ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE  April 23, 2025 9:01 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Zack Fields, Co-Chair Representative Carolyn Hall, Co-Chair Representative Ashley Carrick Representative Robyn Niayuq Burke Representative Dan Saddler Representative Julie Coulombe Representative David Nelson MEMBERS ABSENT  All members present COMMITTEE CALENDAR  CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): Alaska Worker's Compensation Board Sara Faulkner Homer - CONFIRMATION(S) HEARD Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Jennifer Lombardo Anchorage Jessica Pestrikoff - Anchorage Shannon Thompson Anchorage - CONFIRMATION(S) HEARD Board of Massage Therapists Michelle Steiner Kodiak - CONFIRMATION(S) HEARD Board of Examiners in Optometry Sheryl Lentfer Anchorage Charles Rudstrom Soldotna - CONFIRMATION(S) HEARD Board of Marital & Family Therapy Chantal Cohen Anchorage - REMOVED FROM AGENDA HOUSE BILL NO. 193 "An Act establishing a paid parental leave program; relating to unemployment benefits; relating to the collection of child support obligations; and relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 144 "An Act relating to prior authorization requests for medical care covered by a health care insurer; relating to a prior authorization application programming interface; relating to step therapy; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 96 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." - MOVED CSHB 96(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE BILL NO. 148 "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 80(FIN) "An Act extending the termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board; extending the termination date of the Board of Massage Therapists; extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; extending the termination date of the Marijuana Control Board; and providing for an effective date." - BILL HEARING CANCELED PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  BILL: HB 193 SHORT TITLE: UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS; PAID PARENT LEAVE SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HALL 04/15/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 04/15/25 (H) L&C, FIN 04/16/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/16/25 (H) Heard & Held 04/16/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/23/25 (H) L&C AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 144 SHORT TITLE: INSURANCE; PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RUFFRIDGE 03/21/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/21/25 (H) HSS, L&C 04/03/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106 04/03/25 (H) Heard & Held 04/03/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 04/08/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106 04/08/25 (H) Moved CSHB 144(HSS) Out of Committee 04/08/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 04/09/25 (H) HSS RPT CS(HSS) 5DP 2NR 04/09/25 (H) DP: PRAX, FIELDS, RUFFRIDGE, MEARS, SCHWANKE 04/09/25 (H) NR: GRAY, MINA 04/14/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/14/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/16/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/16/25 (H) Heard & Held 04/16/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/23/25 (H) L&C AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 96 SHORT TITLE: HOME CARE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADV BOARD SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) PRAX 02/12/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/12/25 (H) HSS, L&C 03/25/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106 03/25/25 (H) Heard & Held 03/25/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 04/08/25 (H) HSS AT 3:15 PM DAVIS 106 04/08/25 (H) Moved CSHB 96(HSS) Out of Committee 04/08/25 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 04/09/25 (H) HSS RPT CS(HSS) 6DP 04/09/25 (H) DP: PRAX, FIELDS, SCHWANKE, RUFFRIDGE, MEARS, MINA 04/09/25 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER L&C 04/14/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/14/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 04/16/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/16/25 (H) Heard & Held 04/16/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/23/25 (H) L&C AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124 BILL: HB 148 SHORT TITLE: OMNIBUS INSURANCE BILL SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE 03/21/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/21/25 (H) L&C, HSS 03/26/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 03/26/25 (H) Heard & Held 03/26/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/02/25 (H) FIN REPLACES HSS REFERRAL 04/02/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/02/25 (H) 04/04/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124 04/04/25 (H) Heard & Held 04/04/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C) 04/23/25 (H) L&C AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124 WITNESS REGISTER SARA FAULKNER, Appointee Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Homer, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board. JESSICA PESTRIKOFF, Appointee State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. SHANNON THOMPSON, Appointee State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. JENNIFER LOMBARDO, Appointee Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. JEN GRIFFIS, MD Vice President of Policy & Advocacy Alaska Children's Trust (ACT) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 193. PALOMA HARBOUR, Budget Manager Division of Insurance Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DOLWD) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 193. LENNON WELLER, Economist Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 193. LORI WINGHEIER, Director Division of Insurance Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on CSHB 144(HSS). REPRESENTATIVE JUSTIN RUFFRIDGE Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions during the hearing on CSHB 144(HSS). REPRESENTATIVE MIKE PRAX Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions during the hearing on HB 96. TONY NEWMAN, Deputy Director Senior and Disabilities Services Department of Health Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 96. MICHELLE STEINER, Appointee Board of Massage Therapists Kodiak, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of Massage Therapists. EVAN ANDERSON, Staff Representative Zack Fields Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: As staff to Representative Fields, co-chair of the House Labor & Commerce Standing Committee, prime sponsor of HB 148, gave the summary of changes from Version A to Version N. LORI WINGHEIER, Director Division of Insurance Department of Health & Social Services Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered committee questions on HB 148. SHERYL LENTFER, Appointee Board of Examiners in Optometry Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during her confirmation hearing. CHARLES RUDSTROM, Appointee Board of Examiners in Optometry Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during his confirmation hearing. ACTION NARRATIVE 9:01:12 AM  CO-CHAIR ZACK FIELDS called the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Representatives Coulombe, Burke, Co-Chair Hall, and Co-Chair Fields were present at the call to order. Representatives Saddler arrived as the meeting was in progress. ^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):    ^Alaska Worker's Compensation Board Alaska Worker's Compensation Board    ^Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers    ^Board of Massage Therapists Board of Massage Therapists    ^Board of Examiners in Optometry Board of Examiners in Optometry  9:01:26 AM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the first order of business would be the confirmation hearings on the governor's appointees to various boards and commissions. 9:02:48 AM SARA FAULKNER, Appointee, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board, testified as appointee to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board. She began her testimony by stating that she was an industry member for Southcentral Alaska. She stated that she had resided in Alaska for 45 years. She stated that she has served on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board since 2019. She additionally commented that she enjoyed serving on the [Alaska Workers' Compensation Board] because it helps injured employees and improves business practices. She thanked committee members for both their time and consideration. 