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Alaska Health Policy Review
comprehensive, authoritative, nonpartisan
 
A Publication of the Alaska Center for Public Policy
March 8, 2013 - Vol 7, Issue 9
In This Issue
Visit ACPP
Health Policy News Briefs
Alaska Health Policy Calendar
Please Respect Our Copyright
Bill Watch: Bills on the Move
Bill Watch: Drugs
Bill Watch: Health Professional Workforce and Education
Bill Watch: Medical Assistance and Health Insurance
Bill Watch: Mental Health
Bill Watch: State Boards and Issues
Bill Watch: Family Health Issues
Bill Watch: Workers' Compensation
Bill Watch: Public Safety
Bill Watch: Environmental and Energy Policy Issues
Bill Watch: Energy Policy Issues
Bill Watch: General Health Policy
Bill Watch: Bill Tracking Methodology
Alaska Health Policy Review Special Legislative Session Subscription
Legislative Committee Meetings
AHPR Staff and Contributors


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From the Editor

Dear Readers,

Recently, the House Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee recommended an $8.3 million general funds reduction for Alaska Behavioral Health Services. Behavioral health services advocates are concerned about the cuts and their impact on  -- among others -- mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, supported housing, peer support services, and suicide prevention. Public comment on the recommended budget was held March 5 and 6.

In the last week I have received quite a few informative emails about the topic but after reviewing those documents I felt less than satisfied and decided to embark on a quest to learn more. In particular, I wanted to see for myself the primary sources from which the content of the emails derived.

First stop was the Alaska Legislature website. After a considerable amount of time lost in unsuccessful navigation, my search fizzled. Still determined, I contacted Kate Burkhart, executive director of the Alaska Mental Health Board. I explained my mission and she generously agreed to assist my efforts and directed me to where I could get the documents that I sought.

Two of the documents to which Burkhart directed me were especially interesting. One is a narrative, the other is a spreadsheet. Together they help complete the picture of the recommended budget reductions. You may find them helpful as well.

Thank you, Kate Burkhart, for all your help locating the documents.

In other news, remember to change your clocks this weekend. The American Public Health Association recommends checking your emergency preparedness kit at the same time. Visit their Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign website for more information about emergency supplies to have on hand.

I hope all of you have a pleasant week. Thank you for reading Alaska Health Policy Review.

 

Managing Editor

 

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Health Policy News Briefs

Construction that focuses on health of residents

Can naturally lighted, central staircases deter the use of elevators? Will neighborhood gardens encourage a better diet? The Denver Housing Authority thinks so and is willing to put resources behind the idea. The housing authority, using a health impact assessment, drafted a redevelopment plan for a Denver neighborhood that promotes physical activity and environmental stability. This New York Times article by Joe Gose spotlights plans for the La Alma/Lincon Park neighborhood.

Michelle Obama's incomplete obesity fight

In this Everyday Health article, Amir Khan focuses on why Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative may not be enough to stop childhood obesity. Khan contends that advertising and availability of healthful foods exert a strong influence on kids' food desires and ultimately on parental food purchases.

The war on entitlements

In this New York Times opinion piece by Thomas B. Edsall, the author posits that the debate over Social Security and Medicare reform is being conducted without serious consideration to eliminating the regressive existing income caps. A study by the Tax Policy Center found "the rate paid by the poorest quintile is 8.1 times as high as the rate paid by the top 0.1 percent."

Do patients "like" good care? Measuring hospital quality via Facebook

Research by Alex Timian, Sonia Rupcic, MPH, MIA, Stan Kachnowski, and Paloma Luisi suggests that the number of Facebook "likes" may be associated with hospital quality as measured by the 30-day mortality rate. This interesting study "contributes to the discussion of social media's value in health care by exploring the use of Facebook as a tool to evaluate hospitals and establishes a foundation for future research."

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Alaska Health Policy Calendar

This calendar of health policy and related meetings is current as of March 7, 2013.

