02/08/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| EO 128 Separate Membership of the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority | |
| SB131 | |
| HB3 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 131 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HB 3 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 8, 2024
3:32 p.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Matt Claman, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
EXECUTIVE ORDER 128
Separate Membership of the Board Of Directors of the Alaska
Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority
- HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 131
"An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders."
- HEARD AND HELD
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 3(FIN)
"An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the state; and
relating to borough and city sales and use taxes on specie."
- HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 131
SHORT TITLE: ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GRAY-JACKSON
04/21/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/21/23 (S) STA
02/08/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 3
SHORT TITLE: GOLD AND SILVER SPECIE AS LEGAL TENDER
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MCCABE
01/19/23 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/23
01/19/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/23 (H) CRA, STA, FIN
01/25/23 (H) CRA REFERRAL REMOVED
01/25/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED
02/02/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/02/23 (H) Heard & Held
02/02/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/16/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/16/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
02/21/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/21/23 (H) Moved HB 3 Out of Committee
02/21/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/22/23 (H) STA RPT 4DP 2NR
02/22/23 (H) DP: ALLARD, C.JOHNSON, CARPENTER, SHAW
02/22/23 (H) NR: ARMSTRONG, STORY
04/17/23 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
04/17/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/17/23 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/02/23 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
05/02/23 (H) Heard & Held
05/02/23 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/05/23 (H) FIN AT 9:30 AM ADAMS 519
05/05/23 (H) Moved CSHB 3(FIN) Out of Committee
05/05/23 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/08/23 (H) FIN RPT CS(FIN) 6DP 1NR 2AM
05/08/23 (H) DP: CRONK, ORTIZ, STAPP, EDGMON,
D.JOHNSON, FOSTER
05/08/23 (H) NR: JOSEPHSON
05/08/23 (H) AM: GALVIN, HANNAN
05/11/23 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/11/23 (H) VERSION: CSHB 3(FIN)
05/12/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/12/23 (S) STA, FIN
02/08/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR ELVI GRAY-JACKSON, District G
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 131.
LUMA DIAZ, Staff
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for SB 131.
ULUAO AUMAVAE, Chief Equity Officer
Office of Equity and Justice
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
JEFF CHEN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
JOONSUK PARK, Consul General
Consulate of the Republic of Korea
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
KIYANA FONUA, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
MAVIS BOONE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
TAFILISAOA TOLEAFEOA, Executive Director
Pacific Community of Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
LORI PICKETT, Executive Director
Alaska Literacy Program
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
LUSIANA HANSEN, CEO
Polynesian Association of Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, District 30
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor for HB 3.
JULIE MORRIS, Staff
Representative Kevin McCabe
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for HB 3.
JP CORTEZ, Policy Director
Sound Money Defense League
Charlotte, North Carolina
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for HB 3.
MIKE CARTER, Innovate Finance
Dallas Fort Worth, Texas
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for HB 3.
KARL KAUFMAN, Alaska Municipal League
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 3.
MELANIE GLATT, representing self
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 3.
ROLAN RUOSS, representing self
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 3.
ED MARTIN, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 3.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:32:25 PM
CHAIR SCOTT KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Merrick, Wielechowski, Claman, Bjorkman and
Chair Kawasaki.
^EO 128 Separate Membership of the Board of Directors of the
Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development
and Export Authority
EO 128 SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY AND THE ALASKA INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY
3:33:16 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of EO 128 Separate
Membership of the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy
Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority.
3:33:57 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on EO 128; finding none,
he closed public testimony and held EO 128 in committee.
SB 131-ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM
3:34:20 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
131 "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions
of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders."
3:34:39 PM
SENATOR ELVI GRAY-JACKSON, District G, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor for SB 131, she provided the sponsor
statement:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sponsor Statement
Senate Bill 131
Asian American/ Pacific Islanders Program
Senate Bill 131 requires schools in the State of
Alaska to educate students on the history and
contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders.
This curriculum will be established and provided by
each school district for students in kindergarten
through grade 12. The contributions of Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders are aplenty and need to be
taught in schools. In addition to teaching about the
contributions of the two communities, schools will
also educate students on the cultural and economic
diversity of the communities. May is Asian Pacific
American History Month and was established as a way to
commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese
individuals to the US in 1843. There are numerous
sister cities between Japan and Alaska. Closest one to
Juneau is Nemuro, Japan. It is an ocean facing fishing
port. As early as 1788 there were Filipino seamen
contacting Alaskan Natives. As Alaska developed our
natural resource industries, there was a steady stream
of Filipino immigrant workers. May is also the
anniversary of the Transcontinental railroad
completion where most of the workers were Chinese
Immigrants.
