ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE  May 12, 2022 3:35 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Mike Shower, Chair Senator Mia Costello Senator Roger Holland Senator Scott Kawasaki MEMBERS ABSENT  Senator Lora Reinbold, Vice Chair COMMITTEE CALENDAR  HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act providing for state recognition of federally recognized tribes; and providing for an effective date." - MOVED SCS HB 123(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 297(HSS)(TITLE AM) "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Family and Community Services; relating to child protection; and relating to children of active duty military members." - MOVED CSHB 297(HSS)(TITLE AM) OUT OF COMMITTEE HOUSE BILL NO. 163 "An Act relating to vehicle title applications." - HEARD & HELD COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 118(STA)(EFD AM) "An Act relating to state identifications and driver's licenses for persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections; relating to the duties of the commissioner of corrections; relating to living conditions for prisoners; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 268 AM "An Act relating to driver's license renewal." - HEARD & HELD COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 87(JUD) "An Act relating to electric-assisted bicycles." - HEARD & HELD COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 234(STA) AM(EFD FLD) "An Act relating to political contributions; relating to the location of offices for the Alaska Public Offices Commission and the locations at which certain statements and reports filed with the commission are made available." - SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD HOUSE BILL NO. 47 "An Act renaming the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council as the Council for Alaska Native Languages; and relating to the Council for Alaska Native Languages." - SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  BILL: HB 123 SHORT TITLE: STATE RECOGNITION OF TRIBES SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) ZULKOSKY 03/03/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/03/21 (H) TRB, STA 03/30/21 (H) TRB AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106 03/30/21 (H) Heard & Held 03/30/21 (H) MINUTE(TRB) 04/01/21 (H) TRB AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106 04/01/21 (H) Moved HB 123 Out of Committee 04/01/21 (H) MINUTE(TRB) 04/05/21 (H) TRB RPT 3DP 1NR 04/05/21 (H) DP: FIELDS, TARR, ZULKOSKY 04/05/21 (H) NR: CRONK 04/17/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/17/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/17/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/22/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/22/21 (H) Moved HB 123 Out of Committee 04/22/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/26/21 (H) STA RPT 5DP 1NR 04/26/21 (H) DP: VANCE, CLAMAN, STORY, TARR, KREISS- TOMKINS 04/26/21 (H) NR: KAUFMAN 05/19/21 (H) LIMIT ALL DEBATE TO 2 MIN EACH Y23 N16 E1 05/19/21 (H) MOTION TO TABLE UC 05/19/21 (H) TAKEN FROM TABLE UC 05/19/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 05/19/21 (H) VERSION: HB 123 01/18/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/18/22 (S) STA, CRA 02/10/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 02/10/22 (S) Heard & Held 02/10/22 (S) MINUTE(STA) 02/15/22 (S) CRA REFERRAL REMOVED 02/15/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 02/15/22 (S) Heard & Held 02/15/22 (S) MINUTE(STA) 03/03/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 03/03/22 (S) 03/10/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 03/10/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 03/17/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 03/17/22 (S) Heard & Held 03/17/22 (S) MINUTE(STA) 03/31/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 03/31/22 (S) Heard & Held 03/31/22 (S) MINUTE(STA) 05/05/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/05/22 (S) Heard & Held 05/05/22 (S) MINUTE(STA) 05/12/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 BILL: HB 297 SHORT TITLE: MILITARY MEMBER CHILD PROTECTION SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HOPKINS 01/31/22 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/31/22 (H) MLV, HSS 02/22/22 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 02/22/22 (H) Heard & Held 02/22/22 (H) MINUTE(MLV) 02/24/22 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 02/24/22 (H) Moved CSHB 297(MLV) Out of Committee 02/24/22 (H) MINUTE(MLV) 02/28/22 (H) MLV RPT CS(MLV) 6DP 02/28/22 (H) DP: CLAMAN, TARR, STORY, NELSON, SHAW, TUCK 03/08/22 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106 03/08/22 (H) Heard & Held 03/08/22 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 03/10/22 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106 03/10/22 (H) Moved CSHB 297(HSS) Out of Committee 03/10/22 (H) MINUTE(HSS) 03/14/22 (H) HSS RPT CS(HSS) 5DP 2NR 03/14/22 (H) DP: MCCARTY, SPOHNHOLZ, FIELDS, ZULKOSKY, SNYDER 03/14/22 (H) NR: KURKA, PRAX 03/24/22 (H) SESSION CANCELED 3/23 - ON 3/24 CALENDAR 03/24/22 (H) TECHNICAL SESSION 3/24 - ON 3/28 CALENDAR 03/28/22 (H) ADJOURNED TO 3/29 CALENDAR 03/31/22 (H) SESSION CANCELED 3/29 - ON 3/30 CALENDAR 03/31/22 (H) SESSION CANCELED 3/30 - ON 3/31 CALENDAR 03/31/22 (H) TECHNICAL SESSION 3/31 - ON 4/4 CALENDAR 04/04/22 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 04/04/22 (H) VERSION: CSHB 297(HSS)(TITLE AM) 04/06/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 04/06/22 (S) STA, HSS 05/03/22 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/03/22 (S) 05/03/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/03/22 (S) Heard & Held 05/03/22 (S) MINUTE(STA) 05/12/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 BILL: HB 163 SHORT TITLE: FORM OF SIGNATURE ON VEHICLE TITLE SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SCHRAGE 04/05/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 04/05/21 (H) CRA, STA 04/13/21 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124 04/13/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/13/21 (H) MINUTE(CRA) 04/15/21 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124 04/15/21 (H) Moved HB 163 Out of Committee 04/15/21 (H) MINUTE(CRA) 04/16/21 (H) CRA RPT 6DP 04/16/21 (H) DP: MCCABE, PRAX, MCCARTY, DRUMMOND, SCHRAGE, HANNAN 