Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532

03/23/2010 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE


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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ SB 279 MORTGAGE LENDING TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
+ SB 217 GUARANTEED REVENUE BONDS FOR VETERANS TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
+ SB 284 CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
+ Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
+= SB 247 EXTENDING BOARD OF PHARMACY TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSSB 247(L&C) Out of Committee
+= SB 248 EXTEND BD OF MARITAL & FAMILY THERAPY TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSSB 248(L&C) Out of Committee
+= SB 262 EXTEND BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS TELECONFERENCED
Moved SB 262 Out of Committee
+= SB 263 EXTEND BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS TELECONFERENCED
Moved SB 263 Out of Committee
= HB 300 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
Heard & Held
= HB 302 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
Heard & Held
                 SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE                                                                                       
                      March 23, 2010                                                                                            
                         1:34 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
1:34:41 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CALL TO ORDER                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman   called  the  Senate   Finance  Committee                                                                    
meeting to order at 1:34 p.m.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair                                                                                                 
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair                                                                                                  
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair                                                                                             
Senator Johnny Ellis                                                                                                            
Senator Dennis Egan                                                                                                             
Senator Donny Olson                                                                                                             
Senator Joe Thomas                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS ABSENT                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
None                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
ALSO PRESENT                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Joe  Paskvan;   Tyson  Fick,  Legislative  Liaison,                                                                    
DCCED; Patrice Walsh, Chief  Examiner, DCCED; Bryan Butcher,                                                                    
Director,  Government Affairs  and Public  Relations, Alaska                                                                    
Housing  Finance  Corporation,  Department Of  Revenue;  Joe                                                                    
Dubler,   Director  of   Finance,  Alaska   Housing  Finance                                                                    
Corporation; Senator Hollis French.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Scott  Smith,  Alaska   Broadcaster's  Association;  Alpheus                                                                    
Bullard,  Legislative Legal  Services; Matt  Wallace, Alaska                                                                    
Public  Interest  Research   Group;  Jason  Brune,  Resource                                                                    
Development Council.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SUMMARY                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SB 217    GUARANTEED REVENUE BONDS FOR VETERANS                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          SB  217  was  HEARD  and  HELD  in  Committee  for                                                                    
          further consideration.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SB 247    EXTENDING BOARD OF PHARMACY                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          SB 247  was REPORTED out  of Committee with  a "do                                                                    
          pass" recommendation and with  a new fiscal impact                                                                    
          note  from the  Department of  Commerce, Community                                                                    
          and Economic Development.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SB 248    EXTEND BD OF MARITAL & FAMILY THERAPY                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          SB 248  was REPORTED out  of Committee with  a "do                                                                    
          pass" recommendation and with  a new fiscal impact                                                                    
          note  from the  Department of  Commerce, Community                                                                    
          and Economic Development.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SB 262    EXTEND BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          SB 262  was REPORTED out  of Committee with  a "do                                                                    
          pass"    recommendation   and    with   previously                                                                    
          published fiscal impact note: FN1 (DCCED).                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SB 263    EXTEND BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
          SB 263  was REPORTED out  of Committee with  a "do                                                                    
          pass"    recommendation   and    with   previously                                                                    
          published fiscal impact note: FN 1 (DCCED).                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SB 279    MORTGAGE LENDING                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
          SB  279  was  HEARD  and  HELD  in  Committee  for                                                                    
          further consideration.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SB 284    CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          SB  284  was  HEARD  and  HELD  in  Committee  for                                                                    
          further consideration                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB 300    APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
          HB  300  was  HEARD  and  HELD  in  Committee  for                                                                    
          further consideration.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 302    APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
          HB 302 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for                                                                            
          further consideration.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
1:34:51 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 279                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to  regulation of residential mortgage                                                                    
     lending, including  the licensing of  mortgage lenders,                                                                    
     mortgage  brokers, and  mortgage loan  originators, and                                                                    
     compliance  with  certain   federal  laws  relating  to                                                                    
