Legislature(2023 - 2024)BARNES 124

03/20/2023 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE

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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ HB 56 CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT ANIMAL RX TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
+ Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
+= HB 99 DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT. TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
-- Public Testimony --
                    ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                                  
          HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE                                                                         
                         March 20, 2023                                                                                         
                           3:16 p.m.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Representative Justin Ruffridge, Vice Chair                                                                                     
Representative Mike Prax                                                                                                        
Representative Dan Saddler                                                                                                      
Representative Stanley Wright                                                                                                   
Representative Ashley Carrick                                                                                                   
Representative Zack Fields (via teleconference)                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS ABSENT                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Representative Jesse Sumner, Chair                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
COMMITTEE CALENDAR                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 56                                                                                                               
"An Act exempting controlled substances prescribed or dispensed                                                                 
by a veterinarian to treat an animal from the requirements of                                                                   
the controlled substance prescription database."                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     - HEARD & HELD                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 99                                                                                                               
"An Act relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on                                                                     
sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     - HEARD & HELD                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
BILL: HB  56                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT ANIMAL RX                                                                             
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RUFFRIDGE                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
02/03/23       (H)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
02/03/23       (H)       HSS, L&C                                                                                               
02/18/23       (H)       HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106                                                                               
02/18/23       (H)       -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                 
03/02/23       (H)       HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106                                                                               
03/02/23       (H)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
03/02/23       (H)       MINUTE(HSS)                                                                                            
03/11/23       (H)       HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106                                                                               
03/11/23       (H)       Moved HB 56 Out of Committee                                                                           
03/11/23       (H)       MINUTE(HSS)                                                                                            
03/15/23       (H)       HSS RPT 6DP                                                                                            
03/15/23       (H)       DP:   SUMNER,    RUFFRIDGE,   MCCORMICK,                                                               
                         SADDLER, MINA, PRAX                                                                                    
03/20/23       (H)       L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
BILL: HB  99                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.                                                                          
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) ARMSTRONG                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
03/08/23       (H)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
03/08/23       (H)       L&C, CRA, JUD                                                                                          
03/15/23       (H)       L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
03/15/23       (H)       <Bill Hearing Canceled>                                                                                
03/17/23       (H)       L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
03/17/23       (H)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
03/17/23       (H)       MINUTE(L&C)                                                                                            
03/20/23       (H)       L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
WITNESS REGISTER                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
BUD SEXTON, Staff                                                                                                               
Representative Justin Ruffridge                                                                                                 
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  On behalf of Representative Ruffridge,                                                                   
prime sponsor, presented HB 56 and gave the sectional analysis.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
RACHEL BERNGARTT, DVM                                                                                                           
Board of Veterinary Examiners                                                                                                   
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  Co-offered a PowerPoint presentation on HB
56, titled "Why It Makes Sense to Exempt Veterinarians."                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
TRACY WARD, DVM, Past President                                                                                                 
Alaska State Veterinary Medical Association                                                                                     
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  Co-offered a PowerPoint presentation on HB
56, titled "Why It Makes Sense to Exempt Veterinarians."                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE JENNIE ARMSTRONG                                                                                                 
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  As prime sponsor, introduced HB 99.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
JOSH SMITH, representing self                                                                                                   
Chugiak, Alaska                                                                                                                 
POSITION STATEMENT:  Provided invited testimony in support of HB
99.                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
LYNN DAVIS, representing self                                                                                                   
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  Provided invited testimony in support of HB
99.                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
MAUREEN LONGWORTH, MD, representing self                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  Provided invited testimony in support of HB
99.                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HAYLEE MORRIS, Small Business Owner                                                                                             
Kenai, Alaska                                                                                                                   
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MORGAN LIM, Lobbyist                                                                                                            
Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates for Alaska                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
KASEY CASORT, representing self                                                                                                 
Fairbanks, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ROSE O'HARA-JOLLEY, representing self                                                                                           
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
TARA LYNCH-HUSSLY (ph), representing self                                                                                       
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MARIAH BENNETT, representing self                                                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MICHAEL CONTI, representing self                                                                                                
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
JAMIE GIBSON, representing self                                                                                                 
Fairbanks, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
TERRY SULLIVAN, representing self                                                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MICHAEL GARVEY, Lobbyist                                                                                                        
American Civil Liberties Union of AK                                                                                            
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
KEARSTYN "JAMES" COTTON, representing self                                                                                      
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
BROOKS BANKER, representing self                                                                                                
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MENEKA THIRU, representing self                                                                                                 
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ALEX B. JOHNSON, representing self                                                                                              
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
PAIGE CHASE, representing self                                                                                                  
Wasilla, Alaska                                                                                                                 
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
NORA GECAN, representing self                                                                                                   
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
JESSI SAIKI, representing self                                                                                                  
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
CANYON KOKOCHURUK, representing self                                                                                            
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
JOHNNY ELLIOTT, representing self                                                                                               
Sitka, Alaska                                                                                                                   
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SARAH FIEDLER, representing self                                                                                                