04/27/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/27/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/27/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/29/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/29/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/29/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 05/04/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 05/04/21 (H) Moved HB 163 Out of Committee 05/04/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 05/05/21 (H) STA RPT 3DP 4NR 05/05/21 (H) DP: CLAMAN, STORY, KREISS-TOMKINS 05/05/21 (H) NR: EASTMAN, KAUFMAN, VANCE, TARR 05/05/21 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER STA 05/05/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED 05/14/21 (H) FIN RPT 9DP 05/14/21 (H) DP: ORTIZ, LEBON, CARPENTER, THOMPSON, JOSEPHSON, JOHNSON, RASMUSSEN, MERRICK, 05/14/21 (H) FOSTER 05/14/21 (H) FIN AT 9:00 AM ADAMS 519 05/14/21 (H) Moved HB 163 Out of Committee 05/14/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN) 05/17/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 05/17/21 (H) VERSION: HB 163 05/18/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 05/18/21 (S) STA 05/10/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/10/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 05/12/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 BILL: HB 118 SHORT TITLE: EXPANDING PRISONER ACCESS TO COMPUTERS SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KREISS-TOMKINS 03/01/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/01/21 (H) STA 03/18/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 03/18/21 (H) Heard & Held 03/18/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 03/23/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 03/23/21 (H) Heard & Held 03/23/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/01/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/01/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/01/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/27/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/27/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/27/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 05/11/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 05/11/21 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 05/13/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 05/13/21 (H) Moved CSHB 118(STA) Out of Committee 05/13/21 (H) MINUTE(STA) 05/14/21 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 6DP 1NR 05/14/21 (H) DP: CLAMAN, STORY, KAUFMAN, VANCE, TARR, KREISS-TOMKINS 05/14/21 (H) NR: EASTMAN 02/02/22 (H) TECHNICAL SESSION 2/2 - ON 2/4 CALENDAR 02/04/22 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 02/04/22 (H) VERSION: CSHB 118(STA)(EFD AM) 02/08/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/08/22 (S) STA 05/10/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/10/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 05/12/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 BILL: HB 268 SHORT TITLE: DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWAL:MILITARY MEMBERS SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MERRICK 01/18/22 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/14/22 01/18/22 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/18/22 (H) MLV 02/01/22 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 02/01/22 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 02/08/22 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 02/08/22 (H) Moved HB 268 Out of Committee 02/08/22 (H) MINUTE(MLV) 02/09/22 (H) MLV RPT 7DP 02/09/22 (H) DP: RAUSCHER, TARR, STORY, SHAW, NELSON, CLAMAN, TUCK 02/14/22 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 02/14/22 (H) VERSION: HB 268 AM 02/15/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/15/22 (S) STA 05/10/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/10/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 05/12/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 BILL: HB 87 SHORT TITLE: ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) WOOL 02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/18/21 (H) TRA, JUD 04/20/21 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124 04/20/21 (H) Heard & Held 04/20/21 (H) MINUTE(TRA) 04/27/21 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124 04/27/21 (H) Moved HB 87 Out of Committee 04/27/21 (H) MINUTE(TRA) 04/28/21 (H) TRA RPT 4DP 2NR 04/28/21 (H) DP: DRUMMOND, HANNAN, MCKAY, MCCABE 04/28/21 (H) NR: CRONK, HOPKINS 05/03/21 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 05/03/21 (H) Heard & Held 05/03/21 (H) MINUTE(JUD) 05/05/21 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 05/05/21 (H) Heard & Held 05/05/21 (H) MINUTE(JUD) 05/07/21 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 05/07/21 (H) Moved CSHB 87(JUD) Out of Committee 05/07/21 (H) MINUTE(JUD) 05/10/21 (H) JUD RPT CS(JUD) 5DP 2AM 05/10/21 (H) DP: VANCE, KREISS-TOMKINS, DRUMMOND, SNYDER, CLAMAN 05/10/21 (H) AM: EASTMAN, KURKA 05/19/21 (H) LIMIT ALL DEBATE TO 2 MIN EACH Y23 N16 E1 05/19/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 05/19/21 (H) VERSION: CSHB 87(JUD) 05/19/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 05/19/21 (S) TRA, STA 02/03/22 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg) 02/03/22 (S) Moved CSHB 87(JUD) Out of Committee 02/03/22 (S) MINUTE(TRA) 02/04/22 (S) TRA RPT 4DP 1NR 02/04/22 (S) DP: MYERS, BISHOP, MICCICHE, KIEHL 02/04/22 (S) NR: SHOWER 05/12/22 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 WITNESS REGISTER REPRESENTATIVE TIFFANY ZULKOSKY Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 123. REPRESENTATIVE GRIER HOPKINS Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 297. REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 163. RYAN JOHNSTON, Staff Representative Calvin Schrage Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for HB 163 on behalf of the sponsor. ED GRAVLEY, Chief Operations Officer (COO) Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union Palmer, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 163. DANIEL MCCUE Alaska Credit Union League Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 163. STEVE ALLWINE, Member Alaska Auto Dealers Association (AADA) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 163. JEFFREY