04/14/2023 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB112 | |
| HB145 | |
| HB149 | |
| HB88 | |
| HB87 | |
| HB60 | |
| HB21 | |
| HB97 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 150 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 145 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 21 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 60 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 112 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 149 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 97 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 87 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 88 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
April 14, 2023
3:17 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Jesse Sumner, Chair
Representative Justin Ruffridge, Vice Chair
Representative Mike Prax
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Stanley Wright
Representative Ashley Carrick
Representative Zack Fields
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 112
"An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to the
practice of pharmacy; relating to pharmacies; relating to
prescription drug manufacturers; relating to prescriptions for
epinephrine; relating to the administration of epinephrine; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 112(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 145
"An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or less;
relating to deferred deposit advances; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 149
"An Act relating to the licensure of nursing professionals;
relating to a multistate nurse licensure compact; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 88
"An Act relating to work quotas for employees at warehouse
distribution centers; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 87
"An Act relating to record checks for certain employees of the
Department of Revenue; relating to permanent fund dividends; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 87(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 60
"An Act relating to the licensing of runaway shelters; relating
to advisors to the board of trustees of the Alaska Mental Health
Trust Authority; relating to the sharing of confidential health
information between the Department of Health and the Department
of Family and Community Services; relating to the duties of the
Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community
Services; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 60(HSS) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 21
"An Act relating to group insurance coverage and self-insurance
coverage for school district employees, employees of the
University of Alaska, and employees of other governmental units
in the state; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 97
"An Act relating to self-storage facilities for personal
property, including vehicles and watercraft; distinguishing
self-storage facility liens from another type of storage lien;
and excluding self-storage liens from the treatment of certain
unclaimed property."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 150
"An Act relating to residential building codes; relating to
construction contractors and residential contractor
endorsements; and providing for an effective date."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 112
SHORT TITLE: PROFESSION OF PHARMACY
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RUFFRIDGE
03/13/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/13/23 (H) HSS, L&C
03/23/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
03/23/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/23/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
03/28/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
03/28/23 (H) Moved HB 112 Out of Committee
03/28/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
03/29/23 (H) HSS RPT 5DP
03/29/23 (H) DP: MINA, RUFFRIDGE, SUMNER, FIELDS,
PRAX
04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/10/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/10/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/12/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 145
SHORT TITLE: LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) WRIGHT
03/29/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/23 (H) L&C
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 149
SHORT TITLE: NURSING: LICENSURE; MULTISTATE COMPACT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) PRAX
03/31/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/31/23 (H) MLV, L&C
04/03/23 (H) MLV REFERRAL MOVED TO AFTER L&C
04/03/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED
04/07/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/07/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/12/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 88
SHORT TITLE: WAREHOUSE WORK QUOTA INFORMATION
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RAUSCHER
02/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/27/23 (H) L&C, JUD
03/29/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/29/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/29/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/10/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/12/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 87
SHORT TITLE: PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/27/23 (H) L&C, FIN
03/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/10/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/10/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/17/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/17/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/03/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/10/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/10/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 60
SHORT TITLE: RUNAWAYS; DFCS/DOH: DUTIES/LICENSING/INFO
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/03/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/03/23 (H) HSS, FIN
02/28/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
02/28/23 (H) Heard & Held
02/28/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
03/07/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
03/07/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/07/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
03/14/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
03/14/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/23/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
03/23/23 (H) Moved CSHB 60(HSS) Out of Committee
03/23/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
03/27/23 (H) HSS RPT CS(HSS) 1DP 5NR
03/27/23 (H) DP: PRAX
03/27/23 (H) NR: FIELDS, SUMNER, RUFFRIDGE, SADDLER,
MINA
03/27/23 (H) L&C REPLACES FIN REFERRAL
03/27/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED
04/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/03/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/10/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/10/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 21
SHORT TITLE: SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR
SPONSOR(s): VANCE
01/19/23 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/23
01/19/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/23 (H) CRA, EDC, L&C
01/27/23 (H) CRA REFERRAL REMOVED
01/27/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED
03/13/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
03/13/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/13/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
03/27/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
03/27/23 (H) Moved HB 21 Out of Committee
03/27/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
03/29/23 (H) EDC RPT 2DP 4NR
03/29/23 (H) DP: MCKAY, ALLARD
03/29/23 (H) NR: HIMSCHOOT, STORY, PRAX, RUFFRIDGE
04/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/03/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/12/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 97
SHORT TITLE: SELF-STORAGE UNITS: LIENS; SALES
SPONSOR(s): PRAX
03/06/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/06/23 (H) L&C, JUD
03/24/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/24/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/24/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/14/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
PI RIORDAN-RANDALL, Staff
Representative Stanley Wright
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Wright, prime
sponsor, gave the sectional analysis on HB 145.
GRAHAM DOWNEY
Alaska Public Interest Research Group
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 145.
LEIGH DICKEY, Advocacy Director
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 145.
RILEY NYE, Staff
Representative Mike Prax
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Prax, prime
sponsor, concluded the PowerPoint presentation, title "House
Bill 149: Nurse Licensure Compact."
SYLVAN ROBB, Director
Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
149.
WENDY MERCER, Chief Nursing Officer
North Star Behavioral Health System
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
RACHAEL KINCAID, Chief Nursing Officer
South Peninsula Hospital
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
GRACE HALSTEAD, representing self
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
MARY WILLIS, Long Term Care Administrator
Utuqqanaat Inaat
Kotzebue, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
BETSY WOOD, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
ROBERT LANG, Emergency Room Nurse Manager
Wrangell Medical Center
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of Alaska
during the hearing on HB 149.
STARLA FOX, Chief Nursing Officer
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
JENNIFER BRYNER, Chief Nursing Officer
Petersburg Medical Center
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
BRENDA SHELDEN, Board Member
Alaska Pioneer Home Advisory Board
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
LISBETH JACKSON, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
TRACY DOMPELING, Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Bartlett Memorial Hospital
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
SAVANNAH COURTRIGHT
representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
CARRIE PELUSO, Chief Nursing Officer
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
JENNIFER MOONEY, Executive Director of Operations
Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
MAUREEN PETERSON, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
MILDRED HENNINGS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
MELISSA GRAY, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
JARED KOSIN, President and CEO
Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
DANETTE SCHLOEDER, Chair
Alaska Board of Nursing
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
THERESA GLEASON, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
ROBIN MINARD, Chief Communications Officer
Matsu Health Foundation
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
KIMBERLY KLUCKMAN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
BRITANY WALTERS, representing self
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
JOELLE HALL, President
Alaska American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial
Organizations
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
ROSS NEWCOMBE, CEO
North Star Behavioral Health System
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
BRUCE SEETON, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
NATALIE PORTNER, Director of Critical Care Services
MatSu Regional Medical Center
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
MICHELE GIRAULT, CEO
Hope Community Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
AMBER KIERKEGAARD, Director of Nursing
Maple Springs of Palmer
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
AMANDA NETH, representing self
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
NINA MAUS, CFO
North Star Behavioral Health System
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
CHRISTI LEPLEY, Director of Human Resources
North Star Behavioral Health System
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
DENISE PLANO, Chief Nursing Officer
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
Wrangell Medical Center
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
NICOLE WELCH, Chief Human Resource Officer
Foundation Health Partners
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
CRAIG CALDWELL, representing self
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
COURTNEY TABER, Nursing Manager
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
Juneau Medical Center
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
SHANNON DAVENPORT, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
DON THIBEDEAU, Social Worker
Denali Center
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
MARGE STONEKING, Advocacy Director
AARP Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
LAURA BONNER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in opposition to HB
149.
KIM ROBSON, representing self
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 149.
REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions during
the hearing on HB 88.
RYAN MCKEE, Staff
Representative George Rauscher
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Rauscher, prime
sponsor, answered questions during the hearing on HB 88.
PATRICK FITZGERALD, Representative
Teamsters 959
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
88.
COREY BIGELOW, Operations Manager
Permanent Fund Dividend Division
Department of Revenue
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
87, Version S.
WILLIAM BREWER
Fairbanks Storage
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 97.
DANIEL BRYANT, Legal and Legislative Council
Self Storage Association
Alexandria, Virginia
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 97.
WENDIE MACNAUGHTON, Co-owner
Lulu Storage
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 97.
NATHANIEL DYE
Juneau Self Storage
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 97.
SHARON BEAMAN, Manager
North Pole Self Storage
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 97.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:17:11 PM
CHAIR JESSE SUMNER called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 2:50 p.m. Representatives Prax,
Wright, Ruffridge, and Sumner were present at the call to order.
Representatives Fields, Saddler, and Carrick arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
HB 112-PROFESSION OF PHARMACY
3:18:07 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the first order of business would be
HB 112, "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to
the practice of pharmacy; relating to pharmacies; relating to
prescription drug manufacturers; relating to prescriptions for
epinephrine; relating to the administration of epinephrine; and
providing for an effective date."
3:18:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE, as prime sponsor, stated that HB 112
is part of a multi-year process and has the support of the Board
of Pharmacy.
3:19:15 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
3:19:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 112,
labeled, 33-LS0600\A.1, Bergerud, 4/13/23, which read as
follows:
Page 1, line 2, following "manufacturers;":
Insert "relating to licensing and registration
requirements for certain wholesale drug distributors;"
Page 4, following line 11:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 4. AS 08.80.157(h) is amended to read:
(h) The board may suspend, revoke, deny, or
refuse to renew the license of a facility or pharmacy
on the following grounds:
(1) the finding by the board of violations
of a federal, state, or local law relating to the
practice of pharmacy, drug samples, wholesale or
retail drug or device distribution, or distribution of
controlled substances;
(2) a felony conviction under federal,
state, or local law of an owner of the facility or
pharmacy or of an employee of the facility or
pharmacy;
(3) the furnishing of false or fraudulent
material in an application made in connection with
drug or device manufacturing or distribution;
(4) suspension or revocation by federal,
state, or local government of a license currently or
previously held by the applicant for the manufacture
or distribution of drugs or devices, including
controlled substances;
(5) obtaining remuneration by fraud,
misrepresentation, or deception;
(6) dealing with drugs or devices that are
known or should have been known to be stolen drugs or
devices;
(7) dispensing or distributing drugs or
devices directly to patients by a wholesale drug
distributor other than a pharmacy unless
(A) the drug or device is a dialysate, drug
composed solely of fluids, electrolytes, and sugars,
or device that is
(i) necessary to perform home dialysis;
(ii) approved by the United States Food and
Drug Administration, as required by federal law; and
(iii) delivered in its original, sealed,
and labeled packaging only upon the receipt of a
physician's order; and
(B) the wholesale drug distributor
(i) delivers the dialysate drug or device
directly to a patient with end-stage renal disease, or
to the patient's designee, for the patient's self-
administration of dialysis therapy;
(ii) uses a bar code scanning and
verification system confirming that the dialysate drug
or device selected to fill the patient-specific order
matches the information on the patient-specific label;
and
(iii) has additional secondary accuracy and
delivery checks in place; and
(C) a licensed pharmacist serves as a
consultant to the wholesale drug distributor to
(i) conduct a retrospective audit of 10
percent of the dialysate drug and device orders
provided directly to patients processed by the
wholesale drug distributor every month; and
(ii) perform assessments at least twice
monthly to ensure quality of product storage,
handling, and distribution by the wholesale drug
distributor, and to ensure product expiration dates
are later than three months after the date of
assessment;
(8) violation of this chapter or a
regulation adopted under this chapter."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 9, line 20:
Delete "sec. 18"
Insert "sec. 19"
Page 9, line 21:
Delete "sec. 18"
Insert "sec. 19"
Page 9, line 31:
Delete "Section 20"
Insert "Section 21"
Page 9, following line 31:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 23. Section 4 of this Act takes effect
May 7, 2023."
