SB 33-DISPOSITION OF SERVICE MEMBERS' REMAINS  9:47:40 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced consideration of SB 33. 9:49:40 AM MICHAEL CAULFIELD, intern for SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, sponsor of SB 33, presented the sponsor statement, as follows: The Department of Defense requires active duty service members, reservists and guard members to complete a Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93) annually or prior to deployment. This form identifies the person authorized to direct disposition of a service member's remains in the event that service member is killed in the line of duty. The intent of SB 33 is to ensure that active duty service members who make the ultimate sacrifice are properly honored by ensuring that their remains are disposed of by the person of their choosing. The Department of Defense requires active duty service members, reservists and guard members to complete a Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93) annually or prior to deployment. This form identifies the person authorized to direct disposition of a service member's remains in the event that service member is killed in the line of duty. SB 33 will place the state in alignment with Department of Defense procedures, so that the person designated to handle disposition of remains is not called into question. Without compliance with these procedures, the handling of the remains may be delayed, and the service member's wishes not honored. Around twenty states have laws which comport with Department of Defense rules on disposition. At least four other states, including Alaska, are pursuing laws to comport. SB 33 is supported by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense. 9:50:53 AM SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) for SB 33, labeled 27-LS0188/I, as the working document. There being no objection, version I was before the committee. SENATOR MEYER asked if this issue was a problem in the past. MR. CAULFIELD answered that the disposition automatically defaults to the spouse. If the soldier who dies is estranged from the spouse, but still married, it would automatically default to the spouse instead of the person indicated on the form. So it can be an issue of debate. MARK SAN SOUCI, Northwest Regional Liaison for Military Families, United States Department of Defense, stated that easing the administrative burdens on families is the least they can do. The person who directs disposition of remains is called the PAD, and that all service members are directed by the military to complete the DD93 form annually and before any deployment. The form gives them a choice of surviving spouse, a blood relative of legal age, or adopted relatives of the decedent. The DD93 is an essential part of the military record, and SB 33 will insure that the DD93 is recognized as an authoritative document. The intent of SB 33 is that Alaska statute recognizes the federal law in this regard. MR. SAN SOUCI said that 11 states have already enacted similar laws, and nine states have bills being actively considered. The remaining states still require use of a state-specific form, instead of a DD93. Some have asked whether the last will and testament is affected, and the response is that while the requirement of a PAD is directed by Congress, a will is not. A will can be over 10 years old and way out of date. MR. SAN SOUCI said that the National Funeral Directors' Association supports this legislation. He thanked the sponsor and co-sponsors. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted a similar bill in the House. 9:58:57 AM VERDIE BOWEN, Administrator, Division of Veterans Affairs, Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, stated he was here to answer questions. SENATOR PASKVAN asked Mr. Bowen if he supported the bill. MR. BOWEN responded that last year there were unclaimed remains of service members. Even if only a few cases occur, the law is still needed to protect service members. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked if the administration supports the bill. 10:01:14 AM MR. BOWEN responded that the administration has no position. 10:01:23 AM RICK DAVIDGE, Chairman, Alaska Veterans Foundation, and President, Alaska Chapter 904, Vietnam Veterans of America, stated that problems usually arise when someone is killed in training and the form has not been updated. He questioned why the Coast Guard was included in the bill because they are not under the Department of Defense (DOD), but instead under the Department of Homeland Security. 10:04:33 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI closed public testimony. 10:05:09 AM SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) for SB 33, labeled 27-LS0188\I, as the working document. There being no objection, version I was adopted as the working document. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI held SB 33 in committee.