04/14/2021 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| SB122 | |
| SJR1 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 122 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SJR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
April 14, 2021
1:48 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lora Reinbold, Chair
Senator Mike Shower, Vice Chair
Senator Shelley Hughes
Senator Robert Myers
Senator Jesse Kiehl
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
William Granger - Anchorage
Ricardo "Rick" Castillo- Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Deirdre Ford - Anchorage
Amy Steele - Anchorage
James Rhodes - Ketchikan
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
SENATE BILL NO. 122
"An Act relating to the definition of 'victim.'"
- HEARD AND HELD
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska
relating to the Alaska permanent fund and appropriations from
the Alaska permanent fund.
- MOVED CSSJR 1(JUD) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 122
SHORT TITLE: VICTIM DEFINITION
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) REINBOLD
04/07/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/21 (S) JUD
04/14/21 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SJR 1
SHORT TITLE: CONST AM: GUARANTEE PERM FUND DIVIDEND
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
01/22/21 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/21
01/22/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/21 (S) STA, JUD, FIN
02/09/21 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/09/21 (S) Heard & Held
02/09/21 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/11/21 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/11/21 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/02/21 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/02/21 (S) Moved SJR 1 Out of Committee
03/02/21 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/03/21 (S) STA RPT 2NR 1AM
03/03/21 (S) NR: SHOWER, REINBOLD
03/03/21 (S) AM: KAWASAKI
03/24/21 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/24/21 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/29/21 (S) JUD AT 1:00 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/29/21 (S) Heard & Held
03/29/21 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
04/07/21 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/07/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/07/21 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
04/09/21 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/09/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/09/21 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
04/14/21 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
RICARDO "RICK" CASTILLO, Appointee
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
Office of the Governor
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Governors of the Alaska Bar.
WILLIAM GRANGER, Appointee
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
Office of the Governor
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Governors of the Alaska Bar.
JAMES RHODES, Appointee
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Workers'
Compensation Appeals Commission.
AMY STEELE, Appointee
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Workers'
Compensation Appeals Commission.
DEIDRE FORD, Appointee
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Workers'
Compensation Appeals Commission.
KELLI TOTH, Staff
Senator Lora Reinbold
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sponsor statement for SB 122
on behalf of the sponsor.
TAYLOR WINSTON, Executive Director
Office of Victims' Rights
Legislative Affairs Agency
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 122.
KATIE BOTZ, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 122.
SONJA KAWASAKI, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of Senator Wielechowski,
the sponsor of SJR 1.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:48:48 PM
CHAIR LORA REINBOLD called the Senate Judiciary Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:48 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Kiehl, Myers, Hughes, and Chair Reinbold.
Senator Shower arrived shortly thereafter.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
1:49:50 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD announced the consideration of Governor
Appointees to Boards and Commissions.
1:50:24 PM
RICARDO "RICK" CASTILLO, Appointee, Board of Governors of the
Alaska Bar, Office of the Governor, Anchorage, Alaska, stated
that in 2007 he was stationed at Fort Richardson, assigned to
the U.S. Army 426 Airborne Brigade Combat Team. In 2011, he
served in the Alaska National Guard while attending the
University of Alaska. He said he has worked in several
industries, including transportation distribution, oil and gas
and telecommunications. He has participated in the Alaska
Humanities Forum, Leadership Anchorage, Northern Lights PTA, and
the Hillside Rotary Club. He said he ran for the South Anchorage
District 6 Anchorage Assembly seat but was defeated. He would
like to serve on the Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
because the Bar Association establishes the curriculum that
provides credentials for attorneys and allows them to practice
law in the state. He offered his belief that the Alaska Bar
should thoroughly vet attorneys to ensure trustworthiness since
bad actors could reduce consumer confidence in the law. He
offered his view that he will serve as a public member in an
unbiased manner and represent the diversity of Alaskans to help
formulate best practices for the Alaska Bar.
1:54:13 PM
SENATOR SHOWER joined the meeting.
1:54:20 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked for a description of his work with COVID
Secure.
MR. CASTILLO stated that he has a consulting firm, working with
COVID Secure, LLC to provide development and information
technology (IT) to expand further and better formulate efficient
solutions.
SENATOR KIEHL asked for the purpose of the application.
MR. CASTILLO responded that the COVID Secure "app" is used to
power the travel portal for the State of Alaska. It is also used
in the health care industry as an electronic health record
application that allows clinicians throughout the U.S. to
provide vaccinations optimally and efficiently.
SENATOR KIEHL asked for more details on his lobbying efforts and
to disclose his clients.
MR. CASTILLO answered that he did not formally work as a
lobbyist. He said he worked on bills to advocate for veterans'
issues or supply chain solutions.
SENATOR KIEHL said he did not see a lobbyist registration.
MR. CASTILLO agreed he is not a registered lobbyist in Alaska.
1:56:43 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked whether he has any conflicts, arrests, or
convictions to disclose, if he has any "skeletons in his closet"
that could create an ethical conflict and if he has reviewed the
state ethics policy.
MR. CASTILLO answered he has no such problems.
1:57:24 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD referred to the travel portal and COVID Secure
app. She asked if he had a contract with the state.
MR. CASTILLO answered that it was a state contract. He said he
is not the chief executive officer of COVID Secure so it was not
a contract he initiated.
CHAIR REINBOLD asked if he was being paid as an employee.
MR. CASTILLO answered yes.
1:58:21 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD expressed concern with an item on his resume that
stated that he enforced safe classroom routines consistent with
parameters guided by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). She said she assumed that included enforcing
wearing masks and social distancing.
MR. CASTILLO, after first clarifying the question, said he
provided COVID-19 testing that may be required for students to
enter Anchorage School District classrooms after travel.
CHAIR REINBOLD asked if students were being tested.
MR. CASTILLO answered that the Anchorage School District
requires students to provide a negative COVID-19 test after
travel.
CHAIR REINBOLD asked if he was involved with mask enforcement
and social distancing.
MR. CASTILLO responded that the Anchorage School District
dictates policy related to COVID-19.
CHAIR REINBOLD asked for details on enforcing safe classroom
routines.
2:00:16 PM
MR. CASTILLO answered that substitute teachers in the Anchorage
School District must follow the district's current policies and
regulations.
2:00:52 PM
WILLIAM GRANGER, Appointee, Board of Governors of the Alaska
Bar, Office of the Governor, Anchorage, Alaska, stated he is a
lifelong Alaskan. He has served on the Board of Governors for
about 20 years. He has primarily served as a treasurer and is
actively involved in the financial area. He enjoys the
intellectual challenges that serving as one of three public
members on the board provides. He has always been fascinated by
the law. He said he finds the Board of Governors' role to be an
important one. The board has a 25 percent turnover each year.
This year the board also lost its longtime executive director.
He offered his view that he provides an important role by giving
continuity to the board by consistently applying rules and
practices with the guidance of the Alaska Supreme Court. He also
helps provide financial stability. He noted that the bar had not
raised its dues in some time. It recently purchased the building
it previously leased. He anticipated that would result in
substantial savings to the membership for many years. He said he
looks forward to tackling additional financial matters that come
before the board.
2:04:51 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked whether he has any conflicts, arrests, or
convictions to disclose, if he has any "skeletons in his closet"
that could create an ethical conflict and if he has reviewed the
state ethics policy.
2:05:28 PM
MR. GRANGER said he has read the state ethics policy and does
not have any issues or pending criminal issues. He opined that
nothing in his background would cause embarrassment.
2:06:35 PM
JAMES RHODES, Appointee, Workers' Compensation Appeals
Commission, Department of Labor and Workforce Development,
Ketchikan, Alaska, stated he has served on the commission since
2012. He offered his view that there is great value in the
experience one gains in serving. He said he would like to
continue to serve on the commission and use his expertise on
behalf of Alaskans.
2:07:18 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked whether he has any conflicts, arrests, or
convictions to disclose, if he has any "skeletons in his closet"
that could create an ethical conflict and if he has reviewed the
state ethics policy.
MR. RHODES answered that he read the state ethics laws. He
stated that he has nothing in his past that would be of any
concern related to his appointment to serve on the commission.
2:08:01 PM
AMY STEELE, Appointee, Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Anchorage,
Alaska, stated she has served as an employer representative on
the commission since June 2019. She said she has an extensive
work history in workers' compensation, which is unique and
allows her to bring beneficial knowledge to the commission. She
previously served as an industry member on the Workers'
Compensation Board from 2011 until 2019. She brings over 20
years of experience in insurance risk management to the
commission, specifically in workers' compensation. She said she
also had the opportunity to oversee and manage claims throughout
the U.S. and overseas, giving her a wide range of knowledge
about multi-jurisdictional workers' compensation law. She stated
that she currently works for the Chenega Corporation overseeing
workers' compensation and assisting their employees with the
process for workers' compensation benefits.
2:09:00 PM
MS. STEELE said she would answer the questions Senator Shower
asked of appointees. She said she was familiar with the state's
ethic policies and does not have any criminal or civil
convictions. She commented that she does not have any "skeletons
in her closet" or anything that would be of any concern.
2:09:51 PM
DEIDRE FORD, Appointee, Workers' Compensation Appeals
Commission, Department of Labor and Workforce Development
(DOLWD), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that she was appointed in
2016 to serve as the Chair of the commission by Governor Walker.
She was reappointed in 2019 by Governor Dunleavy. She came to
Alaska in 1978 and considered Alaska to be her home. After
graduating from law school, she served in private practice from
1985 to 2009, primarily representing employers in workers'
compensation cases. In February 2009, she became a hearing
officer for the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board. She said she
has thoroughly enjoyed serving on the board and the commission.
She said she finds workers' compensation work enlightening and
informative. She said she serves with excellent commissioners.
She characterized the commission's staff person as an
outstanding employee.
MS. FORD responded that she read the ethics rules, including the
state's ethics policies, administrative law judge ethics and
court ethics. She said she would like to continue to serve on
the commission. She stated that she does not have any "skeletons
in her closet" that she would be embarrassed about and has no
pending charges or convictions.
2:12:31 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony on the appointees, and
after first determining no one wished to testify, closed public
testimony on the confirmation hearings for William Granger,
Ricardo "Rick" Castillo, Deidre Ford, Amy Steele and James
Rhodes.
2:12:47 PM
SENATOR SHOWER stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Judiciary Standing Committee reviewed the following and
recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for
consideration:
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
William Granger - Anchorage
Ricardo "Rick" Castillo - Anchorage
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Deirdre Ford - Anchorage
Amy Steele - Anchorage
James Rhodes - Ketchikan
Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
2:13:25 PM
At ease
SB 122-VICTIM DEFINITION
2:14:51 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 122, "An Act relating to the
definition of 'victim.'"
2:15:27 PM
KELLI TOTH, Staff, Senator Lora Reinbold, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, on behalf of the sponsor,
paraphrased the sponsor statement.
[Original punctuation provided]:
SB122 is a bill that removes the word "adult" before
the word "child" in the definition in AS 12.55.185 (C
ii). By removing the word adult, the definition of a
victim will include a child of a person who has been a
victim of a crime when a parent or guardian is
deceased. SB122 will ensure victim rights for a child
of a deceased parent or guardian.
She explained that this will allow a child to participate in the
case in the same way as the victims could if they were not
deceased. She stated that the bill has a zero fiscal note.
2:16:50 PM
MS. TOTH provided the sectional analysis. The bill consists of
one section. On page 2, line 1, subparagraph (ii), the language
"an adult" is deleted and "a" is inserted. It would then read:
(ii) a child, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, or
grandchild of the deceased; or
2:17:45 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD turned to invited testimony.
2:18:05 PM
TAYLOR WINSTON, Executive Director, Office of Victims' Rights,
Legislative Affairs Agency, Anchorage, Alaska, stated she
noticed the disparity in the treatment of children of victims of
crimes. This became an issue in a case, which was later
resolved. However, it highlighted the difficulty minor children
of a crime victim can encounter because as minors, they are
precluded from constitutional and statutory rights when their
parent is the victim of an offense. The definition in statute
does not list an age qualifier for the adult child, parent,
brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild of the victim of a
crime. A minor spouse or child couldn't give a victim statement
or receive restitution or other rights given to crime victims in
the state.
MS. WINSTON referred to the definition of "victim" under AS
12.55.185 (19). Subparagraph (C) pertains to a victim of a crime
who died. If that person had a sister and a minor child, the
sister would be entitled to rights but not the minor child. This
bill will make it equitable, she said.
2:20:20 PM
SENATOR KIEHL pointed out a possible unintended consequence. He
asked if a situation could arise where a homicide victim has a
very young minor child who could not give a meaningful victim
impact statement or participate in parole hearings or other
matters that a victim would be entitled to. He said the language
in AS 12.55.185(19)(C) refers to "one of the following."
MS. WINSTON responded that could be the situation for all
victims. For example, it is possible an adult child or brother
of a homicide victim could be incompetent and therefore unable
to use the law and the protections in the same way others could.
This bill will ensure that barriers are not erected because of
someone's age. She pointed out that very young children often
want to participate and most courts will allow them to do so.
She noted that an adult, such as a guardian or guardian ad litem
usually will represent the child.
2:23:18 PM
SENATOR KIEHL suggested that an amendment might be necessary to
clarify that a child is entitled to participate in matters as
the child of a victim [identified in subparagraph (A)].
2:23:47 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD suggested that he could work with her office on
any amendments.
2:23:55 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked whether AS 12.55.185(19)(C)(iii) would
provide a safety net.
MS. WINSTON said the language, "adult child" became a point of
litigation in which a teenage child whose mother was murdered
was not allowed to avail herself of her crime victim's rights
due to her age. She stated that she argued in pleadings that the
court had the discretion to use the language "any other person"
in AS 12.55.185(19)(C)(iii). However, the court declined to do
so. Currently, a grandchild of a murder victim would have more
rights than the victim's minor child. She said from a victim's
rights perspective that was offensive.
2:25:42 PM
SENATOR HUGHES referred to page 1, line 12, to AS
12.55.185(19)(C), which allows sub-subparagraph (i), (ii), or
(iii) to be used. She asked what would happen if a minor aged 17
was married to the dead victim. She asked if "one of the
following" should be changed to "any one of the following." She
referred to page 1, line 10, to AS 12.55.185(19(B)(ii), which
uses the language "adult child." She asked if that language
should also be changed to include a minor child.
SENATOR HUGHES restated her question.
MS. WINSTON agreed. She opined that it was not the intention of
the law to limit any opportunity for a dead victim's close
relatives listed in sub-subparagraph (ii) to attend a hearing or
receive restitution to one person. She referred to line 12, AS
12.55.185(19)(C), and suggested it would be better to use "any
one of the following" rather than "one of the following." She
said AS 12.55.185(19)(B) uses the language "one of the
following". However, if the homicide victim, as specified by
subparagraph (A), was a minor, incompetent or incapacitated,
subparagraph (B) relates to (A).
2:28:44 PM
MS. WINSTON acknowledged that a situation could arise when a
minor parent becomes a victim of a crime. However, she offered
her belief that the minor child would already be covered in that
situation. She explained that AS 12.55.185(19(C) relates to
homicide victims and lists people who are considered the victims
entitled to participate in hearings or receive compensation. AS
12.55.185(19)(B) pertains to situations in which the victim of a
crime was a minor, incompetent, or incapacitated. Subparagraph
(B) would allow a spouse, parent, adult child, guardian, or
custodian of that victim of a crime to receive compensation as a
victim or to participate in parole hearings or other matters.
2:30:23 PM
SENATOR HUGHES referred to page 1, line 7 of SB 122. She said
that subparagraph (B) pertains to subparagraph (A), the person
against whom an offense has been perpetrated that is also a
minor, incompetent, or incapacitated. She said the mentally
disabled victim who is alive could also have a minor child who
is also affected. She suggested that sub-subparagraph (ii)
should not read "adult child."
MS. WINSTON said she understood her concern. She said that if
the committee wanted to expand the definition of victims, it
could do so.
She explained that the difference between AS 12.55.185(19)(B)
and AS 12.55.185(19)(C) is that the direct victim is dead in
subparagraph (C). Therefore, it provides a list of people
recognized as victims. In subparagraph (B), the victim is not
dead but may be under 18, mentally challenged, or in a coma. In
that instance, it provides for a person who is related to come
before the court to speak on behalf of the incompetent victim of
a crime. She acknowledged that the list of people identified in
subparagraph (B) could be expanded by including minor children,
but it would considerably expand the definition.
2:32:48 PM
SENATOR HUGHES characterized this as an important policy
decision because the child of a homicide victim could come
before the court to testify how they are impacted. The parent
will be gone forever.
SENATOR HUGHES pointed out that the parent who was victimized
but not killed may be disabled or in a coma. In that case, the
child may be living with the disabled parent. She asked why that
child would not be allowed to come before the court, too. She
was unsure why it would be placed under one category and not the
other.
2:33:59 PM
One might ask if the incapacitated victim's parent, brother,
sister, grandparent, or grandchild should also have those same
opportunities under subparagraph (B). MS. WINSTON responded that
she was not saying that it could not be done. She said she is
all for as many victimized people to have opportunities to
participate in the process, but it will potentially expand the
notification on all things and increase the fiscal note.
2:35:22 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD reminded members that SB 122 only changes the
language from "an adult child" to "a child" in sub-subparagraph
(C) on page 2, line 1.
MS. WINSTON agreed.
2:35:47 PM
SENATOR KIEHL interpreted subparagraph (B) to mean that the
direct victim is not legally able to speak. In subparagraph (C)
the direct victim cannot physically participate because the
direct victim is deceased. He offered his view that people who
could speak on their behalf should be similar. He said he was
not inclined to open the list up to everyone. However, he said
he thinks it makes sense to have an adult give the victim impact
statement when the direct victim is disabled and unable to speak
on their behalf. It makes great sense to expand sub-subparagraph
(ii) to include a minor child. He hoped these suggestions would
accomplish the bill's intent, which is good. He said it makes
sense to have one adult acting as the direct victim's
spokesperson in parole hearings or other proceedings such as
modifying the sentencing process. He said he did not want to
dramatically increase the fiscal note.
2:37:45 PM
MS. WINSTON said she was unsure of the changes to be made.
SENATOR KIEHL stated that he would like to work on this language
with the sponsor.
2:38:32 PM
SENATOR MYERS related his understanding that subparagraph (B)
would establish guardianship for the victim of a crime who is
still alive. While he understood Senator Hughes' concern that
the direct victim is not the only victim, he was hesitant to
expand the bill to multiple people without first considering all
of the victim's rights in Alaska. If an incapacitated crime
victim did not have an apparent guardian, such as a parent or
spouse, the court would appoint one. He suggested that
[subparagraph (B) should not be changed.
2:39:54 PM
SENATOR HUGHES stated that the committee needs clarification
whether this pertains to victims who can submit an impact
statement, victims who will act as guardians and victims who
will be eligible for restitution. She said the committee has
discussed victims providing impact statements before the court.
She asked if that person would be eligible for restitution or if
this relates to assigning guardianship.
MS. WINSTON said the change in SB 122 to sub-subparagraph (ii)
was to allow a child of a homicide victim to have all the crime
victim rights. Those rights do not pertain to guardianship. It
would go beyond providing an impact statement. For example, that
language would include whether the 15-year-old child wants to be
in the courtroom during the trial or is entitled to restitution.
It may pertain to some type of privacy rights, such as a defense
attorney seeking private records, such as counseling or school
records. She stated that there are many victims' rights that a
child of a homicide victim could not participate in or have
access to. She highlighted that the case she previously
mentioned was that a child wanted to be in the courtroom to
observe proceedings but was not allowed to do so since the dead
victim's child was not an adult.
2:43:13 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD stated that the bill's goal was to allow a child
to have rights.
2:44:09 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony on SB 122.
2:44:26 PM
KATIE BOTZ, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, stated her full
support of SB 122. She recommended that the bill not be opened
up to everyone. She asked members to be mindful that victims,
including children and minors, should have the right to attend
or not attend court proceedings, especially if they have been
victimized.
2:46:28 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD closed public testimony on SB 122.
[SB 122 was held in committee.]
SJR 1-CONST AM: GUARANTEE PERM FUND DIVIDEND
2:47:03 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1, Proposing
amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating
to the Alaska permanent fund and appropriations from the Alaska
permanent fund.
2:47:44 PM
SONJA KAWASAKI, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that Senator Wielechowski
appreciated the committee's support of SJR 1.
2:48:19 PM
SENATOR SHOWER commented that it is time to take action on the
Permanent Fund Dividend, whether it is passing SJR 1, which will
force the legislature to make reductions and a spending cap or
institute taxes. He said he wants the record to reflect that the
legislature understands this.
2:49:36 PM
SENATOR HUGHES said it is important to move this resolution to
the Senate Finance Committee. She has long not supported a
constitutional amendment because it will constrain the
legislature. However, this issue has become a political focal
point. It has slowed the legislative process down. She offered
her support to develop a definitive solution in the Alaska
Constitution. She offered her support to pass SJR 1 out of
committee.
2:50:14 PM
SENATOR KIEHL acknowledged the sponsor's work. He agreed that
ultimately the state needs to place a constitutionalized
permanent fund dividend before the voters. He emphasized that he
has ongoing concerns about the formula in SJR 1. He committed to
work with the sponsor as the resolution moves through the
process. He said he will not object to moving SJR 1 from
committee.
2:50:49 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD emphasized her desire to allow the people to vote
on the permanent fund dividend formula in SJR 1.
2:51:07 PM
SENATOR SHOWER moved to report SJR 1, work order 32-LS0015\A, as
amended, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s). There being no objection, CSSJR 1(JUD)
was reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
2:52:26 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Reinbold adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting at 2:52 p.m.
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