SCHMITZ, Director Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Department of Administration (DOA) Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 163. REPRESENTATIVE JOHATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 118. KELLY GOODE, Deputy Commissioner Office of the Commissioner Department of Corrections (DOC) Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 118. CLAIRE GROSS, Staff Representative Jonathon Kreiss-Tomkins Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for HB 118. REPRESENTATIVE KELLY MERRICK Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 268. SORCHA HAZELTON, Staff Representative Kelly Merrick Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for HB 268 on behalf of the sponsor. JEFFREY SCHMITZ, Director Division of Motor Vehicle Department of Administration (DOA) Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB 268. REPRESENTATIVE ADAM WOOL Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 87. ASHLEY CARRICK, Staff Representative Adam Wool Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis and slide presentation for HB 87 on behalf of the sponsor. BRICE WILBANKS Mayor Bronson's Office Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Suggested an amendment during the hearing on HB 87. ACTION NARRATIVE 3:35:07 PM CHAIR MIKE SHOWER called the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. Present at the call to order were Senators Kawasaki, Holland, Costello, and Chair Shower. HB 123-STATE RECOGNITION OF TRIBES  3:35:51 PM CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act providing for state recognition of federally recognized tribes; and providing for an effective date." He stated that the committee adopted an amendment during the last hearing and his intention today was to move the bill from committee. He asked Representative Zulkosky if she had any final comments. 3:36:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE TIFFANY ZULKOSKY, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 123, said it's been a privilege to carry HB 123 and she appreciated the thoughtful hearings the committee held about what the bill means to the Alaska Native community and the State of Alaska. She opined that strengthening the relationship between the state and tribes was long overdue. CHAIR SHOWER commented that the process cleared up a lot of misconceptions, but he believes there is more work to be done. Finding no questions or comments, he solicited the will of the committee. 3:37:55 PM SENATOR HOLLAND moved to report HB 123, work order 32-LS0438\A, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 3:38:15 PM CHAIR SHOWER found no objection and SCS HB 123(STA) was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee. 3:38:20 PM At ease HB 297-MILITARY MEMBER CHILD PROTECTION  3:40:19 PM CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 297(HSS)(title am) "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Family and Community Services; relating to child protection; and relating to children of active duty military members." He noted that this was the second hearing and the intention was to move the bill from committee. He asked the sponsor if he had any final comments. 3:40:54 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRIER HOPKINS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 297, recapped that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) urges the state to pass this legislation. He noted that, as requested, he reached out to former Representative Tammie Wilson for her opinion of the bill. Her letter stating strong support for the bill was forwarded to the committee on th May 42022. CHAIR SHOWER said he'd like to hear any important points that she might have made. REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS read the following from former Representative Tammie Wilson: After working with parents for many years, I know the sooner wrap around services can be put into place, it significantly lowers the chance that their children will be removed. This will allow the Family Advocacy Program to address any potential child abuse or neglect allegations early on. It will not be a duplication of services. ... Many of these services can be provided through the Family Advocacy Program. Please support this legislation. CHAIR SHOWER said it provides him significant comfort to know that she supports the legislation. He noted that DoD also supports the legislation. REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS said the idea came from DoD and his office was working with DoD on coordination. 3:42:55 PM SENATOR HOLLAND expressed appreciation for the background that provided context for why the Office of Children's Services may have to get involved. CHAIR SHOWER found no further questions or comments and solicited the will of the committee. 3:43:47 PM SENATOR HOLLAND moved to report HB 297, work order 32- LS1249\I.A, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR SHOWER found no objection and CSHB 297(HSS)(title am) was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee. 3:44:17 PM At ease HB 163-FORM OF SIGNATURE ON VEHICLE TITLE  3:45:44 PM CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 163 "An Act relating to vehicle title applications." He noted that this was the first hearing. 3:46:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 163, introduced the bill with a very brief summary of the sponsor statement that read as follows: House Bill 163 eliminates the current requirement for ink signatures on applications for titles and title transfers within the Department of Motor Vehicles. HB 163 gives flexibility to the DMV to begin using electronic signatures. HB 163 does not force the use of electronic signatures. AS 28.10.211(b) states that "applications for title or transfer of title must contain the signature in ink of the owner, or if there is more than one owner, the signature in ink of at least one of the owners and the name of each owner stated in the conjunctive or in the disjunctive." HB 163 deletes the words "in ink" in both places. Under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act of 2004 (AS 09.80.010-09.80.195) electronic signatures satisfy the general definition of a signature unless otherwise prohibited. Since the current statute explicitly requires "ink" signatures for title applications, the DMV cannot accept electronic signatures. HB 163 will give the Department the latitude to determine for itself if it wants to accept electronic signatures in the cases of title transfers and title applications. Covid has taught us that electronic signatures can provide extra convenience to Alaskans in remote or rural parts of the state and can provide long-term efficiencies for the DMV. 3:47:07 PM SENATOR HOLLAND asked if there was a problem signing titles in pencil. REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he didn't believe a pencil signature would be acceptable. 