04/28/2023 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB55 | |
| HB166 | |
| HB124 | |
| HB21 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 166 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 21 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 55 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
April 28, 2023
3:16 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
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 55(FIN)
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified
Direct-Entry Midwives; extending the termination date of the
State Medical Board; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 55(FIN) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 166
"An Act relating to firefighting substances; and providing for
an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 124
"An Act relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers' license
requirements; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 124 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
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 55
SHORT TITLE: EXTND BDS: MEDICAL, DIRECT-ENTRY MIDWIVES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
02/01/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/23 (S) L&C, FIN
02/17/23 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/17/23 (S) Heard & Held
02/17/23 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/20/23 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/20/23 (S) Moved SB 55 Out of Committee
02/20/23 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/22/23 (S) L&C RPT 3DP 1NR
02/22/23 (S) DP: BISHOP, DUNBAR, GRAY-JACKSON
02/22/23 (S) NR: MERRICK
03/07/23 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/07/23 (S) Heard & Held
03/07/23 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
04/03/23 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
04/03/23 (S) Moved CSSB 55(FIN) Out of Committee
04/03/23 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
04/07/23 (S) FIN RPT CS 3DP 4NR NEW TITLE
04/07/23 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, OLSON, KIEHL
04/07/23 (S) NR: STEDMAN, WILSON, MERRICK, BISHOP
04/12/23 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/12/23 (S) VERSION: CSSB 55(FIN)
04/14/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/14/23 (H) L&C, FIN
04/26/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/26/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/26/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/28/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 166
SHORT TITLE: PFAS USE FIREFIGHTING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) STAPP
04/19/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/19/23 (H) L&C, FIN
04/28/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 124
SHORT TITLE: LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) COULOMBE
03/17/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/17/23 (H) TRA, L&C
04/12/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED
04/18/23 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/18/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/18/23 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/20/23 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/20/23 (H) Moved HB 124 Out of Committee
04/20/23 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/24/23 (H) TRA RPT 5DP
04/24/23 (H) DP: C.JOHNSON, MCKAY, VANCE, MINA,
MCCABE
04/28/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 21
SHORT TITLE: SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(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
04/14/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/14/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/17/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/17/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/17/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/19/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/19/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/21/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/21/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/24/23>
04/24/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/24/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/24/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/28/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE WILL STAPP
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HB 166.
Clifton Coghill, Staff
Representative Will Stapp
Alaska State Legislature
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave the sectional analysis for HB 166, on
behalf of Representative Stapp, prime sponsor.
LLOYD NAKANO, Director and Alaska State Fire Marshal
Division of Fire and Life Safety
Alaska Department of Public Safety
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
166.
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison and Special Assistant to the
Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
166.
SUZANNE CUNNINGHAM, Government Relations Liaison
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
166.
REPRESENTATIVE JULIE COULOMBE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HB 124.
DANIEL ROBBINS, Staff
Representative Julie Coulombe
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave the sectional analysis for HB 124, on
behalf of Representative Coulombe, prime sponsor.
JOEY CRUM, JD, President and CEO
Northern Industrial Training, LLC
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 124.
JOE MICHEL, Executive Director
Alaska Trucking Association
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 124.
TETYANA ROBBINS, CEO
Ukraine Relief Program
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 124.
DANIEL ROBBINS, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 124.
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, spoke to HB 21.
JAKE ALMEIDA, Staff
Representative Sarah Vance
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Vance, prime
sponsor, addressed HB 21.
ANDREA MUECA, Health Operations Manager
Division of Retirement and Benefits
Department of Administration
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
21.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:16:21 PM
CHAIR JESSE SUMNER called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:16 p.m. Representatives Prax,
Wright, Carrick, Fields, Ruffridge, and Sumner were present at
the call to order. Representative Saddler arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
SB 55-EXTND BDS: MEDICAL, DIRECT-ENTRY MIDWIVES
3:17:12 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the first order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 55(FIN), "An Act extending the
termination date of the Board of Certified Direct-Entry
Midwives; extending the termination date of the State Medical
Board; and providing for an effective date."
3:17:18 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on SB 55. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed
public testimony.
3:18:11 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
3:18:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report CSSB 55(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSSB 55(FIN) was
reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
3:18:49 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:18 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
3:20:33 PM
HB 166-PFAS USE FIREFIGHTING
3:20:38 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 166, "An Act relating to firefighting substances;
and providing for an effective date."
3:20:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WILL STAPP, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, introduced HB 166. He stated that perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are harmful chemicals known to
cause cancer, even in small dosages. He said that these
substances are used in firefighting foams, and they seep into
drinking water. He stated that HB 166 would end this usage,
with the exception of oil and gas facilities, which would still
be permitted as there is no alternative at this time.
3:23:26 PM
CLIFTON COGHILL, Staff, Representative Will Stapp, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Stapp, prime sponsor,
gave the sectional analysis for HB 166 [copy included in the
committee packet] which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Sec. 1 of the bill creates a new section:
Sec. 46.03.340(a): Everyone outside the oil & gas
industry must stop using PFAS- containing foams,
unless federal law preempts Alaska law.
Sec. 46.03.340(b): People fighting fires in the
oil & gas industry may continue using PFAS-
containing foams until an alternative is approved
by regulation.
Sec. 46.03.340(c): The state fire marshal can
determine there is a safe and effective PFAS-
free foam for fighting oil or gas fires if the
alternate foam is listed by an organization in
OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
Program. The fire marshal must require the new
foam by regulation, with a stated effective date.
Sec. 46.03.340(d): DEC must take up to 40 gallons
per year of PFAS containing firefighting foam
from Alaskans for disposal.
Sec. 2 of the bill sets an effective date of January
1, 2024.
3:24:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether similar legislation
introduced the previous year could have potentially included the
oil and gas industry.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP answered that changes from the previous
legislation have been made; however, he expressed uncertainty
concerning the past legislation because of a change in
sponsorship. In response to a follow-up question, he said that
HB 166 would be a good first step in eliminating PFAS
contamination.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether the bill would compliment
the new Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP answered yes.
3:27:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK questioned the amount of PFAS used by the
oil and gas industry.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP answered that he is unsure. In response to
a follow-up question, he said that oil and gas fires have a
greater level of combustion.
3:29:39 PM
LLOYD NAKANO, Director and Alaska State Fire Marshal, Division
of Fire and Life Safety, Alaska Department of Public Safety,
answered that oil and gas fires take significantly more
resources to put out, and the foams used to do so are not
currently replaceable.
3:30:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked why a standard higher than 40
gallons for disposal was not chosen.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP answered that the disposal methods are
unique, and many places which require PFAS removal are in rural
Alaska. He offered to follow up with the committee with the
many other reasons that the 40-gallon amount was chosen. In
response to a follow-up question, he said that rural Alaska does
not have the same resources available for disposal.
3:32:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked what options exist for disposal.
3:32:36 PM
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison, Special Assistant to the
Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities, answered that the
department has submitted a fiscal note for PFAS disposal because
of the high amount of PFAS that is used at airports. He added
that in the past, villages in rural Alaska received firefighting
materials, including PFAS foams amounting to approximately 40
gallons.
3:36:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether the oil and gas industry
sprays PFAS containing foams as part of their firefighting
training exercises.
3:36:34 PM
SUZANNE CUNNINGHAM, Government Relations Liaison, Alyeska
Pipeline Service Company, answered that she could not answer for
the entire industry.
3:37:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether Alyeska Pipeline Service
Company has used PFAS-containing foams for training purposes.
MS. CUNNINGHAM answered no.
3:37:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether PFAS foam would still be
eligible for the purpose of preventing a fire from starting in
the event an oil or gas truck was overturned.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP answered that he is unsure. In response to
a follow-up question, he said that all PFAS containing
substances would be banned except for oil and gas facilities.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX noted that he has served as a volunteer
firefighter and expressed concern about the possibility that
firefighting foams may not be available for fire prevention in
the event of an oil or gas spill.
3:41:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for a definition of "firefighting
substance."
MR. NAKANO answered that it is not an official term used by
firefighters.
3:42:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT asked whether there are other terms that
can be used instead of "firefighting substances."
MR. NAKANO answered yes. He said that he would look into
terminology being used by other states.
