that the legislation
was an agreement between labor and management. The
legislation provides something for both sides. It provides
needed benefit increases; benefits have not been increased
for 12 years. He gave examples of items that received rate
increases: permanent-partial impairment benefits, minimum
and maximum compensation, and widows' and orphans' benefits.
The calculation for overtime payment is included for the
determination of a compensation rate. The retraining stipend
was increased from 60 percent to 70 percent of the
expendable wage.
Mr. Grossi noted that the legislation also includes
provisions requested by employers. The legislation
simplifies the waiving of retraining benefits. It clarifies
what benefits are due during the retraining process. The
legislation also clarifies the two-year timeframe allowed to
request a claim. It allows 30 days to pay medical bills,
changes the interest rate to 2 percent above the prime. It
would simplify the summary process for obtaining reasonable
medical releases and provide annual update for the usual and
customary fee schedules. The legislation is a compromise,
but it is fair and provides a needed increase in benefits.
Mr. Grossi reviewed fiscal notes. He noted that the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development's fiscal note
of $6.0 thousand dollars covers the annual update for the
fee schedule. The Department of Administration covers
increased state cost.
CHANCY CROFT, ATTORNEY, ANCHORAGE testified via
teleconference in opposition to the legislation. He noted
that the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee proposed
that the director propose increases to straighten out the
legislative inequities. He maintained that the legislation
does not meet the LBA audit committee goal. He maintained
that what is provided to injured workers is inadequate and
provided at a terrible cost of other rights. He referred to
section 4, page 4: "An employee may not be considered
permanently totally disabled so long as the employee is
involved in the rehabilitation process under this chapter."
He maintained that the statute would prevent an individual
from receiving permanent total disability even if they are
receiving no benefits. He recommended that the language be
changed to disallow permanent total disability status only
if the employee is receiving full rehabilitation benefits.
Mr. Croft discussed section 5, page 4. The amount paid for
rehabilitation is changed from $10 thousand dollars to $13.3
thousand dollars. He acknowledged that this is an increase
of 33 percent, but emphasized that it does not keep up with
the 40 percent increase in the cost of living increase. He
suggested that this be raised to $20.0 thousand dollars.
Mr. Croft spoke against section 7, page 5. An injured worker
would be allowed to waive all rehabilitation benefits
without board approval. He pointed out that rehabilitation
benefits could amount to as much as one-half of an injured
worker's benefits. There is no way to change the waiver. He
suggested that injured workers could be taken advantage of
through this section.
Mr. Croft reviewed sections 11 and 12. Injured workers could
be provided with a relief to sign in order to allow
adjusters to obtain information. The type of information
that an adjuster can obtain is not specified. This would
penalize workers without a penalty to unscrupulous
adjusters. He recommended that a 50 percent penalty be added
to an injured worker's compensation in the event that an
adjuster seeks inappropriate information.
Mr. Croft discussed section 13, page 8. He suggested that
the period of time for the dismissal starts when an employer
files a petition to dismiss a claim and the worker does not
request a hearing within two-years.
Mr. Croft referred to section 15, page 9. He noted that the
increase in the maximum compensation rate would be 120
percent of the average weekly wage. The current average
weekly wage is $635 dollars. The maximum wage by would be
increased $62 dollars. The minimum would be raised by $154
dollars to $168 or 9 percent. This is less than 75 percent
of the minimum wage. He suggested that the minimum and
maximum amounts should be increased by 19 percent to $226 or
$1,000 dollars a week.
Mr. Croft discussed section 17. Partial permanent impairment
was increased to $177,000 dollars from $135,000 dollars. He
noted that the LBA audit recommended an increase to $190,000
dollars. He maintained that injured workers are being
shortchanged. He noted that the average Alaskan at the age
of 30 working for 30 years would receive less than 30
percent of their actual loss through the legislation. He
noted that there is no provision to change the compensation
rate if the board decides that it is unfair.
In response to a question by Vice Chair Bunde, Mr. Croft
reiterated that most states require waiver of rights by
workers to be validated by their boards. He noted that if an
adjuster has the authority to withhold benefits that the
worker could be starved into agreement and would be
disadvantaged. Injured workers can currently agree to waive
their rights with approval of the board.
Representative Grussendorf expressed concern with sections 7
and 11. Mr. Croft stressed that section 7 takes away the
board's review of an agreement. He maintained that the
section allows for waiver of benefits. The board has to
determine if it is in the best interest of the employee.
Representative Grussendorf agreed that section 11 could be
viewed as a threat to an employee.
WILLY VAN HERMERT, WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF ALASKA,
ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference in support of the
legislation. He felt that a two-year time frame was
adequate. He stressed that the maximum wage of $700 dollars
th
is the 7 highest rate in the United States. He maintained
that the minimum wage does not come into play. Another issue
important to labor, the death benefit, was increased to 100%
of the spendable amount. Alaska will have the highest death
benefit of any state.
Mr. Hermert spoke to the "waiver". He pointed out that
injured workers have to sign a form indicating which
benefits would be given up.
Mr. Hermert stressed that the legislation was negotiated in
"good faith" and is an improvement over the current system.
