Legislature(2023 - 2024)BARNES 124
05/08/2023 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Marijuana Control Board | |
| HB146 | |
| HB143 | |
| SB123 | |
| SB93 | |
| HB137 | |
| HB138 | |
| HB145 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | HB 143 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 146 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 93 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | SB 123 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 137 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 138 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 145 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 8, 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
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD
Dana Walukiewicz - Anchorage
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
ALASKA WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD
John Corbett - Fairbanks
Jonathon Dartt - Fairbanks
Anthony Ladd - Anchorage
Lake Williams - Fairbanks
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
BOARD OF BARBERS AND HAIRDRESSERS
Breanna Hardy - Anchorage
Glenda Ledford - Wasilla
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
BOARD OF NURSING
Danette Schloeder - Anchorage
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS
Stacy Stone - Anchorage
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS
Megan Ferguson - Palmer
Jesse Hronkin - Wasilla
Newell Walther - Wasilla
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
MARIJUANA CONTROL BOARD
Ely Cyrus - Anchorage
CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 146
"An Act relating to fireworks; repealing restrictions on the
sale of fireworks; directing the Department of Public Safety to
adopt fireworks regulations; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 143
"An Act relating to the Department of Environmental
Conservation; relating to advanced recycling and advanced
recycling facilities; relating to waste; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 123(L&C)
"An Act relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers' license
requirements; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 123(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 93(L&C) AM
"An Act relating to claims for injury, disability, or heart
attack payable from the fishermen's fund; relating to claims
against protection and indemnity insurance policies of vessel
owners; relating to the definition of 'occupational disease';
and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 93(L&C) AM OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 137
"An Act relating to an interstate physical therapy licensure
compact; relating to the licensure of physical therapists,
physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and
occupational therapy assistants; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED HB 137 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 138
"An Act relating to an audiology and speech-language interstate
compact; relating to the practice of audiology and the practice
of speech-language pathology; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED HB 138 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."
- MOVED CSHB 145(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 146
SHORT TITLE: REGULATION OF FIREWORKS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
03/29/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/23 (H) STA, L&C
04/13/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/13/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/13/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/27/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/27/23 (H) Moved CSHB 146(STA) Out of Committee
04/27/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
05/01/23 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP 2NR
05/01/23 (H) DP: CARPENTER, C.JOHNSON, ALLARD,
WRIGHT, SHAW
05/01/23 (H) NR: ARMSTRONG, STORY
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 143
SHORT TITLE: ADVANCED RECYCLING AND FACILITIES
SPONSOR(s): RESOURCES
03/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/27/23 (H) RES, L&C
04/05/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/12/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/12/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/19/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/19/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/21/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/21/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/21/23 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/26/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/26/23 (H) Moved CSHB 143(RES) Out of Committee
04/26/23 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/28/23 (H) RES RPT CS(RES) 5DP 2DNP 1AM
04/28/23 (H) DP: MCCABE, WRIGHT, RAUSCHER, SADDLER,
MCKAY
04/28/23 (H) DNP: MEARS, DIBERT
04/28/23 (H) AM: ARMSTRONG
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 123
SHORT TITLE: LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS
SPONSOR(s): TRANSPORTATION
04/05/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/05/23 (S) TRA, L&C
04/11/23 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/11/23 (S) Heard & Held
04/11/23 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/13/23 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/13/23 (S) Moved SB 123 Out of Committee
04/13/23 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/14/23 (S) TRA RPT 3DP
04/14/23 (S) DP: KAUFMAN, MYERS, WILSON
04/21/23 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/21/23 (S) Heard & Held
04/21/23 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/26/23 (S) L&C AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/26/23 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/28/23 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/28/23 (S) Moved CSSB 123(L&C) Out of Committee
04/28/23 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/01/23 (S) L&C RPT CS 4DP SAME TITLE
05/01/23 (S) DP: BJORKMAN, BISHOP, DUNBAR, MERRICK
05/03/23 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
05/03/23 (S) VERSION: CSSB 123(L&C)
05/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/03/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
05/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/05/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 05/08/23>
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 93
SHORT TITLE: FISHERMEN'S FUND: VESSEL OWNER CLAIMS
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE BY REQUEST
03/08/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/08/23 (S) L&C
03/24/23 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/24/23 (S) Heard & Held
03/24/23 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/29/23 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/29/23 (S) Moved CSSB 93(L&C) Out of Committee
03/29/23 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/31/23 (S) L&C RPT CS 4DP NEW TITLE
03/31/23 (S) DP: BJORKMAN, DUNBAR, BISHOP, GRAY-
JACKSON
05/01/23 (S) NOT TAKEN UP 5/1 - ON 5/3 CAL
05/03/23 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
05/03/23 (S) VERSION: CSSB 93(L&C) AM
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 137
SHORT TITLE: PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
SPONSOR(s): WRIGHT
03/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/27/23 (H) L&C, FIN
04/21/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/21/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
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)
05/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/05/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/05/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 138
SHORT TITLE: AUD. & SPEECH-LANG INTERSTATE COMPACT
SPONSOR(s): WRIGHT
03/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/27/23 (H) L&C, FIN
04/21/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/21/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
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)
05/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/05/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/05/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 145
SHORT TITLE: LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS
SPONSOR(s): WRIGHT
03/29/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/23 (H) L&C
04/14/23 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER L&C
04/14/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED
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)
04/19/23 (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) Heard & Held
04/21/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/03/23 (H) <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 05/05/23>
05/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
05/05/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/05/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
05/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
DANETTE SCHLOEDER, DNP, RNC, OB, C-EFM, C-ONS, Appointee
Board of Nursing
Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Nursing.