Houston, Alaska                                                                                                                 
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MIKE COONS, President                                                                                                           
Concerned Conservatives of Alaska                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in opposition to HB 99.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
ALEX BURY, representing self                                                                                                    
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
JESSICA ROZATO, representing self                                                                                               
Denali, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
JOSHUA KNICELY, representing self                                                                                               
North Pole, Alaska                                                                                                              
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ROBERT HOCKEMA, representing self                                                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ZIA HETRICK, representing self                                                                                                  
Eagle River, Alaska                                                                                                             
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
TIMOTHY ANDERSON, representing self                                                                                             
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
LISA MALONEY, representing self                                                                                                 
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
KATE VEH, representing self                                                                                                     
Soldotna, Alaska                                                                                                                
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SUSAN BREZNICK, representing self                                                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
TITESUS EPSILON, representing self                                                                                              
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ERINN BARNETT, representing self                                                                                                
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ED MARTIN, representing self                                                                                                    
Kenai, Alaska                                                                                                                   
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified during the hearing on HB 99.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
MICHAEL FLINT, representing self                                                                                                
Pride at Work, Alaska Chapter                                                                                                   
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
DARCY COUGHLEN, representing self                                                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
CARLY JENSEN, representing self                                                                                                 
Soldotna, Alaska                                                                                                                
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
AMBER O'BRIEN, representing self                                                                                                
Wasilla, Alaska                                                                                                                 
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MERCEDES ARCINIEGA, representing self                                                                                           
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
JAINA WILLAHAN, representing self                                                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MELISSA WHITE, representing self                                                                                                
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT:  Testified in support of HB 99.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
ACTION NARRATIVE                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
3:16:19 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE CHAIR JUSTIN  RUFFRIDGE called the House  Labor and Commerce                                                             
Standing   Committee    meeting   to    order   at    3:16   p.m.                                                               
Representatives    Saddler,    Prax,    Wright,    Fields    (via                                                               
teleconference),  and  Ruffridge  were present  at  the  call  to                                                               
order.   Representative  Carrick arrived  as the  meeting was  in                                                               
progress.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          HB 56-CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT ANIMAL RX                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
3:17:24 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE CHAIR RUFFRIDGE  announced that the first  order of business                                                               
would  be  HOUSE  BILL  NO.  56,  "An  Act  exempting  controlled                                                               
substances prescribed or dispensed by  a veterinarian to treat an                                                               
animal  from   the  requirements  of  the   controlled  substance                                                               
prescription database."                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
3:17:47 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
BUD SEXTON, Staff, Representative  Justin Ruffridge, Alaska State                                                               
Legislature,  on   behalf  of  Representative   Ruffridge,  prime                                                               
sponsor,  introduced  HB  56.     He  stated  that  the  proposed                                                               
legislation would  exempt veterinarians from the  requirements to                                                               
report on the [Prescription Drug  Monitoring Program (PDMP)].  He                                                               
referenced the concern that when an  individual brings a pet to a                                                               
veterinary clinic,  the pet owner's personal  medical information                                                               
is under review.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
MR. SEXTON gave  the sectional analysis for HB  56 [copy included                                                               
in  the  committee  packet],  as  follows  [original  punctuation                                                               
provided]:                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
     Section 1.  AS 17.30.200(o)  is amended to  remove "and                                                                  
     the   Board   of   Veterinary   Examiners"   from   the                                                                    
     notification requirement when  a practitioner registers                                                                    
     with the database under (n) of this section.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
     Sec.  2.  AS  17.30.200  is amended  by  adding  a  new                                                                  
     subsection to  read: This section  does not apply  to a                                                                    
     schedule   II,   III,   or  IV   controlled   substance                                                                    
     prescribed  or  dispensed  by a  veterinarian  licensed                                                                    
     under AS 08.98 to treat an animal.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     Sec. 3.  AS 08.98.050(a)(10) is repealed  which removes                                                                  
     the requirement for  Veterinarians under the controlled                                                                    
     substance prescription database.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:20:21 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The committee took an at-ease from 3:20 p.m. to 3:21 p.m.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
3:21:46 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
TRACY WARD, DVM, Past President,  Alaska State Veterinary Medical                                                               
Association (AKVMA), provided invited testimony  on HB 56 and co-                                                               
offered a PowerPoint presentation, titled  "Why It Makes Sense to                                                               
Exempt  Veterinarians."   She  stated  that  both AKVMA  and  the                                                               
Alaska Board  of Veterinary  Examiners (BOVE)  "strongly" support                                                               
HB 56, which would exempt  veterinarians from the requirements of                                                               
PDMP.   She  continued that  the  Alaska Board  of Pharmacy  also                                                               
supports  the proposed  legislation.   On slide  4, she  gave the                                                               
background on PDMP in Alaska.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
3:23:38 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
DR. WARD  moved to slide  5 and  stated that PDMP  is ineffective                                                               
for veterinarians because  it was established for  use with human                                                               
medication,  not  animal  medication.   She  continued  that  the                                                               
current system is not useful for  the data because the PDMP query                                                               
is  made  on  the  individual   who  brings  the  animal  to  the                                                               
veterinarian, and it  is the human's data that is  obtained.  She                                                               
explained that this  is not useful because  veterinarians are not                                                               
trained  in human  pharmacology.   She continued  to slide  6 and                                                               
reviewed  the  human  privacy  issue,  as  the  Health  Insurance                                                               
Portability  and  Accountability  Act   (HIPAA)  does  not  cover                                                               
veterinarians; therefore, veterinarians are  not required to keep                                                               
the  information obtained  private.   She pointed  out a  list of                                                               
medications  this may  concern.    She moved  to  slide 7,  which                                                               
addressed  accountability   for  veterinarians   with  controlled                                                               
substances,  and she  referenced that  both the  Drug Enforcement                                                               
Agency  (DEA)  and  the  distributors  of  controlled  substances                                                               
monitor patterns of drug prescriptions by veterinarians.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