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
Page 10, line 1:
Delete "sec. 21"
Insert "secs. 22 and 23"
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE objected for the purpose of discussion.
3:20:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX explained that Amendment 1 would enable home
dialysis distributors to do so directly with the patient.
3:21:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE removed his objection to Amendment 1.
There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:22:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HB 112, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB
112(L&C) was reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee.
HB 145-LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS
3:22:35 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HB 145, "An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or
less; relating to deferred deposit advances; and providing for
an effective date."
3:23:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT, as prime sponsor, introduced HB 145 and
stated that the proposed legislation would address predatory
payday lending. He explained that payday loans have
extraordinarily high interest rates, and as a result these loans
cost a great deal more to pay back than most other loans. He
said that payday loan lenders are currently exempt from the
statutes regarding loans. He estimated that 15,000 Alaskans
take out these loans on an annual basis. He said that HB 145
would remove these payday loan exemptions.
3:26:05 PM
PI RIORDAN-RANDALL, Staff, Representative Stanley Wright, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Wright, prime
sponsor, gave the sectional analysis for HB 145. He stated that
Sections 1, 2, and 6 would remove references to the Differed
Deposits Advances Act (DDAA); Section 3 would define lenders
subject to the bill; Section 4 would provide the level of
interest caps; Section 5 would provide that interest rates
exceeding those provided in statute, would become unenforceable;
and Section 7 would prevent lenders from using fees to
circumvent the maximum interest rates. He concluded, stating
that Section 8 would repeal DDAA, and Section 9 would provide an
effective date.
3:29:44 PM
GRAHAM DOWNEY, Alaska Public Interest Research Group, provided
invited testimony on HB 145. He briefly explained the process
of acquiring a short-term loan. He stated that such loans are
used for things like rental deposits, groceries, childcare, and
car repairs. Because these payday loans require repayment in
two weeks, he suggested that it can place a strain on a person
who needs this money to pay for rent or other expenses. He said
that paying back a partial amount is all some people may have
the ability to do. Interest is then applied despite some of the
money being paid back. He estimated that the average Alaskan
takes five such loans annually, taking an average of five months
to pay them back. He stated that payday loans average $29
million in revenue annually.
3:35:37 PM
LEIGH DICKEY, Advocacy Director, Alaska Legal Services, provided
invited testimony on HB 145. She stated that Alaska Legal
Services has 50 offices across the state. She expressed the
understanding that payday loans target low-income individuals,
and these individuals must often take more loans in order to pay
back their previous loans. She reiterated that payday loans are
usually taken out for emergency expenses, which often result in
financial problems becoming worse because of the interest rates.
She advised that the interest can often reach rates of over 400
percent. She said that 18 other states have enacted small loan
legislation with an interest rate cap of 36 percent.
3:40:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS requested a market comparison of online
loans versus physical payday loan stores.
MS. DICKEY answered that 70 percent of payday loans in the state
are taken via online sources, with 30 percent being taken from
physical locations. In response to a follow-up question, she
said that individuals do not often seek the services of Alaska
Legal Services for help with any type of debt. This is because
of the belief that the only way to clear debt is to pay it back.
3:42:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX questioned, if the bill were passed, what
would happen if payday loaners decided to stop lending.
MS. DICKEY expressed uncertainty.
MR. DOWNEY responded that consumers in other states found other
options, which were often less expensive.
3:44:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK questioned whether online payday loan
lenders gain access to the bank accounts of borrowers.
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT expressed the opinion that lenders often
find ways to take the permanent fund dividends of borrowers.
MR. DOWNEY expressed uncertainty about the specific details.
3:46:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER inquired about the occupations of those
who most often take out payday loans.
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT answered that he was unaware of specific
numbers but said that it is common for military personnel to use
these types of loans.
MR. DOWNEY added that close to half of those in the military
have taken out a payday loan, although military personnel are
protected by federal laws. He said that he is unaware of
demographic data related to borrowers.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether there are federal laws
protecting borrowers who are not military personnel.
MR. DOWNEY expressed uncertainty concerning such laws.
3:49:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that laws were passed in 2006;
however, payday lenders found loopholes.
3:49:43 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 145 was held over.
HB 149-NURSING: LICENSURE; MULTISTATE COMPACT
3:49:57 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HB 149, "An Act relating to the licensure of nursing
professionals; relating to a multistate nurse licensure compact;
and providing for an effective date."
3:50:52 PM
RILEY NYE, Staff, Representative Mike Prax, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Prax, prime sponsor,
concluded the PowerPoint presentation from the previous meeting,
titled "House Bill 149: Nurse Licensure Compact" [hard copy
included in the committee packet]. He began on slide 11 and
warned that Alaska's nursing vacancies would continue to rise if
Alaska does not join the nursing licensure compact (NLC). He
explained that Alaska is one of the few states to not be a
member, and this makes it more difficult to attract nurses to
the state. He pointed out that NLC would not have a negative
impact on the sovereignty of Alaska, adding that if Alaska does
not join the compact, the possible number of nursing instructors
would be lowered.
