SB 20-LIST U-47700 AS A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE  1:30:48 PM CHAIR WILSON announced the consideration of SB 20. He noted the proposed committee substitute (CS), 30-LS0319\D. 1:31:19 PM SENATOR VON IMHOF moved to adopt the work draft CS for SB 20, version 30-LS0319\D, as the working document. CHAIR WILSON asked if there was an objection to adopting the CS. SENATOR VON IMHOF objected for discussion purposes. 1:32:07 PM SENATOR MICCICHE joined the committee meeting. 1:32:16 PM CHRISTINE MARASIGAN, Staff, Senator Kevin Meyer, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, explained the CS for SB 20 as follows: Page 4, line 30:  Misspelling corrected, adding a "z" in the word that was brought up by Dr. Butler. Page 4, line 31: There's a new Section 2, this new section continues on page 5, lines 1-6 which basically inserts the language to have tramadol be Schedule IVA controlled substance thus bringing Alaska statute in line with what has already happened on the national level of tramadol. CHAIR WILSON asked if the objection to the CS is maintained. 1:33:05 PM SENATOR VON IMHOF removed her objection. CHAIR WILSON announced that without objection, the CS for SB 20, version D, is adopted by the committee. SENATOR MICCICHE asked to comment prior to moving the bill out of committee. He stated that the things that he has been looking at to try and present more of a catch-all moving forward needs more work. He asserted that the bill definitely improves the situation and he is very supportive. He said he will be getting with those that are experts, including [Senator Giessel], to work on recommendations going forward. CHAIR WILSON stated that he appreciated Senator Micciche's comment and noted that all committee members would like a more in-depth solution to the matter that plagues the state's communities. SENATOR KEVIN MEYER, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, Sponsor of SB 20. Commented as follows: I certainly agree with Senator Micciche and I think we had a really good discussion on this topic and how we need to come up with a system so that we can react quicker, faster, be a little more nimble than waiting for us to come into session and go through the process of passing a law; although, we are creating a new law with a pretty severe crime. So, I think it does deserve a deliberative process, but I would agree I think Senator Giessel and her opioid task force might be a good place to start the discussion or this committee and we are certainly very supportive and want to help in any way we can, but at least what this will do now is get this particular bill or this particular drug which we know is currently a serious problem, unlawful and against the law, so that the police force can now start implementing appropriate penalties. CHAIR WILSON disclosed that the plan in future weeks is to have the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit and the Alaska Opioid Policy Task Force present options before the committee to solve the problem that SB 20 addresses. SENATOR MEYER thanked Chair Wilson. CHAIR WILSON asked if there is any objection to Senator von Imhof's motion to move SB 20. 1:35:29 PM SENATOR VON IMHOF moved to report the CS for SB 20, version D, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 1:35:39 PM CHAIR WILSON announced that seeing no objection, CSSB 20(HSS) moved from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee.