03/06/2018 03:15 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB184 | |
| HB310 | |
| SCR10 | |
| HB360 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SCR 10 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 360 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 310 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 184 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 6, 2018
3:19 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Chair
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, Vice Chair
Representative Chris Tuck
Representative Adam Wool
Representative Chris Birch
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative Gary Knopp
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Andy Josephson (alternate)
Representative Chuck Kopp (alternate)
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 184
"An Act adding to the powers and duties of the State Commission
for Human Rights; and relating to and prohibiting discrimination
based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."
- MOVED HB 184 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 310
"An Act relating to the minimum age of eligibility for
marriage."
- HEARD & HELD
CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10(STA)
Proclaiming 2019 to be the Year of Innovation in Alaska.
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 360
"An Act relating to state procurement regulations."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 184
SHORT TITLE: DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) JOSEPHSON
03/17/17 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/17/17 (H) STA, JUD
05/04/17 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
05/04/17 (H) Heard & Held
05/04/17 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/27/18 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/27/18 (H) Heard & Held
02/27/18 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/06/18 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 310
SHORT TITLE: MARRIAGE AND MINIMUM AGE FOR MARRIAGE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) CLAMAN
01/26/18 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/26/18 (H) STA, JUD
02/22/18 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/22/18 (H) Heard & Held
02/22/18 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/06/18 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: SCR 10
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA YEAR OF INNOVATION
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) COSTELLO
04/07/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/17 (S) L&C, STA
04/10/17 (S) L&C AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/10/17 (S) Heard & Held
04/10/17 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/11/17 (S) L&C AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/11/17 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/11/17 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/11/17 (S) Moved CSSCR 10(L&C) Out of Committee
04/11/17 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/12/17 (S) L&C RPT CS 4DP 1AM NEW TITLE
04/12/17 (S) DP: COSTELLO, HUGHES, MEYER, GARDNER
04/12/17 (S) AM: STEVENS
02/01/18 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/01/18 (S) Moved CSSCR 10(STA) Out of Committee
02/01/18 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/02/18 (S) STA RPT CS 2DP 2NR NEW TITLE
02/02/18 (S) DP: MEYER, EGAN
02/02/18 (S) NR: WILSON, GIESSEL
02/09/18 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
02/09/18 (S) VERSION: CSSCR 10(STA)
02/12/18 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/12/18 (H) STA, L&C
03/06/18 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 360
SHORT TITLE: STATE INTERNET PROCUREMENT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KAWASAKI
02/19/18 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/19/18 (H) STA, FIN
03/06/18 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE MATT CLAMAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on HB 310, as prime
sponsor.
CERI GODINEZ, Staff
Representative Matt Claman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
310, on behalf of Representative Claman, prime sponsor.
DAKOTA ORM, Staff
Senator Mia Costello
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced CSSCR 10(STA) on behalf of
Senator Costello, prime sponsor.
SENATOR MIA COSTELLO
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on
CSSCR 10(STA), as prime sponsor.
MATT MORRISON, Executive Director
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER)
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSCR 10(STA).
NOLAN KLOUDA
Executive Director
Center for Economic Development (CED)
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSCR 10(STA).
JULIET SHEPHERD
Project Manager
Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of CSSCR 10(STA).
JACOB GERRISH, Staff
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 360 on behalf of
Representative Kawasaki, prime sponsor.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:19:27 PM
CHAIR JONATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS called the House State Affairs
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:19 p.m.
Representatives LeDoux, Tuck, Wool, Birch, Johnson, Knopp,
Kreiss-Tomkins were present at the call to order.
HB 184-DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.
3:20:51 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 184, "An Act adding to the powers and
duties of the State Commission for Human Rights; and relating to
and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or
gender identity or expression."
3:21:18 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:21 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.
3:24:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KNOPP stated that he supports HB 184.
3:25:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH stated that he does not support HB 184 and
expressed his belief that it is unnecessary.
