ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE  April 12, 2023 3:16 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Jesse Sumner, Chair Representative Justin Ruffridge, Vice Chair Representative Mike Prax Representative Dan Saddler Representative Stanley Wright Representative Ashley Carrick Representative Zack Fields MEMBERS ABSENT  All members present OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT    Representative George Rauscher COMMITTEE CALENDAR  PRESENTATION: CONSTRUCTION TAX FRAUD - HEARD HOUSE BILL NO. 149 "An Act relating to the licensure of nursing professionals; relating to a multistate nurse licensure compact; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 21 "An Act relating to group insurance coverage and self-insurance coverage for school district employees, employees of the University of Alaska, and employees of other governmental units in the state; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 86 "An Act relating to the business of money transmission; relating to money transmission licenses, licensure requirements, and registration through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to money transmission license exemptions; relating to payroll processing services; repealing currency exchange licenses; and providing for an effective date." - MOVED HB 86 OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE BILL NO. 88 "An Act relating to work quotas for employees at warehouse distribution centers; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 112 "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to the practice of pharmacy; relating to pharmacies; relating to prescription drug manufacturers; relating to prescriptions for epinephrine; relating to the administration of epinephrine; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  BILL: HB 149 SHORT TITLE: NURSING: LICENSURE; MULTISTATE COMPACT SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) PRAX 03/31/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/31/23 (H) MLV, L&C 04/03/23 (H) MLV REFERRAL MOVED TO AFTER L&C 04/03/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED 04/07/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/07/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 21 SHORT TITLE: SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) VANCE 01/19/23 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/23 01/19/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/19/23 (H) CRA, EDC, L&C 01/27/23 (H) CRA REFERRAL REMOVED 01/27/23 (H) BILL REPRINTED 03/13/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106 03/13/23 (H) Heard & Held 03/13/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC) 03/27/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106 03/27/23 (H) Moved HB 21 Out of Committee 03/27/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC) 03/29/23 (H) EDC RPT 2DP 4NR 03/29/23 (H) DP: MCKAY, ALLARD 03/29/23 (H) NR: HIMSCHOOT, STORY, PRAX, RUFFRIDGE 04/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/03/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 86 SHORT TITLE: MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR 02/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/27/23 (H) L&C, FIN 03/08/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 03/08/23 (H) Heard & Held 03/08/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 03/17/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 03/17/23 (H) Heard & Held 03/17/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/03/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/03/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/10/23 (H) Heard & Held 04/10/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 88 SHORT TITLE: WAREHOUSE WORK QUOTA INFORMATION SPONSOR(s): RAUSCHER 02/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/27/23 (H) L&C, JUD 03/29/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 03/29/23 (H) Heard & Held 03/29/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/10/23 (H) 04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 112 SHORT TITLE: PROFESSION OF PHARMACY SPONSOR(s): RUFFRIDGE 03/13/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/13/23 (H) HSS, L&C 03/23/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106 03/23/23 (H) Heard & Held 03/23/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 03/28/23 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106 03/28/23 (H) Moved HB 112 Out of Committee 03/28/23 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 03/29/23 (H) HSS RPT 5DP 03/29/23 (H) DP: MINA, RUFFRIDGE, SUMNER, FIELDS, PRAX 04/05/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/10/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/10/23 (H) Heard & Held 04/10/23 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/12/23 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 WITNESS REGISTER CHRIS DIMOND, Regional Manager Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "Construction Industry Tax Fraud." GABE SHADDY-FARNSWORTH, Representative Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT:  Co-presented a PowerPoint Presentation titled "Construction Industry Tax Fraud." RILEY NYE, Staff Representative Mike Prax Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Prax, prime sponsor, co-presented a PowerPoint presentation, titled "House Bill 149: Nurse Licensure Compact" and answered questions on HB 149. SYLVAN ROBB, Director Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a PowerPoint presentation, titled "House Bill 149: Nurse Licensure Compact" and answered questions on HB 149. REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 21 via a PowerPoint presentation, titled "HB 21 