Legislature(2019 - 2020)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/08/2019 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB25 | |
| SB29 | |
| SB41 | |
| SB4 | |
| SB16 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 16 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 25 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 29 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 8, 2019
9:02 a.m.
9:02:25 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair von Imhof called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Natasha von Imhof, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Mike Shower
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator David Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Nancy Meade, General Counsel, Alaska Court System; Rynnieva
Moss, Staff, Senator John Coghill; Radames Mercado, Staff,
Senator John Coghill; Senator John Coghill, Sponsor; Mike
Lesmann, Legislative Liaison, Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities; Edra Morledge, Staff, Senator Peter
Micciche; Senator Cathy Giessel.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Brandy Johnson, Surviving Spouse, Sergeant Scott Johnson;
Dave Stancliff, Self, Tok; Bud Johnson, Father, Sergeant
Scott Johnson; Elizabeth Zabielski, Self, Tok; Richard
Schultz, Self, Tok; Brian Wassman, Self, Fairbanks; Jerome
Hertel, General Manager, Alaska State Fair, Palmer; Bob
Klein, Alaska Beverage Control Board, Anchorage; Codie
Costello, Vice-President, Development and Communications,
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts; Paul Shadura II,
Self, Kenai; Marna Sanford, Self, Fairbanks; Josea Busby,
Self, Chicken; Ken Peltier, Self, Palmer; Erika McConnell,
Director, Alaska and Marijuana Control Office.
SUMMARY
SB 4 NAMING SCOTT JOHNSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE
SB 4 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 16 ALCOHOL LIC:FAIRS,THEATRES,CONCERTS;BONDS
SB 16 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 25 EXTEND BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS
SB 25 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with one previously
published fiscal impact note: FN 1(CED).
SB 29 EXTEND BOARD OF MARINE PILOTS
SB 29 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with one previously
published fiscal impact note: FN 1(CED).
SB 41 NUMBER OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
SB 41 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 25
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of
Dental Examiners; and providing for an effective
date."
9:04:02 AM
Senator Bishop MOVED to REPORT SB 25 out of committee with
individual recommendations at attached fiscal impact note.
9:04:12 AM
AT EASE
9:04:25 AM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair von Imhof asked whether there was objection on
moving the bill. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
9:04:38 AM
AT EASE
9:06:26 AM
RECONVENED
SB 25 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with one previously published fiscal
impact note: FN 1(CED).
SENATE BILL NO. 29
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of
Marine Pilots; and providing for an effective date."
9:06:59 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to REPORT SB 29 out of committee
with individual recommendations at attached fiscal impact
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 29 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with one previously published fiscal
impact note: FN 1(CED).
SENATE BILL NO. 41
"An Act relating to the number of superior court
judges in the third judicial district; and providing
for an effective date."
9:07:57 AM
NANCY MEADE, GENERAL COUNSEL, ALASKA COURT SYSTEM, stated
that the bill increased the allotted number of Superior
Court judges by two, and specified that they would be in
the third judicial district. The converted seats were in
Homer and Valdez. She announced that it was a general
belief that this is an appropriate move forward.
9:14:36 AM
Senator Wielechowski queried the size of the case load in
Homer and Valdez.
Ms. Meade replied that the Superior Court caseload in Homer
was approximately 300 cases, which was less than Kenai or
Anchorage. The substitution allowed for the Homer judge to
carry the District Court cases. She stated that Valdez had
approximately 200 Superior Court cases, but there were many
District Court cases.
Senator Wielechowski queried the average on strikes, and
how the time would be used during those strikes.
Ms. Meade responded that a party always had a right to
challenge the judge once. She stated that there were many
single judge locations, and if a party preempted that
judge, coverage would be found elsewhere.
Senator Wilson queried the future anticipated frequency of
other district courts stepping in. He wondered whether
there were other courts where the Alaska Court System would
make a similar move from the Superior Court to the District
Court.
Ms. Meade replied in the negative. These were the last two
locations that were anticipated.
9:21:24 AM
Ms. Meade reviewed the fiscal note.
9:22:28 AM
Co-Chair von Imhof OPENED public testimony.
Co-Chair von Imhof CLOSED public testimony.
Co-Chair von Imhof announced that amendments were due by
5pm on Monday, March 11.
SB 41 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 4
"An Act naming the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge."
9:24:03 AM
RYNNIEVA MOSS, STAFF, SENATOR JOHN COGHILL, introduced
herself.
9:24:18 AM
RADAMES MERCADO, STAFF, SENATOR JOHN COGHILL, introduced
the legislation. He stated that Sergeant Scott Johnson died
on Thursday, May 14, 2014. He shared the bill was intended
as a memorialization. The bill would rename the Tok River
Bridge. Scott Johnson grew up in Tok. He noted the strong
support of the bill. He stated that the widow of Mr.
