HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Relating to the continuation of the Alaska Information Infrastructure Policy Task Force until the first day of the First Regular Session of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature in January 2007. MICHAEL O'HARE, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE PETE KOTT, explained what the resolution would do. In 2003 the Alaska State Legislature passed HCR 31 in order to establish the Information Infrastructure Policy Task Force. The task force is charged with analyzing fiber optic cable, satellite, and other communications infrastructure. It is also charged with analyzing long-term needs of distance learning, telemedicine, homeland security, and economic development via Internet connectivity. The task force will define the state's role, act as advocates, and develop a long-term strategic plan. HCR 6 extends the termination date of the task force until January 2007. Mr. O'Hare noted that the fiscal note reflects staffing and travel for task force members. 2:38:43 PM Co-Chair Chenault asked for clarification of the fiscal note. Mr. O'Hare reported that the fiscal note reflects staff travel. Co-Chair Chenault asked if this bill is from last session. Mr. O'Hare referred to the handout, "Preliminary Report to the Alaska State Legislature on HCR 32", (copy on file) slide 6, and explained how the bill came about. Co-Chair Chenault said he was more interested in the amount of money that was spent last year. He suggested lowering the fiscal note. 2:41:17 PM Representative Kelly questioned whether this bill should be passed. 2:41:46 PM Representative Joule said he does not know about the expenditures from last year, but maintained that the bill has value. Mr. O'Hare explained the fiscal note. 2:47:28 PM Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to amend fiscal note LEG #2 to $74,000. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 2:48:45 PM Representative Kelly suggested more outcome-based reports in the future. 2:49:46 PM KARLA SCHOFIELD, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AGENCY, addressed the fiscal note. 2:50:21 PM Representative Foster MOVED to report HCR 6 out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying amended fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCR 6 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a revised LEG fiscal impact note. 2:51:15 PM #hb148 HOUSE BILL NO. 148 "An Act relating to trafficking of persons." REPRESENTATIVE BETH KERTTULA, sponsor, explained that this bill is similar to HB 101 and addresses human trafficking in Alaska. It is estimated that there are up to 20,000 cases of human trafficking in the United States. Local shelters in Juneau have seen three cases. This bill would allow Alaskan prosecutors to prosecute this crime. She opined that HB 148 is easier to understand and more enforceable than similar bills in four other states. Co-Chair Meyer noted that the five fiscal notes are all zero notes. 2:53:06 PM Representative Hawker asked about human trafficking in the second degree, if the person obtains a benefit with reckless disregard. Representative Kerttula explained reckless disregard is an intent requirement. Representative Hawker and Kerttula discussed legal aspects of reckless disregard. She emphasized that people have a duty to be aware of what is happening at their business establishment. 2:56:01 PM Representative Kelly referred to Representative Croft's bill, HB 101, regarding transportation and advertising for overseas trafficking. Representative Kerttula explained that HB 148 does not refer to advertising, but trafficking. 2:57:20 PM Co-Chair Meyer asked what the punishment for a class B felony is. Representative Kerttula agreed it is one to three years for a first offense. Representative Croft explained the difference between HB 101 and HB 148, which were originally one bill. HB 148 deals with trafficking in Alaska, whereas HB 101 applies to trafficking elsewhere. 2:58:06 PM Representative Croft MOVED to report HB 148 out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSHB 148 (JUD) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with five zero fiscal impact notes: #1 ADM, #2 COR, #3 CRT, #4 LAW, and #5 DPS. 3:00:12 PM