KEVIN DOUGHERTY, ALASKA LABORERS UNION, ANCHORAGE testified
via teleconference. He noted that he served with the ad hoc
committee and reviewed the committee's makeup.
(TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00 - 110, Side 1).
Mr. Dougherty stressed that the legislation is balanced and
noted that it represents a 7.7 - 10 percent increase for the
employer industry. He pointed out that the bulk of the
increases are going to death benefits.
Mr. Dougherty continues his review of the legislation. He
noted that benefits were raised. He observed that the ad hoc
committee used different CIP amounts. He observed that the
legislation resolved all the issue, which could be jointly
agreed upon and maintained that the bill is a stride
forward.
Representative Grussendorf asked about "injured worker"
rehabilitation rights. Mr. Dougherty stated that under the
current law that an employee cannot waive his rights without
the board's approval. He acknowledged that the process would
be changed and pointed out that the form would contain
information to protect the employee's rights. Representative
Grussendorf stated that he is still uncomfortable with the
provision.
MARGORIE LINDER, VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COUNSELOR, ANCHORAGE
testified via teleconference in opposition to section 7 (R).
She spoke against the waiver provision. She stressed that
compensation is complex and that workers need extensive
information before a waiver is indicated. She reviewed the
benefits. She presented a hypothetical case with a 5 percent
permanent partial impairment rating (PPI). Under the
proposal each point is worth $1,770 dollars. The weekly
benefit would be $500 a week for 17.7 weeks. The worker
would also be eligible for $13,300 for tuition, books and
supplies. After the initial 17.7 weeks the worker would be
eligible for .014K benefits worth $450 a week for 84.3 weeks
or $37,935 dollars. A worker who accepts an adjuster's offer
of a permanent injury payout of $8,850 dollars in lieu
rehabilitation would lose $51,200 dollars worth of benefits
if they did not return to work. She stressed the cost to the
state for public assistance if the worker is not
rehabilitated back into the workforce. She stressed that the
proposal would allow an injured employee that does not
understand what would be lost to waive their benefits.
CHARLES W. COE, ATTORNEY, ANCHORAGE testified via
teleconference. He expressed concerned that the minimum
compensation rate received by injured workers is below the
minimum wage. He noted that many workers receive
unemployment benefits that are not factored into their wage.
He noted that people cannot live on the minimum compensation
rate without being on public assistance.
Mr. Coe discussed the waiver provision. He recalled that, in
1988, insurance companies were attempting to get injured
workers to sign waivers, which would give up their rights to
rehabilitation, in order to receive lump sum payments of
their PPI rating. As a result, the board required waivers to
be approved. He noted that people sign waivers because they
need the money immediately. He maintained that workers
cannot double collect. He asserted that insurance companies
are trying to get the state to adopt a system that allows
injured workers to give up their vocational rehabilitation
rights. He noted that individuals that give up their
vocational rehabilitation rights through the insurance
companies often end up at the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation. He stressed that the state of Alaska is
paying for the rehabilitation of individuals that should be
supported by their insurance companies. Mr. Coe added that
the statute of limitation clause would be difficult to
enforce. He concluded that the legislation would be a burden
on injured workers. He noted that injured workers are a
growing group.
SHARON BOYD, ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference. She
noted that she is an injured worker. She spoke in support of
extensions. She spoke against blanket releases.
DON ETHERIDGE, AFL-CIO, JUNEAU testified in support of the
legislation. He maintained that the legislation is a fair
compromise.
In response to a question by Vice Chair Bunde, Mr. Etheridge
noted that they are aware of the Legislative Budget and
Audit Committee audit. He noted that portions of the report
are included in the legislation.
Representative Grussendorf questioned if the Ad Hoc
Committee spoke to attorneys. Mr. Etheridge noted that Kevin
Dougherty, Attorney, Anchorage was on the Committee.
BARBARA SUE ROTH, PRIVATE REHABILITATION COUNSELOR, JUNEAU
spoke in support of the legislation. She stressed that the
state of Alaska has a good program. She observed that the
current law states that funds are paid as services are
rendered. She observed that there are injured workers that
do not want the services. She emphasized the difficulty of
working with people who do not want services. She emphasized
the importance of raising the compensation rate.
HB 419 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
(TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00 - 110, SIDE 2)
HOUSE BILL NO. 320
"An Act approving the application for and acceptance of
a grant of certain federal land by the Alaska Railroad
Corporation; approving the conveyance of the entire
interest in the Whittier DeLong Dock and associated
uplands, tidelands, and submerged lands by the Alaska
Railroad Corporation; relating to use and disposition
of the Whittier DeLong Dock and associated land; and
providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Therriault observed that CSHB 320 (FIN) was MOVED
from Committee on 4/6/00. He explained that the title for
CSHB 320 (FIN) needs to be tightened to encompass an
amendment to disallow a sole source contract for the DeLong
Dock.
Vice Chair Bunde MOVED to RESCIND the Committee's action in
reporting CSHB 320 (FIN) from Committee. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT a conceptual amendment to
tighten language disallowing a sole source contract. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Mulder MOVED to report CSHB 320 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 320 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note by the
House Transportation Committee for the Department of
Community and Economic Development.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
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