3:25:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON stated that she does not support HB 184
and offered the following statement: "The law prohibits
discrimination based on immutable characteristics such as race,
color, sex; based on characteristics that may be immutable over
time which, nonetheless, can be objectively discerned, such as
pregnancy, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, and
religion. Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression
do not meet that definition, ... and remedy in the state and
federal law already exist to address those complaints."
3:26:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL moved to report HB 184 out of committee with
individual recommendations and accompanying zero fiscal note.
3:27:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH objected.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Tuck, Knopp, Wool,
and Kreiss-Tomkins voted in favor of reporting HB 184 out of
committee. Representatives Birch and Johnson voted against it.
Therefore, HB 184 was reported from the House State Affairs
Standing Committee by a vote of 4-2.
HB 310-MARRIAGE AND MINIMUM AGE FOR MARRIAGE
3:27:37 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the next order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 310, "An Act relating to the minimum age
of eligibility for marriage."
3:28:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON mentioned that her marriage would not
have been allowed under the proposed legislation. She referred
to page 1, line 8, of HB 310, requiring marriage partners to be
18 years of age or older and otherwise capable. She asked for
an explanation of "otherwise capable."
3:29:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MATT CLAMAN, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor of HB 310, answered that he believed that phrase to be
in existing statute and not new language.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON referred to page 1, lines 11-12,
exempting a member of the U.S. Armed Force from the requirement
to be 18 years of age or older or emancipated to be married.
She asked whether a member of the national guard would also be
exempt.
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN replied that he did not know. He offered
that a person under 18 years of age can only join the military
if he/she has parental consent.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON pointed out that the proposed legislation
specifies the U.S. military; she asked whether the national
guard is part of the U.S. military.
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN answered that he did not believe that the
national guard was part of U.S. military.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether someone in the [U.S. Army]
Reserve would be exempt and suggested another scenario for
consideration - one person [in the marriage] is active duty
military, but the other person is a civilian.
3:31:33 PM
CERI GODINEZ, Staff, Representative Matt Claman, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Claman, prime sponsor
of HB 310, relayed that for the member of the U.S. Armed Forces
to marry, the other person must be either 18 years of age,
emancipated, or also in the U.S. Armed Forces. The member of
the U.S. Armed Forces could not marry a civilian under 18 years
of age unless that person was emancipated.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON referred to page 1, line 4, in which "one
man and one woman" would be replaced with "two natural persons";
she asked for a definition of "natural person."
MS. GODINAZ replied that Legislative Legal and Research Services
recommended the substitution to make the statute [comply with
the Alaska and U.S. Constitutions].
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON suggested that there is a definition for
"natural persons."
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN responded that he was not aware of a
definition for "natural persons" in Alaska statute.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON offered that "natural person" may refer
to how someone is born and asked for more clarity in the use of
the term.
3:34:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL mentioned that emancipation is a legal
action; he asked whether there is a parental permission clause
in statute giving a minor permission to marry with the consent
of his/her parents, or whether that clause had been removed from
statute.
MS. GODINAZ replied that to be emancipated, a minor needs
parental consent unless the parents are unreasonably withholding
their consent or cannot be reached. She added that the minor
would also need judicial approval.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked whether the consent for marriage is
linked to emancipation or can be separate.
MS. GODINEZ responded that under HB 310, parents would give
their consent in court to the emancipation; the only reason for
no parental consent in this instance, is if they were
unreasonably withholding it.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON expressed her understanding that a minor
must go to court for an emancipation and if underage, would need
an attorney. She referred to her own situation by saying, "I
know I wouldn't have ... even pursued emancipation out of
respect for my parents." She suggested that it would be
unfortunate to require emancipation for marriage.
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that HB 310 would be held over.
SCR 10-ALASKA YEAR OF INNOVATION
3:37:46 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the next order of business
would be CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10(STA),
Proclaiming 2019 to be the Year of Innovation in Alaska.
3:38:35 PM
DAKOTA ORM, Staff, Senator Mia Costello, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Senator Costello, prime sponsor of
CSSCR 10(STA), stated, "Introduced by Robert Tucker [chief
executive officer (CEO), Innovation Resource Consulting Group,
Santa Barbara, California] last year [2017] at the [Alaska]
Innovation Summit, SCR 10 would proclaim 2019 as the year of
innovation in Alaska." She said that this designation
spotlights a crucial need in the state and highlights the work
being done by the legislature and Alaskans statewide. She
relayed that innovation can help address all challenges that
Alaska faces, whether it be harnessing technology or growing
economic diversification.
MS. ORM continued by saying that Alaskans are innovators by
tradition and necessity. She maintained that there is a
pioneering spirit in Alaska that requires innovation and
adaptation; it existed among the founders that helped build our
state and encompasses public policy and how Alaska manages its
resources.
MS. ORM maintained that declaring a year of innovation would not
only spur conversations but also allow organizations to take
advantage of that declaration in various ways. She asserted
that it would recognize innovation already occurring in the
state from the university level to groups such as those engaged
in LEGO robotics and Lemonade Day. She offered that Alaska
constructs a culture in which innovation, entrepreneurship, and
"out of the box thinking" is encouraged and accepted. She
maintained that declaring a year of innovation would aid in the
growth of this culture, as well as Alaska's overall economy.
3:39:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK asked, "Why 2019?"
MS. ORM replied that 2019 was chosen to allow for an entire year
to "really enjoy and prosper in innovation."
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK mentioned that sexual assault awareness
resolutions are proposed year after year. He asked if it is the
intent of the sponsor that resolutions like CSSCR 10(STA) be
introduced every year, or if this would be just for one year.
3:40:57 PM
SENATOR MIA COSTELLO, Alaska State Legislature, responded that
as the sponsor of CSSCR 10(STA) and because she has made
innovation and entrepreneurship the hallmark of her legislative
career, her intent is to proclaim only 2019 as the year of
innovation in Alaska. She expressed her belief that proclaiming
a year of innovation would have positive results in the form of
startup companies ("startups") and new jobs. She said that it
is her intent to designate 2019 and is open to other years being
designated.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK expressed his appreciation that the
University of Alaska (UA) is included in the proposed
resolution. He stated that Alaska is 49th or 50th in patents
among the [states]. He relayed that Texas invested in their
universities to do research and development for its
petrochemical industry. Texas set up the [Texas] Materials
Institute (TMI) so that once the students learned the science
and technologies of the industry, they were able to develop the
machine tool technologies and applications, then
entrepreneurially apply them to the industry. He added that
Silicon Valley heavily invested in California's universities for
high-technology ("high-tech") innovation and development.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK expressed his belief that Alaska has a great
deal of underutilized potential; the university could play a
significant role; and university research dollars can leverage
federal funds. He referred to page 2, lines 26-28, which read,
WHEREAS university research contributes to the
development of intellectual property,
interdisciplinary entrepreneurial programming and
education, and effective technology transfer and is a
vital component of an effective innovation ecosystem;
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK referred to page 3, lines 6-8, which read,
WHEREAS 20 percent of innovations come from
collaborations between multiple institutions, half of
which are public-private partnerships between private
companies and universities or government research
labs;
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK expressed his appreciation that this
language was included in the proposed innovation resolution.
3:43:21 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS stated that he supports the proposed
resolution. It is consistent with trends in Alaska, which are
needed more than ever with the current fiscal situation. He
offered examples of startup businesses and creating value where
none existed before: [Barnacle] Kelp Salsa [in Juneau]; The
Boardroom co-working space in Anchorage; and microgrid and
energy startups.
3:44:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH relayed that he fully supports the proposed
resolution. He stated that as a mining engineer, he can attest
to Alaska's long tradition in the creation of innovative
products. He mentioned as an example the "Intelligiant," a
water cannon used in hydraulic mining, invented by John
Miscovich of Fairbanks. He added that it is used around the
world and is the standard for water delivery. He opined that
the proposed resolution is a great idea; from the oil fields to
the fish processors, Alaska could improve techniques.
3:44:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL commented that between the new University of
Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Engineering Learning and Innovation
Facility (ELIF) and the adjacent School of Management (SOM)
[Bunnell] Building is a lounge where business students and
engineering students are encouraged to collaborate and eat
together.
3:45:31 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS opened public testimony on CSSCR 10(STA).
3:45:57 PM
MATT MORRISON, Executive Director, Pacific NorthWest Economic
Region (PNWER), testified that the proposed resolution
represents an opportunity for Alaska to provide leadership not
only in state but in the Pacific Northwest to enhance ecosystems
for innovation, which requires empowering local public-private
collaboration. He opined that naming next year [as the year of
innovation] could spawn events around the state and encourage
young and old to enhance creativity to solve real challenges
within their own communities. He maintained that Senator
Costello has been instrumental in leading the PNWER Innovation
Working Group; it serves to inform neighboring states and
provinces as to the role they can play in promoting shared
leadership with local governments, communities, neighborhoods,
schools, universities, and the private sector. He opined that
the resolution is a great idea; he looks forward to Alaska's
leadership in the region, especially with its unique
environmental challenges; and the proposed resolution could
empower collaboration between the public and private sector.
3:48:24 PM
NOLAN KLOUDA, Executive Director, Center for Economic
Development (CED), University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA,)
testified that he believes that the time is right in Alaska for
dialogue about innovation, entrepreneurship, and future
directions for the state. He relayed that CED research has
shown that Alaskans are more likely to start businesses than
residents of most other states; Alaska ranks in the top two or
three states for individuals starting a business. He said that
startup companies in Alaska add about 4,000 to 6,000 jobs each
year to the state's economy, and that has continued despite
Alaska entering a recession and its economy losing jobs.
Businesses are still being started, and they are continuing to
hire.
MR. KLOUDA maintained that Alaska has many of the assets that
fuel innovation: the UA System has research specialties in
energy and atmospheric science in Arctic technology; some of the
research is moving into the commercialization phase with a very
active commercialization effort within the university. He
stated that Alaska also has a high concentration of engineers
and experts in technology for many of its industries - resource
development industries and transportation and aviation
industries. He said that there is a strong "knowledge economy"
component to the industries in the state.
MR. KLOUDA maintained that there is also an entrepreneurship
ecosystem forming and maturing within the state; a formal Angel
Investor Network (AIN) that specializes in investing in early
stage startup companies now exists in the state; and there is a
startup accelerator in state, called Launch Alaska, to advance
startup companies to a more mature phase.
MR. KLOUDA mentioned there is a regular calendar of events
including a startup weekend, which takes people through the
process of creating a new business over a 54-hour period during
a weekend. He stated that CED staff perform research on the
economy and apply it to activities that might foster more
entrepreneurship. He relayed that CED uses Google's Design
Sprint process, in which an interdisciplinary team focuses on
creating a new product.
3:51:55 PM
JULIET SHEPHERD, Project Manager, Fairbanks Economic Development
Corporation, expressed her appreciation for the inclusive and
meaningful resolution to align infrastructure in state, through
which innovation can be developed and startups come to fruition
as full stage Alaska businesses with the support of the
legislature, the UA, economic development entities, and the
communities in public-private partnership. She reported that
she is one of the founders of the "year of innovation" pipeline
piloted over the past two years, which has resulted in three
startup businesses from the cycle of the integrative (indisc.)
through a process in a cyclical manner incorporating available
infrastructure. She stated that she knows that the process
works. She maintained that the proposed resolution would offer
an opportunity to highlight the emerging pipelines that
collectively make up a channel through which not only private
individuals in communities can enter into the startup process
but also have the opportunity to work closely with the
university; it would diversify the perspectives for creating
products useful to the public both in and well beyond Alaska and
incorporate intellectual properties through university research.
3:54:20 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS closed public testimony on CSSCR 10(STA).
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced CSSCR 10(STA) would be held over.
HB 360-STATE INTERNET PROCUREMENT
3:54:52 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the final order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 360, "An Act relating to state
procurement regulations."
3:55:21 PM
JACOB GERRISH, Staff, Representative Scott Kawasaki, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Kawasaki, prime
sponsor of HB 360, stated that the proposed legislation is an
act relating to state procurement regulations. He paraphrased
from the sponsor statement, included in the committee packet,
which read in part, as follows:
HB 360 would require contracted Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) to practice net neutrality while
doing business with the State of Alaska. It would add
to the state procurement code a prohibition from
contracting with ISPs that do not treat all websites
equally or that engage in paid prioritization. HB 360
would harness the State's market power to incentivize
ISPs to keep their word and follow net neutrality in
practice.
The Governors of Montana, New York, New Jersey, and
Vermont have all signed executive orders implementing
procurement restrictions like those in HB 360.
This bill would ensure that the agencies of the State
of Alaska have access to a free and open internet and
it would put pressure on ISPs to ensure the public has
access to the same.
MR. GERRISH added that the Oregon State Legislature just passed
legislation like HB 360.
3:56:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH opined that HB 360 is unnecessary; and
there is a competitive market for internet services. He asked
if there has been any evidence of reduced or comprised quality
of services [since the repeal of net neutrality].
MR. GERRISH replied that he is not aware of any cases of that
occurring, but there are cases of reduced or blocked services in
other states, usually with Netflix or sharing services.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH said, "The Netflix is kind of a red herring
that keeps popping up. It's an instance ... that happened some
time ago. This appears to me to be ... unfortunately a largely
partisan effort to try to make a statement against a problem
that doesn't exist." He offered that he will not support HB 360
and relayed, "I don't see why we should be mucking around with
the state procurement guidelines." He maintained that if
someone does not like his/her service provider, then he/she
should find another one. He stated that the proposed
legislation is unnecessary and burdensome at a time when the
legislature should be focused on other issues.
REPRESENTATIVE KNOPP stated that he does not see a need for HB
360; and if the other net neutrality legislation [HB 277]
passes, this one would not be needed. He asserted that Alaska
has three ISPs, which have promised not to exploit the market.
He maintained that if they renege on that promise and charge
different rates or slow down services in favor of higher paying
customers, that would put the state in a difficult position;
under HB 360, the state would be prohibited from utilizing the
services but would still need the services.
3:59:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK commented that major pieces of
infrastructure need to be for the public good. He mentioned
that there was a time in American history in which corporations
were chartered, and to get a charter, the corporation had to
demonstrate that they were operating for the benefit of the
public and not just for profit. He maintained that the
deregulation of the telecommunications industry, which allowed
for competition, was a good thing; however, the concerns are
that for the industry, it is more about profit than about
delivering necessary infrastructure for the exchange of goods
and services and making sure Alaska's economy thrives.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK relayed that net neutrality provisions and
regulations were in place and prevented communications companies
from engaging in practices that would give them advantages over
other companies, as well as requiring the public to pay for more
and more services. He offered that in the capitalistic world,
how money is spent determines what happens and what doesn't
happen; therefore, the proposed legislation offers a procurement
policy that indicates that Alaska wants there to be net
neutrality - it wants goods and services to be fair for everyone
- and will spend its money using companies that practice net
neutrality. He said, "That's capitalism."