3:27:31 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
RACHEL  BERNGARTT, DVM,  Chair,  Board  of Veterinary  Examiners,                                                               
provided invited testimony  on HB 56 and  co-offered a PowerPoint                                                               
presentation,   titled   "Why   It    Makes   Sense   to   Exempt                                                               
Veterinarians."   On  slide  8,  she pointed  out  that 33  other                                                               
states have removed the requirement  that veterinarians report on                                                               
PDMP, and  she advised that  there is wide spread  acceptance for                                                               
this  exemption.   She  stated that  PDMP is  a  "good tool"  for                                                               
"doctor shopping;"  however, there has been  no reported increase                                                               
in this behavior concerning veterinarians.   She moved to slide 9                                                               
and pointed  out the difference  between the  drugs veterinarians                                                               
prescribe and  the drugs related  to overdose deaths.   She moved                                                               
to slide 10,  pointing out the licensing burden  that PDMP causes                                                               
BOVE and the licensees.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
3:32:06 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
DR. BERNGARTT,  moving to  slide 11, stated  that Alaska  has the                                                               
highest licensing  fees for  veterinarians in  the country.   She                                                               
advised that  nationwide there is  a veterinarian shortage.   She                                                               
suggested  that these  high fees  will  deter veterinarians  from                                                               
moving to Alaska.   Concluding on slide 12, she  pointed out that                                                               
AKVMA and Bove support HB  56 because it will allow veterinarians                                                               
to  provide  appropriate  care for  each  patient;  increase  the                                                               
efficiency  of PDMP  for its  intended  purpose; allow  continued                                                               
judicious   use   of   controlled   substances;   and   eliminate                                                               
unnecessary   and    disproportionate   business    burdens   for                                                               
veterinarians.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
3:34:06 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned  what medications veterinarians                                                               
prescribe if opioids and these  types of drugs are not prescribed                                                               
by veterinarians.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
DR.  BERNGARTT   responded  that   one  of  the   primary  opioid                                                               
medications  prescribed is  a small  amount of  hydrocodone in  a                                                               
flavored-type dog treat  for small dogs with a cough.   She added                                                               
that  these treats  are expensive.   In  response to  a follow-up                                                               
question, she  confirmed that some drugs  veterinarians prescribe                                                               
can  be used  by humans;  however, she  argued that  these drugs,                                                               
such  as antibiotics,  are not  controlled substances  related to                                                               
PDMP.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:37:55 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The committee took an at-ease from 3:37 p.m. to 3:38 p.m.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
[Vice  Chair   Ruffridge  passed  the  gavel   to  Representative                                                               
Wright.]                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
3:38:37 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  RUFFRIDGE,  as  prime  sponsor,  offered  closing                                                               
comments on HB  56.  He stated that the  proposed legislation has                                                               
been  before  the legislature  for  a  number  of years,  and  he                                                               
suggested  that  it be  passed.    He  offered  that PDMP  is  an                                                               
important  program;  however,  veterinarians should  be  able  to                                                               
continue  to  do their  work  while  keeping patient  information                                                               
private.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
3:39:38 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The committee took an at-ease from 3:39 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
[Representative  Wright  passed  the  gavel back  to  Vice  Chair                                                               
Ruffridge.]                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
3:40:06 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that HB 56 was held over.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
        HB 99-DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
3:40:12 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE CHAIR RUFFRIDGE  announced that the final  order of business                                                               
would be HOUSE  BILL NO. 99, "An Act relating  to and prohibiting                                                               
discrimination based on sexual orientation  or gender identity or                                                               
expression."                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
3:40:41 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  JENNIE ARMSTRONG,  Alaska  State Legislature,  as                                                               
prime  sponsor, introduced  HB 99.   She  notified the  committee                                                               
that   the  Alaska   State  Commission   for  Human   Rights  has                                                               
jurisdiction  in  some  subject  areas  in  public  schools,  and                                                               
certain  parts  of the  committee  packet  were created  by  this                                                               
commission's staff and not the Department of Law staff.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
3:42:37 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JOSH  SMITH, representing  self,  provided  invited testimony  in                                                               
support of HB 99.   He shared that he served for  10 years in the                                                               
United States Air Force and  expressed pride in this; however, he                                                               
stated  that the  "Don't Ask,  Don't Tell"  policy for  the armed                                                               
forces was  "difficult" for him, as  he had to keep  his identity                                                               
as a  gay man  hidden for  fear of being  discharged.   He shared                                                               
that  this  had resulted  in  him  being  unable to  express  his                                                               
"authentic   self,"   and   any   conversations   he   had   were                                                               
"inauthentic," as he had to avoid  the truth in order to maintain                                                               
his  position.   He said  that  he eventually  began to  consider                                                               
self-harm and eventually attempted suicide.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
MR.  SMITH stated  that  "Don't Ask,  Don't  Tell" was  rescinded                                                               
during his  time in the  Air Force;  however, the culture  of the                                                               
military  "took time  to catch  up;" therefore,  he continued  to                                                               
hide  his sexuality.    He  stated that  some  of his  colleagues                                                               
continued  to  speak  poorly  of   the  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual,                                                               
transgender, queer  or questioning  (LGBTQ) community,  and after                                                               
he  began to  share his  sexuality,  some accepted  him while  he                                                               
continued  to face  discrimination from  military leadership  and                                                               
older civilian  employees.  He  expressed the  understanding that                                                               
homophobia was "the  price to be paid" for the  acceptance of his                                                               
peers.  He shared that there  were others who also faced the same                                                               
discrimination.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
MR.  SMITH  stated  that  he  remained  careful  of  sharing  his                                                               
sexuality with  others when  he was  away from  his installation.                                                               
He  said  that  the   federal  workplace  regulations  protecting                                                               
against  discrimination did  not exist  off base.   He  expressed                                                               
concern for his  safety and the potential effects  in other parts                                                               
of his life.   He gave the  example of purchasing a  home and not                                                               
mentioning  his  significant  other.   He  said  that  increasing                                                               
protections for  the LGBTQ community  in Alaska have given  him a                                                               
chance to feel  comfortable being his true self  and healing from                                                               
the  years of  shame  and  oppression.   He  said that  affirming                                                               
legislation and public sentiment have  given him a chance to live                                                               
authentically  with his  husband of  5  years.   He concluded  by                                                               
expressing  the  belief  that discrimination  has  "no  place  in                                                               
Alaska," and  without legal  protections discrimination  is still                                                               
possible.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
3:47:35 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
LYNN  DAVIS, representing  self,  provided  invited testimony  in                                                               
support of HB  99.  She shared  that she worked for  15 years for                                                               
the Department of  Labor and Workforce Development  at the Juneau                                                               
Job Center.   While working  at the  job center, she  stated that                                                               
she witnessed  many instances  of discrimination  against members                                                               
of  the  LGBTQ+  community  in   terms  of  hiring,  firing,  job                                                               
retention,  and  receiving job  interviews.    She described  the                                                               
losing of one's job because of  discrimination as a "wound to the                                                               
soul."   She  stated  that more  than 30  members  of the  LGBTQ+                                                               
community   testified  about   losing  their   jobs  because   of                                                               
discrimination  when the  City of  Juneau considered  protections                                                               
for members of  the LGBTQ+ community.  She  expressed the opinion                                                               
that  talented   workers  pay  attention   to  the   states  with                                                               
protections for LGBTQ+  people.  She continued  that having these                                                               
protections would strengthen the workforce of Alaska.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:50:45 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MAUREEN  LONGWORTH,  MD,   representing  self,  provided  invited                                                               
testimony in support of HB 99.   She shared that she is a retired                                                               
physician  who  has treated  patients  who  have shown  signs  of                                                               
distress because  of discrimination.   She said that some  of her                                                               
patients  expressed  suicidal  thoughts  at  the  idea  of  being                                                               
discriminated against  because of their sexual  orientation.  She                                                               
said  that   various  health  organizations  are   supportive  of                                                               
legislation which would  create "safe and equal"  home, work, and                                                               
public  environments for  members of  the LGBTQ  community.   She                                                               
said that  medical studies show  that equality  provisions result                                                               
in healthier  communities.  She  pointed out that because  of the                                                               
remoteness of  many communities  in Alaska,  it can  be difficult                                                               
for  members of  the LGBTQ  community  to find  support, and  she                                                               
suggested   that   laws   protecting   these   individuals   from                                                               
discrimination would reduce  the risk of isolation.   She pointed                                                               
out that  Alaska has a  disproportionate number of  teen suicides                                                               
and homelessness,  and this number  is increased among  the LGBTQ                                                               
community.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
3:53:58 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
HAYLEE MORRIS,  Small Business Owner, provided  invited testimony                                                               
in support of HB 99.   She shared that as a licensed professional                                                               
counselor  she  has  worked with  Alaskans  who  need  behavioral                                                               
health   services  to   address   gender   identity  and   sexual                                                               
orientation  issues  in  regard  to  employment.    She  noted  a                                                               
particular  client who  experienced a  hostile work  environment,                                                               
which led to  suicidal thoughts.  She said that  this client left                                                               
the job  and has  no insurance  or a paycheck.   She  stated that                                                               
instead  of  paying  in  to   public  resources  via  taxes,  the                                                               
individual needs public assistance.   She said that her client is                                                               
currently on Medicaid.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
MS. MORRIS  referenced a  second client  in a  similar situation,                                                               
whose  employer   is  affirming  and  supportive   in  preventing                                                               
discrimination despite having no legal  obligation to do so.  She                                                               
said  that  this client's  taxes  go  towards paying  for  public                                                               
assistance  programs rather  than  collecting public  assistance.                                                               
She  advised that  workplace morale  has  a great  impact on  the                                                               
mental  health  of her  clients.    She  continued that  she  has                                                               
witnessed  discrimination  against  LGBTQ+  individuals  when  it                                                               
comes  to housing  and knows  of people  at risk  of losing  jobs                                                               
because of discrimination.  She  expressed the opinion that HB 99                                                               
would help improve  the mental health of Alaskans  and reduce tax                                                               
burdens.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
3:59:06 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE  CHAIR RUFFRIDGE  opened  public  testimony on  HB  99.   He                                                               
stated  the  House  Labor and  Commerce  committee  had  received                                                               
testimony from 1,000 people.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
4:00:09 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MORGAN LIM,  Lobbyist, Planned Parenthood Alliance  Advocates for                                                               
Alaska,  testified in  support  of HB  99.   He  stated that  the                                                               
proposed  legislation  would  update  Alaska's  nondiscrimination                                                               
statutes regarding dignity and fairness  for the LGBTQ community.                                                               
He   expressed  the   opinion  that   everyone  deserves   to  be                                                               
his/her/their  authentic   self,  without  discrimination.     He                                                               
asserted  Alaskans  across  the  state live  in  fear  of  losing                                                               
housing, public services, and  financial opportunities because of                                                               
gender,  identity   expression,  and  sexual  orientation.     He                                                               
advanced  Planned Parenthood  as a  good organization  for public                                                               
health and  business.  He  explained many LGBTQ  individuals hide                                                               
their  identities at  work for  fear of  earning lower  wages and                                                               
fewer  employment opportunities,  adding that  discrimination can                                                               
lead to several  physiological maladies.  He maintained  HB 99 is                                                               
good for the LGBTQ community and good for Alaska.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
4:02:37 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
KASEY  CASORT, representing  self, praised  HB 99,  and expressed                                                               
enthusiastic support.   She provided her  personal background and                                                               
the history  of similar legislation  from 2015.   She highlighted                                                               
portions  of  the  proposed  bill  that refer  to  the  types  of                                                               
discrimination  LGBTQ  communities  face.     She  expressed  the                                                               
realization of how  vulnerable her friends are to  these forms of                                                               
discrimination.    She  urged   testifiers  to  share  terrifying                                                               
stories  to show  how  discrimination has  affected  people.   In                                                               
contrast, she provided  a story of attending her  first drag show                                                               
at the age of  18, and how "queer joy" has changed  her life in a                                                               
positive way.   This had  allowed her to  imagine a future.   She                                                               
spoke about "coming  out" to her sister.  She  expressed the idea                                                               
that queer joy is abundant,  with room for everyone to experience                                                               
it.  She thanked the committee.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
4:04:40 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ROSE  O'HARA-JOLLEY,  representing  self,  indicated  that  [they                                                               
preferred the  pronoun "they"] and  lived in the Interior  for 10                                                               
years before  moving to Anchorage.   They identified  themself as                                                               
an "out,  queer person" who  has experienced  discrimination, and                                                               
they also spoke about sharing  queer joy.  They said, "Regardless                                                               
of  what the  legislature does,  we  will always  exist and  will                                                               
always  carve out  spaces  for ourselves."    They remarked  that                                                               
turning 40 this year was a  "milestone" for a queer person.  They                                                               
said they were "fully out"  in the workplace, with co-workers who                                                               
respect the  appropriate pronouns.   They  stated that  they have                                                               
safe housing,  with an  active social life  with people  who know                                                               
and love them.   They said, "I do not have to hide  who I am, and                                                               
that is amazing."   They said housing, employment,  and access to                                                               
necessities should be a right,  not a privilege, extended equally                                                               
to everyone in  the state, as many people feel  they cannot "come                                                               
out" publicly  for fear of  being fired  or evicted.   They urged                                                               
the committee  to pass  HB 99  so all people  in Alaska  can have                                                               
happy and full lives, free from fear.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
4:07:16 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
TARA LYNCH-HUSSLY  (ph), representing  self, stated, "As  a queer                                                               
indigenous youth,  I have  faced a lot  of discrimination."   She                                                               
stated  that every  day  she is  pushed  to put  a  label on  her                                                               
sexuality and  conform to society's  labels.  She  emphasized the                                                               
importance  of not  labeling  people.   She  shared  that she  is                                                               
fortunate to  have a safe  home where she  can live openly.   She                                                               
stated that  she never had  to "come  out" to her  family because                                                               
they already  knew when she  was young.   She said LGBT  youth in                                                               
Alaska  are   discriminated  against,   and  suicide   rates  and                                                               
depression  are very  high in  this demographic.   She  expressed                                                               
fear that friends "do bad stuff  to themself" because they do not                                                               
have an accepting  community.  She said HB 99  would be "amazing"                                                               
for herself and the rest of the LGBT community.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
4:10:04 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MARIAH BENNETT, representing self, said  that it is essential the                                                               
transgender people  have the  same rights  and protection  as all                                                               
citizens.    She said  that  transgender  individuals have  faced                                                               
discrimination and marginalization throughout  history, and it is                                                               
crucial  to  remember  that  transgender  are  people  just  like                                                               
everyone  else and  should be  treated with  dignity.   She urged                                                               
inclusivity among  all people.   She reminded the  committee that                                                               
the Constitution  of the United  States provides  protections for                                                               
all and expressed hope that the proposed bill would pass.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
4:11:57 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MICHAEL CONTI, representing self, said  he has a transgender son,                                                               
and he  supports HB 99.   He stated that the  LGBTQ community has                                                               
been  discriminated  against   historically,  with  violent  acts                                                               
imposed on  them.  He  urged that  this community needs  the same                                                               
rights and  protections as  everyone.   He opined  that HB  99 is                                                               
important for the safety of all  people.  He related that his son                                                               
struggled emotionally  through middle  and high school,  and when                                                               
he  "came  out" as  nonbinary,  and  eventually transgender,  the                                                               
family witnessed  his mood elevate  with the acceptance  of self.                                                               
He said  he does not think  LGBTQ people are trying  to influence                                                               
anyone else's identity, rather "it's just about being themself."                                                                
                                                                                                                                
4:14:15 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JAMIE GIBSON, representing  self, testified in support  of HB 99,                                                               
and  indicated  that [they  prefer  the  pronoun "they"].    They                                                               
described that  they are  a nonbinary  lesbian and  queer success                                                               
story.  They talked about being  out with friends and at work but                                                               
not feeling  safe being who they  are with strangers.   They said                                                               
Alaska law has never been on  their side, so they have never felt                                                               
safe seeking help.   They said that  Alaska's discrimination laws                                                               
do not  protect the LGBTQ  community, which means "folks  like me                                                               
can be  denied housing  and public services  just because  of our                                                               
gender  identity,  sexual  orientation,  or  gender  expression."                                                               
They spoke  about being  proud and healing  publicly in  order to                                                               
help  those suffering  in silence.   They  voiced that  all LGBTQ                                                               
people  deserve the  same rights  as straight,  cisgender people,                                                               
and they urged the committee to pass HB 99.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
4:16:20 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
TERRY  SULLIVAN, representing  self, testified  in support  of HB
99.   She  shared  that she  had no  idea  about how  "primitive"                                                               
Alaska's  discrimination  law was  until  she  had a  transgender                                                               
grandchild.   She  expressed her  appreciation  for the  proposed                                                               
legislation and her  hope that everyone would have  the right "to                                                               
be proud and happy and safe."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
4:17:32 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MICHAEL  GARVEY,  Lobbyist,  American Civil  Liberties  Union  of                                                               
Alaska,  testified in  support of  HB 99.   He  pointed out  that                                                               
there  are  sound  arguments  why  HB 99  should  be  passed,  as                                                               
constitutional  rights  and  civil liberties  of  LGBTQ  Alaskans                                                               
should be guaranteed;  however, he maintained that  in the moment                                                               
the argument to pass the bill is  a moral one.  He explained that                                                               
recent  news   "has  underscored   the  constant   and  increased                                                               
hostility  that LGBTQ  people  face."   He  listed the  following                                                               
examples: the  Human Rights  Commission's refusal  to investigate                                                               
nonemployment complaints; the State  Board of Education acting in                                                               
secret to pass  an antitransgender sports resolution;  and a bill                                                               
from Governor Mike  Dunleavy that "would violate  the privacy and                                                               
safety  of queer  youth."   He  spoke about  the  joy that  LGBTQ                                                               
people bring to their families  and communities, and he argued it                                                               
is morally imperative  that the government help  them "live free,                                                               
full lives."   He said  HB 99  would help LGBTQ  Alaskans address                                                               
the harm they face daily and be  in a better position to secure a                                                               
safe home and economic security.   He advised that it is time the                                                               
state guarantee its prioritization  of freedom and opportunity to                                                               
everyone, and he urged the committee to pass HB 99.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
4:19:33 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
KEARSTYN  "JAMES"  COTTON,  representing  self,  testified  as  a                                                               
transgender man  in support of HB  99.  He expressed  his anxiety                                                               
about   seeking  public   support   or   employment  because   of                                                               
discrimination  in  response  to  his  identity.    He  expressed                                                               
support for  the solidarity  of the  LGBTQ community  in standing                                                               
for its rights.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
4:20:33 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
BROOKS BANKER, representing self, testified  in support of HB 99.                                                               
He spoke about the violence  inflicted on LGBTQ people in Alaska.                                                               
He mentioned  the Civil  Rights Act and  the Alaska  Human Rights                                                               
Act  as   doctrines  intended  to  protect   people  historically                                                               
targeted  by   injustices.    He   spoke  of   discrimination  as                                                               
perpetuating  violence on  a vulnerable  population    especially                                                               
transgender youth and  people of color.  He suggested  that HB 99                                                               
would help  end the  violence and  harassment experienced  by the                                                               
LGBTQ community.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
4:23:22 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MENEKA THIRU, representing  self, testified in support  of HB 99.                                                               
She emphasized  she has many  friends who  are part of  the LGBTQ                                                               
community  and expressed  concern about  the discrimination  they                                                               
may face seeking  work.  She encouraged the  committee to support                                                               
HB 99.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
4:25:07 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ALEX B.  JOHNSON, representing self,  testified in support  of HB
99, as it  would offer protection against  discrimination for him                                                               
and other  gay or  transgender Alaskans.   He said  extending the                                                               
definition of "sex"  in Alaska law to  include sexual orientation                                                               
and gender  identity is essential to  protect marginalized groups                                                               
in Alaska.   He  cited the  U.S. Supreme  Court case,  Bostock v.                                                             
Clayton County, 590  U.S. 644, (2020), in which  the court stated                                                             
that  it is  "impossible  to discriminate  against  a person  for                                                               
being  homosexual or  transgender without  discriminating against                                                               
the individual based on sex."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
4:27:03 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
PAIGE CHASE,  representing self, testified  in support of  HB 99.                                                               
She said  the proposed legislation  would protect her  and others                                                               
by expanding  the definition of  "sex discrimination"  to include                                                               
sexuality and gender  identification.  She said  her health could                                                               
suffer if HB 99  does not pass, as she is  disabled and relies on                                                               
a  team of  specialists for  support.   She stated  that allowing                                                               
health care  workers to refuse her  as a patient or  to treat her                                                               
differently  because   she  is  queer  could   prevent  her  from                                                               
accessing necessary  treatment, and this would  severely diminish                                                               
her quality  of life.   She said,  "My physical health  demands a                                                               
lot of time  and energy for me,  so that last thing I  need is to                                                               
be worried that I'm not  receiving the best possible care because                                                               
of  sexuality."     She  said  HB  99  would   protect  her  from                                                               
discrimination by medical professionals.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
4:28:20 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
NORA GECAN, representing self, said she  is a member of the queer                                                               
community  in Anchorage  and expressed  support for  HB 99.   She                                                               
characterized  the  queer  community  in  Alaska  as  "beautiful,                                                               
strong,  creative,  and  generous,"   as  well  as  deserving  of                                                               
protection.   She  said while  she has  been fortunate  to secure                                                               
housing  and a  job,  many LGBTQ+  people in  Alaska  are not  as                                                               
fortunate and are  at high risk of losing  housing and employment                                                               
as  a  result  of  discrimination.    She  described  the  former                                                               
experience of losing a job  for reasons other than discrimination                                                               
as hard; however, it would be  harder on her mental and emotional                                                               
health if the  termination had been based on her  sexuality.  She                                                               
suggested this would have made  her consider leaving Alaska.  She                                                               
stated that antidiscrimination legislation  "can protect many and                                                               
hurt no one."                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
4:30:34 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JESSI SAIKI,  representing self,  testified in  support of  HB 99                                                               
and indicated  that [they  preferred the  pronoun "they"].   They                                                               
said they  are nonbinary  and autistic.   They stated  that above                                                               
all, they  are a human  being, who wants  to live "the  best life                                                               
possible, probably just  like all of you."  They  said they dream                                                               
of a  life where they  do not have to  live in fear  and secrecy.                                                               
Growing  up in  Wasilla, they  said  they were  "outed" by  their                                                               
peers in high school, and  this brought on isolation, harassment,                                                               
and  violence.   They expressed  joy  in working  with the  LGBTQ                                                               
community and  heartbreak at witnessing the  pain, isolation, and                                                               
violence youth are  experiencing.  They emphasized,  "All we want                                                               
to do  is be  ourselves, to  live the life  our hearts  and minds                                                               
tell us  to."   They expressed  the belief that  HB 99  will save                                                               
lives.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
4:32:50 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CANYON KOKOCHURUK,  representing self, said he  was testifying as                                                               
a queer Alaska  Native man in support  of HB 99.   He related the                                                               
various  ways he  has been  assaulted [for  being queer]  and had                                                               
gone through conversion  therapy.  He suggested that  HB 99 would                                                               
ensure  something  is  done   about  these  discriminatory  acts.                                                               
Furthermore, the proposed legislation  would make it possible for                                                               
someone who  is queer  to obtain  housing.   He talked  about the                                                               
bill providing the safety needed for  queer people to be who they                                                               
are.                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
4:35:42 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JOHNNY  ELLIOTT, representing  self,  referenced  the Bostock  v.                                                             
Clayton County case and the  finding that discrimination based on                                                             
sexual orientation  is discrimination  based on  sex.   He opined                                                               
that the same  could be said for gender  identity and expression.                                                               
He noted that the Department of  Law said the logic [of the judge                                                               
in  the case]  applied  only  to employment.    He expressed  the                                                               
opinion  that  the  application  should  be  much  broader.    He                                                               
expressed  excitement that  HB 99  "clarifies this  issue on  the                                                               
right  side"  and  "reaffirms  a needed  civil  right  for  equal                                                               
protection" for Alaska's LGBTQ community.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
4:37:48 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SARAH  FIEDLER, representing  self, testified  as a  parent of  a                                                               
teen, who is  part of the LGBTQ community.   She talked about the                                                               
transition  to  adulthood,  expressing concern  about  her  son's                                                               
safety.    She expressed  the  opinion  that  HB  99 would  be  a                                                               
critical piece  of a  solution.   She talked  about the  right to                                                               
live without  discrimination and  her dream as  a parent  for her                                                               
child to  live his life as  himself and how an  individual who is                                                               
allowed to do that can be a gift to the community.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
4:39:22 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MIKE  COONS,   President,  Concerned  Conservatives   of  Alaska,                                                               
testified in opposition to HB 99.   He stated that HB 99 "is just                                                               
more 'woke' and LGBCDDXYZ garbage."   He said he has "no problem"                                                               
with the provision in  Section 1 of the bill to  add "sex" [to AS                                                           
18.80.300(1)];  however,  regarding Section  2  of  the bill,  he                                                               
pointed to science  and maintained that for tens  of thousands of                                                               
years there  have been the  male and female  sex only.   He said,                                                               
"Laws,  like science,  are supposed  to be  based on  fact."   He                                                               
asked the committee to vote down HB 99.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
4:42:20 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ALEX BURY, representing self, shared  that she had left Alaska to                                                               
feel safer,  but returned as  she "missed  it."  She  pointed out                                                               
that  if she  were to  lose her  job because  of being  gay, this                                                               
could put  "a drain on  straight resources," and she  spoke about                                                               
the  financial  and emotional  impacts  of  discrimination.   She                                                               
expressed  fear that  if HB  99 does  not pass,  this would  be a                                                               
signal to  some "cruel people"  that "it's  okay to hurt  or kill                                                               
people they don't  like."  She said passing HB  99 would send the                                                               
message  that all  Alaskans  deserve the  same  basic rights  and                                                               
protections.  She asked the committee to pass HB 99.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
4:44:05 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JESSICA  ROZATO, representing  self,  said she  is  gay, and  her                                                               
partner  is  transgender, and  she  is  testifying on  behalf  of                                                               
herself and  her partner in  support of HB  99.  She  noted there                                                               
are supporters  of the  LGBTQ community  throughout Alaska.   She                                                               
