HB 8-POWERS OF ATTORNEY  1:06:43 PM VICE CHAIR KELLER announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 8 "An Act relating to powers of attorney and other substitute decision-making documents; relating to the uniform probate code; and providing for an effective date." 1:07:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE SHELLEY HUGHES spoke as prime sponsor on HB 5 and advised the intent is to protect seniors and individuals at vulnerable stages of their lives from fraud and abuse in power of attorney relationships. She offered that the Alaska Commission on Aging, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), have communicated with her in support of this legislation. She described "principle" as the individual granting power, and "agent" as the individual being granted power, as two new definitions. She further described "jargon" such as "hot powers" wherein an individual must seriously consider granting power. The intention of this legislation includes fewer investigations, lawsuits, and court proceedings focusing around [fraud and abuse] and that sometimes the power of attorney for a child or senior or a [vulnerable individual] moves across state lines and this legislation improves the undertaking for the principle and the agent, she contends. 1:11:56 PM The committee took an at-ease from 1:11 p.m. to 1:13 p.m., due to technical difficulties. 1:13:30 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN requested a legal definition of a senior. 1:14:39 PM GINGER BLAISDELL, Staff, Representative Shelley Hughes, Alaska State Legislature, advised that this legislation is not necessarily solely for seniors but is used more often when an individual gets older. The legislation could also be used for someone going into surgery or cancer treatments where they know it will takes a few months and would like someone to handle their financial affairs. She opined that the powers could be for anyone of any age. 1:15:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN questioned whether the word "senior" is used in HB 8, and if so, what is the definition. MS. BLAIDELL replied that she would check. 1:15:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG asked if an individual from the Uniform Commission would be available to testify. MS. BLAISDELL, in response to Representative Gruenberg, advised that Deborah Behr, Uniform Law Commissioner, is in the audience. REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG inquired whether anyone from the Chicago staff is available. MS. BLAISDELL answered "Not anybody from Chicago." 1:16:04 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN questioned whether Alaska enacted the Uniform Probate Code, in the 60's, which had power of attorney provisions in it. REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES responded that the Uniform Probate Code was enacted in 1972. 1:16:56 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN indicated there was recognition within all states to update their Probate Code as to powers of attorney. He questioned whether [HB 8] is an effort to be consistent on a national level that has been perceived to be best practices. REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES responded "yes" and "no" because the items were reviewed one-by-one and included those that made sense, but did not adopt all of the recommendations. Therefore, the Uniform Law Commission did not provide a letter of support for HB 8, but it does improve the ability to work across state lines. REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN asked whether Representative Hughes would be identifying the areas in which the recommendation is to not follow the Uniform Law Commission's recommendations. REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES offered that she will do her best to point out where the legislation is in alignment and what they did not adopt. 1:18:29 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG remarked it would be helpful to him that someone from the Chicago staff of the Uniform Commissioners be involved. 1:19:54 PM MS. BLAISDELL paraphrased the sectional analysis as follows [original punctuation provided]: Section 1, Pg 1, ln 4. Replaces the current definition of an "agent" The term attorney-in-fact appears similar but should be distinguished from the term attorney-at-law. An attorney-at-law in the United States is a lawyer - someone licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. The Uniform Power of Attorney Act and this bill employ the term Agent. As an Agent, an attorney-in-fact is a fiduciary for the principal, so the law requires an attorney-in -fact to be completely honest with and loyal to the principal in their dealings with each other. An Agent would be held to the same level of honesty. Section 2, Pg 1, ln 9. Corrects the definition of "state" by including the United States Virgin Islands technical. Section 3, Pg 1, ln 13. Adds new definitions for "durable", "electronic", "power of attorney", "principal", "record" and "sign" as they pertain to this act. It was brought to our attention that a signature or initials could be quite difficult for someone with arthritis. Under this definition, a variety of ways for a person to "sign" would be allowed. Section 4, Pg 2, ln 17. In this bill an Agent is the person granted powers and the finances belong to the Principal. AS 13.26.326 Agent's acceptance and liability In the event the Agent violates a provision in this act, the Agent must restore the value of the property and reimburse any fees/costs paid associated with the liability. Section 4, Pg 2, ln 28. Agent's duties clearly defines the responsibilities of managing the Principle's financial best interests. An Agent acting in good faith will not be held liable if the Principle's plan cannot be preserved. Section 4, Pg 4, ln 22. AS 13.26.328 Acceptance of Power of Attorney This section pertains to a third party accepting the responsibilities of an Agent - such as an accounting firm, family lawyer, court appointed person, or others. Section 4, Pg 6, ln 10. AS 13.26.329 Termination of Power of Attorney; agent's resignation notice. Identifies the