9:03:34 AM CO-CHAIR HALL asked why Ms. Faulker wanted to serve on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board originally in 2019. MS. FAULKNER responded that she understood the importance of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board after experiencing an injury herself. Additionally, she stated that she wanted to learn how to improve employee safety and understand common pitfalls in the workplace. CO-CHAIR HALL asked about any major milestones or insights gained during Ms. Faulker's time on the board. MS. FAULKNER responded that many injuries could be avoided through mindfulness. Additionally, she noted that there have been changes to the process of workers compensation on the industry side since her appointment in 2019. 9:06:05 AM JESSICA PESTRIKOFF, Appointee, State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers, testified as appointee to the Board of Barbers & Hairdresser. She explained that she joined the State Boar of Barbers & Hairdressers in spring of 2024 and that she was appointed as a public member. She stated her interest in serving on the State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers stemmed from her own consumption of the services offered by it. She further stated that, as a customer, she had a vested interest in safety and compliance within the barber and hairdressing industry. 9:07:32 AM CO-CHAIR HALL asked what had been "eye-opening" about serving on the State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. MS. PESTRIKOFF replied that she found the process of reviewing various cases and pieces of related legislation very educational. 9:08:22 AM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked whether Ms. Pestrikoff has worked in the barber and hairdresser industry. MS. PESTRIKOFF responded that she has not worked in the industry and noted that her career has been in human resources. She stated that she was a "connoisseur" of all services provided by the State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked about the mission of the State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. MS. PESTRIKOFF offered her understanding that the primary mission of the State Board of Barber & Hairdressers was ensuring the safety of the public that received services from the board by ensuring that individuals were properly trained and licensed and were "not going to injure ... clients." 9:09:50 AM CO-CHAIR FIELDS questioned the primary issues of safety Ms. Pestrikoff had encountered in her time as an appointee. MS. PESTRIKOFF responded that she had not observed any issues of safety during her time thus far. She recalled personal anecdotes of friends who had their "face[s] ripped off" at waxes, or developing fungus after receiving a pedicure. She spoke to issues of lack of updated documentation via training or licenses. 9:11:49 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked why Ms. Pestrikoff considers herself a "connoisseur". MS. PESTRIKOFF responded that she regularly partakes in hairdressing, waxing, facial, and nail services as a customer all of which are overseen by the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. 9:12:58 AM SHANNON THOMPSON, Appointee, State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers, testified as appointee to the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. She stated that she had been an esthetician for over 17 years, and she liked helping people "feel whole in their reflections." She stated "health as a basis for beauty" as a goal. 9:13:52 AM MS. THOMPSON, in response to a question from Representative Saddler, stated that she represented manicurists, estheticians, (indisc.) cosmetics, and tattooing. 9:14:15 AM CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked what opportunities she sees to maintain and ensure safety through her appointed role. He further asked if Ms. Thompson had observed any practices that would be considered unsafe. MS. THOMPSON responded that she had seen complaints about cleanliness prior to her time in the industry. She aspired to bring Alaska up to a standard that she said was met in other states. 9:16:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked Ms. Thompson why she wants to be on the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. MS. THOMPSON responded that she had not seen great representation for manicurists, estheticians, (indisc.) cosmetics, and tattooing thus far, and she desired to be that person for her community. She noted that there had been complaints from license-holders regarding a lack of representation. 9:18:27 AM CO-CHAIR HALL asked for confirmation that this would be Ms. Thompson's first time serving on board. MS. THOMPSON replied yes. 9:19:17 AM JENNIFER LOMBARDO, Appointee, Board of Barbers & Hairdressers, testified as appointee to the Board of Barbers & Hairdresser. She stated that she was appointed as an industry seat for the Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers, which was created approximately seven years ago. She stated that she had previously served from 2017 to 2021. She further stated that she was looking forward to modernizing the board, as it was "seriously behind in some areas." 9:20:35 AM CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked for confirmation that Ms. Lombardo primarily worked as a tattoo artist. MS. LOMBARDO responded yes and explained that she had been working as a tattoo artist since 2007, and that she had been working in tattoo shops since 2001. CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked where the board could ensure safety in the industry in Alaska. MS. LOMBARDO responded that, when she was first appointed to the State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers in 2017, there were serious concerns regarding micro bleeding occurring in the tattoo industry as a result of individuals practicing without a license. She stated that, currently, she did not see any pressing safety issues in the tattoo industry but stated that it is one of the main focuses of the board to work with the esthetics industry in Alaska. CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked how Alaska was falling behind on national standards. MS. LOMBARDO replied that the esthetics program had not been updated in many years and noted that Alaska Statutes (AS) have not been updated to keep up with the new tools and techniques being used by people in the industry. She spoke to the importance of correctly licensing people for the use of certain equipment. She provided an example regarding the significance of how far a tool penetrates into the skin. She noted that there was a lack of clarity surrounding what type of procedures estheticians could perform in Alaska and noted that it had been a focus of the board for a while. [The confirmation hearings for the appointees to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board and the Board of Barbers & Hairdressers was held over.] 9:24:33 AM ADJOURNMENT  The House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was recessed to 3:15 p.m. 3:20:28 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS called the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee back to order at 3:20 p.m. Present at the call back to order were Representatives Saddler, Coulombe, Nelson, Carrick, Burke, Hall, and Fields. HB 193-UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS; PAID PARENT LEAVE  3:20:52 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 193, "An Act establishing a paid parental leave program; relating to unemployment benefits; relating to the collection of child support obligations; and relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development." 3:21:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS opened public testimony on HB 193. 