     residential  mortgage  lending;  and providing  for  an                                                                    
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
1:35:59 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR JOE  PASKVAN stated that  SB 279 is an  act relating                                                                    
to the regulation of  residential mortgage lending including                                                                    
the  licensing of  mortgage lenders,  mortgage brokers,  and                                                                    
mortgage  loan   originators  in  compliance   with  certain                                                                    
federal laws  relating to residential mortgage  lending. The                                                                    
purpose  of the  legislation is  to bring  Alaska's mortgage                                                                    
lending regulation act into compliance  with federal law. He                                                                    
mentioned the SAFE act which  requires each state to license                                                                    
mortgage loan originators through  a nationwide database and                                                                    
to amend  its statutes to meet  minimum licensing standards.                                                                    
The  Division of  Banking and  Securities  will continue  to                                                                    
review   the  uniform   application  submitted,   and  state                                                                    
regulators  will  continue  to   issue  the  licenses.  This                                                                    
legislation  is  supported  by the  National  Conference  of                                                                    
State Legislators  and the National Conference  of Insurance                                                                    
Legislators.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
1:39:31 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
TYSON  FICK, LEGISLATIVE  LIAISON,  DEPARTMENT OF  COMMERCE,                                                                    
COMMUNITY, AND  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DCCED),  explained the                                                                    
legislation  further.  He pointed  out  that  abuses in  the                                                                    
industry led to  the current financial crisis  in the United                                                                    
States.  He explained  the licensing  regulation agency  and                                                                    
their  responsibilities. The  national licensing  system and                                                                    
registry    increases    consumer    protection,    enhances                                                                    
supervision,  and  streamlines  the  licensing  process  for                                                                    
licensees. He mentioned  the passage of HB  221 which joined                                                                    
Alaska  with the  national registry.  He noted  that SB  229                                                                    
will bring the  state into compliance with  the federal SAFE                                                                    
act  by   amending  our  statutes   to  reach   the  minimum                                                                    
standards. The  objectives of the amendments  are to provide                                                                    
increased   accountability,  education,   and  tracking   of                                                                    
mortgage  lending  professions,  reduce fraud,  and  provide                                                                    
consumers with free and accessible information.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
PATRICE WALSH, CHEIF EXAMINER,  DCCED, delivered a sectional                                                                    
analysis. She  explained that the  changes were  the minimum                                                                    
standards required  by the  federal government.  She pointed                                                                    
out  Page  5,  Section  7,  Line  9  and  the  reference  to                                                                    
"transfers  of  mortgage  loan  originators  license"  where                                                                    
"mortgage loan"  was added to "originator".  She pointed out                                                                    
Page 6,  Section 11, Line  14 referencing an  annual license                                                                    
where the state  requires renewal each year  on December 31.                                                                    
She  continued with  Section 11,  Line  24 regarding  permit                                                                    
regulation  to  set  application, examination,  and  license                                                                    
fees.  She  detailed  Page  6, Line  31,  Section  12  which                                                                    
requires 20 hours of pre  licensing education. She continued                                                                    
with Page  10, Section 18,  Line 22  which is a  new section                                                                    
allowing for a provisional  license while a background check                                                                    
is performed.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
1:45:58 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Ms.  Walsh  continued with  Section  22,  Page 12,  Line  23                                                                    
referring  to paper  licenses. The  national registry  has a                                                                    
section  of consumer  access  where  a licensee's  licensing                                                                    
credentials can be accessed online.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1:47:18 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  asked if  licenses will  be posted  in the                                                                    
licensee's office  or would  the public  rely on  the online                                                                    
version.  Ms.   Walsh  explained  that  the   department  is                                                                    
striving  to eliminate  paper licenses.  She commented  that                                                                    
many businesses operate online.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Ms. Walsh continued with Page  14, Section 29, Line 10 which                                                                    
is  an   addition  permitting  a  branch   office  to  track                                                                    
activity. She  continued with Page  15, Section 35,  Line 26                                                                    
which modifies continuing  education requirements. Currently                                                                    
the law  offers 24 hours  of continuing education for  a two                                                                    
year time period. She pointed  out Page 41, Section 85, Line                                                                    
20 which includes the repealed sections.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
1:50:15 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  asked about a potential  sales transaction                                                                    
