SB 107-ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION  4:24:31 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 107 "An Act establishing a violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset Commission; establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review, audit, and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to state entities; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Sunset Commission." 4:25:05 PM SENATOR SHELLY HUGHES, District M, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 107 presented a brief recap of the bill and noting that it promotes efficiency and effective operations in state agencies through an independent, objective panel. She stated that the panel presents recommendations in the form of a bill to the legislature for action, which reduces bias and increases public confidence. for legislative action, reducing bias and increasing public confidence. The process includes a year of public input and thorough review, offering a practical, impartial tool for budgeting and ensuring taxpayer resources are used effectively. 4:27:48 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked whether the responsibility for conducting all the audits would fall to the legislative auditor. 4:27:58 PM SENATOR HUGHES answered no. She said the current setup maintains independence and neutrality, unlike expanding the legislative auditor's duties, which could introduce political bias. The panel operates on a rotating basis to ensure impartiality across administration and legislative cycles. 4:28:53 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked who will be responsible for conducting the audits. 4:29:07 PM SENATOR HUGHES replied that SB 107 allows the panel to hire auditors, though funding is not currently available. She said implementation could start small, such as one agency or auditor. The goal is to ensure independence, avoiding conflicts with the governor's or legislative auditor's perspectives. 4:29:55 PM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether commissioners, who serve at the pleasure of the governor, have any protection against termination. 4:30:12 PM SENATOR HUGHES suggested SB 107 could include a mechanism to prevent commissioners from being fully under the governor's control, such as allowing the legislature to override a removal, though she is unsure of the exact solution. 4:30:47 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI highlighted the stability and experience of the Legislative Audit Division. He said auditors often serve for decades while legislators come and go. He praised the system for its independence and effectiveness, and mentioned upcoming legislation related to this topic. He emphasized that audits and commissioners operate without political influence. He noted that the legislative auditor strictly follows the law and remains apolitical. 4:32:31 PM SENATOR HUGHES stated that the legislature could have the power to remove someone, noting that while the legislature currently has a good auditor, oversight is necessary. SB 107 places the independent entity under the executive branch without giving the governor control, like other independent state entities. 4:33:30 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 107. 4:33:42 PM MIKE COONS, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in support of SB 107 and stated that the bill aims to reduce spending by requiring divisions recommended for sunsetting by audits to end unless the legislature acts. He said past audits have identified $160 billion in savings, including long ended programs. SB 107 ensures audit recommendations are considered by both the legislature and governor, promoting data-driven decisions and preventing repeated overspending, potentially saving millions. 4:36:54 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 107 in committee.