SB 127-FETAL ALCOHOL DISORDERS AWARENESS DAY  1:35:37 PM CHAIR DAVIS announced that the first order of business would be SB 127. SENATOR KEVIN MEYER, sponsor, introduced SB 127, which would proclaim September 9 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. He said that FASD is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD Day is observed internationally on September 9. He noted that in previous years he had introduced FASD Awareness Day and he felt that now was the time to put it into statute. He explained that the bill supports a good effort to bring attention to a condition that has a devastating effect on Alaska, which has the highest rate of FASD in the nation. He pointed out that FASD can result in brain damage, birth defects, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and the loss of an individual's potential; however it is preventable. He stressed that education is key to solving the problem of FASD. CHAIR DAVIS opened public testimony. 1:39:02 PM KATE BURKHART, Executive Director, Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Alaska Mental Health Board, testified on behalf of the boards in support of SB 127. She spoke of the advantages of having a day that highlights the risks of FASD. She shared statistics regarding risky behavior during pregnancy. Alaska has one of the highest rates of binge drinking among women of child- bearing age. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, women from 18-44 consumed five or more drinks in one sitting in the past 30 days at a rate of 18 to 26 percent. She termed the bill "imperative to prevention efforts." SENATOR DYSON moved to report SB 127 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, SB 127 was reported from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee. CHAIR DAVIS commented on the importance of the legislation. She referred to a handout about things a person should know about FASD. SENATOR DYSON pointed out that years ago there was no awareness of the dangers of FASD. He stressed that it is preventable. He shared a personal story about one woman that has had seven FASD children. He spoke of the difficulties experienced by children with FASD. He suggested ways to support those with FASD. 1:46:19 PM SENATOR MEYER brought attention to the fact of alcohol's devastating effect on pregnancies.