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK mentioned that Alaska gives Native
Corporations Small Business Administration's (SBA's) 8(a)
[Business Development (BD) Program] status because it benefits
the communities: the corporations are building septic systems
and water systems; and it serves as an example of Alaska using
procurement policies to promote the will of the state.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK continued by saying that he is amazed at the
number of people under age 30 that are familiar with net
neutrality; they've expressed their concern for the repeal of
net neutrality; some corporations are concerned as well, because
it would affect their ability to deliver goods and services; and
only a small group of corporations with advantageous positions
in the market want it repealed. He concluded by saying that the
procurement policy under HB 360 allows the state to spend its
money to benefit the public.
4:03:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked if net neutrality means that all
internet websites are treated equally regardless of content,
source, and business relationship, and none are blocked.
MR. GERRISH replied yes.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON suggested there are times when a person
would want websites to be blocked.
MR. GERRISH answered that a court can order a website to be shut
down for legal reasons; the proposed legislation is not related
to that situation.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON offered that she is referring to spam
[unsolicited electronic messages] - not illegal but terribly
annoying. She asked for an explanation of paragraph (1) on page
1, lines 7-8.
MR. GERRISH gave an example: A small company, such as a local
bed and breakfast, has a website, and a large company, such as a
cruise ship company, has a website. Net neutrality means that
the internet company would not be allowed to block the small bed
and breakfast website and allow the larger cruise ship company
access. Spam filters would still be allowed under the proposed
legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON expressed her concern that legislators be
aware of the consequences when creating regulations. She also
mentioned that there are outstanding questions regarding the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) [net neutrality] ruling.
4:06:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked if the proposed legislation would
affect choosing a company that provides higher speed internet
services.
MR. GERRISH replied that one could still buy access to higher
speed internet services; however, the ISP would not be allowed
to speed up or slow down the websites accessed. He stated that
under net neutrality, for a person buying a one gigabyte ("gig")
plan, all the websites would download at the same speed.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked if any of Alaska's internet
providers have engaged in activities that did not adhere to net
neutrality, since the repeal of net neutrality.
MR. GERRISH replied that all the in-state ISPs have pledged to
practice net neutrality; therefore, the proposed legislation
would not affect any current state contracts.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked why the proposed legislation was
introduced if the ISPs have pledged to practice net neutrality
and there are no current problems.
MR. GERRISH responded that on April 23 [2018], a company could
choose to begin blocking online content and begin packaging
online content and charging extra for it. He expressed his
belief that HB 360 would harness the state market power and
incentivize ISPs to keep their pledges to practice net
neutrality.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked why the state would not wait to see
if a problem develops.
MR. GERRISH answered that the intent of the proposed legislation
is to prevent a problem from occurring.
4:09:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KNOPP gave an example: A mega giant ISP with
unlimited resources, such as American Telephone & Telegraph
(AT&T), and a small independent ISP with limited resources, such
as General Communication Inc. (GCI), get into a bidding war to
provide streaming service for Netflix. The mega giant, AT&T,
has multiple band widths and GCI does not. He asked if GCI
could be at a disadvantage competing with AT&T, because AT&T can
offer a faster speed internet for less money.
MR. GERRISH replied that he did not believe so; it is the
connection between the ISPs in Alaska and the broader [out-of-
state] internet that is the determining factor. He stated that
GCI connects to the Lower 48 through peer to peer (P2P)
agreements; underwater fiber optic cables connect Alaska to
Seattle, Portland, and other cities. He mentioned that GCI was
just purchased by Liberty Interactive Corporation (LIC) in
Colorado, which may have expanded GCI's P2P network to access
more bandwidth. He suggested that smaller companies may connect
to the internet in state, not out of state. He maintained that
the ISPs all connect differently.
REPRESENTATIVE KNOPP said that the point he was making was that
if two companies are competing to provide a service, and they
have a disparity in resources, the smaller company would be put
at a disadvantage to provide the service if its ability to do so
was limited under the proposed legislation. He suggested there
may be unanticipated consequences.
