CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 44(FIN) "An Act relating to sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts in public schools; and relating to dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention efforts in public schools." 1:13:40 PM CINDY MOORE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, stated that she appreciated the work on the legislation. She felt that there were a couple of items that she would like to see modified, and shared that she had already worked with Co-Chair MacKinnon on those concerns. She shared that her daughter was recently killed by her boyfriend, and she felt that she needed to work to prevent further teenage dating violence. She stressed that this was a very serious issue, and children should be taught to protect themselves. BUTCH MOORE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, agreed with the comments from Ms. Moore. He felt that the original legislation was simple and straightforward. He did not agree with many of the additions to the legislation from the Senate Education Committee. He remarked that there were some items that he felt should be removed. He felt that there should be some adjustments made to the items. He wanted to eliminate items 4, 20, and 22. He stated that there should, at least, be some defined education outlined, so there would not be an undue burden on some volunteers. He felt that the volunteers should have the education to recognize violence and sexual abuse. He felt that the name "Bree" be added to legislation to read "Erin's Law and Bree's Law" under Article 6(a). He felt that Bree's story was important for students to understand and recognize. He felt that the education in the legislation was like CPR training. It was not for the person who was in the unhealthy relationship. The training was for peers and witnesses to provide tools to provide rescue to the victim. He remarked that Bree may still be alive, if the education were available at the time of her death. 1:20:37 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon remarked that she hoped that children would understand that they can turn to appropriate avenues for help and resources to stop the violence. Mr. Moore shared that he had seen an advertisement about wearing flotation devices. He stated that there were 783 reported cases of molestation of children, but only 10 percent of cases were actually reported. Therefore, there were approximately 30,000 victims per year. He added that 59 percent of all Alaskan women have reported being sexual assaulted, raped, or physically abused. He shared that he had heard some comments regarding the parenting of Bree. He stressed that he was in the 81 percent of parents nationwide, who did not realize the issue. He remarked that only 5 percent of children who are abused in a dating relationship would tell their parents. He felt that the children do not often tell their parents, because, in most cases, the father would go to jail. Vice-Chair Micciche expressed sympathy for Bree's death. He felt that the intention of the legislation was to ensure that Bree's loss was not in vain, and to help other young people to recognize the warning signs. He felt that their intentions were honorable. Senator Olson expressed concern regarding the element of social engineering for parents. He did not believe that the school should be the ultimate authority over the parents' intended value system for the children. He wondered how the parent would be protected, if the child wrongfully accused the parent of molestation. He felt that there could be some teenage rebellion that would negatively affect the parent. Mr. Moore replied that Rhode Island passed the "Lindsey Ann Burke Act" in 2007, which was intended to prevent teen dating violence. By 2014 the number of teen dating violence incidents had declined in half. He stressed that Alaska was number one in the nation for men killing women, men raping women, sexual assault, and six time the national average of child molestation. He stressed that he lost his daughter, so his parental rights were stricken. 1:28:13 PM TREVOR STORRS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA CHILDREN'S TRUST, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation, and its current version. He stressed that traumatic events in a child's life have a dramatic effect on the brain. He felt that the discussions regarding trauma in the community had He reiterated that Alaska had the highest rate of domestic and sexual abuse. 1:34:10 PM LAURIE MORTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, stated that she did not have the opportunity to review the committee substitute. She remarked that the council had been working on the issue in recent years. 1:39:36 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon acknowledged Representatives McGuire, Tarr, and Millett; and Senator McGuire for their work on the legislation. 1:40:33 PM SHEILA LANKFORD, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation. She shared that she had a long family history in Alaska. She shared a personal story about family abuse. 1:43:46 PM BETTY BRICKLE, SELF, WASILLA, stated that she had been a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She spoke in support of the legislation. 1:50:12 PM CHARLES MCKEE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, felt that the issue around the legislation was related to funding. He shared some points regarding some criminal cases. He expressed concern regarding children being used as commodities. 1:53:46 PM AT EASE 1:54:10 PM RECONVENED 1:54:27 PM POLLY ANDREWS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that she had spent her childhood in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta. She stated that there should be a consideration for children who are neglected. She remarked that education was essential in preventing child abuse. She shared that she experienced sexual abuse as a child. stressed that the curriculum must be culturally competent. She felt that the bill would create safety for Alaska's children. She understood that the bill could not save every child. 