3:53:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether joining NLC could cause an
Alaskan who performs a legal abortion in Alaska to potentially
be subject to prosecution in another state where abortion is not
legal.
3:55:35 PM
SYLVAN ROBB, Director, Division of Corporations, Business, and
Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development, answered that nurses with a multistate
license would be required to follow the laws of the state where
they are practicing, while they are practicing in that state.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS expressed concern that an Alaskan who
previously practiced in a state, such as Texas, could be
prosecuted by Texas if this individual performs a legal abortion
in Alaska.
3:56:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether there is a court ruling which
would allow such a scenario.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS answered that his example comes from a
brief published by the National Law Review.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX expressed the opinion that such a scenario
is unlikely.
3:58:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned the source of the number of
projected nursing vacancies.
MS. ROBB answered that the current number of vacancies comes
from the Alaska Department of Labor, and the projected number
comes from the website, registerdnurses.org.
3:59:33 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 149.
4:00:06 PM
WENDY MERCER, Chief Nursing Officer, North Star Behavioral
Health System, expressed support for HB 149 because it would
allow nurses to have more opportunities and advance their
careers. It would also allow medical facilities to reduce their
number of vacancies.
4:01:35 PM
RACHAEL KINCAID, Chief Nursing Officer, South Peninsula
Hospital, stated that qualified nurses are being turned away
because they do not meet licensure requirements. She expressed
the opinion that HB 149 would help solve this problem. She
continued that most nurses and the Alaska Board of Nursing
support the bill.
4:03:00 PM
GRACE HALSTEAD, representing self, stated that she is a nurse in
Homer, and, despite a few small downsides, she supports HB 149.
4:04:00 PM
MARY WILLIS, Long Term Care Administrator, Utuqqanaat Inaat,
shared that she has been a nurse for 27 years and has previously
held licensure as part of NLC. She expressed the opinion that
HB 149 would help increase access to nurses for rural Alaska.
4:05:14 PM
BETSY WOOD, representing self, stated that she is a nurse in
Fairbanks and has witnessed nurses waiting between four and six
months to receive a nursing license in Alaska. She expressed
the opinion that passing HB 149 would allow for the recruitment
of experienced nurses. She added that concerns about nurses
leaving the state are unfounded because these nurses already
have the ability to work.
4:06:57 PM
ROBERT LANG, Emergency Room Nurse Manager, Wrangell Medical
Center, expressed support for HB 149. He expressed the opinion
that HB 149 would allow nurses to be licensed at a faster rate,
and this would help military families moving to Alaska. He
added that it would also save money for nurses wishing to
practice telehealth.
4:08:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked why previously passed legislation
has not helped military families receive expediated licensure.
MR. LANG answered that he is unaware of this legislation. From
his experience, he expressed the opinion that military families
are not receiving licensure at an expediated rate.
4:09:23 PM
STARLA FOX, Chief Nursing Officer, Bristol Bay Area Health
Corporation, expressed the opinion that HB 149 would help
medical facilities recruit and retain more nurses. She stated
that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical facilities in
Alaska already faced shortages. She advised that the nursing
shortage equates to not enough beds being available for
patients, and it means worse working conditions for nurses and
worse care for Alaskan patients.
4:12:13 PM
JENNIFER BRYNER, Chief Nursing Officer, Petersburg Medical
Center, said that the Petersburg Medical Center supports the
passage of HB 149. She stated that the fact nurses must wait
between two and three months to begin working makes it more
difficult to recruit new nurses. She said that the nursing
shortage is the worst she has seen in 25 years of practice in
the state.
4:14:15 PM
BRENDA SHELDEN, Board Member, Alaska Pioneer Home Advisory
Board, shared that she has served on the Alaska Pioneer Home
Advisory Board since 2018. She stated that the Alaska Pioneer
Home Advisory Board is grateful for the service of Alaskan
nurses and supports the passage of HB 149.
4:15:24 PM
LISBETH JACKSON, representing self, expressed the opinion that
HB 149 is common sense legislation, and it will help ease the
nursing shortage. She said that the nursing shortage has
resulted in new nurses being placed in positions where they do
not feel comfortable. She advised that the University of Alaska
Anchorage (UAA) nursing program does not provide enough new
nurses to fill all nursing vacancies.
4:17:35 PM
TRACY DOMPELING, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Bartlett
Memorial Hospital, expressed the opinion that the inpatient
mental health unit at Bartlett Memorial Hospital has been
affected the most by the nursing shortage. She said that this
shortage reduces the number of patients who can be treated for
mental health concerns. She expressed the opinion that passing
HB 149 would help attract more nurses to work in Juneau.
4:19:37 PM
SAVANNAH COURTRIGHT, representing self, expressed the opinion
that passing HB 149 would help medical facilities recruit nurses
with certain specialties, and she expressed support for the
bill.
4:20:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether Ms. Courtright believes that
Providence Hospital should invest more in UAA's nursing program.
MS. COURTRIGHT answered that she is not part of management.
4:21:23 PM
CARRIE PELUSO, Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Alaska Medical
Center, expressed support for HB 149. She shared that she has
been a nurse in Alaska for 26 years in many different nursing
positions. She pointed out that recruiting experienced nurses
is vital to training new nurses. She expressed the
understanding that employment agencies [which recruit nurses]
have indicated they may leave [the state] because of the long
wait times for processing nursing licenses. She stated that two
nurses who accepted positions in Kodiak ended up taking jobs
elsewhere because of the wait to acquire a nursing license in
Alaska. She urged passing HB 149, as it would strengthen
Alaska's ability to recruit nurses, avoiding similar situations
in the future.
4:24:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS questioned whether Ms. Peluso believes
that Providence Hospital should invest more in UAA's nursing
program.
MS. PELUSO answered yes.