3:42:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the bill sponsor would
oppose the addition of definitions to the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP expressed support for the addition of
definitions for clarity to the proposed legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how the fire marshal's office would
determine a safe and effective alternative to PFAS foams.
MR. NAKANO answered that it would use products listed by the
National Laboratories which meet the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration's standards for firefighting capabilities.
In response to a follow-up question, he said that he is working
with other firefighting agencies in the state to determine
effective and safe alternatives.
3:45:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked whether there is a possibility to
work with other states on disposal.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP expressed uncertainty.
3:46:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether a safe method with the same
effectiveness as PFAS foams has been determined for aircraft
fires.
MR. NAKANO answered that this is in the developmental stage. In
response to a follow-up question, he said that airport
firefighters are still covered by federal regulations.
3:47:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether there is a risk that the PFAS
foams exceeding the 40-gallon limit would not be disposed of
properly.
MR. MILLS answered that 40 gallons is the best estimate for
rural communities. He added that, in some communities, this
amount has already been used or lost. In response to a follow-
up question, he said that the department was unable to come up
with a method to account for every industry.
3:52:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the bill would only include
PFAS which are part of Operation Code-Red.
REPRESENTATIVE STAPP answered that the bill would apply to all
communities.
3:53:54 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 166 was held over.
HB 124-LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS
3:54:20 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 124, "An Act relating to commercial motor vehicle
drivers' license requirements; and providing for an effective
date."
3:54:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JULIE COULOMBE, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, introduced HB 124. She stated that HB 124 would
repeal the provision in the statutes which requires an
individual to hold a driver's license for a year prior to
applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL). She explained
that the provision was created in 1985, long before modern CDL
training was available. She argued that it is a barrier for
young people wishing to enter the profession of commercial
driving, and safety regulations and training are at the highest
level. She added that new federal regulations have standardized
the requirements to hold CDL. She noted that the state is short
on commercial drivers, and that the bill would help reduce this
shortage. She acknowledged that HB 124 is a companion bill to
SB 123.
3:58:00 PM
DANIEL ROBBINS, Staff, Representative Julie Coulombe, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Coulombe, prime
sponsor, gave the sectional analysis for HB 124 [copy included
in the committee packet] which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Sec 1. Amends AS 28.33.100(a) to remove subsection
(2) which requires an applicant for a Commercial
Driver's License to have held a regular driver's
license for at least one year before beginning the CDL
certification process.
Sec 2. - Sets January 20, 2024, effective date.
3:58:41 PM
JOEY CRUM, President and CEO, Northern Industrial Training, LLC,
stated that the company trains individuals from across the state
to become commercial drivers, earning their CDL. He said the
proposed legislation would remove barriers to the commercial
driving industry. He noted that he has seen young people lose
interest in becoming commercial drivers upon learning that
training would not begin immediately. He argued that new
federal regulations would ensure the safety of drivers, even
without the requirement of holding a standard driver's license
for a year. He said that CDL applicants are required to pass
driving and written tests administered by federally registered
training providers.
4:02:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked when the new federal regulations
went into effect.
MR. CRUM answered February 7, 2022. In response to a follow-up
question, he said that there is no published data on the
effectiveness of the new regulations.
4:02:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether CDL training in Alaska
includes winter-specific conditions.
MR. CRUM answered that CDL standards are set by the federal
government, and the state of Alaska has not imposed any
additional requirements. He added that a CDL driver earning a
license in a state such as Florida would be able to drive
commercially in Alaska; however, Alaska based trainers provide
winter specific training.
4:05:12 PM
JOE MICHEL, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking Association,
stated that the Alaska Trucking Association is in full support
of HB 124.
4:05:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned whether the new federal
regulations have improved safety.
MR. MICHEL answered that no data has been published, but prior
to the regulations being put in place, no formal training was
required to earn CDL. In response to a follow-up question, he
said that data is being collected, and the process is being done
by the federal government.
4:07:40 PM
TETYANA ROBBINS, CEO, Ukraine Relief Program, stated that
Ukraine Relief Program aids Ukrainians who have fled the ongoing
war between Russia and Ukraine. She said that the bill would
help proved Ukrainians who have come to Alaska find stable
employment, as many have previous commercial driving experience.
4:09:47 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 124.
4:09:58 PM
DANIEL ROBBINS, representing self, stated that he is the son of
Tetyana Robbins, and they are both Ukrainian immigrants. He
expressed support for the bill, noting that it would provide
employment opportunities to Ukrainian immigrants.
4:10:59 PM
CHAIR SUMNER, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 124
4:11:09 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:11 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
4:15:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HB 124 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 124 was reported from the
House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
4:15:39 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:15 p.m. to 4:17 p.m.
HB 21-SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR
4:17:20 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the final 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."
[Amendment 1 was adopted to HB 21 during the meeting on
4/24/23.]
4:17:25 PM
[Amendment 2 was moved by Representative Fields during the
meeting on 4/24/23, of which Representative Saddler objected for
the purpose of discussion.]
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS repeated the motion to adopt Amendment 2
to HB 21, as amended, labeled, 33-LS0254\A.2, Klein, 4/17/23,
which read as follows:
Page 4, lines 14 - 27:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 9, line 23:
Delete "Sections 1 - 10"
Insert "Sections 1 - 9"
Page 9, lines 24 - 25:
Delete "secs. 1 - 10"
Insert "secs. 1 - 9"
Page 10, line 3:
Delete "sec. 4"
Insert "sec. 3"
Page 10, line 10:
Delete "Sections 12 and 13"
Insert "Sections 11 and 12"
Page 10, line 11:
Delete "sec. 14"
Insert "sec. 13"
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS stated that Amendment 2 would eliminate
the provision allowing for the usage of the public education
fund for the purpose of onboarding new groups to Alaska Care.
4:18:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER expressed the belief that it is unfair to
characterize the provision as the ability to "raid" the public
education fund. He stated that his objection stems from the
idea that this would be an appropriate use of the fund because
it would act as a short-term loan.
4:19:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor of HB 21, stated that the amendment would be detrimental
to the bill. Without the ability to use the public education
fund, it would place a strain on the existing health care.
4:20:45 PM
JAKE ALMEIDA, Staff, Representative Sarah Vance, Alaska State
Legislature, stated that the Department of Administration (DOA)
sent a letter in which it said that passing the bill without
this provision would potentially lead to Alaska Care having
insufficient funds to pay claims.
4:21:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that the bill would currently
mandate DOA to allow any school district wishing to join, be
allowed to join. He said that the amendment would protect the
department.
4:22:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked how DOA arrived at the figure of
$100 million.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE expressed uncertainty concerning the
department's determination of the amount. She expressed the
understanding that DOA is comfortable with the figure because
only small amounts would be taken out at a time.
MR. ALMEIDA added that DOA referenced rising health care costs
in determining the amount.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE commented that the amount of money
referenced in the proposed legislation for onboarding seems
"outlandish."
4:26:26 PM
ANDREA MUECA, Health Operations Manager, Division of Retirement
and Benefits, Department of Administration, stated that there
are certain drugs that can cost millions of dollars.
4:27:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE questioned the average cost for a
month's worth of care.
MS. MUECA answered that she would follow up to the committee
with an answer.
4:28:13 PM
CHAIR SUMNER asked whether the $100 million figure would be per
school district.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE answered that it would be the total for all
groups wishing to join Alaska Care.
4:29:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked how much money is in the public
education fund.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE expressed uncertainty. In response to a
follow-up question, she said that school districts would only be
required to pay back any expenditures and no lost revenue from
the fund's earnings.
4:30:46 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Fields and Carrick
voted in favor of Amendment 2 to HB 21, as amended.
Representatives Saddler, Wright, Prax, Ruffridge, and Sumner
voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 2 failed by a vote of 2-
5.
4:31:59 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:31 p.m. to 4:33 p.m.
4:33:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS stated that he would not offer Amendment 3
or Amendment 4 to HB 21.
4:33:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment 5 to HB 21, as
amended, labeled, 33-LS0254\A.5, Klein, 4/21/23, which read as
follows:
Page 5, line 3:
Delete "shall"
Insert "may"
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected.
4:34:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS stated that Amendment 5 would change the
word "shall" to "may" in regard to allowing school districts to
join Alaska Care. He said it would give DOA the chance to
reject a potential group from joining Alaska Care if its costs
were deemed to be too high.