What States Need to Do to Enforce the ACA's Health Insurance Protections 
When: Tuesday, March 12, at 1:00 PM E.T. (9:00 AM AKDT)
Where: Webinar. Register online.
Other information: The Affordable Care Act includes consumer protections designed to improve the accessibility, adequacy, and affordability of private health insurance. While the law is federal, states are the primary regulators of insurance and many will need to pass their own laws or issue regulations to ensure residents benefit from these protections. So far, however, only one state has passed new legislation on all of the protections designed to go into effect in 2014, while an additional 10 states and the District of Columbia have passed new legislation, or issued a new regulation, on at least one protection. A free 90-minute webinar cosponsored by the Progressive States Network draws on a Commonwealth Fund brief that examines state action on these protections.

Solar Thermal Systems presented by Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology  
When and Where: Fairbanks - March 14, 2013; Anchorage - March 15, 2013; Palmer - March 16, 2013
Other information: A growing number of Alaskans from Wasilla to Kotzebue are turning to solar thermal systems for hot water and space heating. The class is designed for individuals and professionals interested in solar water and space heating installation. It will teach solar thermal design principles and installation techniques for domestic hot water and solar combi-systems in new and retrofit applications. Special emphasis will be placed on control system technology for integrating renewable energy, conventional heat sources and all loads. The benefits of remote monitoring, control, diagnosis and reporting will also be covered. The workshop offered in Anchorage and Palmer is presented by Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology. The Fairbanks workshop is offered by Alascorp. This course qualifies for 6 CEU credits for residential endorsement. Additional fee for CEU credits. Cost $40 ACAT members, $80 for non-members. Register online.
Contact: For more information email Stephanie Nowers or call 907-229-1982.

Full Lives Conference for Direct Service Professionals
When: Thursday and Friday, April 11 and 12, 2013
Where: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
Other information: The Full Lives Conference features national and Alaska experts on key issues that affect direct service staff and the people they support. Presentations are provided on a wide variety of topics, allowing attendees to choose sessions based on their personal and professional interests, such as: promoting healthy relationships, person-centered best practices, honoring cultural diversity, stress management, climbing the career ladder, and community inclusion strategies. Registration will be available in February.
Contact: Email Raelynn Smith or call 907-264-6244 for more information.
 
The Foraker Group Leadership Summit: "Telling Our Stories As Leaders, As Organizations, and As A Sector"
When: Monday and Tuesday, April 22 and 23, 2013
Where: Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
Other information: Don't miss the chance to engage with national leaders and statewide experts who will provide inspiration, strategies, and tools for effective communication. Here are just a few of the people who will offer their experience and insight: Thaler Pekar, Kivi Leroux Miller, Tom Ahern, and Steve Culbertson. You can learn more and register online

Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference
When: Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2013
Where: Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, Anchorage
Other information: Join leaders and clean energy experts from across the globe for two interactive days of workshops, discussions, and exhibits on the growing economic opportunities related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in Alaska. Sign up on our BCEA email update list to stay posted on updates for this year's event. Save $125 by registering by March 29.

American Society for Circumpolar Health Annual Meeting
When: Friday, April 5, 2013
Where: Anchorage (location TBA)
Other information: The Annual American Society for Circumpolar Health (ASCH) meeting, in conjunction with the 12th annual Arctic Health Sciences Seminar (AHSS), will include both scientific presentations and student research awards, as well as the ASCH election results.

Call For AHSS Presentation Abstracts
PDF for online submission of Abstracts 

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Please Respect Our Copyright

Alaska Health Policy Review is sent to individual and group subscribers for their exclusive use. Please contact us for information regarding significant discounts for multiple subscriptions within a single organization. Distributing copies of the Alaska Health Policy Review is prohibited under copyright restrictions without written permission from the editor; however, we encourage the use of a few sentences from an issue for reviews and other "Fair Use."

We appreciate your referral of colleagues to akhealthpolicy.org in order to obtain a sample copy. The Alaska Center for Public Policy holds the copyright for Alaska Health Policy Review. Your respect for our copyright allows us to continue to provide this service to you.

For all related matters, please contact the managing editor, Jacqui Yeagle.

 

Bill Watch: Bills on the Move

Two new health policy-related bills were introduced since February 28, 2013. The information is current as of March 7, 2013, at 10:00 AM.