3:47:37 PM RYAN JOHNSTON, Staff, Representative Calvin Schrage, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that HB 163 has one section that removes the words "in ink" in two places from AS 28.10.211(b), which is for the application for title or transfer of title of a vehicle. He advised that the fiscal note was indeterminate because the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) initially was unsure of the intent of the bill. The sponsor clarified that the intent was to allow DMV to move at its own pace in transitioning to electronic signatures. With that information, DMV has been on the record stating that the bill would have no fiscal impact. CHAIR SHOWER turned to invited testimony. 3:48:48 PM ED GRAVLEY, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Palmer, Alaska, testified by invitation in support of HB 163. He said the credit union currently is able to help credit union members do business regardless of where they are in the state by using e-signatures. It's easier and a cost saving measure. The missing link is to be able to use e- signatures for DMV documents. CHAIR SHOWER asked for an explanation of the process for the credit union to use e-signatures. MR. GRAVLEY said the credit union uses the service called DocuSign that handles the entire process. It has out of bounds questions that the members must authenticate and it records, tracks, and stores the e-signatures. It's the same basic process that is used for the permanent fund dividend applications. CHAIR SHOWER commented that it's basically multi-factor identification. MR. GRAVLEY agreed and restated that out of bounds questions are required. 3:51:17 PM CHAIR SHOWER asked if the industry had any security concerns about transitioning to e-signatures. MR. GRAVLEY offered his belief that it was more secure when there were out of bounds questions. 3:51:59 PM DANIEL MCCUE, Alaska Credit Union League, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation in support of HB 163. He said this change will open the door to technology changes that will enhance the ability for the credit union to provide more timely service to its members. This will also address the uncomfortable situation that lenders faced during the pandemic when there was a backlog of unprocessed titles because offices weren't open. He called the bill a smart change that will allow DMV to look at alternatives that will enhance its service to Alaskans. CHAIR SHOWER asked if he concurred with Mr. Gravley's responses to his questions. MR. MCCUE said he covered it well; technology requires all parties to ensure that security is at the highest level possible. It's part of the review process. 3:53:47 PM STEVE ALLWINE, Member, Alaska Auto Dealers Association (AADA), Juneau, Alaska, testified by invitation in support of HB 163. He said that striking the word "ink" from the application for title statute will modernize, streamline, and provide greater convenience to the motor vehicle purchase process. It also enhances the ability of automotive retailers and lenders to provide better service to people living in outlying areas of the state. Electronic signatures are secure and lenders and automotive retailers are already using them for the security agreements and financial contracts, which are more important. Allowing e-signatures falls in line with the steps that have already been taken. 3:55:32 PM SENATOR HOLLAND acknowledged that he was belaboring the point about losing the permanent mark on a title. He asked Jeffrey Schmitz with DMV if there were any implications to no longer having a signature in ink on a vehicle title. He also asked if there was anything in regulation about signatures in ink. 3:56:09 PM JEFFREY SCHMITZ, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Department of Administration (DOA), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that there are more than 60 places in current Alaska statutes that refer to certificate of title as an application for title signed in ink. He said this is an exciting first step and he understands the enthusiasm that industry has, but it's important to be clear about what the bill does and does not do. HB 163 only removes the requirement for the title to be signed in ink. This opens the door to the possibility for DMV to look at other solutions, but this is not required. DMV's analysis is that a feasibility study would need to be done before making any changes. The requirement for a signature in ink serves as a roadblock that impedes DMV's ability to look at any future solutions. SENATOR HOLLAND asked if DMV supports HB 163. MR. SCHMITZ replied that DMV has a neutral stance on the bill. CHAIR SHOWER asked if DMV had identified any problems it would have in transitioning to electronic signatures on vehicle titles. MR. SCHMITZ replied that's difficult to ascertain in the absence of a feasibility study. He relayed that multiple states are conducting pilot programs and Alaska could possibly look at some of those electronic solutions if the bill were to pass. He acknowledged that this was a wave of the future and that there likely was a solution but he didn't know what that might be at this point. CHAIR SHOWER asked if it was fair to say that a fiscal note from DMV would include a study and whatever else might need to be implemented. MR. SCHMITZ responded that DMV submitted an indeterminate fiscal note because implementing electronic signatures for vehicle titles would entail more than the removal of "in ink" from the statutes. DMV's estimate to build an electronic titling system is in the neighborhood of $3.5 million. It would require a well thought out and detailed project. 