Legislature(2009 - 2010)

04/17/2010 11:39 AM Senate FIN


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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
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                 SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE                                                                                       
                      April 17, 2010                                                                                            
                        11:39 a.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
11:39:12 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CALL TO ORDER                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman   called  the  Senate   Finance  Committee                                                                    
meeting to order at 11:39 a.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                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Darwin  Peterson,  Staff, Co-Chair  Stedman;  Representative                                                                    
Peggy  Wilson,  Sponsor;   Nancy  Davis,  President,  Alaska                                                                    
Nurses Association;  Rod Betit,  CEO, Alaska  State Hospital                                                                    
Association;   Lauree    Hugonin   Morton,    Juneau;   Mary                                                                    
Stackhouse,  Registered  Nurse,   Juneau;  Debbie  Thompson,                                                                    
Executive Director, Alaska  Nurses Association; Barbara Huff                                                                    
Tuckness,   Teamsters    Local   959;   Rob    Earl,   Staff                                                                    
Representative  Bob  Heron;  Jane Pierson,  Chief  of  Staff                                                                    
Representative   Jay   Ramras;  Mary   Siroky,   Legislative                                                                    
Liaison,   Department    of   Transportation    and   Public                                                                    
Facilities;     John     Bitney,    Legislative     Council,                                                                    
Representative  John  Harris;   Representative  Carl  Gatto;                                                                    
Thomas Reiker, Student Intern, Representative Carl Gatto                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
John Bringhurst,  Administrator, Petersburg  Medical Center,                                                                    
Petersburg;  Ryan Smith,  CEO,  Central Peninsula  Hospital,                                                                    
Soldotna; Evangelyn Dotomain, President & CEO, Alaska                                                                           
Native Health Board                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SUMMARY                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
HB 306    STATE ENERGY POLICY                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
          SCS CSHB 306 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee                                                                      
          with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN                                                                      
          1 House Energy Committee.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB 357    AK RAILROAD CORP. LAND SALES                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
          CSHB 357 (fin) was REPORTED out of Committee with                                                                     
          a "do pass" recommendation, with a Letter of                                                                          
          Intent, and with indeterminate FN 1 CED.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB 365    FISH PROCESSOR FEES, LICENSES, RECORDS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
          HB  365  was REPORTED  out  of  Committee with  no                                                                    
          recommendation, with a Letter  of Intent, and with                                                                    
          two previously  published zero fiscal notes:  FN 1                                                                    
          DFG and FN 2 REV.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 126    EXTEND/RESUME STATE CUSTODY OF CHILDREN                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
          CSHB 126 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with                                                                     
          a "do pass" recommendation and with three                                                                             
          previously published fiscal notes: DHS 4, DHS 5                                                                       
          and DHS 6.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
HB 184    DEBT AUTHORIZATION FOR UNIVERSITY                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
          HB 184 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do                                                                       
          pass" recommendation and with zero FN 1 UA.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
HB 421    PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SALARIES                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          HB 421 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do                                                                       
          pass" recommendation and with three previously                                                                        
          published fiscal notes: FN 2 CRT, FN 3 OMB, and                                                                       
          FN 4 LEG.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB 226    NAMING VETERANS' WAY IN MAT-SU                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
          CSHB 226 (TRA) was REPORTED out of Committee with                                                                     
          a "do pass" recommendation and with FN 2 DOT.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
HB 90     AIDEA: BONDING/TAXATION/RECORDS                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          SCS CSHB 90 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee                                                                       
          with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new                                                                        
          zero fiscal note by the Department of Commerce,                                                                       
          Community and Economic Development.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HB 73     FIREFIGHTER/EMT LICENSE PLATES                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
          SCS CSHB 73 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee                                                                       
          with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN                                                                      
          2 ADM.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 416    PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
          HB 416 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do                                                                       
          pass" recommendation and with two previously                                                                          
          published zero fiscal notes: FN 1 LAW and FN 2                                                                        
          UA.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HB 50     LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
          HB 50 was heard and HELD in Committee for further                                                                     
          consideration.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
HB 363    AIDEA MEMBERSHIP                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
          HB 363 was heard and HELD in Committee for                                                                            
          further consideration.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 70     ALASKA GROWN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
          CSHB 70  (FIN) was REPORTED out  of Committee with                                                                    
          a   "do   pass"   recommendation  and   with   two                                                                    
          previously published  fiscal notes: zero FN  3 EED                                                                    
          and FN 4 DNR.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
HB 345    SAM SCHUYLER MEMORIAL BRIDGE                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
          HB 345 was heard and HELD in Committee for                                                                            
          further consideration.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HJR 45    OPPOSE FEDERAL CAP AND TRADE LEGISLATION                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          CSHJR 45 (FIN)am was REPORTED out of Committee                                                                        
          with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero FN                                                                      
          2 LEG.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
11:39:28 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 306(RES)                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act declaring a state energy policy."                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman noted  it was  the second  hearing on  the                                                                    
bill.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
11:41:39 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman  MOVED to  adopt  the  SCS for  CSHB  306,                                                                    
labeled 26-LS1049\N.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
DARWIN  PETERSON,  STAFF,  CO-CHAIR STEDMAN,  explained  the                                                                    
changes  in the  new SCS.  Fifteen words  were deleted  from                                                                    
Version  M, page  2, lines  24 and  25. The  words "and  for                                                                    
export  of power  that is  surplus  to the  needs of  Alaska                                                                    
communities" were  deleted. The  intent is  to see  that the                                                                    
needs  of  Southeast  communities   being  served  by  hydro                                                                    
electricity are not first, before exporting is considered.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mr. Peterson reported  that the second change is  on page 3,                                                                    
line   22,   the   word  "national"   was   deleted   before                                                                    
"emissions". At a previous hearing  there was testimony that                                                                    
it might be problematic for the  state to be tied to federal                                                                    
standards.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman WITHDREW  his  objection.  There being  NO                                                                    
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED  to report SCS CSHB 306  (FIN) out of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying fiscal  note. There being NO  OBJECTION, it was                                                                    
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
11:43:40 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 357(FIN)                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to the sale of land owned by the                                                                          
     Alaska Railroad that is not necessary for railroad                                                                         
     purposes."                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman noted  it was  the second  hearing on  the                                                                    
bill  and that  there  was  one zero  fiscal  note from  the                                                                    
Department    of   Commerce,    Community,   and    Economic                                                                    
Development. There is also a  Letter Intent that was adopted                                                                    
by the House.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman MOVED  to  report CSHB  357  (FIN) out  of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying  fiscal  note and  a  Letter  of Intent.  There                                                                    
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CSHB  357 (fin)  was REPORTED  out of  Committee with  a "do                                                                    
pass" recommendation, with a Letter of  Intent,   and   with                                                                    
indeterminate FN 1 CED.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
11:44:52 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 365                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to sharing records regarding fish                                                                         
     purchased by fish processors with certain federal                                                                          
     agencies, to requirements to obtain and maintain a                                                                         
     fisheries business license, and to payment of industry                                                                     
     fees required of fish processors; and providing for an                                                                     
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman  noted  two zero  fiscal  notes  from  the                                                                    
Department of  Revenue and from  the Department of  Fish and                                                                    
Game and a Letter of Intent which was adopted by the House.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to  report HB  365 out  of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
notes and a  Letter of Intent. There being  NO OBJECTION, it                                                                    
was so ordered.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB   365   was   REPORTED   out   of   Committee   with   no                                                                    
recommendation,  with  a  Letter  of Intent,  and  with  two                                                                    
previously published  zero fiscal notes:  FN 1 DFG and  FN 2                                                                    
REV.                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 126(FIN)                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to extensions and resumptions of                                                                          
     state custody of children; and providing for an                                                                            
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
11:46:09 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman listed  the three  fiscal  notes from  the                                                                    
Department  of  Health  and  Social  Services.  One  is  for                                                                    
children's service management for  $130,700 in general funds                                                                    
and $73,500  in federal match;  one for foster  care special                                                                    
needs for  $38,000 in  general funds  and $2,200  in federal                                                                    
match; and  one for  foster care base  rate for  $186,800 in                                                                    
general funds and $37,200 in federal match.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman MOVED  to  report CSHB  126  (FIN) out  of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying fiscal notes. There  being NO OBJECTION, it was                                                                    
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
CSHB  126 (FIN)  was REPORTED  out of  Committee with  a "do                                                                    
pass"  recommendation and  with  three previously  published                                                                    
fiscal notes: DHS 4, DHS 5 and DHS 6.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
11:46:57 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 184                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to the debt authorization of the                                                                          
     University of Alaska."                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman  noted  one  zero  fiscal  note  from  the                                                                    
University.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to  report HB  184 out  of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB  184 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation and with zero FN 1 UA.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
11:47:48 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 421                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to the compensation of certain public                                                                     
     officials, officers, and employees not covered by                                                                          
     collective bargaining agreements; and providing for an                                                                     
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman said  it  was the  second  hearing on  the                                                                    
bill. There are  three fiscal notes: one  from the Executive                                                                    
Branch for  $4,182,300 in FY  11, one from the  Court System                                                                    
for $1,346,000  in FY 11,  and one from the  Legislature for                                                                    
$741,800 in FY 11. All three  fiscal notes will double in FY                                                                    
12.                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to  report HB  421 out  of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB  421 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation  and with  three previously  published fiscal                                                                    
notes: FN 2 CRT, FN 3 OMB, and FN 4 LEG.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 226(TRA)                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act renaming Seldon Road and that portion of                                                                           
     Bogard Road that extends between Palmer and Meadow                                                                         
     Lakes as Veterans' Way."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
11:49:21 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman  noted one fiscal note  from the Department                                                                    
of Transportation for $8,500 in general funds.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman MOVED  to  report CSHB  226  (TRA) out  of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying fiscal  note. There being NO  OBJECTION, it was                                                                    
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
CSHB  226 (TRA)  was REPORTED  out of  Committee with  a "do                                                                    
pass" recommendation and with FN 2 DOT.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
11:49:56 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 90(FIN)                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
     "An   Act   relating   to   bonding   limitations   and                                                                    
     confidentiality of records and information of the                                                                          
     Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority;                                                                        
     relating to municipal taxation of interests in certain                                                                     
     property of the Alaska Industrial Development and                                                                          
     Export Authority; providing for an effective date by                                                                       
     amending the effective date of sec. 3, ch. 117, SLA                                                                        
     2000, as amended by sec. 2, ch. 74, SLA 2003, and by                                                                       
     sec. 3, ch. 67, SLA 2008; and providing for an                                                                             
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                              
Co-Chair  Stedman said  it  was the  second  hearing on  the                                                                    
bill. He noted one new  zero fiscal note from the Department                                                                    
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1:                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
     Page 3, following line 16                                                                                                  
     Insert"*SEC.8. The uncodified law of the State of                                                                          
    Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                                          
     RETROACTIVITY. The amendment in sec. 7 of this Act is                                                                      
     retroactive to November 30, 2009."                                                                                         
     Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                          
     Page 3, line 17, following "effect"                                                                                        
     Delete all material.                                                                                                       
     Insert "immediately under AS 01.10.070(c)."                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson  informed the committee  that HB  10 addresses                                                                    
the  Delong  Mountain  Transportation  System.  There  is  a                                                                    
perception  that  there  may  be a  gap  in  services.  This                                                                    
amendment  fixes  the  gap  and   makes  it  retroactive  to                                                                    
November 30, 2009.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman WITHDREW  his  objection.  There being  NO                                                                    
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman  MOVED to  report  CSHB  90 (FIN)  out  of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying fiscal  note. There being NO  OBJECTION, it was                                                                    
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 90  (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee  with a "do                                                                    
pass" recommendation and with a  new zero fiscal note by the                                                                    
Department of Commerce,  Community        and       Economic                                                                    
Development.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN)                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to special fire fighter and emergency                                                                     
     medical service provider license plates; and providing                                                                     
     for an effective date."                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman MOVED  to ADOPT  a  new SCS  for CSHB  73,                                                                    
labeled 26-LS0303\W.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman explained that  the CS incorporates some of                                                                    
the suggestions provided by the  director of the Division of                                                                    
Motor Vehicles.  The unnecessary reference  to commemorative                                                                    
plates has been  deleted and the biannual fee  has also been                                                                    
deleted.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman WITHDREW  his  objection.  There being  NO                                                                    
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
11:53:20 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to report  SCS CSHB 73 (FIN)  out of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying fiscal  note. There being NO  OBJECTION, it was                                                                    
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 73  (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee  with a "do                                                                    
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 2 ADM.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
11:54:05 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 416                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act adopting and relating to the Uniform Prudent                                                                       
     Management of Institutional Funds Act; relating to the                                                                     
     investment of money for charitable purposes by                                                                             
     institutions, including governmental institutions; and                                                                     
     relating to the University of Alaska."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman noted  it was  the second  hearing on  the                                                                    
bill.  He  reported two  zero  fiscal  notes, one  from  the                                                                    
Department of Law and one from the University.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
11:54:20 AM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to  report HB  416 out  of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB  416 was  REPORTED  out  of Committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation  and  with   two  previously  published  zero                                                                    
fiscal notes: FN 1 LAW and FN 2 UA.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
AT-EASE        11:54:54 AM                                                                                                    
RECONVENED     11:55:36 AM                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50(FIN)                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to limitations on mandatory overtime                                                                      
     for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in                                                                     
     health care facilities; and providing for an effective                                                                     
     date."                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman noted  it  was the  first  hearing on  the                                                                    
bill.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  PEGGY WILSON,  SPONSOR,  explained that  the                                                                    
purpose of the bill is to  make sure nurses get enough rest.                                                                    
Nurses  are  working  excessive hours  without  enough  rest                                                                    
which creates  an unsafe work  environment for  patients and                                                                    
for  nurses.  The  bill would  create  a  standardized  work                                                                    
environment across  the state.  The bill has  provisions for                                                                    
emergencies, inclement  weather, natural disasters,  and on-                                                                    
going procedures.  She shared information  about legislation                                                                    
in  other   states,  of  which   15  have   adopted  similar                                                                    
requirements.  The legislation  sets  a  14-hour work  limit                                                                    
with a  10 hour rest  period. She maintained that  nurses in                                                                    
Alaska  are working  excessive hours  of  overtime, most  of                                                                    
which  are  mandated.  Nurses from  throughout  Alaska  have                                                                    
provided  testimony that  this  legislation  is needed.  She                                                                    
noted   that  her   staff  was   prepared  to   explain  the                                                                    
differences  between the  Senate and  House versions  of the                                                                    
bill. She urged the committee to move the bill.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
12:01:28 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman noted  three  zero fiscal  notes from  the                                                                    
Department   of  Health   and   Social   Services  and   one                                                                    
indeterminate  note   from  the  Department  of   Labor  and                                                                    
Workforce Development.  He said that  the bill is not  a new                                                                    
issue.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
12:02:31 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
JOHN BRINGHURST,  ADMINISTRATOR, PETERSBURG  MEDICAL CENTER,                                                                    
PETERSBURG (via teleconference),  testified in opposition to                                                                    
HB 50. He listed reasons for  his concerns. He thought HB 50                                                                    
contained  onerous  reporting   requirements.  He  explained                                                                    
mandatory call, which is used  to staff emergency rooms. The                                                                    
bill  would force  the end  of mandatory  call and  cost the                                                                    
hospital around $470,000 a year.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson referred  to page 3 of the  bill, an exemption                                                                    
for  rural communities,  and asked  if Petersburg  qualifies                                                                    
for  it.  Mr.  Bringhurst  understood that  it  exempts  the                                                                    
hospital for short periods only.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
12:05:58 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
RYAN SMITH,  CEO, CENTRAL PENINSULA HOSPITAL,  SOLDOTNA (via                                                                    
teleconference), testified in opposition  to the bill, which                                                                    
he termed a labor bill. He  explained that the bill has many                                                                    
patient exclusions and  only contains reporting requirements                                                                    
for  hospitals,  not  nurses. He  also  discussed  mandatory                                                                    
overtime.  He  predicted  unintended consequences  from  the                                                                    
bill.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
12:07:50 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
EVANGELYN DOTOMAIN,  PRESIDENT &  CEO, ALASKA  NATIVE HEALTH                                                                    
BOARD  (via  teleconference),  spoke   against  HB  50.  She                                                                    
understood that  her organization has an  exemption from the                                                                    
legislation; however, she thought  the bill would change the                                                                    
market conditions  of nursing and have  repercussions in the                                                                    
villages.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
12:09:53 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
NANCY DAVIS, PRESIDENT,  ALASKA NURSES ASSOCIATION, stressed                                                                    
that  patient safety  is the  primary benefit  of HB  50, in                                                                    
addition to benefits to nurses.  She testified in support of                                                                    
HB 50 from a nurse's viewpoint.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
12:11:35 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
ROD  BETIT, CEO,  ALASKA STATE  HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION,  spoke                                                                    
against  the legislation.  He  reported that  26  out of  27                                                                    
facilities in the  state do not support the  bill. He agreed                                                                    
that safety  was a  prime concern  for his  organization. He                                                                    
disagreed with items in the bill.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
12:13:09 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
LAUREE  HUGONIN  MORTON,   JUNEAU,  maintained  that  nurses                                                                    
should  not  work extensive  hours.  She  shared a  personal                                                                    
experience. She testified  in support of HB  50. She thought                                                                    
the limit of hours worked should be eight.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
12:16:50 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
MARY STACKHOUSE,  REGISTERED NURSE, JUNEAU,  shared personal                                                                    
experiences. She spoke strongly in favor of HB 50.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
12:19:02 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
DEBBIE   THOMPSON,   EXECUTIVE   DIRECTOR,   ALASKA   NURSES                                                                    
ASSOCIATION, urged the committee to  pass the bill. She read                                                                    
a  paragraph from  a newspaper  article which  supported her                                                                    
beliefs.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
12:20:07 PM                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
BARBARA HUFF  TUCKNESS, TEAMSTERS LOCAL 959,  spoke in favor                                                                    
of  HB  50. She  requested  that  all nurses  and  physician                                                                    
assistants receive protection  through collective bargaining                                                                    
agreements.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB  50  was   heard  and  HELD  in   Committee  for  further                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
AT-EASE        12:21:56 PM                                                                                                    
RECONVENED     1:43:28 PM                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 363                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to the membership of the Alaska                                                                         
     Industrial Development and Export Authority."                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
ROB EARL,  STAFF REPRESENTATIVE BOB HERON,  testified to the                                                                    
details  of   the  bill.  He   explained  that   the  Alaska                                                                    
Industrial  Development and  Export Authority  (AIDEA) is  a                                                                    
public development  finance corporation whose mission  is to                                                                    
promote economic  development in Alaska by  various means of                                                                    
financing  and  investment.  It   fulfills  its  mission  by                                                                    
providing  Alaskans with  long-term financing  options at  a                                                                    
reasonable cost. Each  year 25 percent to 50  percent of the                                                                    
return on AIDEA's assets is  redistributed back to the state                                                                    
general  fund as  a dividend.  This year  that dividend  was                                                                    
about $23 million.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
1:45:09 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Mr.  Earl related  that  the bill  changes  the AIDEA  Board                                                                    
membership,  which   also  serves   as  the   Alaska  Energy                                                                    
Authority (AEA)  Board. He detailed  the current  make-up of                                                                    
the board which consists  of five members: the commissioners                                                                    
of  the   Department  of  Revenue  and   the  Department  of                                                                    
Commerce,    Community   and    Economic   Development,    a                                                                    
discretionary  commissioner   appointed  by   the  governor,                                                                    
currently   the   commissioner    of   the   Department   of                                                                    
Transportation  and   Public  Facilities,  and   two  public                                                                    
members,  also appointed  by the  governor. The  legislation                                                                    
would increase  the board  by three  more public  members in                                                                    
order to increase the voice  of the private sector. The bill                                                                    
expands  the  board from  five  to  seven members  and  also                                                                    
stipulates  public members  must possess  business and,  or,                                                                    
industry expertise  and leadership skills. The  expansion to                                                                    
seven  members  would  give   AIDEA  more  flexibility  when                                                                    
forming  subcommittees,  more   diverse  experience  on  the                                                                    
board, and broader geographical representation.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
1:47:03 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman  noted  one  zero  fiscal  note  from  the                                                                    
Department of  Commerce, Community and  Economic Development                                                                    
for $22,800 in AIDEA receipts.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
HB 363 was Heard and Held in committee for further review.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
1:48:02 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE BILL NO. 345                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act designating the bridge to be built on the                                                                          
     Dalton Highway at approximately mile post 308 as the                                                                       
     Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge."                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
JANE  PIERSON, CHIEF  OF STAFF,  REPRESENTATIVE JAY  RAMRAS,                                                                    
SPONSOR, testified to  the details of the  bill. She related                                                                    
that the  bill would  give the  name "Sam  Schuyler Memorial                                                                    
Bridge" to  a bridge that will  be built at Milepost  308 on                                                                    
the  Dalton   Highway.  Sam   Schuyler  was   a  well-loved,                                                                    
respected  Alaska Department  of  Transportation and  Public                                                                    
Facilities employee  who spent his entire  career working on                                                                    
the Dalton  Highway. Sam exhibited a  spirited tenacity that                                                                    
set him apart from his peers.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
1:49:44 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Stedman  noted  one  zero  fiscal  note  from  the                                                                    
Department of  Transportation and Public  Facilities because                                                                    
the  cost   of  the   sign  has   been  budgeted   into  the                                                                    
construction of the bridge.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
MARY    SIROKY,   LEGISLATIVE    LIAISON,   DEPARTMENT    OF                                                                    
TRANSPORTATION  AND PUBLIC  FACILITIES,  testified that  the                                                                    
department  supports the  bill. She  referred to  letters of                                                                    
support for the bill.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
HB 345 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further review.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
AT EASE        1:50:51 PM                                                                                                     
RECONVENED     1:51:28 PM                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45(FIN) am                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
     Urging the United States Congress not to enact Cap and                                                                     
     Trade legislation.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
JOHN  BITNEY,   LEGISLATIVE  COUNCIL,   REPRESENTATIVE  JOHN                                                                    
HARRIS, shared  that the resolution expresses  opposition to                                                                    
legislation  being  contemplated   in  Congress  that  would                                                                    
establish a cap and trade  program. The bill is sponsored by                                                                    
Representative  Stoltz  and   eighteen  co-sponsors  in  the                                                                    
House.  The  concern  is  the  impact  on  the  economy.  He                                                                    
reported  that  a  hybrid  version  of  the  bill  would  be                                                                    
introduced by  the end of  the month and  contain provisions                                                                    
that would increase the taxes on gasoline.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
1:53:40 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman questioned  if  Congress  would listen  to                                                                    
this resolution.  Mr. Bitney replied  that the voice  of the                                                                    
state held weight concerning the issue.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman pointed out a zero fiscal note.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman  MOVED to  report HJR  45 out  of Committee                                                                    
with individual recommendations  and the accompanying fiscal                                                                    
note. There being no OBJECTION it was so ordered.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
CSHJR 45  (FIN)am was REPORTED  out of Committee with  a "do                                                                    
pass" recommendation and with zero FN 2 LEG.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
1:56:04 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 70(FIN)                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act establishing the farm-to-school program in the                                                                     
     Department of Natural Resources, and relating to                                                                           
     school gardens, greenhouses, and farms."                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE CARL  GATTO, testified  to the intent  of the                                                                    
legislation which  is to set  up an organization  within the                                                                    
Department of Agriculture to encourage  schools to buy local                                                                    
products and  grow agricultural products. It  also addresses                                                                    
the   issue  of   obesity.  The   bill   has  been   reduced                                                                    
significantly in order to lessen the fiscal note.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
THOMAS  REIKER, STUDENT  INTERN, REPRESENTATIVE  CARL GATTO,                                                                    
urged support  for the bill.  He believed that the  bill was                                                                    
good  for the  state.  He said  that  the legislation  could                                                                    
improve the  health and wellbeing  of Alaska's  students and                                                                    
would create a new job market.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair   Hoffman  asked   if  students   should  be   also                                                                    
encouraged to eat Alaska salmon.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Representative Gatto  spoke of  an attempted trade  of goods                                                                    
with the state of Washington.  The shipping proved to be too                                                                    
expensive.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
2:00:03 PM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Stedman pointed out the  fiscal notes and solicited                                                                    
final comments.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair  Hoffman  MOVED to  report  CSHB  70 (FIN)  out  of                                                                    
Committee   with   individual    recommendations   and   the                                                                    
accompanying fiscal  notes. There being no  OBJECTION it was                                                                    
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
CSHB 70 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do                                                                          
pass" recommendation and two previously published fiscal                                                                        
notes: zero FN 3 EED and FN 4 DNR.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
ADJOURNMENT                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The meeting was adjourned at 2:01 PM.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

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