4:25:09 PM
JENNIFER MOONEY, Executive Director of Operations, Providence
Kodiak Island Medical Center, stated that Providence Kodiak
Island Medical Center supports the passage of HB 149. She
indicated this was the facility which lost two potential hires
because of the long licensure wait times.
4:26:00 PM
MAUREEN PETERSON, representing self, stated that she is a former
travel nurse and expressed opposition to HB 149. She expressed
the opinion that NLC would lead to less nurses contributing to
the licensing fund in Alaska, potentially causing licensing fees
to increase.
4:27:41 PM
MILDRED HENNINGS, representing self, expressed opposition to HB
149. She expressed the belief that licensure wait times are not
responsible for the nursing shortage. She expressed the opinion
that Alaska nurses should remain local and joining NLC would
lower the standards for Alaska nurses.
4:29:17 PM
MELISSA GRAY, representing self, expressed opposition to HB 149
because joining NLC would reduce the quality of nurses in
Alaska.
4:30:23 PM
JARED KOSIN, President and CEO, Alaska Hospital and Healthcare
Association (AHHA), stated that AHHA strongly supports HB 149
because it is not normal for there to be licensure waits of two
to three months. He pointed out that other states which have
adopted the compact have had success in reducing their nursing
shortages.
4:32:01 PM
DANETTE SCHLOEDER, Chair, Alaska Board of Nursing, stated that
Alaska Board of Nursing supports HB 149. She stated that the
mission of the board is to promote public health in Alaska. She
added that the board makes final decisions on licensing and
discipline. She said that the board has vetted NLC with the
opinion that it would help reduce nursing shortages in the
state.
4:34:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked how the Alaska Board of Nursing
would find potential cases of nurses with fraudulent diplomas.
MS. SCHLOEDER answered that this is a complex issue, and [this
fraud] may not be caught even if the nurse only applies for a
single state license in Alaska.
4:36:12 PM
THERESA GLEASON, representing self, expressed support for HB
149. She shared that she has been a nurse in Alaska for 25
years. She stated that patients and nurses suffer from the
nursing shortage and passing HB 149 would help reduce this.
4:37:12 PM
ROBIN MINARD, Chief Communications Officer, MatSu Health
Foundation, stated that the MatSu Health Foundation supports HB
149 because of the nursing shortage. She expressed the opinion
that recruiting, and retention would improve from the passage of
the legislation. She argued that joining NLC would not reduce
the quality-of-care Alaskans receive.
4:39:01 PM
KIMBERLY KLUCKMAN, representing self, shared that she is a nurse
in the intensive care unit at Providence Medical Center. She
expressed opposition to HB 149 because it would not solve the
nursing shortage in Alaska. She argued that inadequate support
from management is the reason nurses are leaving Alaska.
4:40:52 PM
BRITANY WALTERS, representing self, stated that she is a travel
nurse working in Homer. She shared that she had to wait over a
month to receive her Alaska license, during which time she was
unemployed. She said that she is unsure whether she will move
her residency to Alaska because the state is not reciprocating
the licenses she holds in other states.
4:42:59 PM
JOELLE HALL, President, Alaska American Federation of Labor and
Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), stated that the
AFL-CIO opposes HB 149. She expressed the belief that the
amount of advocacy for the bill is inappropriate. She said that
the bylaws of NLC are unavailable to the public, and she argued
that giving control to an out-of-state entity could potentially
create a monopoly.
4:45:33 PM
ROSS NEWCOMBE, CEO, North Star Behavioral Health System, stated
that passing HB 149 would allow Alaska to recruit nurses from
other states who are members of NLC. He stated that NLC would
also create greater collaboration and cooperation with medical
facilities in the Lower 48.
4:46:58 PM
BRUCE SEETON, representing self, shared that he is a critical
care nurse. He expressed strong opposition to HB 149. He
commented that he has never seen so many members of hospital
management stand together with pre-prepared statements. He
expressed concern that NLC will allow management to ignore the
real issues causing the nursing shortage.
4:48:29 PM
NATALIE PORTNER, Director of Critical Care Services, MatSu
Regional Medical Center, shared that she was a travel nurse and
critical care nurse for over 25 years and has experienced the
difficulty of acquiring a nursing license. She said that NLC
would increase Alaska's access to experienced nurses. She
stated that MatSu Regional Medical Center has lost potential
nursing recruits because of the long wait times for nursing
licenses.
4:50:30 PM
MICHELE GIRAULT, CEO, Hope Community Resources, stated that Hope
Community Resources supports the passage of HB 149. She stated
that the organization has struggled to retain nurses, and many
nurses are set to retire. She expressed the opinion that
passing HB 149 would open opportunities to find nurses willing
to experience Alaska. She suggested that these nurses may fall
in love with the state and stay.
4:52:45 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:52 p.m. to 4:59 p.m.
4:59:09 PM
AMBER KIRKEGAARD, Director of Nursing, Maple Springs of Palmer,
stated that Alaskan medical facilities are competing with each
other for nurses, and the backlog of nursing licenses is causing
the loss of ability to recruit new nurses to Alaska. She
expressed the opinion that passing HB 149 would bring more
nurses to Alaska and help with the nursing shortage.
5:01:29 PM
AMANDA NETH, representing self, shared that she is a registered
nurse in Kodiak and supports the passage of HB 149. She said
that HB 149 would help spouses of military service members
become nurses in Alaska.
5:02:39 PM
NINA MAUS, CFO, North Star Behavioral Health System, stated that
participation in NLC would allow Alaskan medical facilities to
recruit nurses from outside of Alaska.
5:03:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS questioned what is responsible for the
nursing shortages at North Star Behavioral Health System.
MS. MAUS expressed uncertainty.