4:00:47 PM SENATOR KAWASAKI asked if he envisions that an electronic signature would be required on both the bill of sale and the title transfer. MR. SCHMITZ replied that DMV needs the signed title document to perform the title transfer. He acknowledged that there was a process if the title was missing. SENATOR KAWASAKI said he didn't know whether DMV needed direction from the legislature or the administration, but this was the wave of the future and the state would do well to start in that direction. CHAIR SHOWER said he understands why the fiscal note is indeterminate, but that leads to the question of whether the legislature would need to provide an allocation to do the study. He asked the sponsor if that had come up in discussion. REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE replied that the understanding from the start was that there would be a fiscal cost to transitioning to e-signatures on vehicle transfers. HB 163 is a step in that direction by simply removing the current requirement for the signature to be in ink. He said the bill does not mandate DMV to take this project on, but he would note that 36 other states had removed the signature in ink requirement and 26 of those states had looked at how to develop and enact such a process. HB 163 leaves the decision to DMV about when and whether to start the process to put an electronic system in place. CHAIR SHOWER said that makes sense. 4:04:22 PM CHAIR SHOWER asked the sponsor if he had any final comments. REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE restated that HB 163 removes the term "in ink" from the statutes. 4:04:34 PM CHAIR SHOWER held HB 163 in committee for future consideration. HB 118-EXPANDING PRISONER ACCESS TO COMPUTERS  4:04:58 PM CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 118(STA)(efd am) "An Act relating to state identifications and driver's licenses for persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections; relating to the duties of the commissioner of corrections; relating to living conditions for prisoners; and providing for an effective date." 4:05:20 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOHATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 118, stated that the bill is the result of informational hearings the House State Affairs Committee held in conjunction with the Department of Corrections to address recidivism and recidivism reduction. There was complete agreement that it was in the best interest of Alaska and society to have lower rates of offense and a few changes could promote that outcome. He continued the introduction of HB 118 speaking to the following sponsor statement: The intent of this bill is to remove the restriction prohibiting a prisoner from possessing a computer in their cell, expanding access to safe and secure internet for purposes of rehabilitation and reintegration, and provide prisoners with easier access to state identification upon release. HB 118 creates an easier process of reentry and rehabilitation for inmates and lessens the risk of reoffending. By allowing access to safe and secure internet, inmates are better able to prepare themselves for reentry into the outside world. According to a study released by the Department of Justice, 68% of prisoners are arrested again within three years, 83% during the following nine years. One of the key reasons for reoffending is the difficulty prisoners face securing employment post incarceration. Access to online job training, therapy and visitation helps to alleviate the risk of reoffending. Another important element of this bill is it provides easier access to identification for prisoners upon release, allowing them an important tool for reintegration. Both expanding internet access for prisoners and providing prisoners with easier access to state identification help ease the difficulties of reentry and will help to lower the risk of recidivism. CHAIR SHOWER asked if there were questions for the bill sponsor. SENATOR COSTELLO offered her understanding that the legislature had passed legislation that stipulated that anyone who is released from incarceration will be provided a state ID. REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS said he wasn't aware of that, but he would defer to the representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC). 4:08:36 PM KELLY GOODE, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Corrections (DOC), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that there is nothing in statute that requires DOC to ensure that prisoners have obtained a state ID before they are released from prison. However, the department generally tries to help individuals understand the process for getting a state ID after they're released. It is in statute that DOC must provide a voucher that individuals can take to DMV to pay for their license or state ID. SENATOR KAWASAKI referenced Section 3 and said it looks like the existing statute says (a) The commissioner shall (11) assist a prisoner in obtaining a valid state identification card if the prisoner does not have a valid state identification card before the prisoner's release; He asked if that is what has been happening and if HB 118 places sideboards on exactly what must be done. MS. GOODE offered her view that it's the opposite. The "shall" in the existing language refers to the voucher system, which ensures that DOC provides an avenue for anyone who needs a state ID to receive one. She added that the commissioner looked at this extensively last year and learned that the number of people who are released and do not already have an ID is very small. She also reminded the committee that a significant number of individuals who are incarcerated suffer from mental illness and some of those individuals will never want an ID. Others have alternative IDs that they prefer to use. MS. GOODE said she believes the sponsor's intent is to ensure that the Department of Corrections (DOC) works with the Department of Administration (DOA) to find more ways to ensure that prisoners being released have IDs if they want one. CHAIR SHOWER requested the sectional analysis. 