with an  out of state  licensee. Ms. Walsh answered  that an                                                                    
out of state licensee must apply for a license in Alaska.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  asked if  a licensee  must be  licensed in                                                                    
Alaska  to solicit  mortgage business.  Ms. Walsh  concurred                                                                    
that  the  person  must  have an  Alaskan  license  to  sell                                                                    
Alaskan property.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Huggins asked if the  bill allows a person to handle                                                                    
the  mortgage on  their neighbor's  house. Ms.  Walsh stated                                                                    
that a person must have a  license to sell a house that does                                                                    
not belong to them.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Thomas  noted  that  real  estate  agents  are  not                                                                    
considered mortgage loan originators. Ms. Walsh concurred.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson asked about  the education requirements listed                                                                    
on Pages  6 and  15. He asked  about potential  changes. Ms.                                                                    
Walsh  responded  that   continuing  education  requirements                                                                    
already exist and she noted the changes.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Olson asked  about classes.  Ms.  Walsh noted  that                                                                    
classes are  offered through  a national  mortgage licensing                                                                    
system. The classes are offered  in a classroom, a classroom                                                                    
equivalent, or an instructor led webinar.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
1:54:23 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Olson asked  about  Page 14  and  the licensing  of                                                                    
branch  offices.  He  asked  how  the  Alaska  branch  might                                                                    
address issues from  the lower 48. Ms.  Walsh responded that                                                                    
the    branch    application   process    requires    branch                                                                    
identification although  licensing and  registration numbers                                                                    
are  not used.  A formal  process would  include a  separate                                                                    
registration to allow observation of the branch activity.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson did not understand  how this would cut down on                                                                    
fraud.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  asked about potential  reciprocity between                                                                    
the states. Ms.  Walsh noted that there  is not reciprocity,                                                                    
but  many companies  are licensed  in  multiple states.  Co-                                                                    
Chair Stedman asked  why no reciprocity exists  for the real                                                                    
estate industry.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Ms. Walsh  responded that the  state has  requirements about                                                                    
obtaining a license. She added  that the steps for obtaining                                                                    
a license may be similar throughout various states.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the  steps in the statute refer to                                                                    
the examination.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
1:57:36 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Ms.  Walsh  responded  that  an  application  for  licensure                                                                    
requires financial statements  and fingerprints. Felonies or                                                                    
bankruptcies can lead to denial of license.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman  asked if  a  person  licensed in  another                                                                    
state is required  to sit for an additional  exam in Alaska.                                                                    
Ms.  Walsh  noted  that  the  mortgage  loan  originator  is                                                                    
required  to take  two tests.  One test  is a  national test                                                                    
recognized in  every state. The second  component of testing                                                                    
is the Alaska state test.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman   asked  if  other  states   have  similar                                                                    
requirements. Ms. Walsh responded yes.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Senator Paskvan stressed  that the intent of the  bill is to                                                                    
bring Alaska  into conformance with  the national  SAFE act.                                                                    
Alaska's laws  with respect to  real estate can  differ from                                                                    
other state's laws.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman mention  one fiscal  impact note  from the                                                                    
Department of  Commerce, Community and  Economic Development                                                                    
for $131 thousand.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB  279  was  HEARD  and   HELD  in  Committee  for  further                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
2:01:34 PM     AT EASE                                                                                                        
2:02:36 PM     RECONVENE                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 300(FIN)                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     "An  Act making  appropriations for  the operating  and                                                                    
     loan program expenses of  state government, for certain                                                                    
     programs, and  to capitalize  funds; and  providing for                                                                    
     an effective date."                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(FIN)                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     "An  Act making  appropriations for  the operating  and                                                                    
     capital    expenses   of    the   state's    integrated                                                                    
     comprehensive mental health  program; and providing for                                                                    
     an effective date."                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  explained the changes  in the CS  with the                                                                    
incorporation of the subcommittee recommendations.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
2:03:46 PM     AT EASE                                                                                                        
2:04:11 PM     RECONVENED                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman proposed  senate committee  substitute for                                                                    
committee substitute, work  draft number 26-GH-2823\U. There                                                                    
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman proposed  senate committee  substitute for                                                                    
committee substitute, work  draft number 26-GH-2825\T. There                                                                    
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CSHB  300  was  HEARD  and HELD  in  Committee  for  further                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
CSHB  302  was  HEARD  and HELD  in  Committee  for  further                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 217                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act  relating to  the issuance  of state-guaranteed                                                                    
     revenue   bonds   by   the   Alaska   Housing   Finance                                                                    
     Corporation   to  finance   mortgages  for   qualifying                                                                    
     veterans; and providing for an effective date."                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
2:05:32 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
BRYAN  BUTCHER,  DIRECTOR,  GOVERNMENT  AFFAIRS  AND  PUBLIC                                                                    
RELATIONS,  ALASKA HOUSING  FINANCE CORPORATION,  DEPARTMENT                                                                    
OF REVENUE,  reviewed the legislation. He  explained that SB
217  requests  approval  through general  election  of  bond                                                                    
sales  for  Alaska   Housing  Finance  Corporation's  (AHFC)                                                                    
veteran  mortgage  program.  He   provided  history  on  the                                                                    
veteran mortgage  program, which  provided a  lower interest                                                                    
rate to  veterans. He explained  that five states  opted in;                                                                    
Texas,  California, Oregon,  Wisconsin,  and Alaska.  Alaska                                                                    
can  sell up  to  $100  million in  bonds  for the  program;                                                                    
however, federal  law requires  a general obligation  of the                                                                    
state's citizens.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  asked about the current  number of veteran                                                                    
loans outstanding.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
JOE  DUBLER, DIRECTOR  OF  FINANCE,  ALASKA HOUSING  FINANCE                                                                    
CORPORATION,  responded  that  $341 million  of  outstanding                                                                    
veteran loans exist  at an average rate of  six percent. The                                                                    
current  interest rate  is 4.625  percent. The  bonds issued                                                                    
are  $2.6  million.  Current outstanding  bonds  equal  $338                                                                    
million.  The  remaining   authorization  from  prior  voter                                                                    
approvals  is $95  million. He  informed of  $11 million  in                                                                    
delinquent loans.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman  asked  if  the  corporation  was  seeking                                                                    
authorization for the $600 million.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman   mentioned  the  one  fiscal   note  from                                                                    
Department of  Revenue requesting authorization to  use $150                                                                    
thousand  in  AHFC  receipts  to cover  the  cost  of  voter                                                                    
education.   He  asked   about   marketing  or   information                                                                    
dissemination to encourage public participation.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Mr. Butcher  spoke to  the process  in 2002,  which involved                                                                    
mailers  for  every  Alaska  household  along  with  limited                                                                    
television and radio advertising.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Egan assumed  that the  funding would  be used  for                                                                    
instruction and information. Mr. Butcher concurred.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SB  217  was  HEARD  and   HELD  in  Committee  for  further                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 284                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     "An  Act  relating  to state  election  campaigns,  the                                                                    
     duties  of the  Alaska Public  Offices Commission,  the                                                                    
     reporting   and   disclosure    of   expenditures   and                                                                    
     independent  expenditures, the  filing of  reports, and                                                                    
     the identification  of certain communications  in state                                                                    
     election  campaigns;  and  providing for  an  effective                                                                    
     date."                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
2:12:51 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR HOLLIS  FRENCH discussed  the legislation.  The bill                                                                    
addresses  issues relating  to corporations  and unions  and                                                                    
the   independent   expenditures   made  for   and   against                                                                    
candidates during an election. He  pointed out Section 4 and                                                                    
disclosure of  expenditures made by unions  and corporations                                                                    
for  and against  candidates. He  noted  replacement of  old                                                                    
language on  Page 2, Line  6 concerning dues  of commission.                                                                    
He  described  many  instances in  the  bill  where  similar                                                                    
changes occur.  He stated that  "person" refers  to everyone                                                                    
with a broad definition.  He mentioned added provisions that                                                                    
require that  the expenditures be  made from  an independent                                                                    
account  as  shown  in  Section   8.  Section  10  prohibits                                                                    
expenditures by foreign nationals.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
2:16:15 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator  French  referred  to  Section  13,  the  disclaimer                                                                    
section.  He mentioned  that the  disclaimer  refers to  the                                                                    
"paid  for by"  section  of campaign  advertising. He  noted                                                                    
that the disclaimer necessary in radio ads was shortened.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
2:18:16 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman asked  about Page  9, Section  18. Senator                                                                    
French explained  the Section describes a  current provision                                                                    
that replaces  the phrase "candidate, group,  or individual"                                                                    
with  "person"  to  bring in  the  corporations  and  unions                                                                    
working with elections.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman asked  about  punishment for  unscrupulous                                                                    
behavior. Senator French  responded that campaign misconduct                                                                    
in the second degree is  a Class B misdemeanor punishable by                                                                    
a $1000 fine and 90 days in jail.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Huggins asked about the  $100 plateau. He noted that                                                                    
many candidates receive $99 contributions.  He asked why all                                                                    
contributions are  not reportable. Senator  French responded                                                                    
that  all contributions  are  reportable;  the $100  plateau                                                                    
requires  information such  as the  contributor's occupation                                                                    
and employer.  He expressed comfort  in total  disclosure of                                                                    
contributions to corporations and unions.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Huggins asked  how this  provision  applies to  the                                                                    
Pebble   Mine.   Senator    French   answered   that   those                                                                    
expenditures  would not  be immediately  identified by  this                                                                    
bill.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Huggins  asked how  the bill  affects a  phone bank.                                                                    
Senator  French  responded  that   if  the  phone  bank  was                                                                    
sponsored by  a candidate, this  bill would have  no impact.                                                                    
He supposed  that the  phone bank  communication transmitted                                                                    
by auto media  must be accompanied by a  disclaimer as shown                                                                    
on Page 8, Lines 4, 5, 6, and 7.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
2:22:29 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman mentioned  one zero  fiscal note  from the                                                                    
Office of the  Governor and one fiscal impact  note from the                                                                    
Department  of  Administration   requesting  one  additional                                                                    
staff person  for the Alaska  Public Offices  Commission for                                                                    
the amount of $131,200.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
2:23:02 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SCOTT   SMITH,   ALASKA   BROADCASTER'S   ASSOCIATION   (via                                                                    
teleconference) requested  clarification of Page 1,  Line 11                                                                    
specifying  the   effect  of   the  legislation   on  ballot                                                                    
propositions. Senator French noted  that the mentioned piece                                                                    
exists already  in statute. The  change on Page 1,  Lines 9,                                                                    
10, 11  is the  elimination of  qualifiers. The  chapter now                                                                    
applies to any person making  a communication for or against                                                                    
a ballot proposition.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Mr. Smith communicated that the  broadcasters agree with the                                                                    
need  for  transparent  elections  and  full  disclaimer  of                                                                    
messages for  the general population.  He expressed  a small                                                                    
concern about  the percent of  a given message  required for                                                                    
multiple  contributors.  He  suggested that  an  alternative                                                                    
dimension   of  the   commercial  message   communicate  the                                                                    
additional contributors. The  clarification would then allow                                                                    
the limit of the disclaimer not  to exceed 33 percent of any                                                                    
given 30 second message.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
2:26:10 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MATT  WALLACE, ALASKA  PUBLIC INTEREST  RESEARCH GROUP  (via                                                                    
teleconference) testified in support of the legislation.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
2:28:11 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
JASON    BRUNE,    RESOURCE   DEVELOPMENT    COUNCIL    (via                                                                    
teleconference),  testified in  support of  the legislation.                                                                    
He pointed  out Section  15, Page  5 appears  to potentially                                                                    
impact  an investor's  ability to  fight an  initiative that                                                                    
targets them  because they  are a  domestic subsidiary  of a                                                                    
foreign  corporation.  The   Resources  Development  Council                                                                    
(RDC) supports open disclosure  and transparency in election                                                                    
campaigns,  however   are  opposed  to  a   law  prohibiting                                                                    
contributions that  allow RDC  members to  fight initiatives                                                                    
that target their industries.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
2:30:08 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Huggins  discussed Mr.  Brune's testimony  and asked                                                                    
if  Alaska is  in compliance  with the  Federal Government's                                                                    
process.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
ALPHEUS BULLARD,  LEGISLATIVE LEGAL SERVICES  responded that                                                                    
Paragraph 5  applies to a  domestic subsidiary of  an entity                                                                    
described in  Paragraph 2  of 4. The  entity described  is a                                                                    
foreign national.  The paragraph does not  prohibit domestic                                                                    
subsidiaries or corporations.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator  Huggins  requested further  clarification.  Senator                                                                    
French stressed the  importance of creating a  bill that can                                                                    
be  easily   understood.  He  offered  to   provide  further                                                                    
assistance and explanation for Senator Huggins.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB  284  was  HEARD  and   HELD  in  Committee  for  further                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 247                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of                                                                     
     Pharmacy; and providing for an effective date."                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
2:33:14 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson spoke to the  necessity of the legislation. He                                                                    
noted that  the Board of  Pharmacy is a  necessary component                                                                    
of the health care delivery system.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
2:34:04 PM     AT EASE                                                                                                        
2:35:09 PM     RECONVENED                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman   mentioned  one  fiscal  note   from  the                                                                    
Department of  Commerce, Community and  Economic Development                                                                    
showing the  cost of $130,300 in  receipt supported services                                                                    
for the  continuation of the  board. Funding is  included in                                                                    
the FY11 operating budget.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED  to report CSSB 247  out of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB  247 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation and  with a new  fiscal impact note  from the                                                                    
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 248                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of                                                                     
     Marital and Family Therapy; and providing for an                                                                           
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
2:36:30 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman   mentioned  one  fiscal  note   from  the                                                                    
Department of  Commerce, Community and  Economic Development                                                                    
showing  the cost  of  continuing the  board  at $23,200  in                                                                    
receipt supported services.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED  to report CSSB 248  out of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB  248 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation and  with a new  fiscal impact note  from the                                                                    
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
2:37:23 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 262                                                                                                           
     "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of                                                                     
     Social Work Examiners; and providing for an effective                                                                      
     date."                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
2:37:36 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman   mentioned  one  fiscal  note   from  the                                                                    
Department of  Commerce, Community and  Economic Development                                                                    
showing  the cost  of  continuing the  board  at $58,800  in                                                                    
receipt supported services.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED  to report CSSB 262  out of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB  262 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation and  with previously published  fiscal impact                                                                    
note: FN1 (DCCED).                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 263                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of                                                                     
     Professional   Counselors;   and   providing   for   an                                                                    
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
2:38:52 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  noted that this  is the second  hearing on                                                                    
the  bill.  He  noted  the   fiscal  impact  note  from  the                                                                    
Department of  Commerce, Community and  Economic Development                                                                    
with the cost of $50,900 in receipt supported services.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to  report SB  263 out  of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB  263 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation and  with previously published  fiscal impact                                                                    
note: FN 1 (DCCED).                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
2:40:10 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
ADJOURNMENT                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 PM.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                

Document Name Date/Time Subjects
AHFC Vets Loan Activity.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 217
SB217 AHFC Vets Sec Analysis.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 217
SB 217 Vets Bonds Sponsor Statement.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 217
SB 279 About the SAFE Act by HUD.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
SB 279 Back-Up.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
SB 279 Letters of Support.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
SB 279 SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
SB 279 Sectional Analysis.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
SB 279 Sponsor Statement.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
SB 279 Talking Points by Lorie Hovanec.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 279
AG Opinion 02.19.10.PDF SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
CSSB284(JUD) Sectional Analysis.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
Explanation of Changes CSSB284 JUD.doc SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
Leg. Legal Opinion 01.25.10.PDF SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
Leg. Legal Opinion 03.17.10.PDF SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
SB284 Sponsor Statement.doc SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
Statutes Revised by SB284.docx SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 284
SB 300 CS FIN 032310 Version U.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 300
SB 302 CS FIN 032310 Version T.pdf SFIN 3/23/2010 1:30:00 PM
SB 302