5:03:59 PM
CHRISTI LEPLEY, Director of Human Resources, North Star
Behavioral Health System, stated that joining NLC would
streamline the process of hiring new nurses from member states.
She said that she has witnessed nurses not choosing employment
in Alaska because of the long wait times to receive a nursing
license.
5:05:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS questioned registered nurse wage levels at
North Star Behavioral Health System.
MS. LEPLEY answered that the facility has very competitive
wages.
5:06:37 PM
DENISE PLANO, Chief Nursing Officer, Southeast Alaska Regional
Health Consortium (SEARHC), Wrangell Medical Center, expressed
the opinion that the nursing shortage will continue to grow
worse in Alaska without the passage of HB 149. She stated that
SEARHC is very reliant on recruiting nurses from out of state,
and HB 149 would aid in this process.
5:08:27 PM
NICOLE WELCH, Chief Human Resource Officer, Foundation Health
Partners, stated that nursing requires around the clock care;
therefore, the nursing shortage is having a negative impact.
She expressed the opinion that passing HB 149 would help reduce
the number of nursing vacancies, which would help both nurses
and patients.
5:10:35 PM
CRAIG CALDWELL, representing self, shared that he has been a
nurse for 17 years and had experienced delays in receiving his
license when he first arrived in Alaska. He expressed the
opinion that HB 149 would help solve some of the issues related
to the nursing shortage. He opined that there should be more
investment in nursing education in Alaska.
5:12:20 PM
COURTNEY TABER, Nursing Manager, Southeast Alaska Regional
Health Consortium, Juneau Medical Center, expressed the opinion
that HB 149 would help reduce the nursing shortage in Alaska.
She related her experience when she moved to Alaska and the long
wait time to receive a nursing license.
5:14:25 PM
SHANNON DAVENPORT, representing self, shared that she is an
operating and hospice nurse in Anchorage. She expressed
opposition to HB 149, explaining that the reason for the nursing
shortage is because of nurse "burnout" from events, such as the
COVID-19 pandemic. She argued that retaining nurses would
reduce the nursing shortage.
5:16:51 PM
DON THIBEDEAU, Social Worker, Denali Center, shared that he has
worked at Denali Center for 33 years. He acknowledged that the
COVID-19 pandemic caused many of the staffing issues faced today
by medical facilities across the state. He argued that passing
HB 149 would help reduce the shortage by bringing more nurses to
Alaska.
5:18:56 PM
MARGE STONEKING, Advocacy Director, AARP Alaska, stated that
Alaska has the fastest growing senior population in the U.S.,
and recruiting nurses from outside the state is necessary to
address this. She said that NLC would help this process and
increase professional development in the state. She expressed
the opinion that Alaska is at a disadvantage and passing HB 149
would help reduce this.
5:21:50 PM
LAURA BONNER, representing self, shared that she is a retired
nurse and opposes HB 149. She stated that NLC's website
contains information mostly about how to get more states to
join, and she expressed concern about the requirements of NLC.
5:24:13 PM
KIM ROBSON, representing self, stated that she is a nurse in
Petersburg. She expressed the opinion that passing HB 149 would
encourage nurses to move to Alaska, as the main complaint she
hears on travel nurse forums is the length of time to acquire a
nursing license in Alaska.
5:25:43 PM
CHAIR SUMNER, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 149.
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 149 was held over.
HB 88-WAREHOUSE WORK QUOTA INFORMATION
5:25:54 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HB 88, "An Act relating to work quotas for employees at
warehouse distribution centers; and providing for an effective
date."
5:26:13 PM
CHAIR SUMNER moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 88, labeled 33-
LS0516\A.1, Klein, 4/11/23, which read as follows:
Page 3, lines 3 - 4:
Delete all material and insert:
"(1) "employee" means a person who works in a
warehouse distribution center and who is subject to a
quota;"
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK objected.
CHAIR SUMNER explained that Amendment 1 would narrow the
definition of workers who work in a warehouse, because as
written the proposed legislation is too broad.
5:26:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked how many warehouses in Alaska have
100 or more employees.
5:27:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, deferred the question to his staff.
5:27:52 PM
RYAN MCKEE, Staff, Representative George Rauscher, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Rauscher, prime sponsor
of HB 88, responded that fewer than 15 warehouses have more than
100 employees.
5:28:19 PM
PATRICK FITZGERALD, Representative, Teamsters 959, providing
invited testimony on HB 88, concurred with Mr. McKee.
5:28:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK removed her objection. There being no
further objection, Amendment 1 to HB 88 was adopted.
5:29:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 88, as
amended, labeled, 33-LS0516\A.2, Klein, 4/12/23, which read as
follows:
Page 1, line 9:
Delete "100"
Insert "50"
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected.
5:29:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK explained that Amendment 2 would reduce
the number of employees from 100 to 50 in the proposed bill.
5:30:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS expressed satisfaction with the original
number.
5:30:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER requested that the bill sponsor speak to
the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER expressed uncertainty because of his
lack of knowledge of the number of warehouses which would be
affected.
5:31:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK requested Mr. Fitzgerald's opinion of the
amendment.
MR. FITZGERALD stated that Teamsters 959 is in support of
lowering the number of warehouse workers, especially after the
passage of Amendment 1. He stated that the scope of warehouses
this would cover is still being determined.
5:32:50 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representative Carrick voted in
favor of Amendment 2 to HB 88, as amended. Representatives
Prax, Saddler, Wright, Fields, and Sumner voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 2 failed by a vote of 1-5.
5:33:35 PM
CHAIR SUMNER moved to adopt Amendment 3 to HB 88, as amended,
labeled, 33-LS0516\A.3, Klein, 4/14/23, which read as follows:
Page 1, line 9:
Delete "100"
Insert "200"
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK objected.