said, "I ask you all to  positively and properly show our state's                                                               
strength   in  regard   for  all   human   life  by   prohibiting                                                               
discrimination  based on  sexual orientation  or gender  identity                                                               
and implement this necessary bill."                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
4:45:48 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JOSHUA  KNICELY, representing  self, testified  in support  of HB
99,  stating that  it would  ban discrimination  based on  gender                                                               
identity  and sexual  orientation.   He said  this is  important,                                                               
because "discrimination stunts the economy."   He said the amount                                                               
of  discrimination in  Alaska  makes him  consider  leaving.   He                                                               
asked the committee to pass HB 99.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
4:47:02 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ROBERT  HOCKEMA, representing  self, expressed  the opinion  that                                                               
the proposed legislation is long overdue.   He said he grew up in                                                               
a conservative  part of the  state and understands the  fear some                                                               
may have that the proposed  legislation "codifies sexual life for                                                               
a  certain  population."    He  said  he  knows  that  the  LGBTQ                                                               
community  "is  one of  many  that  the  members of  this  entire                                                               
chamber aren't particularly  sympathetic to."  He  stated that in                                                               
an ideal  world there would  be no need for  government mandates,                                                               
but because  of the "bad  apples out there," the  government must                                                               
take an  active role in "leveling  the playing field."   He spoke                                                               
of protecting  minorities who face discrimination.   He continued                                                               
that  denying access  to people  based on  something they  cannot                                                               
change about themselves is not  upholding "life, liberty, and the                                                               
pursuit  of  happiness."     To  those  who   may  consider  this                                                               
governmental overreach, he posited that  "for Alaska to stand for                                                               
freedom   from    government,   we   have   to    stand   against                                                               
discrimination."   He  asked  for overall  support  of the  bill,                                                               
including its "inevitable veto" by the governor.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
4:49:41 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ZIA   HETRICK,  representing   self,   testified   as  a   queer,                                                               
transgender Alaskan in support of  HB 99 and indicated that [they                                                               
preferred the  pronoun "they"].   They said discrimination  has a                                                               
huge impact  on queer  people in Alaska,  sharing that  they have                                                               
experienced discrimination  in the workplace  and in life.   They                                                               
said that they feel safe in  a bubble of queer friends and allies                                                               
but  is  not  protected  outside  of  this  bubble.    They  said                                                               
antidiscrimination  legislation "protects  so many  and hurts  no                                                               
one."                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
4:50:45 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
TIMOTHY ANDERSON,  representing self,  expressed the  belief that                                                               
HB 99 is especially needed  because of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination                                                               
and legislation in Alaska and other parts of the country.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
4:52:39 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
LISA  MALONEY, representing  self, argued  that HB  99 should  be                                                               
passed because  "LGBTQ rights are  human rights."  She  said that                                                               
members  of the  LGBTQ  community are  discriminated against  and                                                               
harassed and need the protection provided  by the bill.  She said                                                               
that feeling safe at home and  at work should be a starting place                                                               
for people  and not  something that  has to be  worked for.   She                                                               
said  that  it is  difficult  for  individuals to  be  productive                                                               
members of society when they are concerned for their wellbeing.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
4:54:42 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
KATE VEH, representing self, testified in  support of HB 99.  She                                                               
said that  "we" are entering  a new era  in which "all  colors of                                                               
the rainbow"  can have families.   She expressed the  belief that                                                               
her late  uncle was likely  gay and  would have been  accepted in                                                               
current times.   She said that  she is proud of  LGBTQ people for                                                               
overcoming the challenges  with which they have been  faced.  She                                                               
encouraged  young   people  to  vote  for   politicians  who  are                                                               
supportive of LGBTQ rights.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
4:56:36 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SUSAN  BREZNICK, representing  self, testified  in support  of HB
99.   She stated  that she supports  HB 99 because  her son  is a                                                               
member of  the LGBTQ community.   She said that it  makes her sad                                                               
to  hear  stories  of LGBTQ  people  facing  discrimination,  and                                                               
everyone deserves  to have  access to healthcare  and a  place to                                                               
live.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
4:58:38 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
TITESUS EPSILON,  representing self,  testified in support  of HB
99.   He said,  "There's a lot  of people like  me, and  I didn't                                                               
know I was a person like me for  a long time."  He indicated he's                                                               
worked at  the university  and in Anchorage,  and he  said things                                                               
are challenging there.  He expressed  love for Alaska and said he                                                               
feels welcome  "here" to contribute "the  most that I have."   He                                                               
described HB 99  as a step in the right  direction for leadership                                                               
to indicate  that "people like me"  are included and are  part of                                                               
the  team that  makes [Alaska]  a  better place.   He  encouraged                                                               
those legislators  who may not  want to vote  for HB 99  to "just                                                               
get it out of the way" and "move forward."                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
5:00:47 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ERINN BARNETT, representing self, testified  in support of HB 99.                                                               
She said she  is a queer lesbian  who is lucky to be  part of the                                                               
queer community and  have safe, secure housing, as  well as being                                                               
"out" at  work.   Nevertheless, she  said there  is never  a time                                                               
where  she does  not need  to consider  "what is  safe for  me to                                                               
disclose," on resumes  or in public.  She  indicated these issues                                                               
are  magnified   for  those  who   are  transgender   and  gender                                                               
nonconforming, as they have lost  jobs and have struggled to find                                                               
safe and consistent housing as a  result of the biases of others.                                                               
She urged the committee to pass  HB 99, which she described as "a                                                               
huge step forward."                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
5:03:23 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ED MARTIN,  representing self, testified  on HB 99  and requested                                                               
the deletion of  part of Section 2.   He said he does  not have a                                                               
problem with Section 1 of HB  99 but urged the committee to amend                                                               
Section  2 to  delete [paragraph]  (20), which  relates that  the                                                               
definition  of  "sex"  include   sexual  orientation  and  gender                                                               
identity or  expression.  He  opined that this language  does not                                                               
define sex "as we have all known  as a social norm for many, many                                                               
years, all my life," and  he expressed opposition that it belongs                                                               
in  this law.    He said  he  would support  HB  99 without  this                                                               
language.  He  added that he is  a man, his wife is  a woman, and                                                               
his children were all born a certain sex.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
5:05:57 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MICHAEL FLINT, representing self,  Pride at Work, Alaska Chapter,                                                               
described  himself as  a nonbinary  disabled veteran  living with                                                               
PTSD.   He stated that  he was in  the military under  the "Don't                                                               
Ask, Don't Tell"  policy.  He said he had  to continue hiding who                                                               
he was  and faced  discrimination when  he moved  to Alaska.   He                                                               
stated he has taken unapologetic  pride in himself and the state;                                                               
however, he  has found it  hard justifying living in  Alaska with                                                               
his spouse,  as the state  does not  have equal protections.   He                                                               
described  an  interaction  with  a  banker  who  encouraged  not                                                               
putting his husband  on a loan for their house,  and he suggested                                                               
that this  was "insulting."   He stated  the reason  for creating                                                               
Pride at Work  was to create a community for  queer employees and                                                               
individuals  in  the workforce.    He  expressed discomfort  when                                                               
being himself  at work.   He emphasized  that the right  of queer                                                               
people  to exist  should  not  be up  for  debate and  referenced                                                               
legislation  from Alaska  and other  states.   He suggested  that                                                               
over 70  percent of Americans  support LGBTQ+ rights,  and Alaska                                                               
should  not discourage  queer individuals  or allies  from moving                                                               
into the state, as the state is losing population.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
5:08:16 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
DARCY  COUGHLEN,  representing  self, described  the  "brightest"                                                               
part  of her  life had  been  when she  "came out"  as queer  and                                                               
transgender.  She  stated she moved to Alaska in  2017 and stayed                                                               
because she had  found community, friends, and family.   She said                                                               
she felt  betrayed when her  safety was questioned, and  this had                                                               
made her  grieve for the  pseudo safety  she had felt  within her                                                               
community.   She  emphasized  that  antidiscrimination laws  hurt                                                               
nobody while helping  everyone.  She stated she works  in a well-                                                               
known  brewery in  Anchorage and  has been  frequently confronted                                                               
with  individuals   who  have   political  beliefs   directly  in                                                               
opposition to  her existence,  but she makes  sure to  treat them                                                               
with care and warmth.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
5:10:53 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CARLY JENSEN,  representing self, said  she grew up  reciting the                                                               
Pledge of  Allegiance every  morning and  took to  heart "liberty                                                               
and justice for all."  She  expressed the opinion that the creeds                                                               
of the country would not be  upheld if there were not protections                                                               
in  place for  the marginalized,  and she  argued that  the state                                                               
needs to  ensure the  rights of every  American.   She emphasized                                                               
that  she has  a master's  degree in  biology, and  she described                                                               
science  as   being  in  support  of   different  [physiological]                                                               
expressions rather than chromosomal  technology.  She stated that                                                               
biology  and science  support five  main  factors of  expression:                                                               
chromosomal, hormonal,  hormonal expression,  internal genitalia,                                                               
and external  genitalia.  She  said that statistically  there are                                                               
120  different potential  combinations of  these.   She expressed                                                               
the  opinion  that  to  say  there  is  only  a  binary  is  very                                                               
narrowminded.  She  continued by pointing out  that this argument                                                               
is  done  without  cutting  down,   degrading,  or  being  overly                                                               
condescending to the opposing side.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
5:12:51 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
AMBER  O'BRIEN,  representing  self,  stated  that  her  daughter                                                               
identifies  as  queer  and  goes  to  school  in  Wasilla.    She                                                               
expressed the  opinion that  children in  Alaska should  not live                                                               
with an uncertain future in regard  to "coming out" at school, as                                                               
now parents  are not able  to reassure  them of their  safety and                                                               
security with  housing or  a job.   She emphasized  that equality                                                               
does not  hurt anybody, as it  is not a limited  resource, and it                                                               
could be given freely, while  discrimination hurts everybody, not                                                               
just queer people.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
5:14:21 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MERCEDES  ARCINIEGA,  representing  self,  said  the  bill  is  a                                                               
crucial part  of implementing  fair housing for  all.   She added                                                               
that Section  2 of HB 99  would make a clear  delineation of what                                                               
constitutes as discrimination  by sex or gender.   She emphasized                                                               
there are  many "ignorant" things  being said during  the meeting                                                               
and  encouraged  individuals  to   do  more  modern  research  to                                                               
understand the differentiation of  gender, gender expression, and                                                               
sex.    She expressed  the  opinion  that the  antidiscrimination                                                               
bills do not harm  anyone.  She stated she is  queer, and she and                                                               
her  wife own  a  business.   She  stated  that  she would  "feel                                                               
prouder" to  be an Alaskan  if there were better  protections for                                                               
housing and employment.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
5:16:36 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JAINA  WILLAHAN, representing  self, stated  she is  bisexual and                                                               
spoke about one of her  close friends being discriminated against                                                               
concerning housing, and her friend had  ended up living in a car.                                                               
She  expressed support  of  HB  99 as  a  step  forward for  more                                                               
equality, as LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
5:17:51 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MELISSA  WHITE, representing  self, said  she  is a  mother of  a                                                               
young child and  is an established professional  in education and                                                               
healthcare.   She stated  that Alaska should  be "proud"  to have                                                               
antidiscrimination laws,  and she expressed the  opinion that the                                                               
laws are not only morally right  but are the best for the economy                                                               
and community.  She emphasized that  it should not be lost in the                                                               
discussion that  the laws effect  human beings.  She  stated that                                                               
multiple times  the U.S.  and Alaska  have stood  on the  side of                                                               
inclusivity  and   equality,  and  currently  the   ideas  around                                                               
discrimination  are  outdated,  threatening  the  safety  of  the                                                               
entire community.   She  added that  bills like  HB 99  would not                                                               
only affect the  rights of queer individuals but  also the rights                                                               
of women, children, veterans, and disabled individuals.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
5:19:46 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE CHAIR  RUFFRIDGE, after ascertaining  that there was  no one                                                               
else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 99.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
5:19:56 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
VICE CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that HB 99 was held over.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
5:20:05 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ADJOURNMENT                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
There being no  further business before the  committee, the House                                                               
Labor and  Commerce Standing Committee  meeting was  adjourned at                                                               
5:20 p.m.                                                                                                                       

Document Name Date/Time Subjects
HB 56 FAQ.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB0056A.PDF HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB56 Sectional Analysis.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB 56 Hearing Slides 2023 (002).pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB 56 Fiscal Note.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
2023AVKMA-PDMPWhitePaper.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
House Bill 56 Sponsor Statement.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB56 VerSteeg Support Letter.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
PDMPFlyer.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB56 Delker Support.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB 56 Support Letter Greg.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB56 letter removing opposition vets PDMP.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
HB 56 AKPhA Letter of Support (002)_Redacted.pdf HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 56
Letters of Support HB 99.pdf HCRA 4/11/2023 8:00:00 AM
HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 99
HB99 Letter of Opposition.pdf HCRA 4/11/2023 8:00:00 AM
HL&C 3/20/2023 3:15:00 PM
HB 99