HB147 Extend Autism Early Diagnosis Task Force, sponsored by Reps. Saddler and Herron, was read for the first time and referred to the House Health & Social Services Committee on March 1, 2013. HB147 relates to extending the reporting date for and the termination date of the Comprehensive Autism Early Diagnosis and Treatment Task Force.

HB149 Workers' Comp for State Firefighters, sponsored by Reps. LeDoux, Nageak, Tuck, and Lynn, was read for the first time and referred to the House Labor & Commerce and Finance committees on March 1, 2013. HB149 relates to making firefighters employed by the state eligible for the presumption of coverage under workers' compensation for disability due to certain diseases.

The following health policy-related bills moved through various committees since February 28, 2013. The information is current as of March 7, 2013, at 10:00 AM.

HB4 In-state Gasline Development Corp. moved out of the House Resources Committee as CSSSHB 4(RES) on March 5, 2013.

HB16 Adult Public Assistance Eligibility is scheduled to be heard in the House Health & Social Services Committee on March 12, 2013, at 3:00 PM in Capitol 106, Juneau.

HB24 Self Defense moved out of the House Judiciary Committee as CSHB 24(JUD) on February 28, 2013 and was referred to the House Rules Committee on March 1, 2013.

HB33 Knives, Gravity Knives, & Switchblades was referred to the House Rules Committee on March 1, 2013.

HB40 Municipal Tax Exemption: Farm Structures moved out of the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee as CSHB 40(CRA) on February 28, 2013, and was referred to the Senate Rules Committee on March 1, 2013.

HB59 Missing Vulnerable Adult Response Plan was heard and held in the House Military & Veterans' Affairs on February 28, 2013.

HB66 Approp. Mental Health Budget is scheduled to be heard in the House Finance Committee on March 11, 12, and 13, 2013, at 1:30 PM in House Finance 519, Juneau.

HB69 Exempt Firearms from Federal Regulation, as CSHB 69(JUD), is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 15, 2013, at 1:30 PM in Beltz 105 (TSBldg).

HB77 Land Disposals/Exchanges; Water Rights was transmitted to the Senate as CSHB 77(RES) on March 4, 2013.

HB80 Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits was signed into Law Chapter 1 SLA 13 on February 28, 2013. The effective date of the law was March 1, 2013.

HB89 Aquatic Invasive Species is scheduled to be heard in the House Resources Committee on March 13, 2013, at 1:00 PM in Barnes 124, Juneau.

HCR1 State Food Resource Development Group moved out of the House Economic Development, Trade & Tourism Committee on March 1, 2013, and was referred to the House Rules Committee on March 4, 2013.

HJR6 BLM Legacy Oil Well Clean Up/Awareness was transmitted to the Senate on March 4, 2013.

SB8 Pharmacy Audits was referred to the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee as SSSB8 on February 22, 2013.

SB22 Crimes; Victims; Child Abuse and Neglect moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee as CSSB 22(JUD) on March 5, 2013.

SB37 Extend Suicide Prevention Council is scheduled to be heard in the House State Affairs Committee on March 14, 2013 at 8:00 AM in Capitol 106, Juneau

SB49 Restrict Medicaid Payment for Abortions was heard and held in the Senate Judiciary Committee as SSSB49 on March 5, 2013.

SB56 Reclassifying Certain Drug Offenses moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee as CSSB 56(JUD) on March 5, 2013.

SJR2 Limit Federal Intervention in State was referred to the House Rules Committee on March 5, 2013.

SJR6 Oppose Executive Orders on Gun Control moved out of the House Judiciary Committee as HCS SJR6(JUD) on March 4, 2013, and was referred to the House Rules Committee on March 5, 2013.

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Bill Watch: Drugs

HB53 Consultation for Opiate Prescription
Committees and date of last action: Heard and held in (H) HSS, 01/31/13
Sponsor: Rep. Keller
Description: "An Act establishing a consultation requirement with respect to the prescription of opiates under certain circumstances."