Johnson wanted to honor the people of Tok.
9:25:56 AM
Senator Shower highlighted that the widow of Mr. Johnson
initially was not in support of the legislation. He
stressed that it was important to involve the family
members in similar decisions.
9:27:53 AM
BRANDY JOHNSON, SURVIVING SPOUSE, SERGEANT SCOTT JOHNSON
(via teleconference), shared stories of using the bridge
with her now deceased husband. She appreciated reading
support of the community. She felt that testimony of
family, friends, and coworkers limited the space for
community participation. She spoke against the naming of
the bridge, but she understood the support of the
community.
9:30:58 AM
DAVE STANCLIFF, SELF, TOK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
9:34:38 AM
SENATOR JOHN COGHILL, SPONSOR, introduced himself, and
stated that the bill was meant to honor a man who paid the
ultimate price to protect the people.
Co-Chair von Imhof OPENED public testimony.
9:36:24 AM
BUD JOHNSON, FATHER, SERGEANT SCOTT JOHNSON (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
9:37:06 AM
ELIZABETH ZABIELSKI, SELF, TOK (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation.
9:38:17 AM
RICHARD SCHULTZ, SELF, TOK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
9:40:04 AM
Senator Hoffman noted that Mr. Schultz had the best sign
for a campaign.
Senator Bishop appreciated the efforts on the memorial
bridge.
9:41:13 AM
BRIAN WASSMAN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation.
Co-Chair von Imhof CLOSED public testimony.
9:44:46 AM
MIKE LESMANN, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, stated the department
had an ongoing project to replace the Tok River Bridge. The
project was federally funded for which the legislature had
already appropriated a state match of approximately
$900,000, therefore the department had a zero fiscal note.
Co-Chair von Imhof announced that amendments were due by
5pm on Monday, March 11.
SB 4 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 16
"An Act relating to certain alcoholic beverage
licenses and permits; and relating to the bond
requirement for certain alcoholic beverage license
holders."
9:46:42 AM
SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, SPONSOR, introduced himself.
EDRA MORLEDGE, STAFF, SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, introduced
herself.
Senator Micciche explained the bill.
9:50:46 AM
Senator Wielechowski wondered whether bowling alleys were
considered in the legislation.
Senator Micciche replied that the bowling alley issue was
not currently in the bill, but could be added at the will
of the committee.
Senator Shower noted several communities that had regular
events, and wondered whether the smaller towns would be
affected.
Senator Micciche replied that the bill would allow for the
license at those events.
Senator Wilson wondered who would qualify for the fair
license in the one borough.
Senator Micciche deferred to Ms. Morledge, and felt that it
could be adjusted. He expressed concern about the bill
becoming a "Christmas tree" for potential untraditional new
uses.
Ms. Morledge explained that the bill provided for one fair
license per borough.
Senator Wilson noted that there were a myriad of issues
with the Board and the audit recommendations and the
reinterpretations of laws. He remarked that the Alaska
State Fair had been in operation for almost twenty years.
He was afraid that the other vendors that had been
operating in good faith, with no issues with local law
enforcement, and the efficacy issues that the bill may not
cover.
Co-Chair von Imhof stated there were representatives from
the Board available for questions.
Senator Micciche felt that the alcohol statutes "were a
mess."
Co-Chair von Imhof asked for a Sectional Analysis.
9:58:15 AM
Ms. Morledge discussed the Sectional Analysis (copy on
file):
Section 1: Amends AS 04.11.080 Types of Licenses and
Permits to add 'performing arts theater license,'
'fair license,' and 'concert permit.' (Page 1
beginning on Line 5)
Section 2: Adds a new section (AS 04.11.205)
Performing arts theater license. This section defines
this type of license, the biennial fee for the
license, and the circumstances for issuance and
compliance. (Page 2, beginning on Line 19)
Section 3: Amends AS 04.11.210(a) to use the word
"activities" rather than "events" as being allowed
under a recreational site license. (Page 3, lines 19-
22)
Section 4: Amends AS 04.11.210(c) to list sporting
activities such as skiing and snowboarding activities
are allowable under a recreational site license. (Page
3, lines 23-27)
Section 5: Adds a new section (AS 04.11.215) Fair
license. This section defines this type of license,
the biennial fee for the license, and the
circumstances for issuance and compliance. (Page 3,
beginning on line 28)
Section 6: Adds a new section (AS 04.11.235(a-c))
Concert permit. This section allows the holder of a
recreational site license to obtain a concert permit,
disallows transfer or renewal, and sets the fee at
$50. (Page 4, lines 9-17)
Section 7: Amends AS 04.11.330(d) to allow a
performing arts theater license renewal,
notwithstanding other requirements, if the license was
exercised at least once during each of the previous
two calendar years. (Page 4, lines 18-22)
Section 8: Amends AS 04.11.400(a) to specify that the
board may prohibit a new license or relocation of an
existing license in accordance with population limits.
(Page 4, beginning on line 23)
Section 9: Establishes under AS 04.11.400(o) that only
one fair license may be issued per borough. (Page 5,
lines 24-26)
Section 10: Adds the new licenses/permit to the list
of those required post notice on the designated
premise. (Page 5, beginning on line 27)
Sections 11-13: Amends AS 43.60.040 Administration and
Enforcement of Tax, to add subsection (i). This
section provides an incentive for filing timely
monthly tax returns and paying taxes on time over the
most recent three years. Specifically, it removes the
$25,000 surety bond requirement if all other
requirements of compliance are met. (Page 6, beginning
on line 21, through page 7, line 21)
Section 14: Immediate effective date (Page 7, line 22)
10:03:02 AM
JEROME HERTEL, GENERAL MANAGER, ALASKA STATE FAIR, PALMER
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
10:06:39 AM
BOB KLEIN, ALASKA BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), stated that he was available for
questions. He remarked that Senator Wilson described the
activities of the Alaska Beverage Control (ABC) Board.
10:09:56 AM
Co-Chair von Imhof OPENED public testimony.
10:10:08 AM
CODIE COSTELLO, VICE-PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AND
COMMUNICATIONS, ALASKA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
10:11:20 AM
PAUL SHADURA II, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the current version of the bill.
10:12:52 AM
MARNA SANFORD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
against the current version of the bill. She felt that the
bill did not provide clarity for the small events in the
state. She stated that she had worked with the Chicken
Stock Music Festival.
10:15:26 AM
JOSEA BUSBY, SELF, CHICKEN (via teleconference), testified
against the current version of the bill. She stated that
there should be amendments.
Senator Micciche stated that he was interested in the lack
of success in using a caterers permit. He wanted to find a
solution.
10:18:28 AM
KEN PELTIER, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
Senator Bishop thanked Mr. Peltier for her volunteer work
with music for cancer survivors and veterans.
Mr. Peltier replied that he had recently been asked to
perform for the troops in Qatar.
Co-Chair von Imhof CLOSED public testimony.
Senator Wilson noted that the 2014 stated that there were a
number of licensees that had issues that may not have been
covered in the recreational licenses. He wondered whether
the board had sent notices to the entities that their
licenses may not continue.
10:21:43 AM
ERIKA MCCONNELL, DIRECTOR, ALASKA AND MARIJUANA CONTROL
OFFICE (via teleconference), replied that she could not
speak to that, but she did not believe that notices were
sent at that time.
Senator Wilson assumed that the only way that a licensee
could know that they would not be noticed was when they
applied without knowing that their licenses would be
denied. He wondered whether there could be a temporary
renewal.
Ms. McConnell replied that when the first audit reached the
conclusion in 2014, she believed that notices were not sent
at that time. The board began to look more closely at the
licenses during the renewal period for 2017 and 2018
licenses. At that time, the Board identified several
recreational site licenses that they determined were not
compliant with the statute. Therefore, the Board told the
licensee that they would be renewed for one final time, so
there could be two years to examine what to do in the
future.
Senator Wilson wondered whether the Alaska State Fair had
received that notice.
Ms. McConnell replied that she did not believe so.
Senator Micciche stated that the bill was designed as a
"catch all" for the specific license types. He queried the
Chicken Stock situation.
Ms. McConnell replied that it might be better to examine
further research on the issue.
Co-Chair von Imhof announced that amendments were due by
5pm on Monday, March 11. She discussed the agenda for the
next scheduled meeting.
SB 16 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
10:26:48 AM
The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 4 Location of Bridge.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 4 Images of Bridge.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 4 Bridge Blueprint.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 4 Memorium.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 4 Scott Johnson Obituary.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 4 Scott Johnson Photo.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 4 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 16 DCCED AMCO Memo 12.17.18.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 ADN Article 12.17.18.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 ADN Article 2.5.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Explanation of Changes v A to v U.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Frontiersman Article 1.31.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 KINY Article re Eaglecrest 10.16.18.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 KTOO Article 10.16.18 - Ski Area.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 KTUU Article Arctic Valley 8.14.18.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 KTVA Article 2.4.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Legislative Audit Sunset Review ABC Board 2017 - Excerpt.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Letter of Support - Eaglecrest.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Letter of Support - Herrington.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Sectional Analysis v U.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Ski Area The Alaska Star.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Sponsor Statement Version U.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB 16 Star Article Arctic Valley 8.15.18.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |
| SB041 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRLS 4/2/2019 11:30:00 AM SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM SJUD 2/11/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 41 |
| SB041 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 41 |
| SB 4 Support - Tok Resident Petition.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 4 |
| SB 16 ShaduraII Testimony.pdf |
SFIN 3/8/2019 9:00:00 AM |
SB 16 |