Legislature(2001 - 2002)
05/06/2001 09:20 AM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 06, 2001
9:20 A.M.
TAPES
SFC-01 # 98, Side A
SFC 01 # 98, Side B
SFC 01 # 99, Side A
SFC 01 # 99, Side B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Pete Kelly convened the meeting at approximately 9:20 A.M.
PRESENT
Senator Dave Donley, Co-Chair
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Alan Austerman
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donald Olson
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Gary Wilken
Also Attending: REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN PORTER; REPRESENTATIVE NORMAN
ROKEBERG; NICO BUS, Administrative Services Manager, Division of
Support Services, Department of Natural Resources; JOHN MANLEY,
Staff, Representative John Harris; ELMER LINDSTROM, Special
Assistant, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Health and
Social Services; CATHERINE REARDON, Director, Division of
Occupational Licensing, Department of Community and Economic
Development; ED SASSER, Tobacco Enforcement Coordinator, Division
of Public Health, Department of Health & Social Services; DOUG
WOOLIVER, Administrative Attorney, Office of the Administrative
Director, Alaska Court System; BRUCE JOHNSON, Commissioner,
Department of Education & Early Development; TOM WRIGHT, Staff,
Speaker of the House, Representative Brian Porter; MIKE TIBBLES,
Staff, Representative Williams.
Attending via Teleconference: From Anchorage: BLAIR MCCUNE, Deputy
Director, Public Defender Agency, Department of Administration,
Anchorage; Lieutenant Dunnagan, Department of Public Safety.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SB 186-MUNICIPAL TAX:PIPELINE PROP/G.O.BOND DEBT
Following discussion, CS SB 186 (FIN) was reported out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with a fiscal note by the
Senate Finance Committee and the Department of Revenue.
HB 8-LEGIS.PIONEER ROAD DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE
Following a brief discussion, SCS CS HB 8(TRA) was reported out of
Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal note #1
by the Legislative Council, #2 by Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities and a new note by the Department of Community &
Economic Development.
HB 32-SEX CRIME AND PORNOGRAPHY FORFEITURES
Following clarification, SCS CS HB 32(JUD) was reported out of
Committee with "no recommendation" and with fiscal note #1 by the
Alaska Court System and #2 by the Department of Public Safety.
HB 71-EDUC. OF DISABLED OR GIFTED CHILDREN
Following discussion, CS HB 71 (FIN)am was reported out of
Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal note #1
by the Department of Education & Early Development.
HB 76-NEW FACILITIES FOR API
Following the adoption of Amendment #1, SCS CS SS HB 76 (FIN) was
reported out of Committee with "no recommendation" and with fiscal
note #1 by the House HESS Committee, #2 by Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities and #3 by Department of Revenue.
HB 90-MUNICIPAL SCHOOL BOND REIMBURSEMENT
Following discussion, CS HB 90 (FIN) was reported out of Committee
with "individual recommendations" and with fiscal note #1 by
Department of Education & Early Development.
HB 108-DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES RECORDING FEES
Following discussion, HB 108 was reported out of Committee with a
"do pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal note by the
Department of Natural Resources.
HB 132-ALCOHOL:LOCAL OPTION/DWI/LICENSING
Following discussion, SCS CS HB 132(FIN) was reported out of
Committee with "no recommendations", a House Letter of Intent, and
with new fiscal notes by Department of Corrections (2 total),
Department of Law, Department of Health & Social Services (2
total), the Alaska Court System, and the Department of
Administration (2 total).
HB 172-THERAPEUTIC COURTS/ SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
Following discussion, SCS CS HB 172(FIN) was reported out of
Committee with "no recommendation" and with fiscal notes #2 by the
Department of Corrections, #5 by Department of Health & Social
Services, #8 by the Department of Law and new notes by the Alaska
Court System and the Department of Administration.
HB 179-UNDERAGE DRINKING & DRUG OFFENSES
Following introduction and discussion, CS HB 179(FIN) was reported
out of Committee with a "no recommendation" and with fiscal notes
#2 by the Department of Corrections, #5, #6 & #10 by the Department
of Health & Social Services, #8 by Department of Administration, #9
by the Alaska Court System, and #11 by the Department of Law.
HB 228-SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Following discussion, CS HB 228 (FIN) was reported out of Committee
with "no recommendation" and with new fiscal notes by the
Department of Community & Economic Development, Department of Law,
and the Department of Health & Social Services.
HB 234-TOBACCO SETTLEM'T:BONDS & SMOKING PROGRAM
Following Committee discussion, SCS CS HB 234(FIN) was reported out
of Committee with a "no recommendation" and with two fiscal notes
by the Department of Revenue.
HB 250-OPERATING BUDGET MISSIONS AND MEASURES
Following discussion, SCS CS HB 250 (FIN) was reported out of
Committee with "no recommendation" and with fiscal note #1 by the
House Finance Committee.
HOUSE BILL NO. 108
"An Act relating to the accounting for and appropriation of
fees for recording and related services by the Department of
Natural Resources; and providing for an effective date."
NICO BUS, Administrative Services Manager, Division of Support
Services, Department of Natural Resources, indicated that HB 108
would set up an account within the general fund and that it would
require the Recorder's Office to submit that annual operating and
capital budget for Legislative appropriation. He added that the
legislation was patterned after HB 418, in which, similarly
situated programs had been switched to a Receipt Support Service
funding source.
Mr. Bus commented that the Recorder's Office collects approximately
$4 million dollars in fees from customers. Currently the $2.4
million dollars in that office is used strictly for that office's
business. There are fourteen offices in the State, eleven of which
are paid for by that budget. Three of the offices are still
located in the Court System. The facility grant is paid for by the
Department of Administration. The intent of the bill is to
establish a stable funding source.
Co-Chair Kelly noted that last year, the concern had been discussed
through SB 119. He inquired if Committee members believed that the
request could fall within the category of receipts support
services.
Co-Chair Donley questioned the reasons why it had not been
transferred into that classification before.