HB90 Vitamin D Supplements
Committees and date of last action: Heard and held in (H) HSS, 02/21/13
Sponsors: Reps. Seaton, Reinbold, Gruenberg
Description: "An Act establishing a temporary program in the Department of Health and Social Services for testing newborns for baseline vitamin D levels."

SB56 Reclassifying Certain Drug Offenses
Committees and date of last action: Moved out of committee as CSSB 56(JUD), 03/05/2013
Sponsor: Sen. Dyson
Description: "An Act relating to certain crimes involving controlled substances; and providing for an effective date."

SB66 Imitation Controlled Substance
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) JUD, 02/27/13
Sponsor: Sen. Egan
Description: "An Act relating to imitation controlled substances; and providing for an effective date."

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Bill Watch: Health Professional Workforce and Education

HB6 Pharmacy Audits
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (H) FIN and L&C, 01/16/13
Sponsors: Reps. Olson, P. Wilson, Kerttula, Kreiss-Tomkins
Description: "An Act establishing procedures and guidelines for auditing pharmacy records; and providing for an effective date."

HB7 Practice of Naturopathy
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (H) FIN and HSS, 01/16/13
Sponsor: Rep. Olson, Kerttula
Description: "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy; and providing for an effective date."

HB43 University Institutes of Law and Medicine
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (H) EDC and FIN, 01/16/13
Sponsor: Rep. Kawasaki, Josephson, Tuck, Kerttula
Description: "An Act authorizing the establishment of institutes of medicine and law at the University of Alaska."

HB44 Advance Health Care Directives Registry
Committees and date of last action: Heard and held in (H) HSS, 02/14/13
Sponsor: Rep. Holmes, Millett, Josephson, P. Wilson, Kerttula
Description: "An Act relating to a registry for advance health care directives."

SB8 Pharmacy Audits
Committees and date of last action: SSSB8 referred to (S) L&C, 02/22/13
Sponsor: Sen. Egan
Description: "An Act establishing procedures and guidelines for auditing pharmacy records; and providing for an effective date."

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Bill Watch: Medical Assistance and Health Insurance

HB124 Public Retiree Med. Benefits: Dependents
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) STA and FIN, 02/15/13
Sponsor: Rep. Josephson
Description: "An Act establishing as a standard for the procurement of group life and health insurance for retirement systems for certain public employees a requirement that dependent coverage medical benefits provided to the systems' retiree members may not be less than dependent coverage medical benefits provided to the systems' active members."

HB125 Topical Eye Meds Prescription Refills
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C, 02/18/2013
Sponsors: Reps. Holmes, Kerttula
Description: "An Act prohibiting a health care insurer from denying coverage for an additional limited quantity of prescription topical eye medication under certain circumstances."

HB134 Medicaid Payment for Mediset Prescription
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS and FIN, 02/20/13
Sponsor: Rep. Costello
Description: "An Act requiring Medicaid payment for scheduled unit dose prescription drug packaging and dispensing services for specified recipients."

  

SB30 Teachers & Pub Employee Retirement Plans 

Committees and date of last action: Referred to (S) STA, 01/22/13

Sponsor: Sen. Egan, Ellis, Gardner, French  

Description: "An Act relating to new defined benefit tiers in the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date." 

 

SB49 Restrict Medicaid Payment for Abortions
Committees and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard as SSSB49 in (S) JUD at 5:00 PM on 03/11/13 in Beltz 105 (TSBldg)
Sponsors: Sens. Coghill, Olson, Kelly, Dyson, Micciche, Dunleavy, Giessel
Description: "An Act defining 'medically necessary abortion' for purposes of making payments under the state Medicaid program." 

 

SJR4 Military Pensions 

Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) CRA and STA, 01/22/13

Sponsors: Wielechowski, Ellis

Description: Urging the United States Congress to approve legislation allowing members of the military to receive promised retirement benefits.

 

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Bill Watch: Mental Health Issues

HB66 Approp. Mental Health Budget
Committees and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard in (H) FIN on March 11, 12, and 13, 2013, at 1:30 PM in House Finance 519, Juneau
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date."