3:21:49 PM JEN GRIFFIS, MD, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, Alaska Children's Trust (ACT), testified in support of HB 193. She gave prepared remarks [included in the committee file], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: My name is Dr. Jen Griffis, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at the Alaska Children's Trust. ACT is the statewide lead organization focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Our efforts focus on primary prevention, or identification of how the system can support families and children long before harm occurs. A comprehensive statewide paid family and medical leave policy is one of ACTs current policy priorities. HB 193 provides an important opportunity for legislators to explore the development of a comprehensive paid leave policy in Alaska. Research on paid leave demonstrates that these programs meet several characteristics of a primary prevention strategy. For example, access to paid leave has been connected to increased kindergarten readiness and better educational outcomes. It also increases workforce participation and job retention, which supports family economic stability and reduces the need for public assistance. It results in better long- term and short-term maternal and child health outcomes, and improvements in each of these areas education, economics, and health are key to reducing rates of child abuse and neglect. While we enthusiastically support the initiatives demonstrated in HB 193, we would like to ask the committee to consider two specific adjustments to the legislation. The first is to make Alaska's paid leave program truly comprehensive by including other types of leave that are covered under the Family Medical Leave Act. The need to take extended leave from work is not limited to the birth or adoption of a child. Many parents find themselves needing to take planned time away from work to care for an older child with a complex illness, an aging parent, or their own medical condition. Second, we would like to offer a program and cost modeling analysis for the committee to consider that will support a more dynamic policy that includes options for adjusting policy levers such as the number of weeks and percentage of wage replacement to ensure that the program is accessible to lower- income Alaskans. We're happy to engage in further conversations with committee members to support these efforts. This type of comprehensive statewide paid medical family leave policy, a policy that extends beyond bonding leave and encompasses a broader range of family medical needs has been adopted by several states across the country and there is bipartisan legislation being considered by many more. It fits especially well with the public insurance model, like the one in HB 193, and has the potential to benefit all workers in Alaska over the course of their careers. A comprehensive statewide paid family and medical leave program is good for Alaska's families, children, community, and businesses. We're grateful to the sponsor and to the committee for bringing this legislation forward. 3:25:02 PM DR. GRIFFIS, in response to a question from Representative Saddler, voiced her concern that the wage replacement rate in the current version of the proposed legislation would be 50 percent. She asserted that 50 percent was too low for mothers making minimum wage, stating that it was unlikely that wage replacement rate would be sufficient to pursue access to paid family medical leave. She acknowledged that 50 percent was consistent with other unemployment insurance (UI) programs but remarked that it was "fairly low" for paid leave programs in other states. 3:26:15 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked what percentage of funds would go out to family leave other than parental leave should the committee consider expanding the coverage of HB 193. DR. GRIFFIS replied that research from other states that have implemented the model shows that self-medical leave, parental bonding leave, medical leave related to pregnancy and birth, and caregiving leave were, in order, the largest percentages of family leave following parental leave. Additionally, she stated that she would follow up with the research for the committee. DR. GRIFFIS, in response to a follow-up question from Co-Chair Fields, clarified that the percentage was representative of the leave requests that are granted by a state, not necessarily the length of leave or percentage of funds that were distributed. CO-CHAIR FIELDS requested statistics on the percentage of funds spent on parental leave versus other types of leave. DR. GRIFFIS responded that she would follow-up with the committee. 3:28:55 PM DR. GRIFFIS, in response to a question from Representative Saddler, explained that other states that have implemented a comprehensive leave program modelled after their UI system have utilized additional wage contribution above their UI system. 3:29:59 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 193. 3:30:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER noted that it appeared that benefits were capped at those who earned over $70,250 annually, referring to page 20, line 12 of the proposed legislation. CO-CHAIR HALL stated that was correct. She noted the number was meant to be a "starting point" and could be adjusted if needed. CO-CHAIR FIELDS added his understanding that the proposed legislation would update the existing UI maximum weekly benefit, increasing it from $50,000 to $70,000 to benefit more middle- class families. He asked for confirmation that the proposed legislation would update the existing UI maximum weekly benefits and provide corresponding paid parental leave benefits. CO-CHAIR HALL confirmed that was correct. 3:32:31 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked whether the proposed legislation would threaten the solvency of the UI fund, noting that one of her amendments had suggested using the excess funds for "existing responsibilities." CO-CHAIR FIELDS deferred to Paloma Harbour. 3:33:21 PM PALOMA HARBOUR, Budget Manager, Division of Insurance, Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DOLWD), answered that the trust fund would remain solvent without the revenue described in HB 193. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked whether the fund would remain solvent, even if revenue was diverted year after year. She stated that she had wanted to use the money for a one-time fund to fix the "budget situation." MS. HARBOUR replied that she had stress-tested the fund, noting that her team had exposed it to a recession "worse than COVID[- 19]," and stated that in that scenario, the fund fell below statutory target solvency level. She noted in that scenario, it would trigger an employer rate increase. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked for confirmation that, were there a threat to the solvency of the fund, the employer would receive an increase in taxes. MS. HARBOUR responded that that was correct. 3:34:58 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked for confirmation that it would require a recession as severe as the one triggered by COVID-19 to necessitate revisiting the employer contribution to the UI. MS. HARBOUR responded yes. She emphasized that the benefits increase was the larger stressor on the fund, not the 0.15 diversion under HB 193. 3:35:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked if the extra revenue was not used for paid parental leave, could the legislators statutorily decrease taxes to employer and/or employees. MS. HARBOUR replied that it was a possible alternative to reduce the tax rate. 3:36:34 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked for the current maximum monthly payout for unemployment and the current maximum monthly payout under HB 193. MS. HARBOUR answered that the current maximum monthly payout was $370 per week, and that it would increase to $675 per week under HB 193. 3:37:08 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked for confirmation that an individual who earned $100,000 would receive the maximum weekly benefit of $675. MS. HARBOUR confirmed that the maximum weekly benefit would cap out at $675 under HB 193. CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked how HB 193 would change Alaska's ranking for UI benefits compared to other states. He noted that Alaska was currently at or near the bottom with the current payout. MS. HARBOUR responded that she would follow up with the answer. 3:38:16 PM MS. HARBOUR, in response to a question from Representative Saddler, replied that if annual wages were above the maximum listed under HB 193, they would be capped at the maximum weekly benefit. 3:39:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked where the excess funds that are not used for benefits would go should unemployment rates go down. She asked if the funds would remain in the UI trust fund. MS. HARBOUR responded that the funds would remain in the trust fund. She further stated that the U.S. Treasury manages the trust fund. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE referred to the account created under HB 193 which would be managed by the Department of Administration (DOA). CO-CHAIR FIELDS confirmed that Representative Coulombe was referring to excess funds that would be in the separate account created under HB 193 for the purpose of parental leave benefits. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE confirmed that was correct. 3:40:42 PM The committee took a brief at-ease at 3:40 p.m. 3:41:19 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS illustrated a scenario in which unemployment rates were low under HB 193 and asked what would happen to the funds contributed into the UI fund by employers. 