LISA PURINTON, Acting Legislative Liaison
Department of Public Safety
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 146, on behalf of the
sponsor, House Rules by request of the governor.
LLOYD NAKATO, State Fire Marshall
Division of Fire and Life Safety
Department of Public Safety
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
146.
ROBERT HALL, Owner
Gorilla Fireworks
Houston, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 146.
REPRESENTATIVE TOM MCKAY
Alaska State Representative
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 143, on behalf of the prime
sponsor, House Resources Standing Committee, of which
Representative McKay served as chair.
TREVOR JEPSEN, Staff
Representative Tom McKay
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave a PowerPoint presentation, titled "HB
143: Advanced Recycling," on behalf of the House Resources
Standing Committee, prime sponsor.
CRAIG COOKSON, Senior Director
Plastics Sustainability
American Chemistry Council
Washington, D.C.
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony during the hearing
on HB 143.
CHRISTINA CARPENTER, Director
Division of Environmental Health
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
143.
EMMA TORKELSON, Staff
Senator James Kaufman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced CSSB 123(L&C), on behalf of the
sponsor, Senate Transportation Standing Committee, of which
Senator Kaufman served as chair.
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced CSSB 93(L&C)am, on behalf of the
sponsor, Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee, on which
Senator Bjorkman served as chair.
SENATOR MATT CLAMAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on the amendments
adopted to CSSB 93(L&C)am.
CLAY BEZENEK, Member
Fishermen's Fund Board
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony on CSSB 93(L&C)am.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:17:28 PM
CHAIR JESSE SUMNER called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:17 p.m. Representatives Prax,
Wright, Carrick, Fields, and Sumner were present at the call to
order. Representatives Ruffridge and Saddler arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
^Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
^Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
^Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
^Board of Nursing
Board of Nursing
^Board of Social Work Examiners
Board of Social Work Examiners
^Board of Dental Examiners
Board of Dental Examiners
^Marijuana Control Board
Marijuana Control Board
3:18:16 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the first order of business would be
confirmation hearings of the governor's appointees to various
boards.
3:18:28 PM
DANETTE SCHLOEDER, DNP, RNC, OB, C-EFM, C-ONS, Appointee, Board
of Nursing, Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional
Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development, stated that she is seeking reappointment as a
member of the Board of Nursing. She shared that she has 28
years of experience with perinatal nursing and has given talks
and taught courses on the subject. She stated that she has five
academic degrees and has been the chair of the board for three
and a half of the four years she has served, most of which were
during the COVID-19 pandemic. She listed a few of the subjects
the board has been working on, including faster processing times
for military spouses seeking a nursing license.
3:20:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether Ms. Schloeder is a member of
Providence Alaska Medical Center management.
MS. SCHLOEDER answered that she had been the director of the
children's hospital for nine months but no longer holds this
management position. In response to a follow-up question, she
said that currently she is a perinatal clinical specialist, and
she is not part of a union.
3:22:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the board has anything it
wishes for the legislature to consider.
MS. SCHLOEDER answered that the board supports HB 149.
3:23:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether Ms. Schloeder believes
advanced practice clinicians should be allowed to perform
medicinal abortions.
MS. SCHLOEDER answered that if the statutes were changed to
include advanced practice clinicians, the Board of Nursing would
create appropriate regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether Providence Alaska Medical
Center should put more effort into training nurses.
3:25:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX objected to the question. He expressed the
opinion that Providence Alaska Medical Center's business
practices are not relevant to the proceedings.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER seconded the objection.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS argued that Ms. Schloeder has used her
position on the board to promote a bill which would benefit the
medical center.
CHAIR SUMNER allowed the question.
MS. SCHLOEDER answered that most nurses who practice in Alaska
spend time at Providence Alaska Medical Center doing clinical
studies. She said that all new nurses hired at the medical
center receive a month of guidance.
3:27:56 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on the confirmation
hearings for consideration of the governor's appointees to
various boards. After ascertaining there was no one who wished
to testify, he closed public testimony.
3:28:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080,
the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee has reviewed the
qualifications of the governor's appointees [and recommends that
the following names be forwarded to a joint session for
consideration]: Dana Walukiewicz - Alcoholic Beverage Control
Board; John Corbett, Jonathon Dartt, Anthony Ladd, and Lake
Williams - Alaska Workers' Compensation Board; Breanna Hardy and
Glenda Ledford - Board of Barbers and Hairdressers; Danette
Schloeder - Board of Nursing; Stacy Stone - Board of Social Work
Examiners; Megan Ferguson, Jesse Hronkin, and Newell Walther -
Board of Dental Examiners; and Ely Cyrus - Marijuana Control
Board. [Signing the report regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects an individual member's approval
or disapproval of the appointee, and the nomination is merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or
rejection.]
3:29:29 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:29 p.m. to 3:31 p.m.
HB 146-REGULATION OF FIREWORKS
3:31:05 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 146, "An Act relating to fireworks; repealing
restrictions on the sale of fireworks; directing the Department
of Public Safety to adopt fireworks regulations; and providing
for an effective date." [Before the committee was CSHB
146(STA).]
3:31:20 PM
LISA PURINTON, Acting Legislative Liaison, Department of Public
Safety (DPS), introduced HB 146 on behalf of the sponsor, House
Rules by request of the governor. She said state fireworks
statutes were first created in 1969 and have not been
substantially altered since then; because of this, Alaska
fireworks statutes do not currently match international fire
codes and standards. She stated that rather than having this in
statute, HB 146 would allow DPS to regulate fireworks sales and
usage, and it would require municipalities to comply with these
regulations.
3:34:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how the current international
practices differ from the statute.
3:35:30 PM
LLOYD NAKATO, State Fire Marshall, Division of Fire and Life
Safety, Department of Public Safety, answered that the proposed
legislation would allow DPS to adopt international standards, as
well as standards from the National Fire Protection Association.
3:36:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned the difference between the
codes and the current state statute.
MR. NAKATO answered that international fire codes address
fireworks very little, and the state would use industry
practices to create appropriate regulations. In response to a
follow-up question, he said that the proposed legislation would
not create stricter standards; however, it would update outdated
definitions.
3:38:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether there is data from other
states on regulations regarding wildfires.
MR. NAKATO answered no. In response to a follow-up question, he
said he would have to look further to answer whether other
states have implemented a fee structure for the sale of
fireworks.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether there is data on injuries
related to fireworks.
MR. NAKATO replied that he would follow up to the committee with
this information.
3:42:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether there is a summary of
changes for HB 146.
MS. PURINTON answered that the added language clarified the
difference between private residences storing fireworks and
firework stands. In response to a follow-up question, she said
that Anchorage is an example of a municipality with fireworks
ordinances.
MR. NAKATO added that other municipalities have similar
regulations, although he is not certain which municipalities
this includes.
3:44:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether there is a model Alaska
should adopt if the proposed legislation were passed.
MR. NAKATO answered that DPS would look at regulations being
used in other states. In response to a follow-up question, he
said that there is a group of standards DPS would use to create
regulations.
3:46:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how quickly the fireworks industry
changes.
3:46:52 PM
ROBERT HALL, Owner, Gorilla Fireworks, provided invited
testimony on HB 146. He stated that he has been selling
fireworks for nearly 40 years and has worked with state fire
officials during this time. He expressed the understanding that
the proposed legislation would give technical definitions in
statute for fireworks, and he expressed the recognition that
federal regulations have made fireworks safer. He said that
updated definitions would clarify in regulations what type of
fireworks would be allowed. It would allow for the sale of
certain fireworks to be restricted in certain weather and fire
conditions, which would increase public safety. He noted that
changes in labeling fireworks have allowed for the sale of
certain types of fireworks to the general public, despite those
fireworks never being intended for public sale. He said that
giving the state fire marshal the ability to regulate fireworks
would save the legislature time and allow for updated and clear
definitions and regulations.
