CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 139(L&C) "An Act relating to termination and oversight of boards, commissions, and agency programs; extending the termination date of the Board of Marital and Family Therapy; and providing for an effective date." TOM MAHER, STAFF, SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, spoke in support of the legislation. This Legislation stems from recommendations contained in two reports by the Division of Legislative Audit. First, this legislation extends the sunset date of the Board of Marital and Family Therapy from June 30, 2005 to June 30, 2010 per the audit recommendation contained in that report (page 9). Second, HCS CSSB 139 (L&C) also incorporates recommendations contained in the audit of the Alaska Sunset Process and Selected Investigative Issues. This legislation changes the standard sunset period for occupational boards in AS 0803.020 (c) and non occupational boards in AS 44.66.010 (c) from "not to exceed four years" to not to exceed eight years". Increasing the standard sunset period allows for better use of audit staff, committee time, and makes the sunset process less consuming for board regulatory agencies. As Alaska's sunset process has matured, most of the sunset reviews are less about eliminating board and commissions, and more about operational performance. Twelve states have either repealed or suspended their sunset process. The most common standard extension is ten years, while Alaska along with three other states have maintained a standard four-year extension. Of course, the Legislature will still he able to set whatever time extensions it deems appropriate, regardless of this statutory change. TICS CSSB 139 (L&C) also adds two criteria to statute that must be considered in the course of a sunset review by the auditors: • The extent to which the board, commission, or agency has effectively attained its objectives and the efficiency with which it has operated. • The extent to which the board, commission, or agency duplicates the activities of another governmental agency or the private sector. Expanding the criteria will assure that auditors will measure the efficiency and effectiveness of boards, commissions or agencies under review 3:54:10 PM Representative Hawker asked about criteria adding to sunset regulations. He referenced subsection (10), regarding effectiveness and efficiency. 3:54:46 PM PAT DAVIDSON, LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT DIVISION, explained that under the provisions of the legislation, the agency, board or commission being audited, would know how they would be evaluated. She stressed that it is important that information regarding missions and measures are brought to the entities being examined. There are ways to measure efficiency and effectiveness. The legislation would also address non-occupational agencies, such as the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA). Representative Hawker questioned who would set the mission and measure standards and whether there would be legislative guidance. Ms. Davidson responded that they would look for best practices. Many are not Alaska only organizations. They would build on any existing measures or missions. Efficiency is determined through observation. She noted the division's support. 3:58:32 PM RICK URION, DIRECTOR, OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, spoke in support of an amendment that would restore provisions removed from the previous committee of referral. The provisions in question related to what happens after a board sunsets. He observed that the licensing law is not removed after a board sunsets. The proposed amendment would put the duty on the division. th He noted that a board is being sunset June 30 this year. Co-Chair Chenault requested that the amendment be provided for a future Finance Committee meeting. HCSSB 139 (L&C) was HELD in Committee for further consideration. 4:00:38 PM At ease. 4:01:37 PM