3:41:55 PM LENNON WELLER, Economist, Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), responded that, regardless of the unemployment rate or rate of benefits claims, all revenue that is deposited into the trust fund can only be used to pay benefits. Additionally, he stated that the 0.15 tax proposed under HB 193 would be deposited into a separate fund. 3:43:27 PM MS. HARBOUR added that the paid parental leave fund would be managed by the State of Alaska as a state general designated fund and could be subject to certain regulations. 3:46:35 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Co-Chair Hall her reason for limiting the scope of the proposed bill to paid parental leave and not including family medical leave as proposed by Dr. Griffis. CO-CHAIR HALL responded that she would like to collect data after passage of HB 193 before expanding the legislation to ensure that Alaska could afford an expansion to include family medical leave. CO-CHAIR FIELDS added that the inclusion of a paid parental leave program would make Alaska a more competitive place for people to work. CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that HB 193 was held over. HB 144-INSURANCE; PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS  3:48:21 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 144, "An Act relating to prior authorization requests for medical care covered by a health care insurer; relating to a prior authorization application programming interface; relating to step therapy; and providing for an effective date." [Before the committee was CSHB 144(HSS).] 3:48:36 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on CSHB 144(HSS). After ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify, he closed public testimony on CSHB 144(HSS). 3:49:44 PM LORI WINGHEIER, Director, Division of Insurance, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, answered questions during the hearing on CSHB 144(HSS). She introduced herself for the public record. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how the proposed legislation might integrate into Alaska's current system of prior authorizations and health insurance. MS. WINGHEIER replied that Alaska was not the first state to implement legislation like CSHB 144(HSS). She noted that Premera [Blue Cross], an insurance company, already "does this in Washington" and further noted that it would not be difficult to expand to Alaska and that Premera Blus Cross was supportive of the proposed legislation. She additionally reported that she had not heard any other insurance companies voice concerns about a process change or significant costs. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Ms. Wingheier to speak to the benefits of the proposed legislation for the state's health insurance market or to insured individuals. MS. WINGHEIER clarified that CSHB 144(HSS) would only apply to Title 21, stating that it would not extend to Alaska Care, union plans, or large self-insured employers, such as Carr's Safeway, or native corporations like the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). She said that Title 21 applies to the individual market - the "small group and large group" that is not large enough to self-insure but still needs to provide benefits to employees. She noted that the proposed legislation would apply to approximately 118,000 people in the state who would be able to access healthcare sooner than if they had to go through a written prior authorization process that could take days to weeks. She further noted that both the providers and the insurers were very supportive of CSHB 144(HSS) and stated that there were concerns about the current process being time- consuming and costly. She stated that, with the introduction of electronic submissions under CSHB 144(HSS) whilst "keeping the guardrails," both providers and insurers are expecting to see prior authorizations quicker, which would allow people to receive timely care. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER opined that insurance companies and physicians don't typically get along. He asked whether insurance companies receive any other benefits from the proposed legislation. MS. WINGHEIER replied that the insurance companies did not receive any other benefits from the proposed legislation. She referred to prior authorization legislation from the prior year [2024], during which the providers and insurers had many disagreements. She explained that after the 2024 legislative session, she began to meet with providers and insurers on a prior authorization bill. She further explained that insurers and providers eventually came to an agreement during the process, which resulted in CSHB 144(HSS). She noted that one insurer even suggested that CSHB 144(HSS) be submitted to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to become a national model. 3:53:26 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked if there was a way to quantify money saved on administrative costs in reducing wait times for prior authorization. MS. WINGHEIER replied that she did not have that information. She noted that the time spent on prior authorizations is significant, providing an anecdote about employees who "do nothing but prior authorization." 3:54:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned the cooperation between providers and insurers and the proposed legislation. 3:54:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE JUSTIN RUFFRIDGE, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, answered questions during the hearing on CSHB 144(HSS). He stated that the consensus was a result of a lot of hard work from many different people. 3:55:53 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked how the proposed legislation would apply to an individual with a chronic condition. She opined that piece of CSHB 144(HSS) was the "best part of the bill." REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE answered that step therapy was a process by which the insurer would direct an individual to a cheaper mechanism of treatment and explained that an individual would have to prove that they had gone through and attempted every suggestion. He noted that when an individual switches health insurers, they are still required to go through step therapy, despite having a chronic condition and otherwise completing step therapy with the previous insurer. He stated that CSHB 144(HSS) would not require individuals with chronic conditions to redo step therapy and would only require individuals to annually certify with their physicians that they are continuing to use and need the medication or service for their chronic condition. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE thanked Representative Ruffridge. 3:58:02 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether there were any elements that he had wished to include in CSHB 144(HSS). REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE stated that the proposed legislation would be a huge step forward. He asserted that access to care in Alaska has consistently been a large issue, noting that costs of care are ever-increasing, insurance costs are rising, and that Alaska is spending more unrestricted general funds on healthcare. He stated that he plans to do more work in increasing access to healthcare for Alaska. 3:59:20 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that CSHB 144(HSS) was held over. 3:59:32 PM The committee took an at-ease from 3:59 p.m. to 4:04 p.m. HB 96-HOME CARE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADV BOARD  4:04:02 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 96, "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." [Before the committee was CSHB 96(HSS).] 4:04:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Representative Prax about the required timeline of CSHB 96(HSS), suggesting that there was not an immediate need for the proposed legislation. He further asked for the federal requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 4:04:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE MIKE PRAX, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, answered questions during the hearing on HB 96. He noted that there was a proposed federal deadline for 2028 for the advisory board created by CSHB 96(HSS), which was uncertain due to federal administration changes. He asserted that there was a need for a board to resolve "compensation issues" and improve the services of the homecare industry. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the legislators should pass CSHB 96(HSS), considering federal requirements could change in the next few years. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX deferred to Mr. Newman to speak to the risks of establishing the board outlined under CSHB 96(HSS). CO-CHAIR FIELDS added that "efficient utilization of Medicaid dollars" and increased availability of homecare was the benefit of the proposed legislation regardless of decisions made by the federal administration. 4:07:12 PM TONY NEWMAN, Deputy Director, Senior and Disabilities Services, Department of Health, explained that the federal Access Rule [Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services] mandated the development of an "interested parties advisory group" by July 2026, pending no changes from the federal government. He further explained that there were additional duties expected within three to four years of the establishment of the board. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked which elements of the proposed legislation were required and which elements were optional. MR. NEWMAN explained that the federal Access Rule requires Alaska to establish payment rate publication, payment adequacy reporting, and it requires that a minimum percentage of rate paid for the services is directed to the care worker also known as the 80 percent rule. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX stated that he would follow up with more information for the committee for Representative Saddler. He additionally stated that he would provide a document comparing the proposals under CSHB 96(HSS) and the Federal Access rule provisions. 4:10:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [1] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.1, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 1, line 1: Delete "establishing" Insert "relating to" Page 6, line 26, through page 7, line 2: Delete "An agency that is granted a hardship exemption shall pay as compensation and benefits to its employees performing personal care services, (1) beginning July 1, 2026, at least 60 percent of the total annual amount of funding the agency receives for personal care services from the department; and (2) beginning July 1, 2036, at least 80 percent of the total annual amount of funding the agency receives for personal care services from the department." Page 7, line 3: Delete "and (g)" Page 7, following line 8: Insert a new bill section to read:  "* Sec. 3. AS 44.29.900, 44.29.905, 44.29.910, 44.29.915, 44.29.920, 44.29.925, 44.29.930, 44.29.935, 44.29.940, 44.29.945; AS 47.07.045(f), 47.07.045(g), 47.07.045(h), and 47.07.045(i) are repealed June 30, 2032." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 8, line 7: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 6" Page 8, line 15: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 6" Page 8, line 16: Delete "sec. 6" Insert "sec. 7" Page 8, line 17: Delete "sec. 7" Insert "sec. 8" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:11:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that Amendment [1] would sunset the proposed board under HB 96 in 2032. He stated that he thought it would be advantageous to the legislature to review the work of the board and ensure that it fulfilled its proposed duties. He explained that the amendment additionally would remove language that would require agencies with the hardship exemption to follow the proposals under CSHB 96(HSS). 4:12:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked the effect of sunsetting the proposed board under CSHB 96(HSS) given that some of the requirements are federal. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER deferred to Mr. Newman. MR. NEWMAN replied that the federal rule does not mention sunset dates and offered his assumption that the proposed Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board was intended to be "in perpetuity." 4:12:57 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that he was opposed to Amendment 1 because workforce input would be valuable to the industry beyond 2032. He additionally remarked that he had not heard of any agencies unable to meet the 70 percent minimum nor had he heard that wages were a primary barrier to the function of homecare agencies. 4:14:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for clarification that wages were or were not a factor in attracting workforce. CO-CHAIR FIELDS clarified that he had not heard that payment of adequate wages was a barrier for agencies. He additionally stated that inadequate wages made it "impossible for agencies to recruit and retrain sufficient workforce to provide care." REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Mr. Newman the floor is regarding money received from Medicaid services required to be paid to providers. MR. NEWMAN replied that for personal care services, "50 percent of total Medicaid rate needs to be paid in the form of worker wages" per federal regulation. CO-CHAIR FIELDS, in response to a follow-up question from Representative Saddler regarding changing the threshold from 60 percent to 50 percent, replied that it would not alleviate his concerns. 4:15:10 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler, Nelson, Coulombe voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 1 to CSHB 96(HSS). Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment [1] to HB 96 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:15:32 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [2] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.2, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 1, line 10: Delete "nonvoting member, except in the case of a tie" Insert "voting member" Page 1, line 12: Delete "nonvoting" Insert "voting" Delete "and" Page 1, line 13: Delete "eight" Insert "seven" Page 2, lines 5 - 9: Delete all material and insert: "(B) one voting member who represents a provider that is not a covered provider but provides chore services, hourly respite services, personal care services, or habilitation services;" Page 2, line 19, following "state": Insert "; and (4) four members appointed by the commissioner of labor and workforce development, as follows: (A) one voting member who represents direct care workers; (B) one voting member who represents workers providing chore services, hourly respite services, personal care services, or habilitation services for a provider that is not a covered provider; (C) one voting member who represents the public; and (D) one voting member who represents individuals who provide unpaid care to recipients of care services" Page 2, line 21, following "AS 44.29.905(3)": Insert "and (4)" Page 2, line 23, following "AS 44.29.905(3)": Insert "and (4)" Page 2, line 24, following "the" in both places: Insert "appointing" Page 2, line 27, following "The": Insert "appointing" Page 2, line 28, following "AS 44.29.905(3)": Insert "or (4)" Page 2, line 29, following "The": Insert "appointing" Page 7, line 14: Delete "commissioner of health" Insert "commissioners of health and labor and workforce development" Page 7, line 15, following "AS 44.29.905(3)": Insert "and (4)" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:15:38 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained Amendment 2 would increase the total number of the proposed board's members from 10 to 13, including more members that represent non-Medicaid and Medicare providers. Additionally, he stated that the amendment would split the authority of the board between the commissioner of DOH and the commissioner of the Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DOLWD), and it would create 11 voting members and 2 non-voting members. 4:16:23 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked the bill sponsor for his thoughts on Amendment 2. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX noted that there was a lot of work done by stakeholders on CSHB 96(HSS). He remarked that more members would require a larger number to come to a quorum and stated that the existing composition of the board was adequate. CO-CHAIR FIELDS added that he opposed the amendment because he believed that the additional board members proposed by the amendment would dilute the voice of Medicaid providers, which he opined was very important in efficient services. 4:17:12 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER commented that almost every professional existing board has a public member, which was a proposed position in his amendment. He added that the amendment additionally provided for a voting seat of a family member taking care of a loved one at home. He asserted that the amendment would provide additional perspectives and result in better work. 4:17:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked the reason behind turning the commissioners from nonvoting to voting members in his proposed amendment. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER noted that, because the commissioners would be in charge of the board and be required to respond to requests for information under CSHB 96(HSS), they should be given a vote. He additionally stated that a larger board is advantageous because there was less individual authority. [CO-CHAIR HALL'S objection was treated as maintained.] 4:18:50 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Coulombe, Saddler, and Nelson voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 2 to CSHB 96(HSS). Representatives Carrick, Burke, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 2 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:19:09 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [3] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.3, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 3, line 2: Delete "at least three" Insert "not more than four" Page 3, lines 2 - 3: Delete "and shall hold additional meetings as often as necessary to accomplish the duties of the board" Page 3, lines 7 - 8: Delete "a quorum present at a meeting is sufficient" Insert "the total voting membership is necessary" Page 3, line 10: Delete "but are" Insert "and are not" Page 3, line 11: Delete "authorized for boards and commissions under AS 39.20.180" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:19:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that Amendment 3 would limit the board's annual meeting to no more than four. He noted that the current language of the proposed legislation was vague. 4:20:41 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS noted that he would be offering a future amendment to allow for teleconference meetings. 4:20:54 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked whether CSHB 96(HSS) currently specified that the meetings had to occur in person. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX deferred his answer to Mr. Newman. MR. NEWMAN offered his belief that in the previous committee of referral, CSHB 94(HSS) was amended to allow meetings to occur via in-person or teleconference. 4:21:51 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Nelson, Coulombe, and Saddler voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 3 to CSHB 96(HSS). Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 3 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:22:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [4] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.4, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 3, lines 24 - 25: Delete ", as the services pertain to wages and working conditions" Page 3, line 26: Delete all material. Reletter the following subparagraphs accordingly. Page 4, lines 2 - 3: Delete all material. Reletter the following subparagraphs accordingly. CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:22:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that Amendment 4 would change the powers and duties of the proposed board by removing training requirements from the proposed legislation. 4:23:39 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked what the bill sponsor thought of the amendment. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX stated that the state is not involved in unpaid, voluntary care of a family member at home, and the legislation would only apply to paid workers. 4:24:33 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS said that he opposed the proposed amendment. 4:25:01 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER stated that the language does not define a "living wage," which would give the proposed board a lot of leeway, noting that one could theoretically define $100,000 a year as a living wage. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX, in response to questions from committee members, remarked that there are people who feel burdened in taking care of parents, noting that some need to leave their jobs in order to take care of their family members. 4:28:56 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER commented that he felt it important for unpaid family members to be "respected and not denigrated." REPRESENTATIVE PRAX provided a personal anecdote about taking care of his mother with the help of his siblings, noting that it was well worth the sacrifice. He further noted that not everyone was in the same position as himself. 4:30:16 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Coulombe, Saddler, and Nelson voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 4 to CSHB 96(HSS). Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 4 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:30:34 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [5] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.5, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 4, line 30: Delete "the provision of quality services, improved recruitment and retention, and" Page 5, line 5, following "system;": Insert "and" Page 5, lines 6 - 8: Delete all material. Renumber the following paragraph accordingly. Page 5, lines 12 - 15: Delete "If the rate set by the department for a covered service differs significantly from the rate recommended by the board, the commissioner shall notify the board and the chair of each legislative committee having jurisdiction of health and social services in writing." Page 5, lines 16 - 20: Delete all material. Page 7, lines 21 - 26: Delete all material. Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 8, line 7: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 4" Page 8, line 15: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 4" Page 8, line 16: Delete "sec. 6" Insert "sec. 5" Page 8, line 17: Delete "sec. 7" Insert "sec. 6" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:30:39 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that Amendment 5 would remove language that implied caring for a family member was undesirable, would require the Department of Health to notify the proposed board. He opined that it was problematic to require that a department justify its actions to a board. He further stated that the amendment would remove the requirement that DOH publish a preliminary report, citing that there was not enough time to generate a report proposed by CSHB 96 (HSS) 4:32:46 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Nelson, Coulombe, and Saddler voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 5 to CSHB 96(HSS). Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 5 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:33:02 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [6] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.6, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 6, line 26, through page 7, line 2: Delete "An agency that is granted a hardship exemption shall pay as compensation and benefits to its employees performing personal care services, (1) beginning July 1, 2026, at least 60 percent of the total annual amount of funding the agency receives for personal care services from the department; and (2) beginning July 1, 2036, at least 80 percent of the total annual amount of funding the agency receives for personal care services from the department." Page 7, line 3: Delete "and (g)" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:33:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that the proposed amendment would eliminate the existing "hardship exemption" under CSHB 96 (HSS). 4:34:22 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Nelson, Coulombe, and Saddler voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 6 to CSHB 96(HSS). Representatives Carrick, Burke, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 6 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:34:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [7] to CSHB 96(HSS), labeled 34-LS0297\G.7, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 7, line 11: Delete "APPOINTMENTS, FIRST MEETING, AND PRELIMINARY REPORT" Insert "APPOINTMENTS AND FIRST MEETING" Page 7, line 13: Delete "2025" Insert "2026" Page 7, lines 16 - 26: Delete all material. Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 8, line 7: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 4" Page 8, line 15: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 4" Page 8, line 16: Delete "sec. 6" Insert "sec. 5" Page 8, line 17: Delete "sec. 7" Insert "sec. 6" REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER restated his motion for clarification. CO-CHAIR HALL objected for the purpose of discussion. 4:35:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that Amendment 7 would delay the first meeting of the proposed board from 2025 to 2026. 