3:55:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the old statute needs to be
updated, or if the state fire marshal needs the authority to
regulate fireworks.
MR. HALL answered that the industry would prefer for the
legislature to update the statutes; however, he expressed the
understanding that the situation is dire enough to justify
giving the state fire marshal the ability to regulate fireworks.
In response to a follow-up question, he said that the state
holds individuals responsible for starting fires, although local
municipalities have enacted high fees for businesses selling
fireworks, and these fees go to the local fire department.
3:59:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the proposed bill would
restrict his ability to sell fireworks for New Year's Eve
celebrations.
MR. HALL expressed doubt that it would, as winter is "a good
time" for fireworks because of the low fire danger and the
darkness [creating better visibility].
4:02:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked how HB 146 would improve public
safety.
MR. HALL answered that fireworks which are legal federally can
be sold in Alaska year-round, although some types have been
restricted by certain municipalities. He expressed the opinion
that a state-wide restriction on certain types of fireworks
would cause people to instead buy what is available locally.
4:06:17 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 146 was held over.
4:06:25 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:06 p.m. to 4:09 p.m.
HB 143-ADVANCED RECYCLING AND FACILITIES
4:09:14 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HB 143, "An Act relating to the Department of Environmental
Conservation; relating to advanced recycling and advanced
recycling facilities; relating to waste; and providing for an
effective date." [Before the committee was CSHB 143(RES).]
4:09:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TOM MCKAY, Alaska State Legislature, introduced
HB 143 on behalf of the sponsor, the House Resources Standing
Committee, on which Representative McKay serves as chair. He
stated that HB 143 would create a regulatory framework for a new
industry known as "advanced recycling." He stated that current
recycling processes are only able to recycle 10 percent of
collected plastic, and the proposed bill would clarify state
statute to allow for advanced recycling. He noted that 23 other
states have passed similar legislation.
4:11:06 PM
TREVOR JEPSEN, Staff, Representative Tom McKay, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of the sponsor, the House Resources
Standing Committee, of which Representative McKay serves as
chair, gave a PowerPoint presentation, titled "HB 143: Advanced
Recycling" [hard copy included in the committee packet]. He
began on slides 2 through 6 and stated that advanced recycling
is a relatively new technology which would allow the industry to
recycle plastics it currently does not have the ability to
recycle. He explained that chemicals are used to recycle post-
use plastics into petroleum-based products which can be used to
create new chemical building blocks, plastic additives, waxes,
lubricants, and feedstock for new plastics. He said that
advanced recycling uses gasification, pyrolysis, and solvolysis
to break down the plastics, and he showed a chart displaying the
pyrolysis process.
4:15:44 PM
MR. JEPSEN continued to slides 7 through 11 and stated that
advanced recycling is necessary because of the low amount of
plastics which are able to be recycled, and this does not
include plastic which ends up as waste or pollution. The bill
would incentivize markets to reuse products, preserve resources,
and allow waste to be reused. He said that there is an
estimated $70.2 million economic benefit for advanced recycling.
The proposed bill would allow the Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation to develop regulations, define terms,
and stipulate the advanced recycling facilities be regulated as
manufacturing facilities, not waste disposal facilities.
4:19:16 PM
MR. JEPSEN gave the sectional analysis for HB 143 [included in
the committee packet], which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Section 1: Amends the section to include the new
nonresident postsecondary student license.
Section 2: Adds a new subsection allowing for
nonresident students who are enrolled half-time or
part-time in postsecondary education to purchase a
special nonresident postsecondary student license for
sport fishing, hunting, or trapping at the same cost
as a resident license.
Section 3: Provides uncodified law that allows the
Department of Fish and Game to adopt regulations to
implement to the new license.
Section 4: Provides for an effective date.
Section 5: Provides for an effective date
4:20:07 PM
CRAIG COOKSON, Senior Director, Plastics Sustainability,
American Chemistry Council, provided invited testimony on HB
143. He stated that the American Chemistry Council represents
over 200 companies and supports HB 143. The ability to
mechanically recycle objects such as milk jugs, water bottles,
and certain tub lids has existed for years, but objects such as
snack wrappers are more difficult to mechanically recycle. He
said that using advanced recycling, also known as chemical
recycling, provides the opportunity to recycle materials which
are more difficult to recycle, and companies, such as Wendy's
and Under Armor, are selling products made with recycled
plastic. He noted that 24 other states and the federal
government regulate advanced recycling plants with the same
regulations as manufacturing plants.