School Healthcare Consolidation." RANDY TRANI, PhD, Superintendent Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Palmer, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 21 and answered questions. BETSY WOOD, Chief Health Administrator Division of Retirement and Benefits Department of Administration Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 21. PATRICK DOLAN, representing self Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 88. DESIREE MOLINA, representing self Palmer, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 112. JEFFREY DEMAIN, MD, President Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 112. BARRY CHRISTENSEN, representing self Ketchikan, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 112. BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director Alaska Pharmacist Association Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony in support of HB 112. ACTION NARRATIVE  3:16:46 PM CHAIR JESSE SUMNER called the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:16 p.m. Representatives Ruffridge, Prax, Saddler, Wright, Fields, Carrick, and Sumner were present at the call to order. ^PRESENTATION: CONSTRUCTION TAX FRAUD PRESENTATION: CONSTRUCTION TAX FRAUD    3:17:30 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that the first order of business would be a presentation, titled "Construction Tax Fraud." 3:17:50 PM CHRIS DIMOND, Regional Manager, Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters, co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "Construction Industry Tax Fraud." 3:18:11 PM GABE SHADDY-FARNSWORTH, Representative, Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters, co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "Construction Industry Tax Fraud." 3:19:02 PM MR. DIMOND pointed out on the first slide that the cost of insurance fraud to the American public since 2017 was [$52 billion]. He stated that the construction industry tax fraud issue is related to taxpayers and workers and is a form of wage theft. He explained that these wages are the biggest cost variable in a construction bid, and this occurs by misclassifying workers. MR. SHADDY-FARNSWORTH continued to slide 2 and stated that a common way of misclassifying workers is to label them as independent contractors when they should be considered employees, and often, employers will pay workers in cash to avoid payroll related tax obligations. MR. DIMOND said that although the practice is not common in Alaska, one of the ways this is done in the Lower 48 is by using labor brokers and undocumented immigrants who are underpaid. 3:24:22 PM MR. SHADDY-FARNSWORTH moved to slide 3 and stated that workers and their families are affected because this issue causes their wages to be lower. Taxpayers are impacted by reduced payroll tax revenue which affects government operations and programs. MR. DIMOND expressed the opinion that construction industry tax fraud has a major effect on honest contractors, as paying full wages and proper insurance means higher cost on bids; therefore, the bids are often lost. MR. SHADDY-FARNSWORTH said that social programs are affected in both directions. He explained that less money is paid into the social security system because of wage theft, and workers need more government assistance because they are not receiving full wages. 3:28:25 PM MR. DIMOND continued to slide 4 and gave a brief overview of the financial impacts caused by construction industry tax fraud. Approximately $16,729 in wages are lost per worker, which results in $8.2 billion in tax revenue losses. He said that $1.74 billion of workers compensation is lost, $800 million of overtime wages, and $2.98 billion in federal payroll tax is lost because of this fraud. MR. DIMOND moved to slide 5 and gave examples of how construction tax fraud can be fought. He stated that legislation for contractor liability laws is needed, along with partnering with other companies in the industry. MR. SHADDY-FARNSWORTH suggested deputizing contractors in the fight against fraud. 3:33:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT questioned whether this is in reference to the Davis-Bacon Act. MR. DIMOND responded in the affirmative, adding that "people cheat" on the private side as well. 3:33:40 PM MR. DIMOND suggested that law enforcement training to detect tax fraud should be increased, and penalties and fines for those caught committing construction tax fraud should be increased. MR. SHADDY-FARNSWORTH added that supporting honest contractors and raising public awareness are a major part of the process. 3:35:31 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether there are worker classifications within existing statutes. MR. DIMOND answered yes, adding that dishonest employers have ways of circumventing these classifications. 3:36:47 PM MR. SHADDY-FARNSWORTH, in response to a question from Representative Prax, answered that there are no numbers specific to Alaska because the numbers of workers being paid under the table are difficult to gather. 3:38:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that he would be interested in seeing a report from the Department of Labor on investigations into wage theft. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether there have been conversations with the Department of Labor on this topic. MR. DIMOND answered yes; however, the department does not investigate unless the cases are brought to them. In response to a follow-up question, he stated that the total figures on the slide include privately and publicly funded projects. 