ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE  January 22, 2001 3:20 p.m. COMMITTEE CALENDAR  OVERVIEW: DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING TAPES  01-3, SIDES A & B   CALL TO ORDER  REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI, Chair, called the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:20 p.m.   PRESENT Committee members present were Representatives Murkowski, Halcro, Meyer, Kott, Crawford, and Hayes.   SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CATHERINE REARDON, Director, Division of Occupational Licensing, Department of Community and Economic Development, gave an overview of the division. MS. REARDON stated that the division administers 36 occupational licensing programs in addition to the state business licensing program. The division performs a number of functions for over 130 occupations within the 36 occupational licensing programs including: distributing applications for initial licensure and renewal, writing and administering professional examinations, and investigating complaints of incompetent or illegal activity by professionals. Ms Reardon discussed the investigation process and noted that very few frivolous complaints are made against professionals. MS. REARDON discussed how fees are established and stated that approximately $2 million is generated yearly by occupational licensing. She also noted that business licensing fees have remained at $25 per year since statehood. MS. REARDON explained that the division supports all boards under its purview and noted that six are up for sunset legislation this year. MS. REARDON also mentioned that an omnibus occupational licensing bill is anticipated this session. The legislation will increase consistency and effectiveness of licensing programs. Some major features of the bill include: updating the list of division duties and powers, revising the fee statute to require financial self- sufficiency, creating a list of offenses that are grounds for disciplinary action, and allowing the division to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.   ANNOUNCEMENTS  There were no announcements.   COMMITTEE ACTION  The committee took no action. ADJOURNMENT    CHAIR MURKOWSKI adjourned the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting at 4:50 p.m. NOTE: The meeting was recorded and handwritten log notes were taken. A copy of the tape(s) and log notes may be obtained by contacting the House Records Office at State Capitol, Room 3, Juneau, Alaska 99801 (mailing address), (907) 465-2214, and after adjournment of the second session of the Twenty-Second Alaska State Legislature this information may be obtained by contacting the Legislative Reference Library at (907) 465-3808.