4:23:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked how viable the industry would be in
Alaska.
MR. JEPSEN, in response, argued that even if the industry is not
yet viable in Alaska, it is necessary to have the regulations in
place for when it does become viable.
MR. COOKSON added that many companies are pledging to increase
their usage of recycled materials, and some states are mandating
certain amounts of products be recycled. He added that members
of the American Chemistry Council have invested $7 billion in
advanced recycling.
4:26:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether other states include
regulations for water and air emissions in similar legislation.
MR. COOKMAN answered that HB 143 is very similar to advanced
recycling legislation passed in other states, leaving these
types of regulations up to the respective environmental
conservation departments. He added that advanced recycling
facilities have been found to have very low emissions. In
response to a follow-up question, he said that defining advanced
recycling as a manufacturing facility is more appropriate for
the process than the current practice.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked how a company wishing to use the
advanced recycling process would be permitted under current
statute.
4:32:19 PM
CHRISTINA CARPENTER, Director, Division of Environmental Health,
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), stated that DEC
has not currently issued any permits for advanced recycling
facilities, although it has the authority to do so.
4:33:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether DEC would be able to inform
companies what the regulatory framework would be like.
MS. CARPENTER answered yes.
MR. JEPSEN added that the bill would provide clarification for
potential investors.
4:34:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked how much plastic material is
recycled in Alaska.
MR. JEPSEN expressed uncertainty. In response to a follow-up
question, he said that he would follow up with the total
recycling numbers to the committee.
4:35:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether there are specific companies
looking to invest in Alaska.
MR. JEPSEN answered that many large chemical and oil companies,
such as ExxonMobil, are looking at investment in advanced
recycling.
MR. COOKMAN added that he is unaware about Alaska specifically,
and the purpose of the bill is to create the regulatory
framework needed to attract investment.
4:38:25 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 143 was held over.
SB 123-LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS
[Contains discussion of HB 124.]
4:38:34 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 123(L&C), "An Act relating to commercial
motor vehicle drivers' license requirements; and providing for
an effective date."
4:38:54 PM
EMMA TORKELSON, Staff, Senator James Kaufman, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of the prime sponsor, the Senate
Transportation Standing Committee, on which Senator Kaufman
serves as the chair, presented CSSB 123(L&C). She stated that
the proposed legislation would repeal the state requirement for
individuals to have a "normal" driver's license for a year
before obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL). She
explained the difference between SB 123 and HB 124 is that the
former would have an immediate effective date.
4:39:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether certain winter driving
conditions should be incorporated into the requirement for
obtaining a CDL.
MS. TORKELSON answered that between the federal requirements and
the experience requirements for larger commercial vehicles,
public safety would not be negatively impacted.
4:41:57 PM
VICE CHAIR RUFFRIDGE moved to report CSSB 123(L&C) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSSB 123(L&C) was
reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
4:42:23 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:42 p.m. to 4:46 p.m.
SB 93-FISHERMEN'S FUND: VESSEL OWNER CLAIMS
4:46:37 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 93(L&C)am, "An Act relating to claims for
injury, disability, or heart attack payable from the fishermen's
fund; relating to claims against protection and indemnity
insurance policies of vessel owners; and providing for an
effective date."
4:47:01 PM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, Alaska State Legislature, introduced
CSSB 93(L&C)am, on behalf of the sponsor, the Senate Labor and
Commerce Standing Committee, on which Senator Bjorkman served as
chair. He stated that the Fishermen's Fund aids the out-of-
pocket medical costs for fishermen suffering from an injury or
illness affiliated with their work. He stated that the proposed
bill would increase the amount that can be paid out to fishermen
or boat owners. He said the Senate version of the bill includes
"step-downs" which would reduce payments if the Fishermen's Fund
were to run low on funds.
4:48:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the fund is designed to
provide payouts to fishermen, boat owners, or both.
SENATOR BJORKMAN answered both.
4:49:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the changes made in the Senate
were requested by the [Fishermen's Fund Appeal and Advisory
Council].
SENATOR BJORKMAN answered that the amendments were proposed by
Senator Matt Claman.
4:50:32 PM
SENATOR MATT CLAMAN, Alaska State Legislature, answered
questions on the amendments adopted to CSSB 93(L&C)am. He
stated that the amendments were the result of discussions with
the chair of the [Fishermen's Fund Appeal and Advisory Council]
and are meant to add further protections for the fund in the
unlikely event the increased payments create issues for the
fund's financial health.
4:52:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the proposed bill was meant
to account for medical inflation or the lack of coverage.
SENATOR BJORKMAN answered that insurance deductibles have
increased, and the fund is healthy, so it makes sense to
increase payouts to ease the burden on fishermen.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether coverage for COVID-19
played a part in creating the bill.
SENATOR CLAMAN answered that although the worst of the COVID-19
pandemic has passed, if a similar event happened in the future,
then the fund would be able to help with some costs related to
this.
4:56:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether boat owners are obligated to
cover illnesses regardless of whether the illnesses were
contracted on the boat.
SENATOR CLAMAN answered yes. He said that this obligation dates
to the 1800s, and nothing the legislature can do would change
this because of the broad nature of the obligation.
4:57:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the [Fishermen's Fund
Appeal and Advisory Council] has a position on whether COVID-19
coverage would be harmful to the fund.
4:58:47 PM
CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on CSSB 93(L&C)am.
4:59:06 PM
CLAY BEZENEK, Member, Fishermen's Fund Appeal and Advisory
Council, testified that the impetus of CSSB 93(L&C)am related to
deductibles for boat owners. He said that the council has no
consensus on COVID-19 coverage because of the infrequency of the
council's meetings. He requested time to follow up after the
council's discussion of this issue.
5:01:52 PM
CHAIR SUMNER, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on CSSB 93(L&C)am.
5:02:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the council would be able
to come to a consensus in the next seven months.
MR. BEZENEK answered that the council would be open to
considering this after having discussions with the insurance
companies. In response to a follow-up question, he said the
council would have time to give due consideration to the
provision.
5:03:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the issues covered by the
House version of the bill were urgent enough for the legislature
to act now, leaving the Senate amendments for next year.
MR. BEZENEK responded that the council supports the House
version of the proposed legislation; however, the council has
"angst" with CSSB 93(L&C)am. In response to a follow up
question, he expressed appreciation for the prospect of passing
the House version of the bill.
5:05:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report CSSB 93(L&C)am out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX objected.
5:05:44 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wright, Carrick,
Fields, Ruffridge, Saddler, and Sumner voted in favor of
reporting CSSB 93(L&C)am out of committee. Representative Prax
voted against it. Therefore, CSSB 93(L&C)am was reported out of
the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee by a vote of 6-
1.
5:06:37 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 5:06 p.m. to 5:10 p.m.
HB 137-PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
5:10:03 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 137, "An Act relating to an interstate physical
therapy licensure compact; relating to the licensure of physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational
therapists, and occupational therapy assistants; and providing
for an effective date."
5:10:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HB 137 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected for the purpose of discussion.
5:10:39 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wright, Prax,
Ruffridge, Saddler, Carrick, and Sumner voted in favor of
reporting HB 137 out of committee. Therefore, HB 137 was
reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee
by a vote of 6-0.
HB 138-AUD. & SPEECH-LANG INTERSTATE COMPACT
5:11:16 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 138, "An Act relating to an audiology and speech-
language interstate compact; relating to the practice of
audiology and the practice of speech-language pathology; and
providing for an effective date."
5:11:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HB 138 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected for the purpose of discussion.
5:11:43 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wright, Prax,
Ruffridge, Saddler, Carrick, and Sumner voted in favor of
reporting HB 138 out of committee. Therefore, HB 138 was
reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee
by a vote of 6-0.
HB 145-LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS
5:12:19 PM
CHAIR SUMNER announced that the final order of business would be
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 145(L&C), "An Act relating to loans in an
amount of $25,000 or less; relating to the Nationwide Multistate
Licensing System and Registry; relating to deferred deposit
advances; and providing for an effective date." [Before the
committee, adopted as a working document on 5/5/23, was CSHB
145, Version 33-LS0508\U, Dunmire, 3/28/23, ("Version U").]
5:12:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether he had the correct short
title of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT answered yes.
5:12:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report CSHB 145, Version 33-
LS0508\U, Dunmire, 3/28/23, out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
CHAIR SUMNER objected.
5:13:09 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wright, Prax,
Carrick, Saddler, and Ruffridge voted in favor of reporting CSHB
145, Version 33-LS0508\U, Dunmire, 3/28/23, out of committee.
Representative Sumner voted against it. Therefore, CSHB
145(L&C) was reported out of the House Labor and Commerce
Standing Committee by a vote of 5-1.
5:13:36 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
5:13 p.m.