1:59:23 PM MYRANDA WALSO, SELF, CHUGIAK, shared that she had first- hand experience in seeing the need for education and prevention among the most vulnerable. She had seed toddlers who were traumatized by sexual abuse. She remarked that most children needed basic needs, and remarked that most children could be well adjusted adults. 2:03:02 PM TONI ROBERTS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, felt that the politics around this legislation was unacceptable. She testified in support of the bill in its original form. She shared that her young son had been raped by a neighbor. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Ms. Roberts was familiar with the current committee substitute. Ms. Roberts indicated in the affirmative. 2:07:01 PM TANYA ZAMURA-DEY, STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST RAPE (STAR), ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation. She felt the bill should have been passed at the time it was originally introduced. She stressed that there were extreme statistics about the high rates of sexual assault in Alaska. She felt that Erin's Law would help to prevent child abuse and sexual assault. Co-Chair MacKinnon stated that the phone number for STAR was 276-7273. 2:10:05 PM SAMANTHA MINTZ, ADVOCATE, STAR, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the bill. She felt that most recent version contained beneficial additions. She encouraged the passage of Erin's Law and Bree's Law specifically. She felt that children should be taught how to have agency over their body and safety. She stressed that each child deserved safety information. 2:13:06 PM SERGEY KULIKOU, ADVOCATE, STAR, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation, but stated that he would outline some concerns with the committee substitute. He felt that the training should be offered annually for all teachers. He felt that there should be a definition of "sex based materials." He looked at Section 17, and remarked that the new teachers should receive the training sooner than two years. 2:18:54 PM ROBIN SMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation. She stressed that Alaska had a very serious problem with domestic violence and sexual abuse. She remarked that there were extreme negative consequences to sexual abuse. She stressed that the costs related to mental health rehabilitation were much greater than the cost of prevention. 2:22:19 PM BARB AMARAK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BERING SEA WOMEN'S GROUP, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in support of the original legislation. She shared that she had observed the need for sexual assault and teen dating violence awareness in schools. She stressed that the purpose of schooling was to support and educate the children to be strong, healthy, and able to make wise choices. She remarked that there were many organizations that would provide third-party support and expertise to collaborate on the provision of prevention education for the schools and communities. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Ms. Amarak had read the Senate Finance version of the bill. Ms. Amarak replied that she did not support the Senate Education Committee's version of the legislation. 2:24:52 PM PAT O'HERA, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that there was a music teacher who had sexually abused third grade girls in class. She spoke in support of the legislation. She stated that the principal had ignored dozens of complaints from parents. She felt that there was a culture of indifference at the time. She opposed some of the changes in the bill, because she thought that the bill was a better than the status quo. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Ms. O'Hera was familiar with the most recent committee substitute. Ms. O'Hera replied that she had only read the first page. She encouraged the committee to keep the legislation very simple. 2:29:50 PM PEGGY BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, JUNEAU, testified in support of the current bill. She remarked that there were some issues that she would like to improve with the support of the committee. She shared that she had been addressed by some committee members regarding reducing the rate of child abuse and sexual assault. She felt that the passage of the law would create a space for children to be resilient. She shared a story about a child who was abused by their grandfather, and the result was not in favor of the child. 2:34:32 PM KAROL LIBBEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation. She shared that she had a grandchild who had been sexually abused in high school. She remarked that her grandchild had not been successful in life after the abuse incident. Vice-Chair Micciche wondered how the training may have affected her granddaughter's life. Ms. Libby replied that the training may not have affected her granddaughter's life. She felt that the legislation may encourage others to come forward and halting the abuse immediately. Vice-Chair Micciche asked how the legislation may have affected her granddaughter's life, had the law been in place twenty years prior. Ms. Libby responded that there was no one in her school that could see the signs of abuse. 2:38:24 PM WILLIAM THEUR, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation. He remarked that the bill outlined a very complex community. He stated that there should be a recognition of a substantial financial support. The requirement should be funded. He shared that his family had been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. 2:40:32 PM STEVE PIFER, SELF, CHUGIAK, testified in support of the legislation. He stated that his granddaughter was sexually abused by her father. He stated that his granddaughter's father had been sexually abused as a child, and felt that he may have received help, had Erin's Law been in place 15 years prior. He felt that sexual abuse must been dealt with in a straightforward manner, and the victims should not be holding onto shame. He encouraged the committee to add the education component as a requirement for the Alaska Judicial System. 2:43:05 PM EVONNE BEAVERS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation. She stated that her daughter had great teachers. She furthered that her daughter had been sexually assaulted by the boys in her classroom. Her daughter had developed an issue with hearing voices, and she eventually needed to be sent out of state to an institution. She stressed that children must be educated regarding sexual abuse. 2:49:07 PM ALLISON CURREY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified in support of the original legislation, but did not support the changes made in the Senate Education Committee. She shared that she was involved in a three year, unhealthy relationship. She remarked that she did not know the signs of dating violence until she was in her early twenties. She stressed that youth must be equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to stay safe. She felt that the law should require a mandatory curriculum. 2:51:47 PM CHARLENE DITTON, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), encouraged the committee to pass the version that passed from the House. She objected to the "sexual analysis" in Section 4. She stated that Alaska was a diverse state with many cultures and behavior patterns. She felt that school age children needed Erin's Law and Bree's Law. She offered that adding days onto the school year may help to facilitate the programs. Co-Chair MacKinnon encouraged Ms. Ditton to review Section 4. She explained that anyone could submit written testimony via email. 2:53:30 PM RON FUR, SCHOOL TEACHER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the original HB 44. He had concerns related to the committee substitutes. He addressed two components of the Committee Substitute that would directly impact teachers in Alaska. He stated that the committee substitute did not address the impact the requirements would have on teachers related to trainings. The second component was in Section 14 related to required physical exams for teachers. Many districts did not have access to physical exams. He had heard overwhelming support of the law from teachers. Co-Chair MacKinnon pointed out that the Committee Substitute language read "may" in Section 14. 2:57:04 PM MICHELLE CHURCH, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in support of the original version of HB 44. She believed Section 4 included an opt-out provision. She appreciated that some additions from the Senate Education Committee had been removed. She believed Erin's and Bree's Law needed to be passed. She spoke to her daughter's personal experience. She believed if her daughter had received education on appropriate interactions her experience may have been different. Her heart went out to people who had been impacted by sexual abuse. 2:59:50 PM BERT COTTLE, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), encouraged the committee to return to the original version of the legislation, that had passed from the House. He shared that school districts were already teaching prevention, and saw zero downside to the curriculum. He felt that some cases could have been prevented, if the legislation had already been in place. He remarked that the program could teach students to recognize abuse signs among their peers. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered Mr. Cottle had read the current committee substitute. Mr. Cottle replied in the affirmative. Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if Mr. Cottle read the current Senate Finance committee substitute. Mr. Cottle replied that he had read three different versions. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Mr. Cottle had read version F of the bill. Mr. Cottle replied in the affirmative. He felt that all school districts should be required to teach the program. 3:02:56 PM DANIEL LYNCH, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation in its original form. He felt that the legislation should have been passed 20 years prior. He did not believe that there were adequate leaders in the state to pass the legislation. He insinuated that some House members were "predators, perverts, and pedophiles." He noted that there were programs funded in the school districts that protected children, and hoped that there would be additional programs that would protect children. Co-Chair MacKinnon encouraged the testimony to be respectful to the members of the legislature. 3:05:25 PM MARCIE HAWKINS, SELF, SUTTON (via teleconference), felt that there should be more specifics regarding criminal background checks. She testified in support of the legislation in its original form. She stressed that the focus of the bill should be on sexual assault prevention in schools. 3:08:27 PM DEBORAH WILLIAMS, SELF (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation. She spoke to the provisions in the committee substitute that she felt interfered with the implementation of Erin's Law. She felt that the legislation was unconstitutional, because it had more than one appropriate subject matter. She felt that Section 2 as related to parent notification was inconsistent with the bill's intent, and provided undue burden to educators. She added that Section 6 would change the existing law. 3:13:06 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Ms. Williams was familiar with the current committee substitute. Ms. Williams believe that her testimony referred to the current committee substitute. Co-Chair MacKinnon remarked that Ms. Williams' comments did not seem consistent with the current version. Vice-Chair Micciche stated that version P of the legislation had a provision that allowed a student to be excused from the training at a written request from a parent. Co-Chair MacKinnon encouraged Ms. Williams' to submit her comments as related to version F via email. 3:15:14 PM CHRIS RITON, SUPERINTENDENT, GALENA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, GALENA (via teleconference), spoke to Section 4. He encouraged the committee to consider "opt out" language, rather than written permission. He felt that the current language would limit the schools to develop programs to best serve the students. He stated that he would like the change to the last line of Section 4 to read, "unless opt out forms are obtained from student's parent or legal guardian. Co-Chair MacKinnon shared that it was current state statute. Mr. Riton replied that there were opt out provisions applied to some student surveys. Co-Chair MacKinnon wanted to ensure an understanding of current state statute. Mr. Riton stressed that the schools may not receive proper data through the bill's current language. Mr. Riton supported the change for state mandated training for school districts. He stated that school districts had extensive responsibilities for training. He looked at Section 24, and supported the establishment of the Alaska Safe Children Act Task Force. He felt that the task force would provide guidance to ensure the best curriculum to meet the new mandates. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Vice-Chair Micciche wanted to comment on Section 4. Vice-Chair Micciche replied in the negative. 3:19:22 PM SANTA CLAUS, SELF, NORTH POLE (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation in its original form. He felt that the majority of Alaskans were in support of age appropriate sexual abuse and assault aware and prevention education for grades K-12. The felt that the legislation would result in a safer environment for children. He felt that there would not be additional costs to school districts that claim to have similar existing programs. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if Mr. Claus was able to review the committee substitute. Mr. Claus replied in the affirmative, and furthered that he was in support of the original version. 3:21:27 PM CATHERINE LAY, SELF, WASHINGTON STATE (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation in its original form. She shared a story about her stepson abusing her stepdaughter. She remarked that she had family in Alaska, and stressed that the legislation was essential to preventing sexual violence. 3:27:59 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon shared that written comments could be submitted via email. 3:28:28 PM AMY BOLLENBACH, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in support of the bill in the three-page version. She stated that the current version's purpose was still unclear, but remarked that Section 4 was an improvement. 3:30:50 PM JENNIFER WOOLEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation. She remarked that she never received an education about healthy relationships. 3:33:03 PM ZHEVIA C. PETERSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation. She stated that she was currently studying Sociology related to social work and public health. She felt that the bill should return to its original form. She expressed concern regarding the high rate of child sexual abuse in Alaska. 3:34:31 PM ANDY HOLLEMAN, PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the purpose of the legislation, but felt that there needed to be substantial processes regarding some of the additions to the bill. He stressed his support for the original form of the bill, and felt that the other areas could be addressed at a later date. 3:35:47 PM ALYSE GALVIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation. She felt that the education was extremely important to the state. She remarked that the children should be protected. She felt that this was the right direction to take. She appreciated the work of the legislature. She felt that Section 4 should be removed from the bill. She recommended that Sections 20 and 22 should also be removed from the legislation. She added that she felt that she would have had a better chance to be successful, if she had the education and tools that the legislation would provide. 3:39:04 PM JESSICA CLER, ALASKA PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER, PLANNED PARENTHOOD VOTES NORTH WEST, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation. She stressed that teachers needed the skills to recognize victims of abuse, and students needed the tools to address the problem. She felt that the current version was very close to the Alaska Safe Children Act. She stressed that Alaska had demonstrated support of the bill. 3:41:16 PM Mr. Lynch wondered if he should focus on his objections, or whether he should begin with the point from when he was previously muted. Co-Chair MacKinnon replied that he should focus on what could be done to enhance bill Mr. Lynch stated that there should have been a bill passed 20 or 30 years prior. He stated that there was money for other programs, so there should be money set aside for this program as well. He hoped that the original legislation would be adopted. 3:43:30 PM AT EASE 3:44:00 PM RECONVENED 3:44:27 PM VERA BEDARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that she had written a play about her family's sexual abuse. She remarked that she had disclosed her abuse, but it was hidden away. She spoke to the opt-out provision. 