Although we are recognizing Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders as a group, they are very different
and have their individual traditions, culture, and
ways of life. It is important to teach our youth the
differences within these cultures and their
significance to our country.
3:37:51 PM
LUMA DIAZ, Staff, Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis
for SB 131:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis for SB 131
Asian American and Pacific Islanders Programs
Section 1: AS 14.30 is amended by adding a new section
to article 10 which will require schools to teach
students about the history and contributions of Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders. Each school will
establish a program that is specific to the history,
contributions, culture and economic diversity of Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
3:38:46 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if there is a test requirement or a way to
ensure students are studying this type of education.
3:39:01 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON replied that the requirement is not
currently included in SB 131.
3:39:08 PM
SENATOR MERRICK expressed concerns about other types of
curriculum getting bumped and stated that there is already a
packed curriculum.
3:39:30 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON replied that it is her understanding SB 131
would not remove curruculum.
3:39:41 PM
SENATOR MERRICK asked if it would be a part of the history
curriculum.
3:39:42 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON replied yes.
3:40:20 PM
At ease.
3:42:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and opened public
testimony.
3:43:14 PM
JEFF CHEN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 131. He said he grew up as a third culture kid
(TCK), which means he was raised in a culture other than what
his parents experienced. He said he does not recall being taught
Asian American curriculum in school until college. During
childhood, behaviors and stories are learned from families, but
people learn about each other from teachers at school, which is
where similarities and differences are negotiated and where
friends are met. It is also a place where assumptions about
others, bullying, and racism have a ripple effect. As a child of
immigrants, he wanted to fit in and didn't care about his own
roots, which is a common experience for minority students across
the country. However, he now feels pride for his Asian American
background. Learning about each other and oneself is important
for identity development, builds respect, and fosters an
understanding about different races and ethnicities. He said as
an adult, he worked with youth in schools across Alaska, brought
students to the legislature, and has helped youth think
critically and lovingly about who they are and where they come
from. As a journalist and producer, he has helped to share the
stories of Asian Alaskans, such as Representative Thelma
Buchholdt, Asian and Pacific Island cannery workers who helped
build Alaska's world-class fisheries. These stories matter and
deserve to be taught in history. Although a reflection of
historical pain, it is important to include legislation like the
Chinese Exclusion Act. In 2022, he received a Rasmussen
Foundation award to create a photo exhibit that explores the
stories of Taiwanese Alaskans. He offered to contribute his work
to the curriculum should SB 131 pass. When people intentionally
learn about each other, they grow as a community.
3:46:30 PM
MR. CHEN added that Juneau was a sister city to Chia Yi, where
his family is from.
3:47:38 PM
ULUAO AUMAVAE, Chief Equity Officer, Office of Equity and
Justice, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. He
said it is important that the AAPI program is included because
of its historical importance in the U.S. It would also cover the
commitment to inclusivity, which helped found the country.
Alaska has a connection to its sister cities and this
legislation would demonstrate the state's commitment to
partnerships across the world. It would also diversify the
portfolio for school districts so students can learn about
individuals who live in Anchorage and across Alaska, as well as
different cultural traditions.
3:49:47 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked the Chief Equity Officer if that is
an official position of the municipality.
3:50:0 PM
MR. AUMAVAE replied that it is an official position.
3:50:36 PM
JOONSUK PARK, Consul General, Consulate of the Republic of
Korea, Anchorage, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 131. He said
American history encompasses the story of immigrants from around
the world seeking freedom and prosperity. The legacy of freedom,
diversity, and inclusivity in the United States has blossomed
into the spirit of democracy. Many nations oppose these precious
democratic values. Since its independence in 1776, the United
States has constantly advanced the political idea of pluralism.
Although all forms of discrimination against minorities have
been shaped through milestones such as the Emancipation
Proclamation of 1863 and the Civil Rights Act of 1960, schools
educate future generations about America's remarkable progress.
However, AAPI have not been equally recognized in history. He
spoke to the first wave of seven thousand Korean immigrants that
came to Hawaii. More than two million Koreans reside in the U.S.
AAPI have brought rich cultures and diversity to American
society and consistently contribute to its development. The
percentage of AAPI before 1970 was less than one percent. Now,
they represent eight percent of the population. He opined that
the contribution of AAPI should be taught in Alaska through the
passage of SB 131.
3:58:00 PM
KIYANA FONUA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 131. She said she would like to see equal
representation for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders, and Asian
Americans in school curriculum to educate students about the
cultures of people who live within Anchorage, in the community,
and across the state. She suggested emphasizing the importance
of teaching Native Hawaiian history truthfully. The education of
core values, histories, and traditions in history could inform
the next generation.
3:59:27 PM
MAVIS BOONE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 131. She said she is Samoan and serves as the
Director of Programs for the Pacific Community of Alaska.
According to the census, Alaska is home to 18,668 Native
Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, which increased from 2010 by
67.4 percent. SB 131 is an important first step to ensure the
education system reflects all of people's histories, creates an
inclusive and enriching learning environment to promote personal
and academic growth. Acknowledgment and celebration go beyond
representation and also involve fostering empathy among students
and educators. She expressed her belief that it is time to
embrace diversity in Alaska, so people understand each other and
each individual culture and can work together in unity.
4:01:22 PM
TAFILISAUNOA TOLEAFEOA, representing self, Executive Director,
Pacific Community of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 131. He said he is originally from Samoa and
speaks today on behalf of the Pacific Community of Alaska.
School district data demonstrates that Tagalog, Mung, and Samoan
are in the top five languages spoken in homes. Including this
measure as requirement would help kids see themselves in history
and know that their ancestors, who were often silenced,
contributed to the history of the U.S. HB 3 would elevate an
understanding of these communities. He said he would like people
from these communities to participate in creating the curriculum
to ensure the truth is spoken into power, and shine light on
falsified history.
4:04:40 PM
LORI PICKETT, Executive Director, Alaska Literacy Program,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She stated
AAPI communities in Alaska make people stronger and healthier.
There is great value in teaching children about the rich history
and vital contributions they have made and continue to make.
4:05:55 PM
LUSIANA HANSEN, CEO, Polynesian Association of Alaska,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She stated
her belief that SB 131 is long overdue and there is no reason
AAPI should be excluded from the curriculum. Some other states
already have similar legislation in place. According to data
from 2020, there is a population of about 77,366 AAPI people.
Thirty-nine thousand are registered voters. It is important to
establish AAPI history and language of AAPI in curriculum. She
collaborated with AAPI communities to bring awareness to this
issue. The many contributions from these communities make the
state a better place to live. Students learn from each other and
could help combat harmful language toward different cultures. SB
131 could also bring an educational understanding of how
different communities have been historically categorized.
4:12:03 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony and held SB 131 in
committee.
HB 3-GOLD AND SILVER SPECIE AS LEGAL TENDER
4:12:30 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL
NO. 3(FIN) "An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the
state; and relating to borough and city sales and use taxes on
specie."
4:12:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, District 30, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor for HB 3.
4:17:23 PM
JULIE MORRIS, Staff, Representative Kevin McCabe, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis
for HB 3:
[Original punctuation provided.]
CSHB 3\Ver. S
SECTIONAL ANALYSIS
"An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the
state; and relating to borough and city sales and
use taxes on specie."
Section 1 amends A.S. 29.45.650(a) to include a new
subsection (l) outlined under Section 2
below.
Section 2 amends AS 29.45.650 to add a new subsection
to protect "specie" from a borough sales or use tax on
the sale or exchange of specie.
Section 3 amends AS 29.45.700(a) to include a new
subsection (h) outlined under Section 4
below.
Section 4 amends AS 29.45.700 to add a new subsection
to protect "specie" from a city sales or use tax on
the sale or exchange of specie.
Section 5 amends AS 44.12 to add Article 5. Legal
Tender which defines "legal tender" in the state to
include gold and silver tender including "specie."
This section also states that person is not required
to accept gold or silver specie as tender and defines
"specie" and "legal tender."
Section 5 is further amended by adding a new section
to read: "The Legislative Budget & Audit committee
shall study the possibility of establishing additional
forms of legal tender for the payment of debts,
including public charges, taxes, and other money owed
to the state. If the committee determines that
additional forms of tender are practical and
beneficial, the committee shall prepare legislation
establishing an additional form of legal tender for
introduction."
Section 6. Section 4, ch. 100, SLA 2002, as repealed
and reenacted by sec. 9, ch. 117, SLA 2003 and sec. 2,
ch 30, SLA 2005 is repealed, reenacted, and amended to
read as outlined in Section 1 above.
4:19:16 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if goldbacks are considered a specie.
4:19:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied yes.
4:19:39 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said goldbacks don't seem to be in line
with the definition of specie since there is a reliance on the
value of metal content.
4:20:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied that the value of gold and its
purity is stamped on goldbacks.
4:20:46 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if goldbacks are issued by private
companies.
4:20:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied that goldbacks are issued by
private investment companies with permission from the state that
wishes to have a goldback.
4:21:10 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how specie tendered under private
governments companies fit under the definition of legal tender
under page 2, lines 12-19 of HB 3.
4:21:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated his belief that they are developed
and printed by a private company but are authorized by a state.
4:22:03 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether foreign government as a legal
definition when referring to legal tender.
4:22:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied that he would obtain that
information from the bill drafter.
4:22:32 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN said HB 3 references sales tax and other taxes
but does not include an inventory tax; he wondered how the law
would apply to a business operator who holds gold for sale.
4:23:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied it would not be inventoried unless
it was a collectible.
4:24:27 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked how an owner or a municipal tax assessor
could make the distinction between collectible and non-
collectible coins.
4:24:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied in the same way it is currently
done. He provided an example using two-dollar bills.
4:25:26 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there have been discussions about
the development of a new cause of action.
4:25:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied that he has not had that
discussion with the bill drafter.
4:26:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on HB 3.
4:27:50 PM
JP CORTEZ, Policy Director, Sound Money Defense League,
Charlotte, North Carolina, invited testimony for HB 3. He said
HB 3 would ensure gold and silver coins would remain tax-free at
the local level and forty-three states have already eliminated
this tax. The trend is not to impose any tax on gold and silver,
but to remonetize the specie; building in-state depositories,
and empowering treasurers to create the infrastructure to accept
gold and silver remittance. He explained why a sales tax on gold
and silver would be inappropriate. He said the fiscal note
admits that parsing data is challenging and referenced a sales
tax exemption that was passed in Tennessee and its fiscal note
if adjusted to Alaska's population would have minimal fiscal
impact.
4:31:21 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked how other states have adopted policies on
gold and silver tender.
4:31:54 PM
MR. CORTEZ replied that origin of state-level projects began to
take form in 2011, when Utah passed the first Legal Tender Act,
which exempts gold and silver from tax liability and renders the
currency as legal tender. States are realizing they do not have
to idly stand by while the federal reserve prints money. There
is no compulsion to trade in metals.
4:33:22 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if the state treasury would be required to
take gold as a legal tender and whether ConocoPhillips could
potentially pay in gold.
4:33:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied no and said it would take a state
depository or additional bill language to compel the state to
accept gold as a legal tender. He stated that Texas is
considering taking action.
4:34:16 PM
MR. CORTEZ said that is the case in many states, especially
those with a strong mining infrastructure. He suggested that
companies could choose to pay severance taxes.
4:34:56 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked if the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation
(APFC) has invested in gold.
4:35:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE replied that he does not believe so, but
mentioned that Senator Bishop may have introduced a bill many
years ago that would have mandated it.
4:36:51 PM
MIKE CARTER, Innovate Finance, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, invited
testimony for HB 3. He commended Representative McCabe for
introducing the legislation. He noted his discussions are being
facilitated across America. What started as an idea among the
solution action tank he participates in is now a movement. There
are 23 states that are considering transactional gold and
silver. The technology is available to move onto the next step.
He said he could spend gold anywhere in the United States and
almost anywhere in the world on anything that can be bought with
cash. In less than 200 milliseconds, it is possible to transfer
gold into dollars or euros and convert it into currency on a
debit card and it is backed by constitutional-based gold and
silver. Eventually, the technology would enable peer-to-peer
gold payments. Until now, the wealthy have always had a pathway
to do that. The impact of inflation is being felt by everyone.
Working Americans often can't afford to own gold and silver
because it is not easily transactable. If Alaska moves forward
on this issue and removes some tax liabilities, it could be
transferred to a debit card. If there is an emergency, this
method would ensure a stable form of money backed by the state
and makes gold accessible to all people.
4:44:39 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked why international banks buy gold at record
rates.