4:12:34 PM CLAIRE GROSS, Staff, Representative Jonathon Kreiss-Tomkins, Juneau, Alaska, read the sectional analysis for HB 118, version I.A into the record. Section 1 AS 18.65.310 Identification Cards Amends AS 18.65.310 to require that the Department of Administration (DOA) mail a state identification card to a Department of Corrections (DOC) address upon request by an applicant who is serving an active term of imprisonment of more than 120 days. Section 2 AS 28.15.101 Expiration and Renewal of Driver's License Amends AS 28.15.101 to require that the DOA mail a driver's license renewed by mail to a DOC address upon request by an applicant who is serving an active term of imprisonment of more than 120 days. This section does not require the DOA to issue new driver's licenses Section 3 AS 33.30.011 Duties of Commissioner Amends AS 33.30.011 to require the DOC Commissioner and the DOA Commissioner to make a good faith effort to ensure prisoners serving an active term of imprisonment of more than 120 days have a state identification card upon release. Section 4 AS 33.30.015 Living Conditions for Prisoners Amends AS 33.30.015(a) by deleting the word "computer" from the list of items a prisoner may not possess in their cell, and by adding language to allow prisoners to use a computer for purposes that facilitate their rehabilitation or compliance with a reentry or case plan, for legal reference materials, visitation, or health care. Section 5 AS 33.30.095 Duties of Commissioner Before Release of Prisoner Amends [AS 33.30.095] by requiring the program to provide instruction on obtaining a state identification if one or more prisoners will not otherwise possess a valid state identification card upon release. Section 6 Establishes an effective date of January 1, 2023.  CHAIR SHOWER asked Ms. Gross to go over the fiscal note. MS. GROSS stated that the Department of Corrections (DOC) submitted a zero fiscal note for HB 118. DOC will be able to use current technology to implement the bill. The analysis includes the following statement: Coordination with DOA regarding state identification cards for prisoners can also be accomplished with no fiscal impact. Therefore, a zero fiscal note is being submitted. 4:15:37 PM CHAIR SHOWER commented that it seems as though there would be some cost associated with additional computer use and that brings up the need to ensure they are secure and don't allow access to such things as pornography. He asked Ms. Goode to comment. MS. GOODE said inmates already have access to computers in the law library and education rooms. The bill doesn't affect those computers. The bill addresses a computer in a cell. The No Frill Prisons Act from the 1990s stated that an inmate could not have a computer in their cell. DOC does not intend to have computers in cells, but would like the ability to offer tablets that are specially made for inmates. There is no cost because this would go through the procurement process, and the inmate would pay for their use, unless they were indigent. In that case, DOC would pick up the cost. The system would be as safe as possible because these special tablets have an internal wireless system that is managed and monitored. The idea is to allow an inmate to do things from their cell such as take an education program, an anger management program, or finish their GED. The cost is contained in the program itself. CHAIR SHOWER asked who manages and monitors the system and if there wouldn't be a cost to go through an RFP to a vender. 4:19:15 PM MS. GOODE confirmed that DOC would go through the RFP procurement process. A number of companies in the Lower 48 provide this service. The cost will be picked up by the inmates who will pay to use the tablets. DOC has not implemented this in the individual cells but could have them in general population areas. CHAIR SHOWER asked if the usage was already in the DOC budget. MS. GOODE answered no; the inmates would pay for the tablets when they pay to use the system. CHAIR SHOWER asked how the inmates would pay. MS. GOODE replied that would be determined based on the procurement process, but it would work the same way that inmates currently pay for phone calls. CHAIR SHOWER asked how the inmates pay. MS. GOODE replied there are several options. Many inmates work at jobs within the facility and their earnings are booked and available for use in the commissary, to make phone calls, and to make orders that are within policy. Many inmates also receive outside funding from any number of sources. CHAIR SHOWER said he assumes that indigent prisoners would be accommodated. MS. GOODE answered yes, just as indigent inmates are accommodated now with phone calls. CHAIR SHOWER remarked that he believes this is an important part of the rehabilitation process that may help to lower recidivism rates. 4:23:13 PM CHAIR SHOWER asked the sponsor if he had any additional comments. REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS agreed with Ms. Goode that use of these special tablets would be handled in the same way as the prison phone call system, and that there is precedent from other states about the successful use of these tablets in correctional facilities. CHAIR SHOWER asked what percentage of inmates are anticipated to want to use one of these special tablets, and if there is any data on how this may affect recidivism. REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS said that would be a good question for the reentry community. CHAIR SHOWER said it'd be nice to have that data from other states. He asked Ms. Goode what percentage of the prison population DOC envisions might take advantage of this program. MS. GOODE said she didn't have any data but anecdotal evidence from other states that have implemented tablets is that there is significant interest. She wasn't aware of data about recidivism, but it's probably a good tool for inmates. CHAIR SHOWER commented that his experience going through reentry training made him aware of how difficult it is to succeed and how easy it is to fail. SENATOR COSTELLO noted the January 1, 2022 effective date needed to be updated. 4:27:48 PM At ease 4:28:42 PM CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting and held HB 118 in committee. HB 268-DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWAL:MILITARY MEMBERS  4:28:51 PM CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 268 am "An Act relating to driver's license renewal." He asked Representative Merrick to introduce the bill. 4:29:12 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLY MERRICK, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 268, stated this legislation came about after a military member from Eagle River experienced difficulty renewing his driver's license when he needed to after he received orders to be stationed in Germany. Existing statute allows a driver's license to be renewed within one year of expiration. However, Germany required him to have a valid driver's license for the full two years of his stay. HB 268 will allow members of the military and their families to renew their driver's license within two years of expiration if they are stationed or on orders to be stationed abroad. CHAIR SHOWER asked Ms. Hazelton to present the sectional. 