CHAIR SUMNER explained that Amendment 3 would ensure the safety
of workers in large warehouse situations, especially in light of
future interest which may come to the state.
5:34:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that he is in support of the
amendment, as it would ensure the proposed legislation would
protect worker safety.
5:35:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for Representative Rauscher's view
of the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER answered that he does not support the
amendment.
5:36:10 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 5:36 p.m. to 5:37 p.m.
5:37:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER expressed the opinion that the number of
warehouse workers should remain at 100.
5:37:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK commented that she supports the original
number because it widens the number of workers who will be
protected by the bill.
5:38:49 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Sumner, Prax,
Fields voted in favor of Amendment 3 to HB 88, as amended.
Representatives Saddler, Wright, and Carrick voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 3 failed by a vote of 3-3.
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 88, as amended, was held over.
HB 87-PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY
5:39:06 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 87, "An Act relating to record checks for certain
employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to permanent
fund dividends; and providing for an effective date." [Before
the committee, adopted as a working document on 4/10/23, was the
proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 87, Version 33-
GH1337\S, Nauman, 3/13/23 ("Version S").]
5:39:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 87,
Version S, labeled GH1337\S.1, Nauman, 3/20/23, which read as
follows:
Page 6, line 29, through page 7, line 5:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 10, lines 20 - 21:
Delete "AS 43.23.008(f), as amended by sec. 8 of
this Act, and AS 43.23.011(d), added by sec. 9 of this
Act"
Insert "and AS 43.23.008(f), as amended by sec. 8
of this Act"
Page 10, line 26:
Delete "7 - 9"
Insert "7 and 8"
Page 10, line 29:
Delete "10 - 12, and 14"
Insert "9 - 11, and 13"
Page 10, line 31:
Delete "sec. 15"
Insert "sec. 14"
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK objected.
5:39:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT explained that Amendment 1 would remove
language which would provide an extension to the permanent fund
dividend (PFD) filing deadline for dependents of Alaskans who
failed to meet the deadline for medical emergencies. He stated
that the Department of Revenue had conveyed it would be
difficult to determine the cost of this provision, and the
existing administrative code already addresses these concerns.
He stated that removing the language retains the original intent
of the legislation while eliminating the potential fiscal burden
on the department.
5:40:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER commented that the original bill language
contains conflicting information on whether a person would have
the ability to apply for the PFD on their own.
5:41:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK removed her objection. There being no
further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
5:41:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 87,
Version S, as amended, labeled GH1337\S.2, Nauman, 4/6/23, which
read as follows:
Page 5, line 30:
Delete "(16), or (17)"
Insert "or (16) - (18) [(16), OR (17)]"
Page 6, following line 6:
Insert a new paragraph to read:
"(17) serving as a pilot, flight engineer,
or flight attendant for a United States airline
certified as an air carrier by the Federal Aviation
Administration;"
Page 6, line 7:
Delete "(17)"
Insert "(18) [(17)]"
Page 6, line 11:
Delete "(4) - (16)"
Insert "(4) - (17) [(4) - (16)]"
Page 6, line 14:
Delete "(4) - (16)"
Insert "(4) - (17) [(4) - (16)]"
Page 6, line 17:
Delete "(1) - (16)"
Insert "(1) - (17) [(1) - (16)]"
Page 6, line 18:
Delete "(4) - (16)"
Insert "(4) - (17) [(4) - (16)]"
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK objected.
5:41:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that Amendment 2 would ensure
flight crews working for airlines based in the U.S. and living
in Alaska would be able to file and receive the PFD.
5:42:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked if similar provisions already exist
in the proposed legislation.
5:43:37 PM
COREY BIGELOW, Operations Manager, Permanent Fund Dividend
Division, Department of Revenue, answered that HB 87 contains
language which is specific to students.
5:44:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether there are other professions
that might benefit from the language of the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER answered that there are currently 16 or
17 groups which have allowable absences for filing the PFD.
5:46:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that previous legislation was
passed to allow merchant mariners to be out of state for more
than 180 days and still receive a PFD, and this exception should
apply to flight crews.
5:47:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK removed her objection.
5:47:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX objected. He asked whether there is another
bill which addresses this issue.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER answered that there is similar
legislation pending, but it does not include flight crews.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX expressed the opinion that the amendment is
too narrow.
5:50:38 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler, Carrick,
Fields, Wright, and Sumner voted in favor of Amendment 2 to HB
87, Version S, as amended. Representative Prax voted against
it. Therefore, Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 5-1.
5:51:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment 3 to HB 87,
Version S, as amended, labeled GH1337\S.3, Nauman, 4/10/23,
which read as follows:
Page 1, line 4, following "Revenue;":
Insert "establishing a tax on an individual's
permanent fund dividend;"
Page 9, line 25, following "chapter":
Insert ";
(13) adopt regulations under AS 44.62
(Administrative Procedure Act) to administer the
dividend tax established under AS 43.23.280"
Page 10, following line 16:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 13. AS 43.23 is amended by adding a new
section to read:
Article 6A. Dividend Tax.
Sec. 43.23.280. Dividend tax. (a) A tax equal to
the amount of the permanent fund dividend is imposed
each year on each individual paid a permanent fund
dividend that year. For purposes of this subsection, a
permanent fund dividend is paid to an individual even
if the dividend is contributed or donated under
AS 43.23.130 or 43.23.230 or taken under AS 43.23.140
- 43.23.190.
(b) An individual shall remit the tax due under
this chapter by December 31 of each year.
(c) An individual not filing a federal tax
return jointly with another individual is exempt from
the tax under this section if the individual's federal
adjusted gross income for the taxable year is less
than $75,000. Two individuals filing federal tax
returns jointly are exempt from the tax under this
section if the individuals' federal adjusted gross
income for the taxable year is less than $125,000."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 10, line 29:
Delete "14"
Insert "15"
Page 10, line 31:
Delete "sec. 15"
Insert "sec. 16"
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected.
5:51:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS explained that in an effort to
redistribute wealth from the fund to working class families,
Amendment 3 would exempt lower income families from being taxed
on their PFDs. He added that the amendment would not affect the
PFDs received by children of higher income families.
5:52:30 PM
CHAIR SUMNER commented that there is a memorandum from
Legislative Legal Services which relays the belief that the
amendment would not be constitutional under the single-subject
rule.
5:52:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS [moved to] withdraw Amendment 3. There
being no objection, Amendment 3 was withdrawn.
5:53:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment 4 to HB 87,
Version S, as amended, labeled GH1337\S.5, Nauman, 4/10/23,
which read as follows:
Page 1, line 4, following "Revenue;":
Insert "relating to depositing permanent fund
dividends into investment accounts;"
Page 9, following line 25:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 12. AS 43.23 is amended by adding a new
section to read:
Sec. 43.23.058. Deposits from dividends. (a) An
applicant for a permanent fund dividend who is
eligible under this chapter to receive a permanent
fund dividend, or the applicant's authorized
representative, may direct that all or part of the
amount of the dividend payment be deposited in an
investment account identified by the applicant.
(b) The department shall design the permanent
fund dividend application form to allow an applicant,
or the applicant's authorized representative, to
direct the department to make a deposit under this
section, and to provide the information that the
department determines is necessary to implement this
section.
(c) The department may not use money from the
dividend fund for administrative costs incurred in
implementing this section."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 10, line 29:
Delete "10 - 12, and 14"
Insert "10, 11, 13, and 15"
Page 10, line 31:
Delete "sec. 15"
Insert "sec. 16"
There being no objection, Amendment 4 was adopted.
5:53:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report CSHB 87, Version 33-
GH1337\S, Nauman, 3/13/23, as amended, out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal
note. There being no objection, CSHB 87(L&C) was reported out
of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
HB 60-RUNAWAYS; DFCS/DOH: DUTIES/LICENSING/INFO
5:53:45 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HB 60, "An Act relating to the licensing of runaway shelters;
relating to advisors to the board of trustees of the Alaska
Mental Health Trust Authority; relating to the sharing of
confidential health information between the Department of Health
and the Department of Family and Community Services; relating to
the duties of the Department of Health and the Department of
Family and Community Services; and providing for an effective
date." [Before the committee, adopted as a working document on
3/23/23, was the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 60,
Version 33-GH1343\S, Bergerud, 3/21/23 ("Version S").]
5:53:49 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 5:53 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.
5:55:24 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 60. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed
public testimony.
5:55:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report CSHB 60, Version 33-
GH1343\S, Bergerud, 3/21/23 out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There
being no objection, CSHB 60(HSS) was reported out of the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
HB 21-SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR
5:56:09 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HB 21, "An Act relating to group insurance coverage and self-
insurance coverage for school district employees, employees of
the University of Alaska, and employees of other governmental
units in the state; and providing for an effective date."
5:56:23 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 21. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed
public testimony.
5:56:40 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 21 was held over.
HB 97-SELF-STORAGE UNITS: LIENS; SALES
5:56:48 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 97, "An Act relating to self-storage facilities
for personal property, including vehicles and watercraft;
distinguishing self-storage facility liens from another type of
storage lien; and excluding self-storage liens from the
treatment of certain unclaimed property."
5:56:56 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 97.
5:57:11 PM
WILLIAM BREWER, Fairbanks Storage, provided public testimony in
support of HB 97. He stated that Alaska is the only state
without storage lien laws. He explained that most storage
facilities in Alaska are owned by Alaskans, and many operators
are acting in accordance with provisions which would be codified
by HB 97. He expressed the opinion that passing HB 97 would
protect consumers and operators.
5:59:03 PM
DANIEL BRYANT, Legal and Legislative Counsel, Self Storage
Association, stated that the Self Storage Association supports
HB 97.
5:59:37 PM
WENDIE MACNAUGHTON, Co-owner, Lulu Storage, stated that she
supports HB 97, as there are currently no legal guidelines which
would protect renters or storage unit operators. She expressed
the opinion that HB 97 would enact protections for both parties.
6:00:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether Mr. Byrant had ever dealt with
lien foreclosures involving vehicles.
MR. BRYANT expressed the opinion that the bill may need more
specific language regarding vehicles.
6:02:32 PM
NATHANIEL DYE, Juneau Self Storage, expressed satisfaction that
there is the possibility of a storage lien law in Alaska. He
explained that, while daunting, dealing with vehicle
foreclosures related to storage units is possible, and banks
would receive proper notification.
6:03:23 PM
SHARON BEAMAN, Manager, North Pole Self Storage, stated that her
facility has a large parking lot to store vehicles, and there
are existing regulations set forth by the Division of Motor
Vehicles. She said that North Pole Self Storage supports the
passage of HB 97.
6:04:47 PM
CHAIR SUMNER, after ascertaining that there was no one else who
wished to testify, close public testimony on HB 97.
[HB 97 was held over.]
6:04:58 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
6:05:36 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
6:05 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB145 AKPIRG.pdf |
HL&C 4/14/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 145 |
| HB145 Chart.pdf |
HL&C 4/14/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 145 |
| Explanation of Changes HB145.pdf |
HL&C 4/14/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 145 |
| U.pdf |
HL&C 4/14/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 145 |