HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 26 Relating to creation of the Public Inebriate Task Force. REPRESENTATIVE IVAN IVAN stated that he had introduced the resolution because of a growing alcohol problem in Alaska that would need to be addressed by future legislatures. The resolution establishes a task force to develop and recommend a plan for treatment and services for intoxicated persons who are affected by Title 47. Under AS 47.37.170, local police can take into protective custody a person who appears to be intoxicated and incapacitated in a public place and then place that person in an approved public treatment or detention facility. A licensed physician or other qualified health practitioner must then examine the inebriate as soon as possible. If the person is found to be incapacitated by alcohol, they are then detained for no more than 48 hours in the facility or for no more than twelve hours in a detention facility. Tremendous costs have been accruing to municipalities and public health facilities due to the program. He continued, costs of affected programs and other aspects of the Title 47 equation are unknown. He considered the legislation essential in forming a task force to investigate the problem. Representative Martin pointed out that this concern has been "unsuccessfully" studied many times before. Representative Ivan advised that the problem continues to exist and a solution needs to be achieved. Co-Chair Hanley pointed out to Representative Martin that the fiscal note adopted by the HESS Committee only provides travel money for the task force members who are not working for the Legislature or the Executive Branch of government. ELMER LINDSTROM, SPECIAL ASSISTANT, OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, 2 spoke in support of HCR 26. He pointed out that the cost of the public inebriate problem statewide is unknown and that HCR 26 could provide information which could help in determining potential solutions. DONALD DAPCEVICH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY BOARD ON ALCOHOLISM & DRUG ABUSE, OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, stated that the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse endorses the effort put forth in HCR 26. The creation of a Public Inebriate Task Force has the potential of drawing all concerned parties together to solve this perplexing problem. He stressed that HCR 26 would be a prevention issue. Representative Martin reiterated that all the work done in previous years has not been productive. JULIE KRAFFT, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, JUNEAU, noted that the Alaska Municipal League supports passage of HCR 26. Many communities lack the financial resources to deal with the problem of public inebriates. Communities are required to detain these people with extremely limited financial assistance, and are then faced with ever increasing costs. The public inebriate problem is a public safety problem, a medical care problem, and a drug alcohol treatment problem. The issue can not be resolved from any one entity; the State must help take responsibility to develop a solution. Representative Mulder MOVED to adopt Amendment #1 which would change the number of voting members on the board from 11 to 12, adding one substance abuse treatment provider. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted. Representative Mulder MOVED to report CS HCR 26 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CS HCR 26 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "no recommendation" and with a fiscal impact note by the House HESS Committee dated 3/20/96 and a zero fiscal note by the Department of Public Safety dated 3/20/96.