4:30:08 PM SORCHA HAZELTON, Staff, Representative Kelly Merrick, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis for HB 268 on behalf of the sponsor. Section 1 amends AS 28.15.101(a) to allow the renewal of a driver's license within two years of expiration for a member of the military and their family members if the military member is deployed abroad, stationed abroad, or under orders to be deployed abroad. Section 2 adds a definition of military to Title 28. In response to a question from the Chair, Ms. Hazelton confirmed the fiscal note for HB 268 was zero. SENATOR HOLLAND asked whether amending the statute to within two years of expiration of the license for military members and their families was sufficiently broad to cover other duty stations abroad, not just Germany. MS. HAZELTON replied that HB 268 was less about the duration of the license after it's renewed and more about the time a military member and their family are able to renew their license before it expires. SENATOR HOLLAND said he appreciates the bill but wonders about catering too much to the military. CHAIR SHOWER asked Mr. Schmitz if he had any response to Senator Holland's question. 4:33:00 PM JEFFREY SCHMITZ, Director, Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV), Department of Administration (DOA), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that DMV had been unable to confirm what had been reported about the license requirements for military members being deployed or stationed in Germany. He said this seems to be an isolated case. 4:34:06 PM SENATOR HOLLAND said he worries about changing the statute for what could be just one service member. REPRESENTATIVE MERRICK agreed that the bill probably wouldn't apply to very many service members, but since Alaska has one of the largest military communities of any state, she thought it was appropriate to help resolve issues service members may have when and however possible. SENATOR HOLLAND stated that he will support the bill. CHAIR SHOWER said he agrees with Senator Holland's point about a single member bill, but it can be a life altering event when that one person has that particular problem. He relayed a personal experience of being pulled over and nearly arrested in England for driving with the wrong plates on his car. He stated support for the bill as a way to make life easier for members of the military and their families who have a problem that they didn't cause. 4:37:05 PM CHAIR SHOWER asked the sponsor if she had any closing comments. REPRESENTATIVE MERRICK thanked the Chair and Senator Holland for their service to the country and expressed hope that HB 268 would help service members who may encounter this problem. 4:37:36 PM CHAIR SHOWER held HB 268 in committee. HB 87-ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES  4:37:55 PM CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 87(JUD) "An Act relating to electric-assisted bicycles." He noted that this was the first hearing. 4:38:13 PM At ease 4:40:13 PM CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting. 4:40:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE ADAM WOOL, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 87, stated that this legislation defines "electric bicycle" in statute as a mode of transportation that does not have to be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). E-bikes are separated from "electric personal motor vehicle," "motor driven cycle," including motorcycles, motor scooters, and "motor bicycles." He relayed that 37 other states use this same standard language and it is used by the Municipality of Anchorage. CHAIR SHOWER asked whether Anchorage really needed this legislation. REPRESENTATIVE WOOL replied that the Municipality of Anchorage has already adopted this definition language, and the bill will spread that definition statewide. 4:43:37 PM ASHLEY CARRICK, Staff, Representative Adam Wool, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis for HB 87 on behalf of the sponsor. This bill amends Titles 19, 28, and 41 of the Alaska Statutes. Section 1 (page 1) Amends AS 19.10.399(9) to state that the definition of motor vehicle excludes electric-assisted bicycles Section 2 (page 1) Amends AS 19.10.399 (16) to state that electric-assisted bicycles are to be regulated as bicycles in regards to operation on a way, path, or area Section 3 (page 1-2) Amends AS 28.05.011(a) states that electric-assisted bicycles should be regulated as bicycles in regards to rules of the road; also includes electric-assisted bicycles under an existing provision allowing municipal ordinances to separately regulate in this area Section 4 (page 2-3) Amends AS 28.10.011 to state that an electric-assisted bicycle is not required to be registered as a vehicle Section 5 (page 3) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(12) to state that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under the definition of an "electric personal motor vehicle" Section 6 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(18) to state that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under the definition of a "motor vehicle" Section 7 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(18) to state that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under the definition of a "motorcycle" Section 8 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(20) to state that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under the definition of a "motor-driven cycle" Section 9 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(33-36)  states that the term "bicycle" includes electric assisted bicycles in the three following classes: (34) Class 1: bicylces that assist only while the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 20 miles per hour, (35) Class 2: bicycles that can propel whether or not the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 20 miles per hour, and (36) Class 3: bicycles that assist only while the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 28 miles per hour Section 9 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(37) defines electric-assisted bicycles as a bicycle that is designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, has fully operative pedals for human propulsion, is equipped with an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts, and includes Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles Section 10 (page 5) Amends AS 41.23.300 states that "bicycling" includes the use of electric-assisted bicycles, and that "electric-assisted bicycles" have the meaning provided in the previous section 4:46:14 PM MS. CARRICK stated that the use of electric-assisted bicycles is relatively new in Alaska and there are no laws pertaining to their use, operating and safety requirements, or definitions. She began the presentation on slide 2 that states the goals of HB 87: 1. Regulate electric-assisted bicycles as bicycles; 2. Update statute to reflect technological advances; and 3. Bring clarity to consumers and retailers on electric- assisted bicycle laws 4:47:52 PM MS. CARRICK discussed the proposed new definition for electric- assistance bicycle outlined on slide 3: A bicycle that is:  • Designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground • Has fully operative pedals for human propulsion • Is equipped with an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts (1 hp) Electric-bicycles are further defined by the following  three classes:  Class 1: bicycles that assist only while the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 20 miles per hour Class 2: bicycles that can propel whether or not the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 20 miles per hour Class 3: bicycles that assist only while the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 28 miles per hour MS. CARRICK relayed that the industry and retailers requested adding the description of the three classes to further define electric-bicycles. 4:48:29 PM MS. CARRICK turned to the color-coded state map of the U.S. on slide 4 that shows the states colored green that had enacted model legislation, the states colored yellow that had acceptable legislation that regulated electric bikes as a bicycle, and states colored red, like Alaska, whose laws were problematic or confusing. She pointed out that 37 (green) states had enacted model legislation that included the three classes of electric bicycles; several (yellow) states had laws that defined electric bicycles, but not the three classes; and just four (red) states that either had no language in statute about electric bicycles or had problematic language. She noted that Alaska fell into this last category. MS. CARRICK pointed to the images on slide five that illustrate what electric bikes are not, and advised that each was defined elsewhere in statute. E-Bikes are NOT: Mopeds Motor Scooters Dirt Bikes Segways Motorcycles Cars Electric Wheelchairs MS. CARRICK clarified that electric bicycles must have fully operative pedals and an engine size that is not more than 750 watts. 4:49:47 PM MS. CARRICK turned to the example of an electric-assisted bicycle depicted on slide 6. The image illustrates that there is an electric motor with a battery pack on the frame and fully operable pedals. She highlighted that the industry continues to make advances, one of which is to have the battery pack on the inside of the frame. This makes for a much sleeker, more sophisticated design, but it's not readily apparent that it's an e-bike. CHAIR SHOWER asked what the horse power (HP) equivalent is for 750 watts. REPRESENTATIVE WOOL answered it's equivalent to one HP. CHAIR SHOWER referenced slide 4 and asked if the states colored yellow that have acceptable laws allow e-bikes on the road, and whether the states colored red that have problematic or confusing laws do not allow e-bikes on the road. REPRESENTATIVE WOOL offered his understanding that the red states have no definition of e-bike in statute, the yellow states have a deviation of the model legislation, and the green states have enacted the model legislation CHAIR SHOWER said his understanding of Section 4 was that no DMV registration or tag would be required for electric bicycles. REPRESENTATIVE WOOL said that's correct, just like the standard bicycle. CHAIR SHOWER asked Ms. Carrick to describe the fiscal note. MS. CARRICK said the Department of Administration (DOA) submitted a zero fiscal note. There is no fiscal impact to the state. 4:52:56 PM CHAIR SHOWER turned to invited testimony. He advised that he invited Brice Wilbanks to talk about a possible amendment that the Municipality of Anchorage would like. 4:54:06 PM At ease 4:54:48 PM CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting and clarified that the amendment he referenced earlier would be discussed today but not offered. 4:55:09 PM BRICE WILBANKS, Mayor Bronson's Office, Anchorage, Alaska, relayed that the City of Anchorage would like to allow additional mobile devices such as e-scooters to be operated without a license from DMV. The proposed amendment would remove the words "self-balancing" and "nontandem" and add the number three in Section 5, page 3, lines 28-29. He said multiple operators in Anchorage had made this request. CHAIR SHOWER asked the sponsor if he had any comment on the proposed amendment. 4:56:34 PM REPRESENTATIVE WOOL said he supports the amendment because it does not affect the definition of e-bikes. The proposed amendment would apply to the definition of "electric personal motor vehicle" and is directed towards Segway scooters. CHAIR SHOWER clarified that the committee was merely discussing an idea for an amendment, and he wanted to hear from the bill sponsor before moving forward. He asked the sponsor if the change to apply to three wheels would require a title change. REPRESENTATIVE WOOL replied the definition of e-bikes in the bill is up to three wheels. 4:59:03 PM SENATOR HOLLAND reported that the term "nontandem definitely refers to Segue type vehicles. He expressed appreciation for the bill. 4:59:54 PM CHAIR SHOWER held HB 87. 5:00:26 PM At ease 5:01:07 PM CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting and acknowledged that there wasn't time to hear the next bill. 5:01:43 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Chair Shower adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee meeting at 5:01 p.m.