4:34:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for the bill sponsor's thoughts on
the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE stated that the intent of the legislation
is to lower health care costs for school districts. She
expressed the opinion that the amendment would be harmful to
this process. In response to a follow-up question, she said
that the idea behind the bill is to reduce the health care costs
of everyone by enlarging the pool.
4:37:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS noted that the proposed bill would cover
other state employees and would not be limited to school
district employees.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE responded that the offered amendment
referenced a section of the bill pertaining to school district
and University of Alaska employees.
4:38:36 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Fields and Carrick
voted in favor of Amendment 5 to HB 21, as amended.
Representatives Ruffridge, Saddler, Wright, Prax and Sumner
voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 5 failed by a vote of 2-
5.
4:39:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS stated that he would not offer Amendment
6, Amendment 7, or Amendment 8.
4:39:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK moved to adopt Amendment 9 to HB 21, as
amended, labeled 33-LS0254\A.9, Klein, 4/21/23, which read as
follows:
Page 1, line 2:
Delete ", employees of the University of Alaska"
Page 4, line 29:
Delete "University and"
Page 4, line 30:
Delete "University and school"
Insert "School"
Page 5, line 29:
Delete ", a regional educational attendance area,
or the University of Alaska"
Insert "or a regional educational attendance
area"
Page 5, line 30, through page 6, line 15:
Delete all material and insert:
"(2) "school employer" means a municipal
school district or a regional educational attendance
area."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 8, line 31, through page 9, line 3:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 9, line 23:
Delete "Sections 1 - 10"
Insert "Sections 1 - 8"
Page 9, lines 24 - 25:
Delete "secs. 1 - 10"
Insert "secs. 1 - 8"
Page 10, line 10:
Delete "Sections 12 and 13"
Insert "Sections 10 and 11"
Page 10, line 11:
Delete "sec. 14"
Insert "sec. 12"
There being no objection, Amendment 9 to HB 21 was adopted.
4:40:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to rescind the committee's action
in failing to adopt Amendment 9 to HB 21. There being no
objection, the action on Amendment 9 was rescinded.
4:40:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK stated that the amendment would remove
the ability of the University of Alaska employees to join Alaska
Care. She stated that the university does not have an official
statement on the bill, and it recently renegotiated its health
care contracts to give employees more health care options. She
expressed her concern that the bill would create unintended
consequences for the public education fund and described the
relationship between the state and the university as unique
compared to other state employees.
4:42:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the university has the option
to choose not to enroll in Alaska Care.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE answered yes.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX commented that he is unsure why the
university should not be given the choice to join Alaska Care.
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK responded that the amendment is concerned
with the stability of the public education fund, not the
University of Alaska employees. She expressed concern that the
large size of the university could be detrimental to Alaska
Care.
4:46:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER expressed the opinion that university
employees do not have a unique place as public employees. He
expressed the understanding that the proposed legislation would
help manage the state's health care expenditures.
4:47:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX expressed the opinion that HB 21 should be
passed to the floor with a minimal number of amendments.
4:48:43 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:48 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
4:50:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER maintained his objection.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Carrick and Fields
voted in favor of Amendment 9 to HB 21, as amended.
Representatives Wright, Saddler, Ruffridge, Prax, and Sumner
voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 9 to HB 21 failed by a
vote of 2-5.
4:50:47 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:50 p.m. to 4:51 p.m.
4:51:24 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 21, as amended, was held over.
4:51:28 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
4:51 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 124 Support Letter Teamsters 3.27.23.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Sectional Analysis version A.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Support Letter Alaska Chamber 4.19.23.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Sponsor Statement version A.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 version A.PDF |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Alaska CDL Manual.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 DOLWD Press Release 4.11.2023.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 ELDT Info.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 eCFR 49 CFR 383.23 -- Commercial Driver's License.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 CH 104 SLA 1985.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 APM Article 4.11.2023.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 ADN Article 4.12.2023.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 166A PFAS.PDF |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |
| HB166 PFAS Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |
| HB 166 PFAS Pollution Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |
| HB166 Support.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |
| HB 166 PFAS Fiscal note DPS.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |
| HB 166 PFAS Fiscal Note DOT.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |
| HB166 Support Letters.pdf |
HL&C 4/28/2023 3:15:00 PM |
HB 166 |