4:44:47 PM
MR. CARTER replied that it is a result of 40 trillion dollars of
record debt in the U.S. As a result, people are looking for
stability. He said is a vault in Switzerland which has
substantial pallets of gold, that are being bought by China. He
opined that if foreign countries are buying gold, states should
buy gold and be ready for when hard times happen. He stated his
belief that transactional gold and specie tender in Alaska would
strengthen the dollar. Increasing the number of currency options
stabilizes the value of the dollar does not compete with the
banking industry. Recognizing gold and silver as legal tender
protects citizens and would provide Alaskans with an economic
opportunity.
4:48:03 PM
KARL KAUFMAN, Alaska Municipal League, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to HB 3. He said he is a tax attorney
and focuses on federal, state, and local tax. He stated his
belief that HB 3 poses a risk that Alaskans would use gold and
silver as a legal tender without understanding the federal tax
consequences of failing to keep adequate transactional records.
Many people and businesses in Alaska often make mistakes in
their tax filings due to its complex nature and therefore risk -
penalties for substantial underpayment. He discussed his
understanding of Supreme Court rulings on currency.
CHAIR KAWASAKI returned to public testimony on HB 3.
4:51:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if he is speaking on behalf of the Alaska
Municipal League.
4:51:20 PM
MR. KAUFMAN stated he is speaking on behalf of the Alaska
Municipal League and from his personal experience representing
Alaskan citizens and businesses.
4:51:44 PM
MELANIE GLATT, representing self, Big Lake, Alaska, testified in
support of HB 3. She shared her background in geology and
mineral exploration, and stated that her father taught her about
currency. She said HB 3 is well written and addresses the
decline in the value of the dollar.
4:53:01 PM
At ease.
4:53:16 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting.
4:53:23 PM
MR. CARTER responded to comments from the Alaska Municipal
League by emphasizing that transactional gold and silver is not
subject to capital gains tax unless the IRS were to change the
tax code because it is functional currency. He said the
conversion of gold to dollars follows customer laws, financial
and banking rules, becomes transactional, and suggested looking
at the study.
4:55:26 PM
ROLAN RUOSS, representing self, Kodiak, Alaska, testified in
support of HB 3. He reiterated that central banks and world
governments clearly recognize the value of gold as a saving
vehicle. In 2022 and 2023, central banks exercised the highest
buying levels of gold in 75 years. People who have saved over
time are looking forward to retirement and should not be
penalized through taxation. Utah and Oklahoma established under
state statute, "a person is not required to accept gold and
silver specie as legal tender except as agreed upon by
contract." He referenced the Alaska Municipal League's
opposition letter that posed gold transactions as a "potential
legal hazard for Alaskans." He provided a counterpoint using
Arkansas law stating it would be a product amendment to HB 3.
4:58:32 PM
ED MARTIN, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of HB 3. He said he has owned gold mines and has traded
in gold. Property taxation is a government function to some
degree, but the government shouldn't meddle in personal and
private business. He expressed frustrations about the
perspective brought forth by the Alaska Municipal League.
5:00:54 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on HB 3.
5:01:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE made final comments on HB 3. He said HB 3
would allow Alaskans to store their wealth in gold and silver,
but also spend wealth directly without having to worry about
commodity taxes.
5:01:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held HB 3 in committee.
5:02:45 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 5:02 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 131 Sectional Analysis ver A.pdf |
SFIN 4/23/2024 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
| SB 131 Sponsor Statement ver A.pdf |
SFIN 4/23/2024 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
| SB 131 Letter of Support Amanda Sialofi 4.25.2023.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
| HB3.FiscalNote.DCCED.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.FiscalNote.DOA.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.VerB.SectionalAnalysis.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.VerB.SupportingDocs.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.VerBtoCSHB3VerS.SummaryofChanges.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.VerS.SponsorStmt.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.VerB.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| CSHB3.VerS.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.FiscalNote.DCCED.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB3.FiscalNote.DOA.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| Fiscal.note. SB 131.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
| EO 128 Letter to Senator Kawasaki.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
EO 128 |
| Support - HB 3 .pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| Public Testimony - HB 3 8 Jan 2024.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB 3.e-mails of support.2.1.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB 3 Support e-mail 2.8.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| HB 3 opposition Written Testimony.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
| SB 131 support.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
| SB 131 Support letter.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
| Letters of support HB 3.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |