HJR 31-FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS DAY  1:55:21 PM CHAIR DYSON announced HJR 31 to be up for consideration. JACQUELINE TUPOU, Staff to Representative Bruce Weyhrauch, Alaska State Legislature, presented HJR 31 on behalf of Representative Weyhrauch, sponsor. She explained that HJR 31 designates September 9 as "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day." Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the single largest cause of mental retardation in Alaska and yet is preventable. If women didn't drink during pregnancy, FASD would be eradicated. Alaska has the highest rate in the nation. Thus concerned parents came together on the Internet and are trying to foster worldwide awareness on the ninth month, ninth day and ninth hour to remember that pregnant women shouldn't drink throughout the nine months of pregnancy. She said more American children are affected at birth by FASD than by HIV, muscular dystrophy and Down's syndrome combined; economic and social costs are exorbitant for the state. Ms. Tupou referred to a 2005 survey of social providers and doctors, reporting that more than 50 percent of the obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) thought it might be okay for a women to drink a little while pregnant. She emphasized the need to get the "Do not drink" message out so that FASD can be eradicated. This is a first step towards increasing awareness in Alaska, Ms. Tupou concluded. 1:57:34 PM SENATOR ELTON voiced his full support. Beginning discussion of Conceptual Amendment 1, he referred to page 3, lines 5-7, and suggested sending copies not only to Washington, D.C., but also around Alaska, including the Department of Health and Social Services and the mayors of organization communities. MS. TUPOU replied that it would be fine with the sponsor. SENATOR ELTON pondered whether others should receive it as well. 1:58:24 PM SENATOR ELTON moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1, on page 3, line 7, after "Congress", to add the state Department of Health and Social Services and the mayors of organized Alaska communities. CHAIR DYSON proposed amending it to include school boards. SENATOR ELTON concurred, mentioning the possibility of superintendents as well and then returning to school boards. CHAIR DYSON asked whether there was any objection. No objection was stated, and Conceptual Amendment 1, as amended, was adopted. He countered the assertion that this is a first step, noting that many steps have been taken in the past. He cited examples, such as labeling and signs in bars, and noted that Alaska is trying to address this problem with teams and FASD-support groups. He acknowledged that it's still short of what needs to be done. MS. TUPOU explained that it was a first step for her office. She informed members that a FASD-related bill would be coming through as well. 2:00:22 PM SENATOR WILKEN moved to report HJR 31, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. Without objection, SCS HJR 31(HES) was reported from the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.