HB 161-CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND  1:33:24 PM CHAIR VANCE announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 161, "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." CHAIR VANCE opened public testimony on HB 161 1:33:51 PM CHRISTINE PAIGHT, Legal Program Director, Council on Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault (CDVSA), testified in support of HB 161. She understood that there is an enormous continuing unmet need for Alaskans to access civil legal assistance and few agencies, in addition to the Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) to provide this service. In the criminal justice system, there is a right to council; however, there is no corresponding right in the civil justice system. She reported that civil legal services are the most important service to ending domestic violence and sexual assault because civil legal attorneys are the ones who can get spousal support, child support, property division, and more. She shared a personal anecdote and urged the committee to pass HB 161. 1:40:36 PM JEANNE GERHARDT-CYRUS, representing self, testified in support of HB 161. She said the bill would help people with disabilities gain services, maintain employment, and ensure that they get the benefits they need to be full members of the community. It would also benefit low-income individuals. She posited that people who need this service and cannot afford it should not face a disadvantage in the court room. ALSC would help level the playing field, she said. 1:42:56 PM MARY RUTH MOORE, representing self, testified in support of HB 161. She shared that ALSC helped her and her children by extending a domestic violence protection order, getting custody and visitation during the divorce, helping with trust accounts after encountering carbon monoxide poisoning, enforcing her father's will, and restoring medical benefits. She advocated for the increase in funding. 1:44:37 PM TRAUDL HACKLEY, representing self, testified in support of HB 161. She shared her experience seeking a divorce and a protective order against her then husband. She said with help from her ALSC attorney, she obtained full-time custody of her boys, a long-term protective order, and instruction for supervised parenting time with their dad. She described the process of gaining representation through legal aid as a lengthy and competitive process. She urged a "yes" vote on HB 161. 1:47:55 PM JOHN PETERSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 161. [Due to technical difficulties, portions of the audio are indiscernible.] 1:50:30 PM CHAIR VANCE closed public testimony on HB 161. She announced that the bill would be held over.