MR. GERRISH answered that HB 360 would not require any companies
to practice net neutrality but would require that the state
procure internet services from those that do.
REPRESENTATIVE KNOPP relayed that it would prohibit those
companies from doing business with the state.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked, "How do you envision this being
enforced, and who would be responsible for that enforcement?"
4:12:38 PM
MR. GERRISH replied that the commissioner of the Department of
Administration (DOA) can adopt procurement regulations through
AS 36.30.040; the proposed legislation would require that the
commissioner of DOA include net neutrality in the adoption of
procurement regulations. He offered that he considers it to be
like an in-state hire requirement. He said, "If we give money
to a contractor, we throw in a 10 percent, 20 percent state
hire."
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON commented that she is all for free and
open use of the internet and equal access [to the internet].
She expressed that she is concerned about unintended
consequences and the necessity of HB 360.
4:14:01 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that HB 360 would be held over.
4:14:57 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:15 p.m.
4:15:07 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS offered housekeeping remarks on legislation
to be heard during upcoming committee meetings and on amendment
deadlines.
4:16:49 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
State Affairs Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 4:17
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SCR 10 Sponsor Statement 02.22.2018.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
SCR 10 |
| SCR 10 Ver U 02.22.2018.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
SCR 10 |
| SCR 10 Summary of Changes ver D-U 02.22.2018.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
SCR 10 |
| SCR 10 Fiscal Note LAA 02.22.2018.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
SCR 10 |
| SCR 10 Supporting Document - Letters of Support 02.22.2018.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
SCR 10 |
| HB360 Sponsor Statement 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 ver A 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Fiscal Note DOA 3.4.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document Packet 3.3.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Fast Facts for Conservatives on Net Neutrality 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Fraudulent Comments from Alaska 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Governor's Letter 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-LAA Broadband Costs 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Letter to Attorney General Lindemuth 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Letter to Congressional Delegation 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Letter to Governor Encouraging Executive Order 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Letter to Senator Murkowski 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Montana Executive Order 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-New York Executive Order 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Pew Study 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-Rep. Kawasaki Letter to Governor 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB360 Supporting Document-State of Alaska Boradband Costs 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 360 |
| HB310 Sponsor Statement 2.6.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 ver A 2.6.18.PDF |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Fiscal Note DHSS 2.16.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document-Child Marriage in America Executive Summary 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document-Child Marriage in America 2.6.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document-Minors Married in Alaska 2.6.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document-Tahirih Child Marriage Backgrounder 2.6.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document- Letter from Office of Victim's Rights 2.20.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document- Letters of Support 2.22.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB310 Supporting Document-ACT Support Letter 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/22/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 310 |
| HB184 Sponsor Statement 2.28.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 ver J 4.4.17.PDF |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Fiscal Note HRC 2.23.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter Planned Parenthood 4.27.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter LWVA 4.27.17.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter HRC 4.28.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter ATFE 5.1.2017.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter Fbx PFLAG 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter HRC 4.28.17.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter LWVA 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter SAGE 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter AAARP 5.4.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter EGJ 5.4.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - 2017 Survey(2) 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - 2017 Survery(1) 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document - 2010 Census 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - ASHRC Resolution 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Court Decisions 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - HRC State Laws 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Legal Memo 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Williams Institute 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Public Letters 5.8.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Memorandum, Religious Exemptions 5.9.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - 18.80.300 5.9.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Ministerial Exemption 5.9.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document Letters of Support 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document ACLU Testimony FINAL 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey—Alaska State Report 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Letter of Support 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document- Public Letters of Support 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document- Letter David Clark 2.28.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document- Letter Dael Davidson 2.28.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Letters of Support 3.5.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Letter of Support 3.9.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Opposing Document - Letter AFC 5.5.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Opposing Document- Letter 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Opposing Document- Letter 2 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Letters of Opposition 3.5.18.pdf |
HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |