SCR 13-FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS  1:35:02 PM CHAIR STEDMAN announced that the first order of business would be SCR 13. This is the second hearing on the resolution. On February 26 the committee heard from the sponsor, held public testimony, and set the resolution aside. The intent today is to adopt a committee substitute and look to the will of the committee. 1:35:49 PM SENATOR KELLY moved to adopt the CS for SCR 13, labeled 28- LS1398\N, as the working document. CHAIR STEDMAN objected for discussion purposes. 1:36:23 PM HEATHER SHADDUCK, Staff, Senator Pete Kelly, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented changes to SCR 13 on behalf of the sponsor. She said the difference between version N and the old version U can be found on page 2, line 1. Version U said that the state currently maintains a high quality screening for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Version N replaces that with "a high quality diagnostic system." Currently, there is no screening tool for FASD, but the state has a gold standard in the diagnostic system. 1:36:50 PM At ease 1:36:57 PM CHAIR STEDMAN asked if that was the only change. MS. SHADDUCK said yes. CHAIR STEDMAN removed his objection to adopting version N. There being no further objection, version N was before the committee. 1:37:32 PM SENATOR KELLY said the resolution came from an idea that cropped up in a Senate Finance Committee overview on the Mental Health Trust Authority. From that a leadership team was established which is pulling together an operational plan. He requested testimony from Mr. Hamilton. MARK HAMILTON, former-President, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, provided information related to SCR 13. He said he has been working on SCR 13 since last May. The team has come up with an executable plan. He named the components necessary when looking at FASD; early identification and trust. He related that the team has worked with the First Alaskans Institute that has an existing group of individuals that support village internship programs. The team will utilize them to help identify the kind of "go-to" person in every village, a person with close ties and trust of the people of the village. He provided a hypothetical example of how the natural helper might assist someone to find help via the Indian Health Service. He noted a combined study from UAA and UC-San Diego to research the acceptability of free pregnancy test dispensers in women's bathrooms in places that serve alcohol. These can detect pregnancy within about six days, and the fetus attaches at about 13 days. He stressed the importance of early discovery. If a healthy child is delivered, the state has saved about $900,000. 1:42:44 PM MR. HAMILTON explained an awareness media campaign, emphasizing the importance of social pressure. Another strategy is to target men to support women during their pregnancy. He said on the pregnancy dispenser will be a slogan, "If you know you are pregnant, we know you'll do the right thing." He pointed out that 90 percent of women who discover they are pregnant do stop drinking. 1:44:31 PM SENATOR MICCICHE asked about the importance of early intervention and the susceptibility of the fetus at early development stages. MR. HAMILTON stated that the data shows that it is "Russian Roulette." It depends on the timing of alcohol use because there are specific days of embryo development that are most damaging. Alcohol is one of the few reactants that dissolve the brain. He said four states have laws to remand pregnant women who drink during pregnancy. He suggested starting with developing a culture of intervention. CHAIR STEDMAN noted upcoming hearings on substance abuse issues. He requested a brief history of Mr. Hamilton's career. MR. HAMILTON shared his work history as the President of the University of Alaska and a 31-year military career, retiring as a Major General in the U.S. Army. CHAIR STEDMAN commented on his skills and unique position to help do away with FASD. 1:48:14 PM SENATOR MICCICHE said it does not surprise him that Mr. Hamilton would be involved in this issue. He shared a personal story. 1:48:58 PM SENATOR KELLY said that the topic of FASD "breaks your heart." He recalled a presentation about a baby that had brain damage from alcohol abuse. There is no hope after the effects of alcohol have done damage. He stressed the desperation to eradicate fetal alcohol. CHAIR STEDMAN noted one zero fiscal note from the Legislature. 1:51:11 PM SENATOR KELLY moved to report the CS for SCR 13 from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note. CHAIR STEDMAN announced that without objection, CSSCR 13(HSS) is reported from the Senate Education Standing Committee.