SENATE BILL NO. 210 "An Act establishing child custody, modification, and visitation standards for a military parent who is deployed; and amending Rule 99, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure." 9:50:52 AM Senator Huggins, sponsor, explained the necessity of having a bill that gets it right because other states will be modeling their legislation after this legislation. JOSH TEMPLE, STAFF, SENATOR CHARLIE HUGGINS, spoke of the reasons for needing version K of SB 210. He described the stress put on military couples and the high rate of divorce. The bill defines and reinforces child custody standards for a military parent. The bill looks after the best interests of the children. The bill has a zero fiscal note. Mr. Temple reported that Congress decided not to deal with this issue on a federal level because of a potential conflict with state statutes. He related that the bill defines what "deployment" means as it relates to custody hearings. It also provides for testimony from deployment stations or combat zones. There is language included for hearings to address custody issues, keeping in mind the best interest of the child. 9:57:24 AM Senator Ellis asked if the best interest of the child, as found in current statute, is being rewritten. Mr. Temple clarified that the bill reinforces what is already in statute and does not create any new standards. Co-Chair Stedman noted five zero fiscal notes. 9:59:03 AM ADAM TOREM, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO MILITARY, testified via teleconference. He spoke in support of the bill. He said he worked with the sponsors to draft the bill. The bill is set up to protect the rights of parents. He described an example of how custody would work. He maintained that the legislation is in the best interest of the child. He addressed whether the third party designation was constitutional. He maintained that it was. 10:04:59 AM MARK SANSOUCI, REGIONAL LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, testified via teleconference. He spoke of a survey which provided data from families regarding child custody. The bill addresses all of those concerns. He noted that the bill covers all issues related to military parents and child custody. 10:08:58 AM ANDREA WELLS, MILITARY FAMILIES, FORT RICHARDSON, testified via teleconference. She spoke of her experience with military families and child custody issues. She spoke in favor of the legislation. 10:11:42 AM Senator Olson asked how many families would be affected by the bill. Mr. Temple said there is a large problem in Alaska. Senator Huggins commented that the bill would reduce ambiguity and smooth out the legal proceedings. SB 210 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration. 10:13:15 AM