Mr. Bus explained that last year there was legislation which was
attempting to change the way that recording in the State is done.
Since the legislation has been passed, the Division would like to
change the funding source from program receipts to receipt
supported services.
Co-Chair Donley asked if the $150,000 increase would be necessary.
Mr. Bus explained that funding was needed in order to maintain the
basic level of operation.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if that had been discussed during the budget
process.
Mr. Bus responded that it had been discussed in the budget process
and also in Subcommittee. Because of the legislation, a decision
was made to address these needs through a fiscal note.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if Senator Leman, who was the Chair of the
Natural Resources Subcommittee agreed with that ascertation.
Senator Leman acknowledged that he did.
Co-Chair Donley referenced the two fiscal notes. He asked if the
th
fiscal note dated April 25 would replace the note from February.
Mr. Bus acknowledged that it would.
Co-Chair Donley interjected that he supported changing the fund
source, however, thought it should be handled through the
subcommittee process.
Co-Chair Kelly observed that the Subcommittee had not prioritized
that concern with the understanding that it would be addressed
through a fiscal note.
Senator Leman noted that he did not remember. He agreed to go back
and check those conversations and requested an at-ease.
AT EASE 9:30 AM/ 9:42 AM
Senator Leman stated that the Subcommittee had recommended funding
at the Governor's requested level. In the slow-track supplemental,
the Subcommittee recommended a $100 thousand dollar increase.
During the Subcommittee process, the increased costs were discussed
and it was decided that it should be taken care of through a fiscal
note.
Co-Chair Kelly recommended that only $75,000 of the requested
fiscal note be funded.
Co-Chair Donley recommended that in the future, the subcommittees
should not structure budgets based on increased requests in the
fiscal notes.
Co-Chair Donley moved to adopt a new fiscal note, reflecting the
$75,000 dollar increase. There being no objection, a change to the
fiscal note was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Donley moved to report HB 108 out of Committee with
individual recommendations and with the amended fiscal note. There
was no objection.
HB 108 MOVED from Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and
with a new fiscal note by the Department of Natural Resources.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 228(FIN)
"An Act relating to the accounting of fees from business
license endorsements for tobacco products, to the disclosure
of certain confidential cigarette and tobacco product
information, to notification regarding a cigarette
manufacturer's noncompliance with the tobacco product Master
Settlement Agreement, to business license endorsements for
sale of tobacco products, to citations and penalties for
illegal sales of tobacco products; and providing for an
effective date."
JOHN MANLEY, Staff, Representative John Harris, advised that Alaska
has a problem with the selling of tobacco products to kids. In a
recent survey of tobacco retailers initiated by Department of
Health & Social Services, it was determined that nearly 2/3 of
vendors in rural Alaska sold tobacco products to children, while
more than 1/3 of those vendors did in urban Alaska did.
HB 228 seeks to derail some of the ever-growing problems associated
with tobacco sales to minors and the consequences that should occur
by "beefing" up enforcement of State laws prohibiting those sales
to minors.
Mr. Manley continued, the bill would increase revenues from tobacco
vendors to help pay for enforcement efforts by raising the fee for
a tobacco endorsement on a business license from $25 to $100
dollars. It would also require a separate endorsement for each
location at which a retailer sells tobacco products. Current law
requires only requires one endorsement, regardless of how many
locations or outlets a business has in which it can sell tobacco.
Mr. Manley concluded that the bill adds language to allow the
Department of Revenue to keep better track of compliance with the
tobacco settlement.
Co-Chair Kelly understood that there was no language in the bill
which kept vendors from being in compliance with federal
regulations. He then referenced the fiscal note.
ELMER LINDSTROM, Special Assistant, Department of Health and Social
Services, Department of Health and Social Services, stated that the
standard non-compliance penalty would be the $1.5 million dollars
which is 40% of the substance abuse block grant. Congress, several
months ago, passed legislation that would allow for an alternative
penalty. That penalty clarifies that it would be based on the
amount of the block grant and the percentage out of compliance.
That number could satisfy the penalty. The fiscal note number
really reflects the alternative penalty amount and is not an
arbitrary figure. He believed that with these resources, the
compliance rate could be brought down. He stated that the funds
would be put to good use.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if the amount of funding was associated with
the statutes. He asked if the federal government was asking the
State to place $485 thousand dollars into enforcement.
Mr. Lindstrom explained that there is a formula. For every
percentage which the State is out of compliance, would be applied
against the total block grant. That amount would generate the
amount of new resources needed to satisfy the alternative and that
is the amount reflected in the fiscal note. He reiterated that
those expenditures would be used for good purposes.
Co-Chair Kelly asked how much of the $487 thousand dollars would be
associated with the new law being created.
Mr. Lindstrom advised that those funds would be used for a number
of new purposes which relate to the enforcement program. He added
that the Department of Health & Social Services portion of the $487
thousand dollars would fund the activities in the Department of Law
related to the suspension of tobacco endorsements and fund all the
activities in the Division of Occupational Licensing to pursue
those suspensions.
Mr. Lindstrom added that the Department would like to be able to
fund merchant education in order to train clerks and retailers to
not sell tobacco to minors.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if the enforcement could be funded without the
use of statutes.
Mr. Lindstrom agreed it could. He explained that the bill involves
many agencies coming to the table to address the situation
statewide. He stressed that the bill would be meaningful in
streamlining that process in order to have a better enforcement
program.
Co-Chair Kelly thought that within the bill, the fiscal note would
be creating the statute.
Senator Green inquired the process used to determine the State's
compliance rate.
Mr. Lindstrom advised that under federal law, the State of Alaska
is required every year to get a random sample from outlets, paid
for endorsement for their business license to sell tobacco. A
random sample is taken from that database and then the Division is
charged with providing a compliance check. The State works with
the local police departments; it hires minors to go and attempt to
buy tobacco. He reiterated that the compliance rate statewide is
unacceptable at 34%. The goal and target is 20%.
Senator Green inquired if Alaska uses the same procedures as other
states.
Mr. Lindstrom thought that it was. He clarified that it is what is
required under federal law. However, how it is addressed probably
varies from state to state.
Mr. Lindstrom interjected that there are several aspects of the
bill waiting for the master tobacco settlement.
Senator Green questioned if this year's fiscal request would
represent that which was intended to be used for next year.
Mr. Lindstrom stated that it would be an annual federal
requirement. He thought that the State would likely be found in
non-compliance next year, based on the check from last fall. Until
the concern is addressed, this will continue to be an annual
problem. The federal government is getting more rigorous in
defining the law.
AT EASE 10:01 AM/10:10 AM
Senator Green asked if the report regarding the location data had
been distributed.
Mr. Lindstrom noted that he would research that and would provide
the information to Committee members.
Senator Austerman asked why there had been no change in the
compliance.
Mr. Lindstrom explained that Alaska simply has not enforced the
statues consistently. Because there are so many agencies involved,
making progress in any given year, is dependent on personalities.
Some police are attempting to make it work. He stressed that there
must be interest on the local level. And the State has not done a
very good job.
Senator Green voiced frustration that laws adopted six to seven
years ago are not currently being enforced, and now, more funding
was being requested for further enforcement. She did not foresee a
change unless law enforcement becomes more aggressive.
LIEUTENANT DUNNAGAN, Department of Public Safety, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and offered to answer questions of
the Committee. He noted that the Department of Public Safety has
taken up a new interest in the problem. Presently, officers do
write tickets to juveniles that are smoking, however, it is "hit
and miss" based on the attitude of certain officers. He believed
that this was a correctable problem.
Co-Chair Donley referenced fiscal note #4, Department of Community
& Economic Development. He asked about the FY02 change in revenues
requesting additional licensing fees.
CATHERINE REARDON, Director, Division of Occupational Licensing,
Department of Community and Economic Development, explained that
the bill changes the law to require each outlet to have an
endorsement. Current law provides for each business to have only
one endorsement. Under the proposed bill, each business will need
five endorsements. She stated that the Division will be busy
selling more endorsements.
Ms. Reardon pointed out that the first section of the bill
clarifies that the receipts would be deposited and that the
Division would not be spending those receipts.
Senator Donley inquired where they would be deposited.
Mr. Lindstrom pointed out that in the Department of Health & Social
Services fiscal note, in the out years, those designated receipts
would be indicated as revenue.
Co-Chair Donley asked if that was intended to reduce what was taken
from the tobacco settlement.
Mr. Lindstrom explained that originally, it had been submitted as
general funds. The House Finance Committee changed that to the
Tobacco Settlement Funds.
ED SASSER, Tobacco Enforcement Coordinator, Division of Public
Health, Department of Health & Social Services, noted that the at
present time, the State does not know how many tobacco vendors
there are. The police departments do maintain a database. The
bill would help the State to identify who is selling tobacco
statewide. The endorsement fee would assist with enforcement
activity by increasing revenue. The enforcement authority in the
bill would help the State cover the areas that the troopers cannot
get to. It would be most efficient to continue to contract with
the police departments throughout the State as they are currently
doing the best job. It has not been the intent to create a new
infrastructure. Mr. Sasser pointed out that the State is starting
to see good results. He believed that there are certain
methodologies that the State can use for a statewide tobacco
enforcement program to bring it into a compliance ratio.
Co-Chair Donley offered a motion to report CS HB 228(FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendation and with the accompanying
fiscal notes.
Senator Leman indicated that the fiscal notes show the expense as
on going. He asked what would happen if Alaska reached its' goal
of 20%.
Mr. Lindstrom believed that the State could make good progress in
the future. Enforcement is only one piece of a comprehensive
tobacco control program. When the State does not need to spend the
money on enforcement, there are other elements of a control program
that would suggest to be appropriate and that the Legislature would
be able at that time to revisit the issue. He assumed that for the
next few years, the requested amount would be the level of
expenditure needed.
Co-Chair Donley withdrew his motion to move the bill from
Committee. There being no objection, the motion was withdrawn.
Co-Chair Kelly recommended a sunset clause so that the bill would
come before the Committee for review at a certain time.
Senator Leman reiterated his concerns, questioning how the out-
years could create the best use of the State's money.
Mr. Lindstrom acknowledged that point was well taken.
Co-Chair Kelly recommended that the Committee zero out the fiscal
note for the out years.
Co-Chair Donley thought that the Administration would use the
fiscal notes to their advantage. He agreed that they should be
zeroed out. Senator Donley recommended adding a Letter of Intent
on the Senate Floor, which would state that if the State comes into
compliance, the program should be phased out.
Senator Leman interjected if it was not phased out, it should then
be revisited to determine if that would be the best use of the
State's money.
SFC 01 # 98, Side B 10:27 AM
Co-Chair Kelly recommended zeroing out the fiscal note and adding a
Letter of Intent.
Senator Green thought that the penalty was still in "limbo".
Mr. Lindstrom advised that the federal requirements are evolving.
He thought that perhaps over time, the component could be made into
a separate category.
Senator Austerman noted that if the Legislation required an annual
report, then the concern would come back to the Legislature every
year.
Co-Chair Kelly thought that would be addressed in Intent Language.
Co-Chair Kelly MOVED to zero out the fiscal note for FY2005 and
draft intent language for the Senator floor.
Co-Chair Donley referenced fiscal note #2, pointing out a civil
position which he thought could be phased out. He pointed out that
there currently are two employees within the Division of
Occupational Licensing.
AT EASE 10:35 AM/ 10:36 AM
Co-Chair Donley moved that all spending portions of the fiscal
notes, #5, #4, #2, be zeroed out for FY2005. There being no
objection, the motion was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Donley inquired if there currently were personnel working
on the tobacco endorsements.
Ms. Reardon replied there are.
Co-Chair Donley questioned the necessity of adding a new clerk.
Ms. Reardon explained that volume was being increased. She stated
that it would be "good" if the Division became more proactive,
stressing that to date, the Division has been very passive.
Co-Chair Donley thought the position would be a more appropriate
part-time position.
Ms. Reardon suggested that "might" be true. She thought that the
Division would need a two-year position because first, there would
be the need for the multiple endorsements. She pointed out that
half of all the businesses would need to have their endorsements
within the second year. She acknowledged that once everyone had
signed up, there would probably be less work in the out years.
Co-Chair Donley asked if the fiscal note could designate the
investigator only in the out years. He reiterated the
recommendation for a temporary position only.
Ms. Reardon commented that the program could be re-evaluated by the
Legislature in the out years.
Co-Chair Donley offered a motion to the Division of Occupational
Licensing, Department of Community & Economic Development fiscal
note, to delete the two positions in the out years from FY2005 on,
reduce the two full-time position to one for the years FY2002-2004,
and add a temporary position for FY2002 & 2003. He added that
language should be inserted to indicate that the Legislature is
adding the temporary position to assist with the outreach database
with anticipation that once that database is built, then one person
would be able to address it.
Ms. Reardon commented that there will be convictions for sales to
minors after FY2005. If the State has any need to respond to
convictions, she would not be able to bill the applications. She
stressed that the Division needs to be able to bill the tobacco
business license program for any enforcement activity.
Co-Chair Donley restated the motion.
There being no objection, fiscal note #4 was AMENDED.
Co-Chair Kelly requested that Senator Leman draft the Letter of
Intent.
Co-Chair Kelly read proposed language for a Letter of Intent:
"It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of
Health & Social Services annual report its progress in meeting
federal compliant standards to reduce tobacco sales to
minors."
Co-Chair Donley moved to report CS HB 228(FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the amended fiscal notes.
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
CS HB 228 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with "no recommendation" and
with new fiscal notes by the Department of Community & Economic
Development, Department of Law, and the Department of Health &
Social Services.
AT EASE 10:45 AM/10:47 AM
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 172(JUD)
"An Act relating to therapeutic courts for offenders; to the
authorized number of superior court judges; and amending Rule
35, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure."
HOUSE SPEAKER REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN PORTER explained that HB 172
would establish two therapeutic court pilot projects in Anchorage
and Bethel. The courts are designed to serve as working models for
the development of other similar courts throughout the State.
The therapeutic courts are designed to:
· Assist offenders toward lasting sobriety;
· Protect society from alcohol and drug related crime;
· Provide prompt payment of restitution to victims;
· Encourage effective interaction and use of resources
among criminal justice and community agencies; and
· Reduce long-term costs relating to arrest, trial and
incarceration.
The pilot projects would be implemented through joint efforts of
the Court System, Department of Law, the Public Defender Agency,
the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health & Social
Services and other agencies in accordance with a mutually agreed
upon plan. The courts are to use existing public agencies, medical
and treatment services, housing and other public, private and non-
profit community services as well. The Bethel pilot project is
designed to coordinate services with municipal and local entities,
taking into consideration local resources and cultural traditions,
to facilitate rehabilitation.
Co-Chair Donley asked for assurance that should the therapeutic
courts go away that the number of judges would decrease. He
questioned how the bill would address that mechanism.
Representative Porter understood that the pilot program would
sunset.
Co-Chair Donley asked which section of the bill provided for the
sunset reference.
Representative Porter noted that the language was located on Page
2, Line 7.
Co-Chair Donley reiterated his concern that when the pilot program
ends, that there is no language which repeals the additional
judges.
Representative Porter reiterated that it was his understanding that
the positions would stay in effect until the sunset date. He
recommended that the Courts address that concern.
Co-Chair Kelly advised that the fiscal note indicates that the
positions stay "out into the future". He recommended that it be
revised.
DOUG WOOLIVER, Administrative Attorney, Office of the
Administrative Director, Alaska Court System, explained that now,
the way the bill reads, the judges would remain in statute. If the
Legislature wanted to sunset those positions, the language would
need to change. It is difficult to "un-seat" a sitting judge. If
the statute was changed, when a positions opens, it would not be
filled.
Co-Chair Donley recommended that a sunset provision be placed into
Section 2 of the bill.
Representative Porter commented that it would be a policy of
whether to place that language into the bill now or wait until the
end of the three years and bring it back for legislative approval.
Co-Chair Donley advised that it would take another bill to make
that change.
Mr. Wooliver discussed that the Court System supports HB 172. The
bill builds upon the pioneering work that Judge Wannamaker has done
in the district court with misdemeanor DWI's (Driving While
Intoxicated) and applies that work to felonies on DWI's. It will
address those persons with serious drinking problems who have not
responded to the current system. Both Anchorage and Bethel already
have more felony filings than they can handle. Bethel is the most
overwhelmed court in the State of Alaska handling over twice the
number of cases per judge. The extra work that comes with the
therapeutic model would be too much for the State to handle.
Mr. Wooliver added that if the two judges were brought in, the
benefit would be much broader than just the therapeutic courts work
and would allow all felony cases to work through the process more
quickly. He encouraged members to pass the bill from Committee.
AT EASE 11:00 AM / 1:21 PM
Co-Chair Kelly advised that there was an amendment being drafted
for the bill.
Mr. Wooliver reminded Committee members that the Superior Court
position in Bethel is actually an upgrade of an existing district
court position. The funding offsets that which was provided for
the district court judge.
Co-Chair Kelly clarified that the $486,000 was a net amount "over
and above", and would not create something new but rather upgrade
the current district court judge.
Mr. Wooliver affirmed that information.
Co-Chair Kelly stated that HB 172 would be HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 90(FIN)
"An Act relating to reimbursement of municipal bonds for
school construction; and providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Kelly commented that HB 90 was the technical fix to the
bonds, which had been authorized by the communities. A problem
with the date, prohibited action from being taken.
Co-Chair Kelly referenced Page 5, Line 5, the language "or 10".
Senator Hoffman noted that a proposed pending amendment would add
two schools in the Seward area, Akutan and False Pass. He
reiterated that the amendment was still pending. He advised that
those communities had already built their schools.
Amendment #1: Senator Hoffman moved to adopt. [Copy on File]. He
noted a technical change to Amendment #1 on Page 2, Line 22,
deleting "350" and inserting "290" and deleting "372" and inserting
"305".
Co-Chair Donley objected to Amendment #1. He asked if there was a
revised fiscal note indicating the cost of the change.
Senator Hoffman remembered that the cost would be 70% of the
requested $1.1 million dollars for Akutan and $1.4 million dollars
for False Pass School.
Co-Chair Donley recommended that the amendment be proposed on the
Senate Floor.
Senator Hoffman agreed and WITHDREW the motion to pass Amendment
#1.
Co-Chair Donley moved to report CS HB 90 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal
note. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
CS HB 90 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with "individual
recommendations" and with fiscal note #1 by Department of Education
& Early Development.
AT EASE 1:30 PM / 1:35 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 186
"An Act establishing a limit on the general obligation debt
that may be authorized and issued by home rule and general law
municipalities; and providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Donley pointed out the new fiscal note. He moved the note
from the Senate Finance Committee dated 5/5/01 for adoption. There
being no objection, it was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Donley moved to adopt committee substitute #22-LS0851\F,
Cook, 5/4/01 and report it out of Committee with individual
recommendations and with the adopted amended fiscal note.
Senator Olson objected. He stated that the bill was complex and
voiced concerned with the consequences of the legislation. He
noted that ex-Attorney General Avrum Gross has stated that the bill
would have a negative impact on the North Slope and the capital
improvement projects.
Senator Olson pointed out that presently, there are three villages
that do not have running water or flush toilets. There are four
villages that have incomplete water and sewer projects. He worried
about the negative effects of the proposed legislation and
reiterated his opposition to passage of the bill.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Green, Leman, Ward, Wilken, Donley, Kelly
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Olson
Senator Austerman was not present for the vote.
The motion PASSED (6-2).
CS SB 186 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with fiscal notes by the Senate Finance
Committee and the Department of Revenue.
AT EASE 1:40 PM / 1:51 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 250(FIN)
"An Act relating to missions and measures to be applied to
certain expenditures by the executive branch of state
government and the University of Alaska from the state
operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002; and
providing for an effective date."
Amendment #1: Senator Leman moved to adopt [Copy on File]. The
amendment would insert language: "Investment returns expressed in
terms of most recent 5-year and 1-year averages measured against
performance benchmarks."
There being no objection, Amendment #1 was ADOPTED.
Amendment #2: Senator Leman moved to adopt [Copy on File].
Co-Chair Donley explained that Amendment #2 would encourage that
the ASMI (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute) program maximize
Alaska resident employment. It would also encourage the Division
of Libraries, Archives, and Museums to facilitate the transfer of
library services and training to local governments. Additionally,
the amendment would suggest that the Alaska Postsecondary
Commission try to maintain competitive rates. The amendment would
request that the Division of Sport Fish, Department of Fish & Game
change the language measuring "success".
There being no objection, Amendment #2 was adopted.
SFC 01 # 99, Side A 2:03 PM
Senator Leman moved to report SCS CS HB 250 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying zero
fiscal note. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
SCS CS HB 250 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with "no recommendation"
and with a House Finance fiscal note #1.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 71(FIN) am
"An Act relating to the education of children with
disabilities and of gifted children; relating to the
Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education; and
providing for an effective date."
Senator Green stated that HB 71 was a bill requested by the
Governor. Federal education regulations took effect in May 1999.
The bill would amend inconsistent components of the State's
statutes to bring Alaska into compliance with the current federal
special education mandates, including emphasizing the participation
of parents in making decisions relating to special education
eligibility and services.
She added that an important protection provided to both school
districts and children with disabilities, was a due process
hearing. The bill claries the procedures for requesting a due
process hearing and streamlines that process for selecting a
hearing officer by having the Department of Education & Early
Development assign officers from a list maintained by the
Department.
Alaska law presently requires that a school district provide
special education services to children with disabilities who reside
in the district. State law also exempts children from attending
public school if they are enrolled in an alternative education
program. That aspect has resulted in confusion regarding which
school district of another educational agency is responsible for
providing special education services. HB 71 addresses the
allocation problems of the responsibilities and coordination for
the provision of special education services among the various
educational agencies.
BRUCE JOHNSON, Commissioner, Department of Education & Early
Development, voiced support for the bill.
Senator Green moved to report CS HB 71 (FIN) out of Committee with
individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note.
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
CS HB 71 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with a "do pass" recommendation
and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of Education & Early
Development.
AT EASE 2:00 PM / 6:29 PM
Senator Green moved to rescind action taken on adopting CS HB
71(FIN)am. There being no objection, the action was RESCINDED.
Senator Green moved to report the amended version of the
legislation, 22-GH1010\L.a, CS HB 71(FIN) am, out of Committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There
being no objection, it was so ordered.
CS HB 71(FIN) am MOVED from Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of
Education & Early Development.
AT EASE 6:30 PM / 6:34 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 234(FIN) am
"An Act relating to the tobacco use education and cessation
fund and to smoking education and cessation programs; relating
to funding the tobacco use education and cessation fund;
relating to financing of construction and major maintenance of
public school facilities, facilities for the University of
Alaska, and facilities for ports and harbors; authorizing the
commissioner of revenue to sell the right to receive a portion
of the anticipated revenue from a tobacco litigation
settlement to the Northern Tobacco Securitization Corporation;
relating to the deposit of certain anticipated revenue from a
tobacco litigation settlement; authorizing the issuance of
bonds by the Northern Tobacco Securitization Corporation with
proceeds to finance public school construction and major
maintenance, facilities for the University of Alaska, and
facilities for ports and harbors; and providing for an
effective date."
AT EASE 6:36 PM / 6:42 PM
Co-Chair Donley moved to adopt work draft version 22-LS0863\W,
Cook, 5/6/01, as the version before the Committee with one change
to Page 5, Line 7, deleting "$3,000,000" and inserting
"$6,000,000". He added that Line 11 would need to be adjusted to
reflect that change.
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Ward, Wilken, Austerman, Green, Leman, Donley, Kelly
OPPOSED: Olson, Hoffman
The motion PASSED (7-2).
AT EASE 6:44 PM / 6:52 PM
Co-Chair Donley moved to report SCS CS HB 234(FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the corrected fiscal
notes.
Senator Hoffman and Senator Wilken objected.
Senator Wilken commented that 99% of those schools listed on Page 3
were from unorganized Alaska. He added that Fairbanks has had
success with prototype schools. He spoke to how much more
expensive education is in the Bush Alaska and questioned if it
could really be ten times more expensive. He thought that there
could be a better way. Senator Wilken recommended standardizing
the schools. He suggested that the Legislature should accept the
challenge of exploring ideas for the prototype schools.
Senator Wilken WITHDREW HIS OBJECTION.
Senator Hoffman stated that he objected because all of the major
maintenance concerns which need to be addressed. If these concerns
are not addressed, they will become more expensive projects and
then become school construction projects. He stressed that there
is enough work to do on the present school list without ignoring
the major maintenance issues. Those issues should be addressed
now.
Senator Olson spoke to the shortsightedness voiced by Senator
Wilken. He claimed that one of the reasons that the numbers are so
high is that there was inadequate funding in the beginning. If
there had been better planning from the beginning, the numbers
would not be so high. He stated that the proposed legislation was
a "band-aid" approach.
Co-Chair Kelly interjected that the list was not intended to be
directed at the Senators from Bush Alaska and that it was
coincidental that the schools were from the districts of Senators
Hoffman and Olson. He reiterated that there was no politics being
played with the way the list came about.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Ward, Wilken, Austerman, Green, Leman, Donley, Kelly
OPPOSED: Olson, Hoffman
The motion PASSED (7-2).
SCS CS HB 234(FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "no
recommendation" and with two fiscal notes by the Department of
Revenue.
AT EASE 6:59 PM / 7:07 PM
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN)
"An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of
certificates of participation to finance construction of a new
facility to be known as the Alaska Psychiatric Institute;
giving notice of and approving the entry into and the issuance
of certificates of participation in a lease-purchase agreement
for construction of a new facility to be known as the Alaska
Psychiatric Institute; giving notice of the intent and
approval to retain investment income from pertinent
appropriations to be applied to the cost of construction of a
new facility to be known as the Alaska Psychiatric Institute;
relating to the construction of a facility to be known as the
Alaska Psychiatric Institute; and providing for an effective
date."
Amendment #1: Co-Chair Donley stated that he had contacted the U.S.
Congressional office and they indicated that they were willing to
attempt to secure federal funding to guarantee that the bill could
function. He noted that with that information available, he had
introduced Amendment #1. [Copy on File]. The amendment would
delete all material on Page 4, Line 19 and would add new language.
Co-Chair Donley moved to adopt Amendment #1.
Co-Chair Kelly objected for the purpose of an explanation of the
impact of the amendment.
Co-Chair Donley explained that the amendment would make the
legislation contingent upon federal funding for the project
demolition. He feared that without that money available, the State
would be at a great loss.
Co-Chair Kelly withdrew his objection.
Senator Green asked if the only place that the money could come
from would be U.S. Congress.
Co-Chair Donley replied that the only recommendation of possible
funds for the demolition has been the federal government.
Without further discussion, Amendment #1 was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Donley moved to report SCS CS SS HB 76(FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
SCS CS SS HB 76 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with "no recommendation"
and with fiscal notes #1 by the House HESS Committee, #2 by
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and #3 by
Department of Revenue.
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 8(TRA)
"An Act establishing the Legislative Pioneer Road Development
Task Force; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE NORMAN ROKEBERG stated that the proposed legislation
would establish a Legislative Pioneer Road Development Task Force
whose duties would include:
· Research existing plans for road development in the
State;
· Identify roads that are important to Alaska's future
economic development;
· Study feasibility of developing or upgrading roads in
order to promote future economic development;
· Determine availability and source of funds to develop or
upgrade those roads;
· Review alternative funding sources for ongoing
maintenance; and
· Establish a priority ranking for projects to develop or
upgrade those roads identified by the Task Force.
The Task Force would complete that work and would make the
recommendations in January 2002. The legislation would be
th
repealed on March 15, 2002.
Senator Leman asked why the State Board of Registration had been
included in Item #4, Page 1.
Representative Rokeberg replied that portion of the bill had been
amended in the last Committee of referral. The intent was to move
to a non-governmental area.
Senator Leman asked which version of the bill was before the
Committee.
Representative Rokeberg replied that the Senate Transportation
version was before the Senate Finance Committee.
Senator Austerman questioned from where the road list had
originated.
Representative Rokeberg replied it resulted from the "fruits of all
the members" in the Legislature.
Co-Chair Donley moved to report SCS CS HB 8(TRA) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
SCS CS HB 8(TRA) MOVED from Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with fiscal notes #1 by the Legislative Council,
#2 by Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and a new
note by Department of Community & Economic Development.
AT EASE 7:16 PM / 9:54 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 32(JUD) am
"An Act relating to the forfeiture of property used to possess
or distribute child pornography, to commit indecent viewing or
photography, to commit a sex offense, or to solicit the
commission of, attempt to commit, or conspire to commit
possession or distribution of child pornography, indecent
viewing or photography, or a sexual offense."
Senator Ward moved to report SCS CS HB 32 (JUD) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
SCS CS HB 32(JUD) MOVED from Committee with "no recommendation" and
with fiscal notes #1 by the Alaska Court System and #2 by
Department of Public Safety.
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 172(JUD)
"An Act relating to therapeutic courts for offenders; to the
authorized number of superior court judges; and amending Rule
35, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure."
BLAIR MCCUNE, Deputy Director, Public Defender Agency, Department
of Administration, testified via Teleconference from Anchorage and
voiced support for the proposed legislation. He pointed out the
positive results that type of court has achieved in the Anchorage
area. He reiterated strong support for the bill.
Co-Chair Donley referenced work draft 22-LS0612\U, Luckhaupt,
5/6/01 and explained how it differed from the other versions.
Co-Chair Kelly asked what the impact would be of sun-setting the
judges positions.
Mr. Wooliver explained that the way in which the amendment is
written, the sunset provision, reduces the number of judges in the
th
4 Judicial District back down to six and reduces the number in the
rd
3 Judicial District back down to 17. The amendment does not
tailor those reductions to the communities of Anchorage and Bethel.
The amendment does not identify which communities that those judges
would actually be vacated from. Most of the judges are in
Anchorage. Although, there would continue to be the same number of
judges as now, it does not tailor the vacancy to Anchorage and/or
Bethel.
Co-Chair Donley moved to adopt the work draft version "U" and
conceptual Amendment #1 on Page 7, Lines 2-4. He noted that the
conceptual deletion would place a sunset of the Bethel Court. That
would make the Bethel position permanent and the Anchorage position
would be deleted at the time of the sunset.
Mr. Wooliver advised that would solve the potential problem in
Bethel, however, it would be disruptive in Anchorage. He agreed,
it would be less disruptive in Anchorage, as they have far more
judges. The Court System would rather not see a sunset provision.
Mr. Wooliver noted that the current drafting was an improvement
over the original draft.
There being no objection, version "U' was ADOPTED and AMENDED.
Amendment #2: Senator Donley moved to adopt Amendment #2, 22-
LS0612\W.1, Luckhaupt, 5/6/01, inserting the language "an offense
under AS 11.41.130" on Page 4, Line 19. There being no objection,
the amendment was ADOPTED.
Senator Donley moved to report SCS CS HB 172 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal
note modified to reflect the sunset date and all notes except the
one for the Public Defender, Department of Administration. That
note would be zeroed out.
Co-Chair Kelly OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Ward, Austerman, Leman, Olson, Donley
OPPOSED: Wilken, Hoffman, Kelly
Senator Green was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (5-3).
Co-Chair Kelly clarified that in the vote, fiscal note #7, the
Public Defender Agency, Department of Administration, had been
zeroed out.
Senator Donley moved to report SCS CS HB 172 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
SCS CS HB 172(FIN) MOVED from Committee with "no recommendation"
and with fiscal notes #2 by Department of Corrections, #5 by
Department of Health & Social Services, #8 by Department of Law and
new notes by the Alaska Court System.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 32(JUD) am
"An Act relating to the forfeiture of property used to possess
or distribute child pornography, to commit indecent viewing or
photography, to commit a sex offense, or to solicit the
commission of, attempt to commit, or conspire to commit
possession or distribution of child pornography, indecent
viewing or photography, or a sexual offense."
Senator Ward moved to rescind action taken on moving CS HB
32(JUD)am from Committee. There being no objection, action on
moving the bill from Committee was RESCINDED.
Senator Ward moved to report a different version, SCS CS HB 32{JUD)
from Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so
ordered.
SCS CS HB 32(JUD) MOVED from Committee with a "no recommendation"
and with fiscal notes #1 by the Alaska Court System and #2 by
Department of Public Safety.
AT EASE 10:18 PM / 10:44 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 179(FIN)
"An Act relating to underage drinking and drug offenses; and
providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG presented HB 179. He pointed out that in
1994, the Legislature enacted the "Use It, Lose It" law (AS
28.15.183) for minors who are caught possessing or using alcohol.
If a minor is caught using alcohol, their driver's license would be
revoked for a period of time.
In December 2000, in a case called State versus Niedermeyer, the
Alaska Supreme Court found that taking away a minor's driver's
license for possession or consumption of alcohol or a controlled
substance, without giving them a trial, was a violation of a
minor's constitutional right to due process.
HB 179 would impose appropriate punishments on minors who use
alcohol, and would be a deterrent to minors when they consider
drinking. Statistics show that the earlier a person begins
drinking, the more likely they are to have problems with alcohol
later in life. The bill would establish a graduated system of
punishment for minors who are caught consuming, possessing or
controlling alcohol.
· On a minor's first offense, they would be subject to a
fine of between $200-$600 dollars, must attend alcohol
information school, and would be placed on probation.
· On a minor's second offense, the minor would be guilty of
repeat minor consuming and would be subject to a fine of
$1000, at least 48 hours of community service work,
three-month license revocation and probation.
· A minor's third offense would cause them to be guilty of
habitual minor consuming. That would be a Class B
misdemeanor, which results in up to $1000 fine and 90
days in jail. In addition, the minor would lose their
license for a period of six months, would also be
required to complete at least 96 hours of community work
service, and would be placed on probation.
Representative Rokeberg pointed out that the fiscal notes total
$1.1 million dollars. He noted that the requested treatment
provisions had been reduced by recommending a pilot treatment-only
program in Ketchikan, Kotzebue, Fairbanks and Juneau. He urged the
Committee's support of the legislation.
BLAIR MCCUNE, Deputy Director, Alaska Public Defenders Agency,
Department of Administration, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage and voiced concern with the mandatory hours of community
work service. The judge should be given discretion whether the
child should spend more time at school or at home rather than do
the community work service.
SFC 01 # 99, Side B 10:50 PM
Mr. McCune continued that the Public Defender usually does not
represent Section #2, the repeat offender as a violation with
community work service. He added that he has tried to reduce the
regular 75% estimate to about 40% because it presents a violation
in the fiscal note. He offered to answer questions of the
Committee.
Senator Austerman referenced the fiscal notes.
ELMER LINDSTROM, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Health and Social Services, addressed the reduced
fiscal note from the version introduced in the House Finance
Committee. He noted that fiscal note had been dramatically reduced
in that Committee.
Senator Wilken moved to report CS HB 179(FIN) out of Committee with
individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
CS HB 179(FIN) MOVED from Committee with a "no recommendation" and
with fiscal notes #2 by Department of Corrections, #5, #6 & #10 by
the Department of Health & Social Services, #8 by Department of
Administration, #9 by the Alaska Court System, and #11 by the
Department of Law.
AT EASE 10:53 PM / 11:06 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 132(2d RLS)
"An Act relating to the possession, distribution, importation,
and transportation of alcohol in a local option area;
requiring liquor license applicants to submit fingerprints for
the purpose of conducting a criminal history background check,
and relating to the use of criminal justice information by the
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; relating to the offenses of
operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft while
intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test; relating to
implied consent to take a chemical test; relating to
presumptions arising from the amount of alcohol in a person's
breath or blood; and providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Kelly stated that the fiscal notes had been written to the
wrong version of the bill, making implementation of the bill much
more expensive. He noted that the "cure" to the situation would be
on Page 13, Line 14, Section 21, the effective date.
MIKE TIBBLES, Staff, Representative Williams, commented that the
fiscal notes were based on a 10-month effect for the DWI
provisions, Sections 10 & 15. On Page 13, Line 14, Sections 10 and
15 of the act take effect on September 1, 2001.
Co-Chair Donley moved the suggestions made by Mr. Tibbles as a
conceptual amendment. There being no objection, the conceptual
amendment was ADOPTED.
Representative Rokeberg noted that the State could be at risk for
about $800 thousand dollars of public safety transportation money.
Senator Hoffman addressed Section 2. He noted that the limit had
been established by legislation he submitted twelve years ago. He
suggested that it be reduced to 10.5 liters and recommended that
the possession section, Section 1, be eliminated.
Representative Rokeberg agreed with Senator Hoffman. He noted that
the current language was taken from a suggestion made by the
Department of Law.
Amendment #2: Senator Hoffman moved to adopt conceptual Amendment
#2, which would eliminate Section 1, and in Section 2, would reduce
12 liters to 10.5 liters.
Representative Rokeberg pointed out that there was another
reference in Section 9 to that concern. There being no objection,
Amendment #2 was ADOPTED.
Representative Rokeberg informed Committee members that the bill
would provide assistance for the Department of Public Safety and
the Department of Law in implementing the $1.5 million dollar grant
to help curb "bootlegging" in the State of Alaska. He thought that
it was unfair that other agencies had attached fiscal notes to the
bill.
Representative Rokeberg noted that the House had attached a Letter
of Intent with the bill to limit any State money requiring a 50/50
local match. He added that the bill included a provision, which
allowed the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board to fingerprint
applicants under Title IV. That would allow them to have access to
the criminal records. He addressed the "look back" provision.
Representative Rokeberg stated that he would prefer the other
legislation, but understood the time restraint.
Co-Chair Kelly advised that the bill in reference had not yet been
received in the Committee. Otherwise, he would have been be "glad
to accommodate" Representative Rokeberg.
Senator Leman asked about the risk associated with creating a
delayed effective date. He questioned if that would hold even if
the changes were made by the end of this fiscal year.
Representative Rokeberg replied that there is some question about
that. He noted that they had requested that the Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities give a definitive answer
regarding that concern. There is a possibility that it could be
prorated.
Representative Rokeberg added that the federal statutes require
that sanctions be placed on the State for federal road money. If
the State does not have the .04 in place, the State could start to
lose money. He noted that in discussions with the U.S.
Congressional delegation, it was claimed that there is no chance
that Congress would repeal or backtrack the .08 station. This is
an appropriate time that the issue be addressed.
Senator Leman stated that he preferred the most immediate effective
date and requested that the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities provide an answer.
Representative Rokeberg indicated that this question had already
been asked from the Department and that he was unsure if they were
able to answer it.
Senator Leman recommended that the legislation should be referred
back to the Senate Transportation Committee to answer that
question.
BLAIR MCCUNE, Deputy Director, Alaska Public Defender Agency,
Department of Administration, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage and agreed with Representative Rokeberg regarding the
bootlegging enforcement in rural Alaska.
Senator Wilken moved to report SCS CS HB 132 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendation and with the accompanying fiscal
notes.
Co-Chair Donley objected for a question. He requested that the
suggestions Representative Rokeberg referenced be included in the
fiscal notes.
Representative Rokeberg stated that the fiscal notes currently
attached to the bill are base on an agency-wide assumption that the
.08 would be based on a 2% increase in arrests because of a new
standard. He asserted that data from the Department of Public
Safety has shown over the past three years that rates would be
lower than that. He thought that the number indicates gross
inflation. Representative Rokeberg suggested a five-percent (5%)
assumption should be used instead. He agreed there could be a
slight increase in the arrest rate.
Representative Rokeberg sighted the Department of Public Safety
fiscal notes in HB 4, with the differential between the higher
assumption and the lower assumption. He recommended that the
Committee adopt a "policy directive" in the fiscal notes. All
agencies that have a .08 note are aware of the concern.
Co-Chair Donley thought the fiscal notes could be reduced by 50%
and that the agencies could amend their fiscal notes to represent a
5% rather than a 10% increased caseload.
Co-Chair Donley moved to amend the previous motion made by Senator
Wilken and ask that the fiscal notes be modified to reflect a 5%
anticipated increase. There being no objection, the change was
made to the fiscal notes and the motion was AMENDED.
Senator Wilken moved to report SCS CS HB 132 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendation and with the accompanying amended
fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
SCS CS HB 132(FIN) MOVED from Committee with "no recommendations",
a House Letter of Intent, and with new fiscal notes by Department
of Corrections (2 total), Department of Law, Department of Health &
Social Services (2 total), the Alaska Court System, and Department
of Administration (2 total).
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Pete Kelly adjourned the meeting at 11:33 P.M.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|