ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 10, 2007
9:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lesil McGuire, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Hollis French
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Con Bunde
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 171
"An Act relating to the withdrawal of a candidate from a
judicial retention election and the removal of such a
candidate's name from the general election ballot; and providing
for an effective date."
REMOVED FROM AGENDA
SENATE BILL NO. 151
"An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid
classes for initial applicants for driver's licenses and
instruction permits."
MOVED CSSB 151(HES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 132
"An Act designating the first Tuesday of May as Alaska
Agriculture Day."
MOVED HB 132 OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 159(JUD)
"An Act relating to the issuance of a certificate of birth
resulting in a stillbirth."
MOVED CSHB 159(JUD) OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA)
"An Act relating to driver's licenses and alcohol awareness
testing."
MOVED CSHB 75(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 184(FIN)
"An Act relating to a commemorative troops license plate; and
providing for an effective date."
Moved SCS CSHB 184(STA) Out of Committee
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 151
SHORT TITLE: NEW DRIVER'S LIC. /PERMIT:CPR/ FIRST AID
SPONSOR(S): SENATOR(S) ELLIS BY REQUEST
04/02/07 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/02/07 (S) HES, STA
05/07/07 (S) HES AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/07/07 (S) Moved CSSB 151(HES) Out of Committee
05/07/07 (S) MINUTE(HES)
05/08/07 (S) HES RPT CS 3DP 1NR NEW TITLE
05/08/07 (S) DP: DAVIS, ELTON, THOMAS
05/08/07 (S) NR: DYSON
05/10/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
BILL: HB 132
SHORT TITLE: AGRICULTURE DAY
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) GATTO
02/14/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/14/07 (H) EDT, RES
03/27/07 (H) EDT AT 5:00 PM CAPITOL 106
03/27/07 (H) Moved Out of Committee
03/27/07 (H) MINUTE(EDT)
03/28/07 (H) EDT RPT 5DP
03/28/07 (H) DP: DOLL, LYNN, GATTO, JOHANSEN, NEUMAN
04/02/07 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/02/07 (H) Scheduled But Not Heard
04/04/07 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/04/07 (H) Moved Out of Committee
04/04/07 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/05/07 (H) RES RPT 5DP 1NR
04/05/07 (H) DP: ROSES, KOHRING, SEATON, GATTO,
JOHNSON
04/05/07 (H) NR: GUTTENBERG
04/18/07 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/18/07 (H) VERSION: HB 132
04/20/07 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/20/07 (S) STA
05/03/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
05/03/07 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/10/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
BILL: HB 159
SHORT TITLE: STILLBIRTH CERTIFICATE
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) GATTO
02/28/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/28/07 (H) HES, JUD
03/06/07 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
03/06/07 (H) Heard & Held
03/06/07 (H) MINUTE(HES)
03/15/07 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
03/15/07 (H) Moved CSHB 159(HES) Out of Committee
03/15/07 (H) MINUTE(HES)
03/16/07 (H) HES RPT CS(HES) 3DP 3NR
03/16/07 (H) DP: FAIRCLOUGH, ROSES, WILSON
03/16/07 (H) NR: NEUMAN, GARDNER, SEATON
03/16/07 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER JUD
03/30/07 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
03/30/07 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/10/07 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
04/10/07 (H) Moved CSHB 159(JUD) Out of Committee
04/10/07 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
04/11/07 (H) JUD RPT CS(JUD) 5DP
04/11/07 (H) DP: GRUENBERG, LYNN, SAMUELS, HOLMES,
RAMRAS
04/11/07 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
04/11/07 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/17/07 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/17/07 (H) Heard & Held
04/17/07 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/18/07 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/18/07 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/20/07 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/20/07 (H) Moved CSHB 159(JUD) Out of Committee
04/20/07 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/23/07 (H) FIN RPT CS(JUD) 4DP 2NR
04/23/07 (H) DP: THOMAS, NELSON, KELLY, MEYER
04/23/07 (H) NR: CRAWFORD, CHENAULT
04/30/07 (H) BEFORE THE HOUSE
04/30/07 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/30/07 (H) VERSION: CSHB 159(JUD)
05/02/07 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/02/07 (S) STA, FIN
05/10/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
BILL: HB 75
SHORT TITLE: DRIVERS LICENSE: ALCOHOL AWARENESS/MINOR
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) RAMRAS
01/16/07 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/5/07
01/16/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/07 (H) STA, FIN
02/06/07 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/06/07 (H) Heard & Held
02/06/07 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/08/07 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/08/07 (H) Moved CSHB 75(STA) Out of Committee
02/08/07 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/12/07 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NT 5DP 1NR 1AM
02/12/07 (H) DP: JOHNSON, ROSES, GRUENBERG, DOLL,
LYNN
02/12/07 (H) NR: COGHILL
02/12/07 (H) AM: JOHANSEN
02/22/07 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/22/07 (H) Moved CSHB 75(STA) Out of Committee
02/22/07 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
02/26/07 (H) FIN RPT CS(STA) NT 5DP 1DNP 3NR 2AM
02/26/07 (H) DP: CRAWFORD, JOULE, NELSON, FOSTER,
MEYER
02/26/07 (H) DNP: THOMAS
02/26/07 (H) NR: STOLTZE, KELLY, CHENAULT
02/26/07 (H) AM: HAWKER, GARA
04/13/07 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/13/07 (H) VERSION: CSHB 75(STA)
04/16/07 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/16/07 (S) STA, FIN
05/03/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
05/03/07 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/10/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
BILL: HB 184
SHORT TITLE: MOTOR VEHICLES-LICENSE/INSURANCE/IMPOUND
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) ROSES
03/12/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/12/07 (H) MLV, STA, FIN
03/20/07 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/20/07 (H) Heard & Held
03/20/07 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/22/07 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
03/22/07 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/27/07 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/27/07 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/03/07 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/03/07 (H) Moved CSHB 184(MLV) Out of Committee
04/03/07 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
04/04/07 (H) MLV RPT CS(MLV) NT 4DP 1DNP 2NR
04/04/07 (H) DP: DAHLSTROM, FAIRCLOUGH, RAMRAS,
ROSES
04/04/07 (H) DNP: KAWASAKI
04/04/07 (H) NR: LEDOUX, BUCH
04/13/07 (H) STA REFERRAL WAIVED
04/25/07 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/25/07 (H) Heard & Held
04/25/07 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/26/07 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/26/07 (H) Scheduled But Not Heard
04/27/07 (H) FIN RPT CS(FIN) NT 6DP 3NR
04/27/07 (H) DP: GARA, NELSON, THOMAS, FOSTER,
MEYER, CHENAULT
04/27/07 (H) NR: CRAWFORD, KELLY, HAWKER
04/27/07 (H) FIN AT 9:00 AM HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/27/07 (H) Moved CSHB 184(FIN) Out of Committee
04/27/07 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/02/07 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/02/07 (H) VERSION: CSHB 184(FIN)
05/03/07 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/03/07 (S) STA
05/10/07 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BELTZ 211
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR JOHNNY ELLIS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 151 as sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE CARL GATTO
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 132 and CSHB 159(JUD) as
sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about CSHB 75(STA) as
sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE BOB ROSES
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced CSHB 184(FIN) as sponsor.
RHONDA CRAWFORD, representing herself
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of CSHB 159(JUD).
JOANNE CACCIATORE, MSW and CEO
MISS Foundation
Peoria, Arizona
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of CSHB 159(JUD).
BARBARA COTTING, Staff
to Representative Jay Ramras
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented CSHB 75(STA) for Representative
Ramras, bill sponsor.
SHIRLEY MARSHAL, representing herself
Tok, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of CSHB 75(STA).
JOSH APPLEBEE, Staff
to Representative Roses
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented CSHB 184(FIN) for Representative
Roses, bill sponsor.
MARTIN BOIRE, Chair
Support our Troops, Inc.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of CSHB 184(FIN).
SUZANNE MEUNIER, Director of Advocacy
American Heart Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of SB 151.
UVE KALENKA, representing himself
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of SB 151.
KATE HERRING, Staff
to Senator Ellis
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding SB 151.
SHAD ENGKILTERRA
Southeast Service Center Director
American Red Cross of Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of SB 151.
DUANE BANNOCK, Director
Division of Motor Vehicles
Department of Administration
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 151, CSHB 75(STA), and CSHB
184(FIN).
ACTION NARRATIVE
CHAIR LESIL MCGUIRE called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:04:13 AM. Senators French,
McGuire, and Stevens were present at the call to order. Senators
Green and Bunde arrived later.
SB 151 - NEW DRIVER'S LIC./PERMIT:CPR/FIRST AID
9:04:45 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced consideration of SB 151.
SENATOR JOHNNY ELLIS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, bill
sponsor, introduced SB 151 to the committee. The bill would
require first-time driver's license applicants to complete
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training
before obtaining their license.
9:06:44 AM
SENATOR FRENCH asked how the requirement would work.
KATE HERRING, Staff to Senator Ellis, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, said the requirement is designed to be applied to first
time license applicants for gradual growth. A person coming into
the state with an out-of-state license would not be required to
complete the training. The American Heart Association (AHA)
hopes this requirement will stimulate more free sessions
statewide so training costs will be minimal. The Division of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) would develop regulations to document
training and assess whether the training was adequate. On-line
training is also available to further offset costs and time
constraints to applicants. Studies show a small amount of time
spent on this type of training can save lives.
9:09:19 AM
SENATOR ELLIS said this concept has been before the legislature
before. He and Senator Cowdery co-sponsored a bill from the last
legislature that would have required school districts to offer
CPR/first aid training as part of the curriculum. School
districts across the state resisted the idea. The current bill
is a simplified approach that has gained support.
SENATOR FRENCH asked how he would he find such a class today and
how much it would cost.
MS. HERRING said there are courses offered by the Red Cross, the
AHA, and other organizations. When training time is donated, the
cost of supplies is about $5. Other training programs can run
from $20 to $40.
SENATOR FRENCH asked how much time it takes to complete the
training.
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the off-net line was jammed so some
individuals are not available to testify.
9:10:59 AM
SHAD ENGKILTERRA, Southeast Service Center Director, American
Red Cross of Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, said an adult CPR/AED
(automated external defibrillator) class from the Red Cross is
four and half hours long. With first aid training it becomes a
six-hour class in total. The Red Cross classes also provide
instruction in how to react in an emergency.
SENATOR FRENCH asked if a student in the class receives hands on
experience.
MR. ENGKILTERRA answered yes, it is important to practice the
skills.
SENATOR FRENCH asked about fees for the classes.
MR. ENGKILTERRA said he charges $42 per person. With first aid
training added the total is $62.
SENATOR FRENCH asked if training is offered statewide.
MR. ENGKILTERRA answered training is offered where there are
instructors. He is unsure of training opportunities outside of
Southeast Alaska.
9:13:37 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE said her understanding is that the bill is crafted
so that a person could complete a Red Cross course or an online
course to satisfy the training requirement.
MR. ENGKILTERRA said that was his understanding as well.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if Mr. Engkilterra thought a person could
reasonably understand CPR from an online course.
MR. ENGKILTERRA answered he did not know what the studies say
but from his experience people forget what they learn within six
months. He believes the training must be practiced to retain it,
but some training is better than nothing.
9:15:36 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if CPR/first aid instruction would be
incorporated into the training manual that people are given
prior to licensing.
DUANE BANNOCK, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department
of Administration, Anchorage, said the training manual would
include notification of the requirement rather than first aid
information.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked when proof of CPR/first aid training would
be given.
MR. BANNOCK answered he envisions two scenarios. Certification
could be either by an affidavit section on the learner's permit
application that would be signed by the parent, or a standard
affidavit form that an instructor could sign. Forms could be
available in offices or on the division website.
9:17:50 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE said she was assured liability issues would not be
a factor because of Good Samaritan laws. She asked what kind of
disclaimer the division had considered.
MR. BANNOCK said provisional drivers provide an affidavit
stating they have completed forty hours of driver training. He
said this system has been successful and he anticipates the same
for a CPR/first aid training requirement.
CHAIR MCGUIRE agreed and said she thinks parental involvement
will be the key to success.
9:20:04 AM
SENATOR STEVENS asked if this is an unusual requirement and if
there are other non-driving related requirements that the DMV
deals with.
MR. BANNOCK answered that organ and tissue donation is one
example. He said the DMV is also responsible for "a lot of
elections."
SENATOR STEVENS asked if other states are doing anything like
this. He noted that a person is not denied a license if they
decline to donate their organs.
MR. BANNOCK said he does not know if other states have the same
requirement proposed by the bill.
SENATOR STEVENS said he is concerned about going too far with
this kind of requirement when a person is simply trying to get a
driver's license.
9:22:55 AM
SENATOR FRENCH asked the cost for a sixteen-year-old getting a
driver's license.
MR. BANNOCK said the license costs $20 and road exam $15. Road
exams are also available from private vendors for a variety of
prices.
9:23:44 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on SB 151.
SENATOR FRENCH said though he thinks the training requirement is
a good idea, he shares Senator Steven's concerns about the
impositions of the bill.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked how long the on-line class takes.
MS. HERRING answered that speakers not accessible at the moment
would be able to answer this and other questions.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said SB 151 will be set aside for further
discussion until on-line participants are available for
testimony.
HB 132 - AGRICULTURE DAY
9:26:40 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the consideration of HB 132.
REPRESENTATIVE CARL GATTO, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
bill sponsor, introduced HB 132 to the committee. The bill seeks
to dedicate the first Tuesday in May as "Agriculture Day." The
impetus behind the bill is to raise awareness of the annual $50
million agricultural industry.
9:27:47 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if Representative Gatto wanted to change the
date since the first Tuesday had already passed.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO said the day will be celebrated this year
no matter what.
CHAIR MCGUIRE clarified that page 1, line 5, of the bill should
remain "the first Tuesday in May." She asked if the intent was
to get young people aware of what agriculture means to the
state.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO described some of the school projects that
could occur around this designated day. He hopes to raise
awareness that all food does not come wrapped in plastic and
originate from a grocery store.
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on HB 132.
SENATOR GREEN moved HB 132 from committee with individual
recommendations and attached zero fiscal notes. There being no
objection, the motion carried.
CSHB 159(JUD) - STILLBIRTH CERTIFICATE
9:29:24 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced consideration of CSHB 159(JUD).
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO, Alaska State Legislature, bill sponsor,
introduced CSHB 159(JUD) to the committee. He said the bill
would help grieving parents of stillborn children by providing a
certificate acknowledging their birth. Existing law provides
only for the issuance of a death certificate when a child is
stillborn.
9:30:41 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE said she understood the certificate would be
optional for families.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO said every bit of recognition may help a
family's grieving process.
CHAIR MCGUIRE acknowledged that losing a child in this way is a
very traumatic event.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO said this bill does not allow the
certificate to be utilized for permanent fund dividend or
inheritance purposes. He researched other states procedures and
thinks this certificate would qualify as "a five-star
certificate."
CHAIR MCGUIRE called an at ease at 9:32 AM.
9:33:34 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE called the meeting back to order.
RHONDA CRAWFORD, representing herself, testified in favor of
CSHB 159(JUD). In October she lost her daughter as a result of a
stillbirth. At the hospital she was asked to fill out an
application for a birth certificate and then was told she was
given the wrong form; paperwork for a death certificate was what
was needed. It was a devastating experience for her and her
family. She said leaving the hospital with a certificate
acknowledging the existence of the child would mean so much to
families who suffer this kind of loss.
9:37:08 AM
JOANNE CACCIATORE, MSW and CEO of the MISS Foundation, Peoria,
Arizona, testified in favor of CSHB 159(JUD). She said giving
birth to a dead baby is an unbelievably painful and traumatic
experience. Several years ago Ms. Cacciatore personally lost a
child to stillbirth. Currently she is a PhD candidate focusing
her research on women and families that have experienced
stillbirths. She is also the CEO and founder of the MISS
Foundation providing services to families when a child dies at
any age and from any cause. Her home state of Arizona first
passed similar legislation in 2001. Since then nearly 20 other
states have enacted legislation addressing this issue.
MS. CACCIATORE said one in one hundred families will experience
the death of a baby because of stillbirth. States tell families
they must have a death certificate and pay for final disposition
through cremation or burial for a baby they never say existed.
She said these women gave birth just like every other woman and
invest emotionally, physically, and financially in the baby.
Many countries issue birth certificates for babies that are
stillborn, but it is still a fairly recent movement in the
United States. A birth certificate would offer women and their
families a philosophical and psychological piece of comfort and
dignity.
9:41:09 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE thanked Ms. Crawford and Ms. Cacciatore for
sharing their stories. She said it was important for the state
to do whatever was possible to make this process less painful
for families.
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on HB 159.
9:42:18 AM
SENATOR GREEN moved to report HB 159 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There being
no objection, CSHB 159(JUD) moved from the Senate State Affairs
Committee.
CSHB 75(STA) - DRIVERS LICENSE: ALCOHOL AWARENESS/MINOR
9:42:42 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced consideration of HB 75. [Before the
committee was CSHB 75(STA).]
BARBARA COTTING, staff, to Representative Jay Ramras, bill
sponsor, introduced CSHB 75(STA) to the committee. The bill
stipulates that a driver's license issued to a person under
twenty-one will expire ninety days after the person turns
twenty-one. A twenty-one-year-old person applying for a new
license after the expiration date must pass an alcohol and drug
awareness and safety test. The test will be designed by the DMV
and Representative Ramras hopes Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
(MADD) will also participate in the process. Licenses for
persons over twenty-one and under twenty-one would look
different making it easier for alcohol servers and sellers to
detect minors. The goal of the bill is to significantly reduce
under-age drinking in Alaska and improve alcohol awareness in
the state. She noted that a committee substitute (CS) at the
request of Mr. Bannock of the DMV, adds an effective date of
January 1, 2008. Also included is a small fiscal note of a one-
time $5,000 charge to initiate the process.
9:46:24 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if the bill had a finance referral.
MS. COTTING answered yes.
SENATOR GREEN asked if an alcohol awareness test existed for
first time license applicants.
MS. COTTING replied not that she was aware of.
DUANE BANNOCK, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department
of Administration, Anchorage, said there are currently questions
in the knowledge section of the driving test regarding drinking
and driving.
SENATOR GREEN asked for clarification of the difference between
the current test and the test proposed in the bill.
MR. BANNOCK said the bill would create a separate test at a
different time from when most people take the knowledge test.
Most applicants take the test at fourteen-years-old when they
get an instruction permit. This bill would require a second test
at the expiration of the driver license when a driver turns
twenty-one.
9:48:49 AM
SENATOR FRENCH asked what the cost of the test would be.
MR. BANNOCK said DMV would charge a $15 fee for a duplicate
license, but the test itself would be free of charge.
SENATOR FRENCH asked where the driver would get the information
necessary to pass the test.
MR. BANNOCK said it would not be proper for the DMV to provide
the information. However, it would be appropriate for the DMV to
be the distribution point of a booklet or pamphlet.
9:50:19 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE noted that Representative Ramras does not want the
CS adopted today. She said the committee should work off the
original bill labeled 25-LS0348\K.
SENATOR GREEN asked how the requirement would apply to a forty-
seven-year-old from out of state seeking a license.
REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
said the requirement would not apply to people older than
twenty-one or people moving into the state older than twenty-
one.
9:51:31 AM
SENATOR FRENCH asked how the provision would apply to twenty-
one-year-old out of state military personnel or college
students.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS said Mr. Bannock of the DMV could speak to
this question.
MR. BANNOCK said licenses held by active duty military personnel
have no expiration date while they are out of the State of
Alaska. However, their license will expire 90 days after
returning to the state or after separating from active duty
service, whichever comes first. The DMV has statutory authority
to offer expiration extensions to college students.
9:53:16 AM
SENATOR FRENCH asked who will develop the training required by
the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS said the present general knowledge test
contains one thousand questions in the pool. An applicant is
given sixteen questions out of the pool to answer; eight on
driving, four on insurance, and four on alcohol. He would be
very comfortable if the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and
MADD put the second test together, under the direction of the
DMV. Alcohol related questions could also be generated from the
pool that already exists.
9:54:36 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked Representative Ramras to speak about the
policy goals of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS said he has two objectives. One is to
clarify the age line between minors and adults. He said the
Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) has conducted extensive
stings over the last few years showing "there is a leakage rate
amongst minors being served in on-premise and off-premise
establishments."
SENATOR FRENCH asked for clarification of the terms "leakage
rate" and "predator."
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS said "leakage rate" is not an industry
term but one he uses to describe the numbers of minors being
served by operators. He considers any young person under the
legal age that tries to secure an alcoholic beverage and any
licensee who sells alcohol to a minor, a predator.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS reiterated that the first half of the bill
establishes a clearer line between a minor and an adult with the
automatic expiration component. The second component addresses
the need for more comprehensive education about the risks of
consuming alcohol and driving. A twenty-one-year-old is moving
through a very influential phase of life when alcohol use is
merging with the responsibility of driving. He believes it is in
the best interest for the safety of communities and young people
to consider both halves of this bill.
10:01:21 AM
SENATOR FRENCH said he agrees with the intent of the bill to
reduce DUI citations and save lives. He also likes the landscape
versus portrait orientation to differentiate age groups.
However, he wants to see evidence that required testing would
change behavior. He mentioned DARE as an example of a program
that was supposed to work and after a couple of years found out
it had very little impact on young people's behavior.
10:02:51 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE said she agrees with Senator French's statements.
She advised Representative Ramras to provide details about what
the test will look like and how it will be administered. Other
details to consider are costs, effectiveness, and comparison to
other states that may have a similar program. She also suggested
having someone from DPS or MADD speak to the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS agreed those were excellent suggestions.
He said he envisions alcohol education being incorporated into
the DMV handbook. Since the general knowledge test is designed
for a fourteen-year-old to pass, he thinks this will help to
institutionalize the dissemination of more information regarding
drinking and driving.
10:05:03 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE said Representative Ramras should outline costs
and how the program will work for the Finance Committee.
10:06:06 AM
SHIRLEY MARSHAL, representing herself, said she supports HB 75.
She said seven years pass between the time a fourteen-year-old
takes the written test and when they renew their license at
twenty-one. At twenty-one, the driver renews with no written or
driving test. She believes a written test regarding current
alcohol awareness is a great idea when a driver turns twenty-
one.
10:08:11 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on HB 75.
SENATOR STEVENS moved to report HB 75 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. There
being no objection, CSHB 75(STA) moved from the Senate State
Affairs Committee.
CSHB 184(FIN) - MOTOR VEHICLES-LICENSE/INSURANCE/IMPOUND
10:09:11 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the consideration of HB 184. [Before the
committee was CSHB 184(FIN).]
REPRESENTATIVE BOB ROSES, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of
HB 184, introduced his staff and others that worked on the bill.
JOSH APPLEBEE, staff to Representative Roses, said HB 184 brings
the "Support Our Troops" commemorative license plate to Alaska.
The plate has an additional fee attached that is collected and
then may be appropriated by the legislature to Support our
Troops (SOT) for redistribution in Alaska. SOT Inc., would
establish an Alaska disbursement board for determining the best
manner in which to disperse the funds. Local control of funds
dispersement is an essential part of the bill. Support our
troops plates have been issued in twenty states through the
efforts of SOT with several more in process around the country.
MR. APPLEBEE noted that committee members should have a synopsis
sheet of changes in Sections 1, 2, 4, and 6-9 that have been
made as the bill has moved through committees. He quickly
summarized the changes.
10:13:17 AM
SENATOR BUNDE noted that there is an amendment.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said she wants to hear testimony before
considering the amendment. She asked Mr. Applebee to provide an
opinion on the amendment.
MR. APPLEBEE said some language was altered in House Finance
that created a possible constitutional problem around creating a
dedicated fund. Legal Services has provided some language to
address that issue. Additionally, there is a language change
that recognizes the copyrighted use of the term "Support our
Troops."
10:15:02 AM
MARTIN BOIRE, Chair, Support our Troops, Inc., testified in
favor of HB 184. He said the license plate is a simple means for
civilians to "honor our moral obligation to our neighbors" by
assisting families of service men and women deployed for a
natural disaster, a peace keeping mission, or a war.
CHAIR MCGUIRE thanked Mr. Boire for putting his compassion into
action. She is sympathetic towards families who are impacted by
relatives deployed for extended duty in Iraq.
10:17:42 AM
DUANE BANNOCK, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department
of Administration, Anchorage, said he supports the bill.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if the program set up for anatomical gift
donations was working.
MR. BANNOCK said it is halfway working. He said the collection
of the donations is working well but what the state does with
the money after collection needs improvement.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if the money is going back to the anatomical
gift awareness program.
MR. BANNOCK replied no; the money is not going anywhere.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked what action is needed to get the donations
to the program.
MR. BANNOCK said legislation is needed to direct the money where
it needs to go.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if the funding mechanism in this bill will
work better than the anatomical gift awareness program.
10:19:32 AM
MR. BANNOCK said only the legislature has the ability to
appropriate money. He believes this bill is written correctly
and that a bill will come forward in the future to correct the
problem with anatomical gift money.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if there is a simple sentence that could be
included in this bill to address the anatomical gift money
appropriation.
MR. BANNOCK said he was not prepared to address this issue, but
would like to pursue it further.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked the bill sponsor if he was amenable to
adding a floor amendment. Hearing agreement from the sponsor
Senator McGuire asked Mr. Bannock to work with her staff on an
amendment and submit it to her as quickly as possible.
10:21:04 AM
SENATOR GREEN asked if Section 9 was added during the committee
process.
MR. APPLEBEE answered yes; it was added in House Finance
committee.
SENATOR GREEN asked if the legislation passed on May 9 in the
Senate dealing with the accumulation of fines, is duplicated in
Section 9 of this bill.
MR. APPLEBEE answered no; the language in this bill adds the
cost of towing to the accumulation of fees when a crime is
committed.
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if the "scofflaw bill" was connected to
alcohol related crimes.
MR. BANNOCK replied yes.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said this is a separate provision. This change
would clarify that for alcohol related crimes when a vehicle is
impounded the person that committed the crime will pay the cost
of towing.
10:22:37 AM
SENATOR GREEN asked for clarification of the language on page 4,
line 9, of the bill.
CHAIR MCGUIRE called an at-ease at 10:23 AM.
10:24:50 AM.
CHAIR MCGUIRE called the committee back to order.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said HB 184 would be set aside to the call of the
chair to work on a technical point in Section 28.40.080.
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on HB 184.
SENATOR GREEN moved Amendment 1 as follows:
Page 3, line 1, following "Inc.,":
Insert "approves the use of the terms and"
Page 3, lines 20 - 21:
Delete "solely for the purpose of providing benefits
within the State of Alaska to"
Insert "to the organization for which the specialty
license plate was purchased for the benefit of Alaska"
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced there were no objections therefore
Amendment 1 carried.
CHAIR MCGUIRE set CSHB 184(FIN) as amended aside to the call of
the chair.
SB 151 - NEW DRIVER'S LIC./PERMIT:CPR/FIRST AID
10:26:07 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE brought SB 141 [151] back before the committee.
SENATOR ELLIS said he listened carefully to the concerns of
committee members and appreciates their comments. He knows of no
opposition to the idea that young people and the state as a
whole would benefit from citizens receiving CPR/first aid
training. The mechanism for making it happen is the difficulty.
There was a great deal of opposition to requiring CPR/first aid
training in the public schools. He understands that the training
is available for free on line and there are free or nominal fee
on-line and community courses. Course availability would also
depend on where a person is located. He is confident that there
is good access to inexpensive or free training courses to any
young person in the state.
10:28:08 AM
SUZANNE MEUNIER, Director of Advocacy, American Heart
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 151.
She said every year in America sudden cardiac arrest kills
325,000 people before they can reach a hospital. Nearly eighty
percent of heart attacks occur at home witnessed by a family
member. Less than seven percent of cardiac arrest victims
survive. Providing CPR immediately after a heart attack can
double a victim's chance for survival. Passage of this bill will
significantly increase the number of Alaskans prepared to
respond to life threatening emergencies.
10:31:32 AM
SENATOR BUNDE said he read that Seattle was labeled the best
city in America to have a heart attack because a large part of
the population has learned CPR. He asked if that information was
accurate.
MS. MEUNIER said yes, Seattle is considered the standard and a
victim's survival rate there is in excess of thirty or forty
percent.
SENATOR STEVENS said he also remembers reading they have
excellent ambulance service by CPR trained personnel. He was not
sure civilians were so well trained.
SENATOR BUNDE said he read it was civilians.
10:33:05 AM
SENATOR ELLIS asked if Ms. Meunier had any comments about the
committee members' concerns related to the appropriateness of
attaching CPR/first aid training to receiving a driver's license
and the costs and inconveniences of getting the training. He
also asked for her thoughts about weighing those concerns
against the possible education gains of the bill.
MS. MEUNIER said a new generation of Alaskans trained to deal
with emergencies will increase the number of lives saved.
Evidence supports the fact that people learn differently and on-
line training can be more effective for some learners. This bill
targets an age group that spends much of their time on-line.
Currently available online courses take up to two hours and the
person has access to the course for up to six months. The AHA is
ready to partner with DMV to ensure regulation language is
adequate to meet the requirements of the bill. The January 2008
effective date gives them plenty of time to ensure that
opportunities are easily accessible and low cost.
10:36:25 AM
SENATOR ELLIS asked if class availability would increase if the
bill passes.
MS. MEUNIER said the AHA is always looking for ways to train
more people.
SENATOR STEVENS said it is should not be assumed that everyone
has access to the internet and classes will be taught statewide
given the small communities scattered around the state.
MS. MEUNIER said she read Alaska is one of the top states in the
country for technology access, including schools and libraries.
She believes the AHA would be able to deliver the information,
through technology, particularly in the smaller communities in
rural Alaska. Additionally, there are low cost print materials
available from the AHA.
10:38:55 AM
UVE KALENKA, representing himself, said the bill is important to
him personally and thanked Senator Ellis for introducing it on
his behalf. Approximately four years ago his son Eric was
murdered. Eric's life might have been saved had someone on the
scene known how to apply a tourniquet to his wound. He said if
one life is saved it is worth it and urged passage of the bill.
10:40:51 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on SB 151.
SENATOR STEVENS said he appreciates the comments he has heard,
but has serious misgivings about the bill. He does not see the
direct connection between obtaining a driver's license and
learning CPR and is concerned how training will be available to
everyone in the state. He believes the place for this kind of
education is in the schools. Requiring CPR training before
issuing a driver's license seems an unnecessary burden on young
people.
SENATOR BUNDE commented that though this may not be the perfect
mechanism, he would like Alaska to emulate Seattle and have
people trained in CPR. He added that it may be more important in
Alaska when a person may be miles from any road and immediate
medical care.
10:44:24 AM
SENATOR BUNDE moved to report SB 151 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note.
SENATOR STEVENS objected.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion of passing SB 151 out
of committee. Senators Bunde, French, and McGuire voted in favor
and Senators Stevens and Green voted against. Therefore CSSB
151(HES) passed from committee with individual recommendations
and attached fiscal note(s).
10:45:21 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE recessed the meeting to the call of the chair.
CSHB 184(FIN) - MOTOR VEHICLES-LICENSE/INSURANCE/IMPOUND
4:25:00 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE called the meeting back to order. Senators Green,
French, and McGuire were present at the call to order.
CHAIR MCGUIRE brought amended CSHB 184(FIN) back before the
committee.
CHAIR MCGUIRE moved Amendment 2 to CSHB 184(FIN) referred to as
version L.3/Luckhaupt as follows:
Page 1, line 3:
Delete "mandatory impoundments of vehicles used in
certain offenses,"
Page 1, line 5, following "persons;":
Insert "relating to the anatomical gift awareness
fund;"
Page 1, following line 6:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Section 1. AS 13.50.160(d) is amended to read:
(d) Money appropriated to or for use by the fund may be
spent for the purposes of the fund without further
appropriation. The annual estimated balance in the account
may be appropriated by the legislature to Life Alaska Inc."
Page 1, line 7:
Delete "Section 1"
Insert "Sec. 2"
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 4, lines 9 - 17:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
Page 4, line 18:
Delete "Sections 2 - 5"
Insert "Sections 3 - 6"
Senator Green objected for explanation.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said the amendment addresses the problem with the
appropriation of money from the anatomical gift donation
program. The amendment also deletes subsection 9.
SENATOR GREEN withdrew her objection.
4:26:44 PM
SENATOR FRENCH asked why subsection 9 was being deleted.
CHAIR MCGUIRE replied that removing the section would remove the
cost of towing.
SENATOR FRENCH clarified that 28.40.080 was not a current
statute. This amendment would remove the subsection so there
won't be a provision for impoundment of motor vehicles.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said it could be added to the crime package.
SENATOR FRENCH said that was a good idea.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said the intent is to set up the anatomical gift
donation fund the same way as the support our troops fund. When
a person donates to a cause the money should be end up there.
Hearing no further objection to Amendment 2 it was adopted
bringing the bill as amended before the committee.
4:28:36 PM
SENATOR GREEN moved to report HB 184 as amended from committee
with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objections, SCS CSHB 184(STA) moved from the
Senate State Affairs Committee.
SENATOR GREEN moved to report the title change resolution along
with amended HB 184 from committee. There being no objections,
the motion carried.
CHAIR MCGUIRE adjourned the Senate State Affairs meeting at
4:29:10 PM.