circumstances when a Power of Attorney is terminated. Section 5, Pg 7, ln 1. AS 13.26 amended to recognize a power of attorney executed in another state. A power of attorney executed in another state is valid in Alaska if the POA complied with the issuing jurisdiction's law or requirements of the military. Section 6, Pg 7, ln 9. AS 13.26.332 Statutory Form Power of Attorney This section edits the actual form recognized by the State of Alaska. The most substantive change to the form is requiring the Principle to mark a box for each category. This action will provide the opportunity for the principle to award POA in whole or part to an Agent(s). The form also provides optional grant of specific authority to: Create, amend, revoke, or terminate a trust; make a gift; create or change beneficiaries; or revoke a transfer on death deed. Section 7, Pg 11, ln 10. Sec 13.26.335 Additional optional provisions Changes the term "attorney-in fact" to Agent. Section 8, Pg 12, ln 8. Sec 13.26.341 applicability of provisions Changing the terms for consistency; "mark" and "incapacity." Section 9, Pg 13, ln 2, Pg 14, ln 3. "revoke, create or modify a trust" Removes the option to "revoke, create or modify a trust" in this section. Revoke, Create or Modify a Trust is now. Section 10-11, Pg 14, ln 27, Pg 15, ln 26. Section 11, Pg 16, ln 22, Pg 18, ln 5. A separate selection on the POA form. Section 12, Pg 19, ln 19. AS 13.26.344(d) Allows the Agent to use credit and debit cards, and electronic transactions. Section 13, Pg 23, ln 4. (10-14) adds additional responsibilities and clarification responsibilities of the Agent to manage the affairs of the Principal's business(es): (10) allows the Agent to operate, buy, sell, etc. the Principal's interest in a business (11) allows the Agent to put additional capital into a business (12) allows the Agent to participate in reorganization of a business (13) sell or liquidate the business (14) establish the value under a buy-out agreement. Section 14, Pg 25, ln 18. (13) exercise investment powers available under a contract of insurance or annuity. Identifies an additional function of managing the Principal's insurance or annuity. Section 15, Pg 25, ln 24. AS 13.26.344(h) Repealed section with respect to gifts and replaced with instructions regarding retirement plans. Provides the Agent with all powers to effectively manage the Principal's retirement plan(s). Section 16, Pg 26, ln 6. AS 13.26.344(j) amends section regarding personal relationships May or May not include gifts. Requires the Agent to maintain the customary standard of living of the spouse, children, and other dependents of the principal. Includes court ordered financial support. Acts as the Principal's personal representative under HIPAA rules. Section 17, Pg 28, ln 28. AS 13.26.344(k) amends section regarding government or military service. Includes civil service. Includes allowance and reimbursement for transportation of the individuals. Also allows the Agent to enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend or discontinue a program. Section 18, Pg 30, ln 7. AS 13.26.344 adds a new subsection: (q) specific authority with respect to gift transactions. This is an optional designation on the POA Form where a Principal can designate the Agent to have the powers to designate gifts. Section 19, Pg 31, ln 15. AS 13.26.347 is amended to relieve an Agent of liability for breach of duty unless is was committed dishonestly. For example: if the Agent makes a late payment on behalf of the Principal, the Agent would not be held liable for that action. IF the Agent purposefully paid for unauthorized expenditures from the estate, or consistently made late payments and the late fees were significant, the courts could determine that the Agent did not act in the best interest of the Principal and could impose a mediating action. Section 20, Pg 32, ln 6. AS 13.26.350 amends this section replacing the term "disability or incompetence" to "incapacity". The definition of "incapacity" is on page 36 of this act. Section 21, Pg 33, ln 2. AS 13.26.353 (a) repealed and reenacted: establishing the incapacity of an individual. Clarifies the grounds for determining incapacity of an individual and includes additional provisions such as if the Principal is missing, detained, unable to return to the United States. Section 22, Pg 33, ln 24. Technical amendment Inserts the term Agent and updates statutory reference. Section 23, Pg 33, ln 31. AS 13.26 adds new sections: Sec. 13.26.354 Judicial relief. Sec 13.26.355 Relationship to other laws. Judicial relief allows specified individuals to petition the court regarding the Agent's conduct. This act does not supersede any other law applicable to a financial institution or other entity; allows for electronic signatures. Section 24, Pg 35, ln 3. Technical amendment inserts the terms Agent, incapacity, and Power of Attorney. Section 25, Pg 35, ln 23. Technical amendment Removes term Attorney-in-Fact. Section 26, Pg 35, ln 28. AS 13.26 adds new definitions: "benefits from government programs or civil or military service," "good faith," "incapacity," "retirement plan." Section 27, Pg 36, ln 30. Adds a new chapter to read: Recognition of Substitute Decision-Making Documents. Sec 13.28.010 Validity of substitute decision making document. Requires that the state of Alaska deem decision-making documents valid for a Principal as long as the documents were executed in compliance with the law from the jurisdiction from which they come. A photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original has the same effect as the original. Sec 13.28.020 Meaning and effect of substitute decision- making document. The meaning and effect of the document and the authority of the decision maker are determined by the law of the jurisdiction where the document was executed. Sec 13.28.030 Reliance on substitute decision making document. A person in good faith accepts the document without the knowledge that the document is genuine, valid and in effect. A person may request that the document be translated and may obtain an opinion of counsel regarding the document. Sec 13.28.040 Obligation to accept substitute decision-making document. Defines circumstances where a person should or may not accept a document. If the document is deemed to be genuine, a person who refuses to accept a document is subject to court action. Sec 13.28.050 Remedies under other law Remedies do not abrogate and right or remedy under a law of this state. Sec 13.28.060 Uniformity of application and construction. When applying a uniform law, Alaska may edit the language to "fit" Alaska law. Sec 13.28.070 Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. This act does not supersede Sec 13.28.090 Definitions. "Decision maker," "good faith," "health care," "person," "personal care," "property," "record," "substitute decision-making document." Sec 13.28.095 Short Title. Uniform Recognition of Substitute Decision Making Documents Act. Sec 28, Pg 40, ln 8. AS 13.26.338(a) repealed AS 13.26.353(c) repealed Principal no longer draws a line through the sections that he/she DOES NOT want the Agent to manage. Requirement for a person to accept the POA or could receive a $1,000 civil penalty plus actual costs. Sec 29, Pg 40, ln 9. Applicability. Sec 30, Effective Date January 1, 2016. 1:27:42 PM MS. BLAISDELL advised that page 9 is a new section "Grant of Specific Authority (Optional)." There is no requirement for an individual to select any of the items, and noted if the individual does not select either "yes" or "no," it is automatically "no." She described "hot powers" as a broad and more impactful transaction an individual would perform. The first one is create, remand, revoke or terminate a trust which, she offered, is a significant responsibility someone may or may not want to give their agent. She offered that making a gift is very broad, such as, buying a raffle ticket for a student, or a gift to a charity of many thousands of dollars, or to a family member, or to themselves. She described the changing of a beneficiary designation as a significant item that a principle may or may not award to their power of attorney. There are four other items requested from the Uniform Law Commission and "truly I don't know why we didn't get all eight items in, but one of the recommendations would be to add those other items." She said it was not adopted in this version of the bill from the Uniform Law Code, "and certainly we would be happy to entertain those few items." REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES advised the intention is that all eight items are included in the legislation, but they accidentally fell through the cracks in the drafting. 1:41:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN questioned the definition of "hot powers." MS. BLAISDELL, in response to Representative Claman, advised "hot powers" is a user term she learned from the Uniform Law Commission. "Hot powers" is something independently chosen and not part of a form, and otherwise would not be awarded to the agent. The power must be specifically selected - on the form it is the section "Optional." REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES added that "hot powers" are very substantial in that the principle is giving hefty power to the agent, such as creating or revoking a trust, or changing a beneficiary, something important the principle consider seriously so it is included in a separate section. 1:52:46 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG reiterated he would like a document or testimony from the Chicago staff of the Uniform Commissioners, as to the difference between this and the Uniform Act. He is aware the Uniform Probate Code is large and complex and that they do not list in the Uniform Acts Annotated as there are too many. MS. BLAISDELL remarked that last year she provided to the committee a word-for-word every sectional compared to the Alaska Uniform Code including notes the Uniform Law Commission offered. She advised she will provide copies to the committee of the entire document of the language the sponsor accepted, and did not accept. REPRESENTATIVE KELLER suggested Representative Gruenberg work with the sponsor. 1:54:41 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN opined that the Uniform Law Commission chose not to endorse the proposed amendments and asked whether Ms. Deborah Behr would testify, or offer it in writing. VICE CHAIR KELLER suggested he get together with Representative Gruenberg and the House Judiciary Standing Committee staff, including the items left out by Legislative Legal and Research Services. REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN stated he is interested in the areas the Uniform Law Commission differs with HB 8, and the reasons why. MS. BLAISDELL, in response to Representative Gruenberg, advised that HB 8 enters strictly into financial powers. REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG questioned whether the Uniform Act is limited accordingly. MS. BLAISDELL answered in the affirmative. 1:58:05 PM MS. BLAISDELL responded to Representative Claman and stated that when first looking at the drafting of the bill, with regard to Alaska fraud, it appears to be more toward seniors or elderly parents. When initially drafting, the Uniform Law Commission compared every statute and created the document she previously spoke to. She then met with the long-term care Ombudsman and its attorney, and went through every single line, section by section, and found that a portion of the language the Uniform Law Commission requested already existed in Alaska Statutes and they determined it was similar enough that it did not require a change. She noted there are very specific Alaska laws pertaining to Native rights, shareholder, Native Corporation rights that were not changed. The Uniform Law Commission has not spoken to her directly regarding which sections it felt were not being followed and she could not say which ones might be less impactful than others, she offered. 2:00:12 PM MS. BLAISDELL reiterated that the sponsor put four of the eight "hot powers" in the form and accidentally omitted four and suggested the committee may decide to add the four into a committee substitute. Clarification of certain definitions were necessary, such as, "guardian," "conservator," and on page 35, line 24, there is also a generic term "public home care provider." She advised that a "public home care provider" was previously in statute, and the sponsor's intent is to correct the "attorney-in-fact" language. A public home care provider can perform miscellaneous chores so the individual can continue living at home and, she indicated, the statute reads that the public home care provider should not be the individual's power of attorney. The reasoning is that they are being paid to perform a certain set of skills and having the power of attorney may create a conflict of interest as far as the wellbeing of the principle. She indicated that a better definition is necessary for the public home care provider and referred to page 35, line 29 "(c) A special power of attorney created before September 4, 1988 ..." but pled ignorance because she does not know what happened on September 4, 1988, that was so significant as to stay in statute. She advised she would research the issue for clarification. 2:03:38 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG noted that the House Judiciary Standing Committee is dealing with HB 5, which is regarding conservator and conflict of interest. 2:04:23 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN indicated that one of the global changes in the legislation is changing from the term "disability" to "incapacity." He questioned whether that change is recommended by the Uniform Law Commission. MS. BLAISDELL responded to Representative Claman that she would have to go through the large document from the Uniform Law Commission to make sure, but she did flag in an existing statute "a note to decision on AS 13.26.010." She remarked that it is talking about the definition of an incapacitated person, which was a court decision that she believes drove the definition change. 2:06:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER referred to page 7, "Validity of power of attorney executed in another state." He noted that the growing sophistication of [Alaska's] powers of attorney may harm certain individuals. He offered a scenario of an individual going through the form marking off what "counts and what doesn't." He said his understanding is that there are two categories of power of attorney that are optional and questioned whether the Uniform Code, or anyone goes to different levels of power of attorney beyond that, like a power of attorney for business. He opined that if it gets too confusing it will end up hurting people because they can't understand it. REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES answered that ultimately she believes the form is more user friendly and understandable for the individual filling it out as it breaks the form apart. The principle has to stop and think about each item and often a person is filling it out with the assistance of an attorney, she said. 2:09:07 PM MS. BLAISDELL offered that an agent could manage all of a principle's financial effects while alive, and when the principle dies someone else might take over and disperse funds differently with a completely different action. She explained it depends upon what phase of life an individual is in and their expectations and offered that there is a wide variety of powers of attorney. Some can be very short term as for coaches when traveling to Canada for sports with a minor. House Bill 8, is strictly dealing with the financial responsibilities of a person when they become incapacitated. 2:10:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER described the form as something that is filled out to prevent problems if there is an incapacity. 2:11:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG, in response to Representative Claman, suggested reviewing two laws passed last year, House Bill 88, 42 SLA 2013, and House Bill 211, 19 SLA 2014. These laws deal with statutory reference to mental retardation with using up-to-date terms, and the employment of persons with disabilities, he explained. He opined this is a sensitive issue to people with certain disabilities or incapacities and how it would fit with the terms used in HB 8. The Uniform Act is drafted nationally and other states have not gone through the same history as Alaska in the last two years. 2:13:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES advised she would look at that issue. 2:13:17 PM MS. BLAIDELL, in response to Representative Claman, advised that AS 13.26.010 is regarding incapacity versus disability, and the court case notes to the decision. 2:13:49 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER referred to page 8, and questioned where the "hot powers" came from, how they relate, and he assumed Ms. Blaisdell would give the committee the whole list. MS. BLAISDELL responded that page 8 is a list of routine financial transactions most individual's deal with on a regular basis, such as, investments, bank accounts, household effects, utility payments, and personal relationships and affairs. The list on page 8 already existed and for the most part is being kept the same, although "gift transactions" was removed, and "retirement plans" added as a separate item. She referred to page 9, "Grant of Specific Authority (Optional), which is the jargon "hot powers," and the grant of "hot powers" is strictly optional. She opined that this is where an agent could commit the greatest level of fraud by giving themselves a gift, changing the beneficiary designation so they receive everything in the end. 2:16:13 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to pages 8-9, and stated she does not yet have an answer as to what happens when a "yes" or "no" block is not marked in some manner. She pointed out that the legislation has a zero fiscal note. 2:17:15 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG referred to page 9, line 14, revoking a transfer on death deed and suggested expanding it as currently there can be a transfer on death bank accounts, and transfer on death securities accounts. He further suggested the sponsor speak with Legislative Legal and Research Services on those issues. [HB 8 was held over.]