3:41:50 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that he would be interested in knowing which groups are most targeted for wage theft in Alaska. CHAIR SUMNER commented that child support fraud is related to this type of fraud because it is dealing with wages. HB 149-NURSING: LICENSURE; MULTISTATE COMPACT  3:42:50 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 149, "An Act relating to the licensure of nursing professionals; relating to a multistate nurse licensure compact; and providing for an effective date." 3:43:32 PM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX, as prime sponsor, introduced HB 149. He stated that the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) would reduce the amount of time it takes for a nurse to become licensed in the state of Alaska. He suggested that this would reduce the number of vacancies in nursing positions. 3:47:56 PM RILEY NYE, Staff, Representative Mike Prax, Alaska State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Prax, prime sponsor, co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "House Bill 149: Nurse Licensure Compact" [hard copy included in the committee packet.] He reiterated that the proposed legislation would reduce the amount of time for a nurse to become licensed in the state of Alaska; thus, reducing the number of vacancies in nursing positions. He continued that it currently takes a minimum of two or three months for a nurse to become licensed in Alaska. He voiced that the Alaska Board of Nursing has made all the changes legally possible to streamline the process without harming public safety. The Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association (AHHA) reported there were approximately 1,500 nursing vacancies in Alaska by the end of 2022. 3:52:30 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS questioned the effect of increasing the number of employees in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) and whether this would speed up the process. 3:53:02 PM SYLVAN ROBB, Director, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, answered that the division, per the governor's budget, will be adding 12 more employees, and several of these positions would be added to the nursing team; however, this would affect the cost of licensure. She explained that one of the biggest challenges facing the nursing team is the volume of nursing licensure applications. In response to a follow-up question concerning increasing the number of the nursing team, she answered that there are currently 10 employees on this team, which is the most of any licensure team. 3:54:52 PM MR. NYE remained on slide 2 and stated that projections show that the number of nursing vacancies in Alaska will grow to approximately 5,000 by the year 2030. Of the seven states studied, Alaska is projected to have the worst nursing shortage by this time. 3:55:51 PM MR. NYE, in response to Representative Saddler, expressed uncertainty about the number of nurses leaving the state. MS. ROBB added that the division does not track the places of employment for nurses. 3:57:15 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented on a study which showed a lack of evidence concerning NLC reducing nursing shortages, and he asked whether there are methodological issues with the study. MS. ROBB answered that the division has received letters of support from several states indicating that implementing NLC has been successful. She added that she is unaware of the study cited by Representative Fields. 3:59:26 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK, referencing a survey from the Alaska Board of Nursing, pointed out that 56 percent of the respondents were Alaska resident nurses. She questioned who these other nonresident nurses were in the survey. MS. ROBB answered that the survey was sent to any nurse with an Alaska license. She discussed the statistics in the survey [which are addressed in slide 8 and slide 9 of the presentation]. She stated that 89 percent of those who reside in Alaska are supportive of the compact. She explained that nonresident nurses are included in the study because nurses are required to hold a license in each state they practice in, including telehealth and teaching. In response to a follow-up question, she said that residency is not a requirement to practice in Alaska. REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked how a compact would increase opportunities to come practice in Alaska. MS. ROBB answered that the proposed legislation would eliminate the need for a separate license when nurses come from out of state to practice in Alaska; therefore, it would reduce the amount of time before the nurse could start working. 4:05:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether two or three months is an excessive amount of time to receive an occupational license. MS. ROBB answered that the amount of time required to gain a license varies by profession. She added that two or three months feels like a long time for individuals waiting to work and earn wages and for medical facilities that need more nurses. 4:08:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked whether a nurse can hold an NLC license and an Alaskan license simultaneously. MS. ROBB answered yes. She added that many nurses who live in compact states have a compact license and an Alaskan license. MR. NYE added that nurses who move to Alaska would lose their ability to hold an NLC license because Alaska is not an NLC member. REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE expressed the understanding that when a nurse moves to Alaska and acquires a license, if this nurse had an NLC license, it would be lost. MS. ROBB answered that holding an NLC license requires a nurse to be a resident of a member state; however, a nurse living in a member state who has an NLC license can acquire an Alaskan license to practice in Alaska. 4:13:05 PM MR. NYE continued to slide 3, explaining that nurses with an NLC license can practice in all participating states without the need to acquire the state's specific licenses. He maintained that adopting the proposed legislation would allow Alaskan healthcare facilities to fill more nursing vacancies; thus, the burden on nurses who already practice in Alaska would be reduced. He added that being an NLC member state would still allow the state to retain authority and enforcement abilities for issues regarding nursing. 4:17:08 PM MR. NYE moved to slide 4 and gave examples of the benefits of NLC for Alaska. He explained that the Alaska Board of Nursing would still retain authority and jurisdiction for the practice of nursing in the state. He said that Alaska would become a more friendly environment for nurses and eliminate the costly and time-consuming process of acquiring additional licenses. 4:19:56 PM MS. ROBB, co-presenting the PowerPoint presentation, continued to slide 5 and gave additional facts about NLC. She reiterated that Alaska would not lose sovereignty. She expressed the opinion that NLC's requirements are stringent and passing NLC would not have a negative impact on public health and safety. She remarked that Alaska currently does not track licensed nurses; therefore, there should be no concerns regarding the inability to track nurses practicing under NLC. She expressed the opinion that NLC in Alaska would result in quicker processing for licensure applications, which could result in lower licensing fees in the future. 4:27:17 PM MS. ROBB displayed a chart on slide 6 which compared the current state qualifications, per statute, for nurse licensure with the NLC qualifications. She expressed the opinion that the requirements set forth by the compact would not create safety concerns because there is the same level of required qualifications. 4:29:34 PM MS. ROBB moved to slide 7 and slide 8, pointing out that other NLC member states describe membership as an essential tool for retention and recruitment. She said that 39 states have enacted NLC, with an additional 9 states having pending legislation. 4:32:28 PM MS. ROBB continued to slide 8 and slide 9 which displayed the supporters of NLC in the state, including the Alaska Board of Nursing. She pointed out the results from the survey sent by the Alaska Board of Nursing to approximately 16,000 licensed nurses in Alaska. Of these, 3,573 responses were received, with 3,259 nurses, or 92 percent, in favor of joining NLC. For nurses with a primary residence in Alaska, 89 percent were in favor. She displayed a list of over 75 organizations which have also expressed support for Alaska becoming a member of NLC. CHAIR SUMNER noted that the presentation would be continued during a future hearing. [HB 149 was held over.] HB 21-SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR  4:35:13 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 21, "An Act relating to group insurance coverage and self-insurance coverage for school district employees, employees of the University of Alaska, and employees of other governmental units in the state; and providing for an effective date." 4:35:51 PM REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANCE, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, presented HB 21 via a PowerPoint presentation, titled "HB 21 School Healthcare Consolidation" [hard copy included in the committee packet]. She turned attention to slide 2 regarding what drives the cost of public education in Alaska. She explained that the three biggest factors are funding for small schools in rural areas, energy costs, and healthcare plans for school district employees. REPRESENTATIVE VANCE continued to slide 3 through slide 5 and stated that Alaska has the highest per capita healthcare costs in the U.S. She pointed out that Alaska's unadjusted per-pupil spending on teacher salaries cost is 14th in the nation; however, after adjusting for the cost of living, the amount moves to 23 percent below the national average. She further pointed out that Alaska's unadjusted per-pupil spending on the education system's employee benefits is 64 percent above the U.S. average; however, it is only 9 percent above the average when adjusted for cost of living. 4:40:31 PM RANDY TRANI, PhD, Superintendent, Matanuska School District, Palmer, Alaska, informed the committee that a change in teacher healthcare benefits would require a change in the collective bargaining agreement. He expressed the opinion that a plan which offers group insurance policies would reduce the cost. 4:42:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the school board would support the idea. DR. TRANI answered that wages and insurance are often the biggest parts of collective bargaining. If the bill were passed, the board would be able to consider the idea for the next collective bargaining agreement. In response to a follow- up question, he said the board would look at the state's collective bargaining agreements to ensure that they are comparable. 4:44:29 PM REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked what the cost of insurance per person is in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. DR. TRANI answered that it is $2,000 a month for teachers. The teachers pay between $4,000 and $6,000 per month, for a total annual cost of $28,000 to $30,000. REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked what the cost is on a state level. 4:47:02 PM BETSY WOOD, Chief Health Administrator, Division of Retirement and Benefits, Department of Administration, answered that the state pays a healthcare contribution of $1683 per employee, per month. She said that there is a range which depends on the number of people being covered by the state employee's plan. 4:48:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether there is a model which considers Alaska Care. MS. WOOD answered that the division has a model, although it is older. She added that if the bill were to reach the House Finance Committee, further analysis would take place. In response to a follow-up question, she said that the exact cost to Alaska Care is unknown. REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether there are other opportunities to achieve an economy of scale. MS. WOOD answered that she is unaware of other possibilities, but offered her opinion that it is likely. 4:52:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether it is correct that an actuarial analysis only begins when a bill reaches the finance committee. MS. WOOD answered yes. In response to a follow-up question, she said that the analysis would likely take a few weeks to be completed. 4:54:03 PM REPRESENTATIVE VANCE commented that the bill still requires contributions from those who opt into the new plan, which would prevent the state from having a larger burden. [HB 21 was held over.] HB 86-MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY  4:55:19 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be HB 86, "An Act relating to the business of money transmission; relating to money transmission licenses, licensure requirements, and registration through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to money transmission license exemptions; relating to payroll processing services; repealing currency exchange licenses; and providing for an effective date." 4:55:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS moved Amendment 1 to HB 86. [As Amendment 1 was withdrawn without discussion, there was no copy in the record.] REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected to Amendment 1. He advised that HB 145 sufficiently covers the topic of payday loans and lenders. REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS withdrew Amendment 1. 4:56:50 PM REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HB 86 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 86 was reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee. HB 88-WAREHOUSE WORK QUOTA INFORMATION  4:57:16 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that the next order of business would be HB 88, "An Act relating to work quotas for employees at warehouse distribution centers; and providing for an effective date." 4:57:23 PM CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 88. 4:57:51 PM PATRICK DOLAN, representing self, gave public testimony in support of HB 88. He shared that he is a member of the [International Brotherhood of Teamsters] and has worked in a grocery warehouse for 25 years. He expressed the belief that HB 88 would strengthen the protections provided by the collective bargaining agreement. 4:59:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether quotas are provided in negotiated contracts. MR. DOLAN expressed uncertainty. 5:00:07 PM CHAIR SUMNER, after ascertaining there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 88. 5:00:14 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced HB 88 was held over. HB 112-PROFESSION OF PHARMACY  5:00:24 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that the final order of business would be HB 112, "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to the practice of pharmacy; relating to pharmacies; relating to prescription drug manufacturers; relating to prescriptions for epinephrine; relating to the administration of epinephrine; and providing for an effective date." 5:00:47 PM CHAIR SUMNER opened public testimony on HB 112. 5:01:16 PM DESIREE MOLINA, representing self, gave public testimony in support of HB 112. She stated that HB 112 would improve the pharmacist licensing process and improve safety for patients. She explained that the bill would reduce administrative workloads and require national criminal background checks as part of the pharmacist licensing process. She stated that epinephrine access would be improved for patients who need it. 5:03:11 PM JEFFREY DEMAIN, MD, President, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Alaska, gave public testimony in support of HB 112. He stated that he has been a practicing allergist in Alaska for over 30 years. He said that 1 in 12 children have food allergies in Alaska, and 5 percent of the population will experience anaphylaxis during their life. Many people, especially children, who experience anaphylaxis have no prior knowledge of their allergy. He stated that the longer it takes to use epinephrine, the less likely it will be effective. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Alaska provides education programs for anaphylaxis and epinephrine, and it recommends that epinephrine be distributed to those who finish the course. 5:06:42 PM BARRY CHRISTENSEN, representing self, provided public testimony in support of HB 112. He informed the committee that the Board of Pharmacy has been working on legislation on this topic for several years. 5:07:53 PM BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director, Alaska Pharmacist Association, gave public testimony in support of HB 112. She stated that the Alaska Pharmacist Association supports the work that the Board of Pharmacy has done on HB 112. 5:08:46 PM CHAIR SUMNER, after ascertaining there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 112. 5:08:53 PM CHAIR SUMNER announced that HB 112 was held over. 5:09:00 PM ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m.