3:48:31 PM STEVEN AUFRECHT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared concerns regarding the impact of how many children would be affected by the changes in the committee substitute. 3:51:55 PM DIANA HANSEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the original version of the legislation. She felt that the current version was better than the Senate Education committee substitute. She shared that she had been abused as a child. 3:54:48 PM MARY SAVAGE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the legislation in its original form. She shared that she had been a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence. She felt that her sexual abuse as a child led to her domestic violence experience as an adult. She shared that she had education about sexual abuse, but it was too late. She felt that sexual abuse education should occur at an extremely young age. She felt that sexual predators were not born that way, because it was a learned behavior. 3:56:50 PM KENNI LINDEN, SELF, PALMER, spoke in support of the legislation in its original form, essentially Section 15 of the Committee Substitute. She shared that she loved her community, and was proud of its residents. She stated that she had served on the MatSu School Board as a student, and she had been involved in many different aspects of education. She shared that she had been sexually assaulted at age 15, and wished that she had received information about dating abuse in the classroom. 4:00:19 PM GRETCHEN WHENHOFF, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared a personal experience. She testified in support of the legislation. 4:03:22 PM JUDY MILLER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the original version of the legislation. She did not support the language from the Senate Education Committee Substitute. She felt that she was not qualified to address many of the changes in the current version. Co-Chair MacKinnon CLOSED public testimony. 4:06:28 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon thanked those who had testified, and asked the committee to stand to honor those who had testified on the legislation. Co-Chair MacKinnon stated that there would be amendments offered within the hour. Co-Chair MacKinnon shared some thoughts on the process of the legislation. 4:11:38 PM RECESSED 6:02:32 PM RECONVENED 6:03:20 PM Vice-Chair Micciche MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1 (copy on file). Co-Chair MacKinnon OBJECTED for discussion. LAURA PIERRE, STAFF, SENATOR ANNA MACKINNON, stated that Amendment 1 related to the Suicide Prevention Training, which was passed in 2012. Currently the training was set to expire on June 30, 2016. The amendment would allow the training to continue each year until the expiration, then the training would be a part of the legislation at a two- year interval. The amendment would change the task force from developing curriculum to only "making recommendations to DEED", which would solve the issue of separation of powers as it relates to the constitution. Senator Dunleavy queried the word change in the amendment. Ms. Pierre replied that the change the word "developing" to "providing recommendations to the Department of Education and Early Development." Co-Chair MacKinnon explained the exact location of the amendment within the bill. Co-Chair MacKinnon WITHDREW her objection. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 was adopted. Vice-Chair Micciche MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2. Co-Chair MacKinnon OBJECTED for discussion. Ms. Pierre explained that Amendment 2 related to Section 15, specifically on page 8, lines 1 and 2. The bill currently stated that the governing body of each school district was required to provide notice to parents, students, and staff. The amendment would remove "parents" and "staff" to read, "provide notifications to the parent." The amendment was a request from DEED, and was written in Senator Gardner's version of the legislation. Co-Chair MacKinnon WITHDREW her objection. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Vice-Chair Micciche MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 3. Co-Chair MacKinnon OBJECTED for discussion. Ms. Pierre explained that Amendment 3 related to mandatory reporting of volunteers. Currently the mandatory volunteer portion was restrictive for the volunteer hours and the reporting. The amendment broadened the restrictions to include the items listed on lines 6 through line 10. The amendment allowed for the volunteers to have access to the same training as school staff as provided in the legislation. Co-Chair MacKinnon WITHDREW her objection. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 6:08:07 PM Vice-Chair Micciche MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 4. Co-Chair MacKinnon OBJECTED for discussion. Ms. Pierre explained that Amendment 4 would delete Section 14, which was physical examinations for teachers. She remarked that there was some concern that teachers in rural Alaska may be limited in their access to health care provider service for a physical examination. Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if Senator Olson wanted to explain further the amendment. Senator Olson explained that Section 14 would be duplicative, because they were already required to have physical exams. He stated that the amendment would clear up some confusion. Co-Chair MacKinnon MAINTAINED her OBJECTION to Amendment 4, and set it aside. Vice-Chair Micciche MOVED Conceptual Amendment 5. Co-Chair MacKinnon OBJECTED for DISCUSSION. Vice-Chair Micciche explained Conceptual Amendment 5. He stated that he would like to delay the effective dates for Sections 4, and Sections 20 through 23, and the addition of Amendment 3 until June 30 2017 in order to fully understand the impacts of the changes. He felt that the delay could work with the Task Force. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered if the amendment could be held until the following day to allow time to draft an amendment. Ms. Pierre explained that the effective dates would be applicable to Sections 4, 20, and 22. Vice-Chair Micciche agreed, with the addition of Sections 21 and 23, because they were the same subject matter. Co-Chair MacKinnon wanted to hold the amendment until 8:00am the following day. Vice-Chair Micciche replied that he was content with waiting until the following day. Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that she was not opposed to the change. Co-Chair MacKinnon MAINTAINED her OBJECTION to Amendment 5. 6:13:12 PM REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR, shared that there had been some concern about the unfunded mandates early in the session. She stated that there was a review of the different responsibilities as it relates to the district payments for teachers. She stated that the physical examinations may be a cost savers, in consideration of the overall costs of the districts. She understood that there was a concern of the availability of receiving a physical exam in a rural communities. The language could be expanded to include the village health aides, and other individuals, so there could alleviate the pressure to travel to hub communities. Representative Tarr stressed that there was strong support of the mandatory language, so the school districts would be required to offer the curriculum. She understood that parental rights should be respected, and she noted that parents had the right to remove their child from any curriculum. Vice-Chair Micciche stressed that the bill would protect Alaska's youth. He remarked that there were items in the bill that were the result of a compromise. He wondered if the bill was a "clean bill" for Erin and Bree's Law. 6:17:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHARISSE MILLETT, explained that the original intent of the legislation was included in the current version of the bill. She remarked that there were some other portions of the bill, and she found some merit in those additions. She stressed that the ultimate goal of the current version provided a satisfactory compromise. She expressed concern about the addition of the task force. She stressed that the purpose of the task force should be focused on examining some solutions for issues within society. Senator Dunleavy surmised that the House did not support some items in the Senate Education version of the bill. He assumed that the House did not support the opt-in portion, and wondered what other items that the House may not have supported. 6:19:32 PM AT EASE 6:20:06 PM RECONVENED 6:20:10 PM Senator Dunleavy queried the issues within the Senate Education Committee Substitute. Representative Millett replied that the Senate Education Committee Substitute made the program optional, which only maintained the status quo. There was also an opt-out for school districts, which would not carry forth a law. The version also required parents to "opt-in", which would be a burden to the school districts. Senator Dunleavy wondered if those three items were the only issues that would have prevented the version from passing the House. Representative Millett replied that she did not examine every issue with each member of the House. She stated that there were some members of the House, who felt that the bill would have zero impact. She remarked that some individuals may have had other issues. Senator Dunleavy wondered if the bill would have passed the House, had those three items not been included. Representative Millett replied that she did not know. Senator Dunleavy asked if the "pro-life" portion or "abortion provider" portion would have halted the bill in the House. Representative Millett replied that it would politicize the bill, which was not the original intent of a child protection bill. The bill was intended to provide children and teens with the ability to know the difference between right and wrong. The bill was not about abortion or a political statement, but rather the safety of children. The addition of other bills into the legislation was disingenuous, because she did not know the House members' positions on the other bills. 6:26:00 PM Representative Tarr stressed that there was passion around this issue, so keeping the legislative "tight" allowed for more of a collective effort. The violence prevention efforts were the most important aspects of the legislation. Senator Dunleavy felt that dialogue was more important than the perspective of the press. Co-Chair MacKinnon stressed that she wanted to outline legislation that was beneficial to all Alaskans, and wanted to ensure the safety of all Alaskans. She asked for further comment from Representative Millett. Representative Millett stressed that the legislation was tied to passion and heartache, and the purpose of the bill was to prevent even just one child from experiencing sexual violence trauma. She stressed that the bill would not solve the state's problems. She felt that the legislation was a positive direction. 6:30:03 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon queried Representative Millett's position regarding the two held amendments. Representative Millett's agreed with Senator Olson's position regarding the physical examination of teachers. She was unclear about how it was written in statute, and felt it necessary to hold the amendment until the following day. She shared that delaying the effective date amendment was intended to examine the surveys, and how data was collected regarding the safety of children. She felt that there could be further clarification through DEED regarding the impact of the amendment. Co-Chair MacKinnon remarked that she would be in contact with the bill drafters regarding Amendment 3. CSHB 44(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.