SJUD - 3/17/95 SB 106 PROHIBIT EMPLOY MINORS AT STRIP TEASE  CHAIRMAN ROBIN TAYLOR called the Judiciary Committee meeting to order at 2:59 p.m. The first bill before the committee was SB 106, sponsored by Senator Miller. SENATOR MILLER informed committee members that a situation in Fairbanks was brought to his attention that was the impetus for SB 106. Later in the year the same situation was occurring in Anchorage and could be in the Kenai in the near future. He explained there are strip tease businesses that do not serve alcohol and as a result are able to get around age limits when hiring employees. In the Fairbanks case, a 16 year old year was found to be working in a strip tease joint. Also, because no alcohol beverages are served there is no age limit on individuals who may frequent these establishments. SENATOR MILLER commented on the committee substitute. Section 1 states an individual must be 18 years old or older to enter an establishment that offers adult entertainment. Section 2 states a minor may be employed in the entertainment industry, but specifies that an individual must be 18 to be employed in the adult entertainment industry,and it contains a list of the types of businesses in that industry. SENATOR MILLER noted the Department of Labor supports the bill, but has proposed an amendment to raise the age of employment to 21. He stated he supports the amendment but did not want to jeopardize the legislation from passing because of the serious need for the legislation. Number 071 SENATOR GREEN moved to adopt the committee substitute for SB 106 (Cramer, 3/17/95). There being no objection, the committee substitute was adopted. DWIGHT PERKINS, Department of Labor, testified in support of CSSB 106 (JUD). He stated the Department has recently found clubs operating in Fairbanks and Anchorage employing minors who are usually runaways or disadvantaged youth. He explained that both employers and employees fill out parts of work permits. Generally the parents fill out the part for the employee, however this is not done in these cases. SENATOR MILLER noted KIDPAC and the Womens' Lobby were supportive of CSSB 106 (JUD). He moved adoption of the amendment (Cramer, 3/17/95) which changes the definition of "minors" from youth under age 18 to youth under age 21. SENATOR ADAMS objected and questioned why an 18 year old who is finished with high school should not be able to choose where he/she works. Number 132 SENATOR MILLER stated he understood the objection and although he supported the amendment, he felt leaving it at age 18 to be better than what is currently allowed. SENATOR DONLEY questioned whether the amendment had been reviewed by the Department of Law. SENATOR MILLER replied it has been reviewed by the Department of Labor and the Department of Law. SENATOR DONLEY commented terms such as "adult entertainment" are difficult to define, and noted that modern dance could fall under the definition. He expressed concern that the definition may go too far. SENATOR MILLER replied some definition is necessary to create standards. He added that many of the standards in the definition are from the obscenity statutes passed last year. He felt the prosecution would have to make judgement calls to some extent, but reiterated some standards are better than none. SENATOR TAYLOR announced that a thorough review by the Department of Law of the definitions to clarify what activities are illegal, and whether or not they are enforceable, needs to be conducted before the bill is scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor. SENATOR GREEN asked for clarification of the definition of the word "minor." SENATOR TAYLOR explained there is a whole series of definitions for people at various ages, but generically, a youth below the age of 18 is considered a minor. After that age, an individual can vote and enter into a contract, and it is the cutoff age for criminal activity. Number 222 SENATOR MILLER expressed concern that the proposed amendment might cast a lot of doubt on the bill because of the 18 - 21 year old issue. He withdrew his motion to adopt the amendment. There being no objection, the amendment was withdrawn. SENATOR ADAMS noted the penalty provision in Section 4 carries a 90 day prison sentence. He questioned the lack of support for prison funding. SENATOR MILLER commented the Departments have submitted zero fiscal notes, therefore he assumed the measure could be implemented without cost to the state. SENATOR TAYLOR noted he supported additional funding for prisons. SENATOR ADAMS commented Senator Taylor was one of the few brilliant people on the floor that day. Number 261 SENATOR GREEN moved CSSB 106 (JUD) out of committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection, the motion carried.