4:35:54 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked for confirmation that the first meeting would be October 1, 2026. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER replied yes. 4:37:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX acknowledged that three months was a tight deadline. He asked Mr. Newman whether DOH would be in favor of the proposed amendment. MR. NEWMAN added that if CSHB 96(HSS) were passed, DOH would need to develop regulations. 4:37:56 PM CO-CHAIR HALL removed her objection. There being no further objection, Amendment 7 was adopted. 4:38:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment [8] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, labeled 34-LS0297\G.13, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 8, line 13: Delete "on the day" Insert "one year" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:38:21 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained Amendment 8 would delay the date of the meeting of the board. 4:38:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked for Mr. Newman's thoughts on the proposed amendment. MR. NEWMAN noted that DOH needs to comply with the federal rule by 2028. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX added that he was unsure that the amendment would accomplish its intent. 4:41:05 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that he was opposed to the amendment because the section of the bill that it was attempting to change was a conditional affect section anyways. REPRESENTATIVE PRAX referred to page 6, line 29 of the proposed legislation and offered his understanding that DOH would have 10 years to create the report mandated by CSHB 96 (HSS). 4:44:17 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler, Coulombe, and Nelson voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 8 to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended. Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 8 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:44:46 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE moved to adopt Amendment [9] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, labeled 34-LS0297\G.14, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 1, line 13: Delete "eight" Insert "nine" Page 2, lines 5 - 9: Delete ", at least one of whom is a labor representative of at least 300 direct care workers; a member appointed under this subparagraph may not be a representative of an organization or association that advocates for the interests of covered providers or agencies that provide covered services" Page 2, line 10: Delete "one voting member who is an enrollee or a representative" Insert "two voting members who are enrollees or representatives" CO-CHAIR HALL objected 4:44:50 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE explained that the amendment would add a representative and an enrollee to the proposed Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board, noting that under CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, there was one enrollee member. She further explained that Amendment 9 would remove some qualifiers and opined that the language was too descriptive. 4:45:56 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS stated that he was opposed to the proposed amendment because he wanted to make sure that direct care workers could work without fear of intimidation or coercion. 4:46:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER added that there was nothing in the proposed amendment that would prohibit a member of a labor organization from serving as a member of the proposed board. 4:46:46 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler, Coulombe, and Nelson voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 9 to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended. Representatives Carrick, Burke, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 9 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4. 4:47:13 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment [10] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, labeled 34-LS0297\G.9, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 3, lines 3 - 4: Delete "in person or" REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected. 4:47:21 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that Amendment 10 would reduce the cost of HB 96, noting that the amendment would clarify that in- person meetings would not be required under the proposed legislation and members could meet by teleconference or other electronic means. REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE said that she likes reducing costs. 4:48:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER removed his objection. There being no further objection, Amendment 10 was adopted. 4:48:20 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment [11] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, labeled 34-LS0297\G.10, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 4, line 8: Delete "information" Insert "data, information," Page 4, lines 13 - 18: Delete all material. CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:48:30 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that Amendment 11 would reduce associated costs of data collection and reporting by reducing unnecessary reporting. He explained that the amendment would "change report to say that a state agency that receives a reasonable request for data, information, or testimony from the board will comply as soon as its reasonably practicable." 4:49:39 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked for the purpose of inserting the word "data". CO-CHAIR FIELDS replied that the purpose of inserting the word "data" was to give DOH the authority to produce a direct answer when requested without generating "an entire report." He clarified that the intention was to give DOH flexibility to answer a question with the least information that is deemed necessary. 4:50:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for a definition of "reasonable request," asking whether there was a precedent set for this term. MR. NEWMAN stated that DOH would anticipate an increased need for data under CSHB 96(HSS), which would require more staff. 4:52:08 PM CO-CHAIR HALL removed her objection. There being no further objection, Amendment 11 was adopted. 4:52:16 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment [12] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, labeled 34-LS0297\G.11, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 4, line 20, following the first occurrence of "report": Insert "in digital format" Page 4, lines 23 - 24: Delete "and all materials presented before the board" REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE objected. 4:52:23 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that Amendment 12 provides clarification that would allow DOH to produce materials in digital formats for the purpose of reducing the cost of the proposed legislation. 4:52:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked whether CSHB 96 (HSS) would only require a digital format. CO-CHAIR FIELDS confirmed Representative Coulombe's understanding was correct. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to page 4, line 23, citing the amendment would delete "all materials presented before the board". CO-CHAIR FIELDS asked if there was further discussion regarding Amendment 12. 4:54:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to divide the question on Amendment 12, noting that he liked the first part of the amendment, but that he did not like the second part of the amendment. CO-CHAIR HALL objected to the motion to divide the question. 4:55:11 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler, Carrick, Nelson, and Coulombe voted in favor of the motion to divide the question on Amendment 12 to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended. Representatives Burke, Hall, and Fields voted against it. Therefore, the motion to divide the question on Amendment 12 passed by a vote of 4-3. 4:55:48 PM The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:55 p.m. 4:56:30 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS [moved to adopt] Amendment [12 A] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, which read as follows: Page 4, line 20, following the first occurrence of "report": Insert "in digital format" CO-CHAIR HALL stated that she removed her objection. CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced there being no further objection, Amendment 12 A was adopted. 4:57:05 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment [12 B] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, which read as follows: Page 4, lines 23 - 24: Delete "and all materials presented before the board" REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected. 4:57:18 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Carrick, Burke, Hall, and Fields voted in favor of the motion to adopt Amendment 12 B to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended. Representatives Nelson, Coulombe, and Saddler voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 12 B was adopted by a vote of 4-3. 4:58:00 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment [13] to CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, labeled 34-LS0297\G.12, A. Radford, 4/22/25, which read as follows: Page 5, lines 16 - 20: Delete all material. Page 7, lines 21 - 26: Delete all material. Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 8, line 7: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 4" Page 8, line 15: Delete "sec. 5" Insert "sec. 4" Page 8, line 16: Delete "sec. 6" Insert "sec. 5" Page 8, line 17: Delete "sec. 7" Insert "sec. 6" CO-CHAIR HALL objected. 4:58:16 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that the proposed amendment would change the requirements of the proposed annual reporting dates. 4:58:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked if the prime sponsor could speak to the amendment. CO-CHAIR FIELDS clarified that his intention was not to mandate the publication of the specific information that CSHB 96 (HSS) was referring to. MR. NEWMAN remarked that the federal rule requires that information be made publicly available, including, he believed, information that would be developed by the proposed board. 5:00:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE commented that the public should have easy access to a report that they are paying for. She remarked that she would be opposing the amendment. 5:00:18 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS [moved to withdraw] Amendment 13, offering his appreciation for Representative Coulombe's comments. [There being no objection, Amendment 13 was withdrawn.] 5:00:37 PM CO-CHAIR HALL moved to report CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected. 5:01:43 PM The committee took a brief at-ease at 5:01 p.m. 5:02:03 PM CO-CHAIR HALL withdrew her motion. 5:02:12 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on CSHB 96(HSS), as amended. After ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify, he closed public testimony. 5:02:19 PM CO-CHAIR HALL restated her motion to report CSHB 96(HSS), as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected. 5:03:19 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Burke, Carrick, Hall, and Fields voted in favor of the motion to report CSHB(HSS), as amended, out of committee. Representatives Saddler, Coulombe, and Nelson voted against it. Therefore, CSHB 96(L&C) was reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee by a vote of 4-3. 5:03:59 PM The committee took an at-ease from 5:03 p.m. to 5:05 p.m. ^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):    ^Alaska Worker's Compensation Board Alaska Worker's Compensation Board    ^Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers    ^Board of Massage Therapists Board of Massage Therapists    ^Board of Examiners in Optometry Board of Examiners in Optometry    5:05:02 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would be a return to the confirmation hearings on the governor's appointees to various boards and commissions. 5:05:20 PM MICHELLE STEINER, Appointee, Board of Massage Therapists, testified as an appointee to the Board of Massage Therapists. She stated that she has been a massage therapist for 22 years, and that she moved from Texas to Alaska in 2018. [The confirmation hearing on the governor's appointee to the Board of Massage Therapists was held over.] HB 148-OMNIBUS INSURANCE BILL  5:05:54 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 148, "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date." 5:06:06 PM The committee took an at-ease from 5:06 PM to 5:07 PM. 5:07:11 PM CO-CHAIR HALL moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 148, Version 34-LS0792\N, Wallace, 4/10/25, ("Version N") as a working document. CO-CHAIR FIELDS objected for the purposes of discussion. 5:07:23 PM EVAN ANDERSON, Staff, Representative Zack Fields, Alaska State Legislature, gave the summary of changes from Version A to Version N, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: Sections 40 & 42: Amends AS 21.36.475 to allow owner- controlled and contractor-controlled insurance programs for major multi-owner residential construction projects. Defines "major multi-owner residential construction project" as a construction project with at least 50 units with a total cost of $25 million or more. Section 42: Deletes section guaranteeing umbrella insurance coverage for elected officials. Sections 47 & 48: Adds biopsies and consultations for breast cancer screenings to the covered procedures for health care insurance plans offered on the private market. Defines biopsy and consultation. Sections 49 51: Revises language about colorectal cancer screenings to align with national guidelines provided by the American Cancer Society. Section 58: Revises language prohibiting the depreciation of labor. This section allows optional coverage to include the depreciation of labor, where it provides a proportionate reduction in premium. Section 65: Replaces "any Federal agency" with the more precise "Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Treasury" per federal guidance. 5:09:07 PM REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE asked why a certain section of HB 148 was being removed. CO-CHAIR FIELDS explained that the specific section she was referring to was being removed due to testimony that encouraged the action. 5:10:51 PM LORI WINGHEIER, Director, Division of Insurance, Department of Health & Social Services, answered committee questions on HB 148. She said that her office was initially unaware of the issues that HB 148 was aiming to solve and emphasized the reason for insurance denials. 5:12:36 PM MR. ANDERSON resumed the sectional analysis on section 47 & section 48. 5:15:25 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how the proposed legislation would affect policy payers and health insurance companies alike. MS. WINGHEIER answered that HB 148 could affect both policy payers and health insurance companies. 5:16:55 PM MR. ANDERSON continued the sectional analysis on section 58. 5:18:51 PM MR. ANDERSON concluded the summary of changes on section 65. 5:21:10 PM A roll call was started and voided. 5:22:02 PM A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Carrick, Nelson, Saddler, Burke, Hall, and Fields voted in favor of CSHB 148. Representatives Coloumbe voted against it. Therefore, CSHB 148 was adopted by a vote of 6-1. CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that HB 148 was held over. ^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):    ^Alaska Worker's Compensation Board Alaska Worker's Compensation Board    ^Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers Alaska State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers    ^Board of Massage Therapists Board of Massage Therapists    ^Board of Examiners in Optometry Board of Examiners in Optometry  5:22:35 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS announced that the final order of business would be a return to the confirmation hearings on the governor's appointees to various boards and commissions. 5:22:41 PM SHERYL LENTFER, Appointee, Board of Examiners in Optometry, testified during her confirmation hearing. She shared that she had been practicing in Alaska since 1996 and said that she would like to continue her work in ensuring the quality of optometry in the state. 5:23:18 PM CHARLES RUDSTROM, Appointee, Board of Examiners in Optometry, testified during his confirmation hearing. He said that he had lived in Alaska for 27 years and had served on various local and state boards. 5:23:55 PM CO-CHAIR HALL asked Mr. Rudstrom why he was interested in the Board of Examiners in Optometry. MR. RUDSTROM noted that he did not have any background or experience in optometry and said that he was interested in serving on it. 5:24:55 PM CO-CHAIR FIELDS opened public testimony on the confirmation hearings. CO-CHAIR FIELDS, after ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify on the confirmation hearings, closed public testimony. [The confirmation hearings on the governor's appointees to the Board of Examiners in Optometry were held over.] 5:25:08 PM ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.