HB88 Statutory Refs to Mental Retardation
Committees and date of last action: Transmitted to governor, manifest errors found, 02/25/13
Sponsors: Reps. Millett, Lynn, Gruenberg, P. Wilson, Thompson, Gara, Kerttula, Nageak, Drummond, Hawker, Munoz, Higgins, Chenault, Holmes, LeDoux, Austerman, Reinbold, Josephson, T. Wilson, Tuck, Saddler, Pruitt, Tarr, Keller, Hughes, Johnson, Kawasaki, Seaton, Edgmon, Kreiss-Tomkins, Stoltze
Cross sponsors: Sens. Ellis, Olson, French, Micciche, Dunleavy, Dyson, Kelly, Coghill, McGuire, Gardner, Bishop, Egan, Giessel, Fairclough, Hoffman, Meyer, Stedman, Wielechowski
Description: "An Act changing the terms 'mental retardation' and 'mentally retarded,' and making conforming changes, in Alaska Statutes."

SB20 Approp: Mental Health Budget
Committees and date of last action: Heard in (S) FIN, 01/31/13
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date."

SB39 Statutory Refs to Mental Retardation
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (S) HSS, 01/28/13
Sponsor: Sen. Meyer
Description: "An Act changing the terms 'mental retardation' and 'mentally retarded,' and making conforming changes, in Alaska Statutes."

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Bill Watch: State Boards and Issues

SB37 Extend Suicide Prevention Council
Committees and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard in (H) STA at 8:00 AM on 03/14/13 in Capitol 106, Juneau
Sponsors: Sens. Fairclough, Dyson, Ellis, Gardner, French, McGuire, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Dunleavy, Kelly
Cross sponsors: Reps. Tarr, Kawasaki, Tuck, Pruitt, P. Wilson, Herron
Description: "An Act extending the termination date of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council; and providing for an effective date."

SB38 Extend State Medical Board
Committees and date of last action: Referred to (S) FIN, 02/20/13
Sponsors: Sens. Olson, Dyson, French
Description: "An Act extending the termination date of the State Medical Board; and providing for an effective date."

SCR1 State Food Resource Development Group
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (S) RES, 02/11/13
Sponsor: Sen. Bishop
Description: Relating to the establishment and operation of a state food resource development working group.

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Bill Watch: Family Health Issues

HB96 Chemicals in Children's Products
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (H) L&C, and JUD, 02/01/13
Sponsors: Reps. Tarr, Kawasaki
Description: "An Act relating to chemicals of high concern and to chemicals in children's products; and adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act."

HB139 Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) STA and JUD, 02/22/13

Sponsors: Reps. Kerttula, Josephson, Gruenberg

Description: "An Act adding to the powers and duties of the State Commission for Human Rights; and relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."

HB147 Extend Autism Early Diagnosis Task Force
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HHS, 03/01/2013
Sponsors: Reps. Saddler, Herron
Description: "An Act extending the reporting date for and the termination date of the Comprehensive Autism Early Diagnosis and Treatment Task Force; and providing for an effective date."

SB6 Funding for School Meals
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (S) EDC and FIN, 01/16/13
Sponsors: Sens. Wielechowski, Ellis
Description: "An Act providing for funding for school lunch and breakfast; and providing for an effective date."

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Bill Watch: Workers' Compensation

HB141 Worker's Compensation Medical Fees

Committees and fate of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C, 2/25/13

Sponsor: Labor & Commerce

Description: "An Act setting the fee for medical treatment or services performed outside the state under the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act, requiring a provider of medical treatment or services under the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act to submit bills for treatment or services to employers within 180 days after the date the treatment or services are rendered, and limiting the time for appealing an employer's denial or reduction of a bill; and providing for an effective date."

HB149 Workers' Comp for State Firefighters
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and FIN, 03/01/13
Sponsors: Reps. LeDoux, Nageak, Tuck, Lynn
Description: "An Act making firefighters employed by the state eligible for the presumption of coverage under workers' compensation for disability due to certain diseases."

SB35 Workers' Comp.: Coll Bargaining/Mediation
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) L&C, 01/25/13
Sponsors: Sen. Egan
Description: "An Act authorizing employers and employees to mediate disputed workers' compensation claims and to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that offers mediation and mandates arbitration of disputed workers' compensation claims by a hearing officer or other classified employee of the division of workers' compensation and allowing collective bargaining agreements to supersede certain provisions of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act; and providing for an effective date."

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Bill Watch: Public Safety

HB24 Self Defense
Committees and date of last action: Moved out of committee as CSHB 24(JUD), 02/28/2013, referred to (H) RLS, 03/01/13
Sponsors: Reps. Neuman, Isaacson, Lynn, Feige, Chenault, Hawker, Keller, Stoltze, Saddler, Millett, Costello, LeDoux, T. Wilson, Thompson, Reinbold
Description: "An Act relating to self-defense in any place where a person has a right to be."

HB33 Knives, Gravity Knives, & Switchblades
Committees and date of last action: Referred to (H) RLS, 03/01/13
Sponsors: Reps. Neuman, Chenault, and Gruenberg
Description: "An Act adding definitions of 'gravity knife' and 'switchblade' to the criminal law; and relating to reserving the authority to regulate knives to the state with limited exceptions for municipalities to regulate knives."

HB45 Electronic Bullying in Schools
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (H) EDC and JUD, 01/16/13
Sponsors: Reps. Costello, Gattis, Kawasaki, P. Wilson, Holmes, Kerttula
Description: "An Act relating to harassment, intimidation, or bullying by students attending a public school in the state."

HB54 Placement of a Child in Need of Aid
Committees and date of last action: SSHB54 is scheduled to be heard in (H) HSS on 02/26/13 at 3:00 PM in Capitol 106
Sponsors: Reps. Gara, Thompson, Millett, Tuck, P. Wilson, Kerttula, Costello
Description: "An Act relating to the identification, location, and notification of specified family members of a child who is in state custody."

HB55 Authorize Firearms for School Personnel
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (H) EDC and JUD, 01/16/13
Sponsors: Reps. Lynn, LeDoux, Isaacson, T. Wilson
Description: "An Act allowing school districts and private schools to adopt a policy authorizing one or more permanent employees to possess one or more firearms on school grounds under certain conditions."

HB59 Missing Vulnerable Adult Response Plan
Committees and date of last action:Heard and held in (H) MLV, 02/28/13
Sponsor: Rep. Gruenberg, Tarr
Description: "An Act relating to missing vulnerable adult prompt response and notification plans."

HB69 Exempt Firearms from Federal Regulation
Committees and date of last action: CSHB 69(JUD) is scheduled to be heard in (S) JUD at 1:30 PM in Beltz 105 (TSBldg) on 03/15/13
Sponsors: Reps. Chenault, Millett, Johnson, T. Wilson, Hawker, Olson, Feige, P. Wilson, Thompson, Keller, Gattis, Lynn, Saddler, Higgins, LeDoux, Foster, Hughes, Stoltze, Reinbold, Tuck
Description: "An Act exempting certain firearms and firearm accessories in this state from federal regulation; providing criminal penalties for federal officials who enforce or attempt to enforce a federal law, regulation, rule, or order regulating certain firearms and firearm accessories in this state; and providing for an effective date."

HB73 Crimes; Victims; Child Abuse and Neglect
Committees and date of last action: Scheduled but not heard in (H) JUD, 02/25/13
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act relating to the commencement of actions for felony sex trafficking and felony human trafficking; relating to the crime of sexual assault; relating to the crime of unlawful contact; relating to forfeiture for certain crimes involving prostitution; relating to the time in which to commence certain prosecutions; relating to release for violation of a condition of release in connection with a crime involving domestic violence; relating to interception of private communications for certain sex trafficking or human trafficking offenses; relating to use of evidence of sexual conduct concerning victims of certain crimes; relating to procedures for granting immunity to a witness in a criminal proceeding; relating to consideration at sentencing of the effect of a crime on the victim; relating to the time to make an application for credit for time served in detention in a treatment program or while in other custody; relating to suspending imposition of sentence for sex trafficking; relating to consecutive sentences for convictions of certain crimes involving child pornography or indecent materials to minors; relating to the referral of sexual felonies to a three-judge panel; relating to the definition of 'sexual felony' for sentencing and probation for conviction of certain crimes; relating to the definition of "sex offense" regarding sex offender registration; relating to protective orders for stalking and sexual assault and for a crime involving domestic violence; relating to the definition of 'victim counseling centers' for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence; relating to violent crimes compensation; relating to certain information in retention election of judges concerning sentencing of persons convicted of felonies; relating to remission of sentences for certain sexual felony offenders; relating to the subpoena power of the attorney general in cases involving the use of an Internet service account; relating to reasonable efforts in child-in-need-of-aid cases involving sexual abuse or sex offender registration; relating to mandatory reporting by athletic coaches of child abuse or neglect; making conforming amendments; amending Rules 16, 32.1(b)(1), and 32.2(a), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 404(b), Alaska Rules of Evidence, and Rule 216, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and providing for an effective date."

HB82 Sexual Assault: Probation/Parole Officer
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) JUD and FIN, 01/22/13
Sponsor: Sen. Josephson
Description: "An Act relating to probation and parole officers and the crime of sexual assault."

HJR4 Oppose Gun Control Orders & Legislation
Committees and date of last action: CSHJR 4(JUD)am was read for the first in the Senate and referred to (S) JUD, 02/28/13
Sponsors: Reps. Millett, Lynn, Johnson, Hawker, Chenault, Higgins, LeDoux, P. Wilson, Gattis, Saddler, Feige, Thompson, Neuman, T.Wilson, Olson, Costello, Hughes, Pruitt, Herron, Isaacson, Reinbold, Stoltze
Description: Urging the President of the United States to rescind 23 executive orders related to regulation of firearms; and urging the United States Congress to refrain from passing legislation that restricts the right of individuals to keep and bear arms.

SB22 Crimes; Victims; Child Abuse and Neglect
Committees and date of last action:  Moved out of committee as CSSB 22(JUD), 03/05/13
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act relating to the commencement of actions for felony sex trafficking and felony human trafficking; relating to the crime of sexual assault; relating to the crime of unlawful contact; relating to forfeiture for certain crimes involving prostitution; relating to the time in which to commence certain prosecutions; relating to release for violation of a condition of release in connection with a crime involving domestic violence; relating to interception of private communications for certain sex trafficking or human trafficking offenses; relating to use of evidence of sexual conduct concerning victims of certain crimes; relating to procedures for granting immunity to a witness in a criminal proceeding; relating to consideration at sentencing of the effect of a crime on the victim; relating to the time to make an application for credit for time served in detention in a treatment program or while in other custody; relating to suspending imposition of sentence for sex trafficking; relating to consecutive sentences for convictions of certain crimes involving child pornography or indecent materials to minors; relating to the referral of sexual felonies to a three-judge panel; relating to the definition of 'sexual felony' for sentencing and probation for conviction of certain crimes; relating to the definition of "sex offense" regarding sex offender registration; relating to protective orders for stalking and sexual assault and for a crime involving domestic violence; relating to the definition of 'victim counseling centers' for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence; relating to violent crimes compensation; relating to certain information in retention election of judges concerning sentencing of persons convicted of felonies; relating to remission of sentences for certain sexual felony offenders; relating to the subpoena power of the attorney general in cases involving the use of an Internet service account; relating to reasonable efforts in child-in-need-of-aid cases involving sexual abuse or sex offender registration; relating to mandatory reporting by athletic coaches of child abuse or neglect; making conforming amendments; amending Rules 16, 32.1(b)(1), and 32.2(a), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 404(b), Alaska Rules of Evidence, and Rule 216, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and providing for an effective date."

SB36 Missing Vulnerable Adult Response Plan
Committees and date of last action: (S) STA moved SSSB36 out of committee, 02/21/13
Sponsors: Sens. Ellis, Wielechowski
Description: "An Act relating to missing vulnerable adult prompt response and notification plans." Similar to the "Amber Alert" system for missing children, SB 36 creates rapid response and notification plans for law enforcement to activate when a vulnerable adult goes missing. The bill's protections would apply to senior citizens with dementia, adults with developmental disabilities, veterans suffering from PTSD, and other disabled adults who go missing.

SJR6 Oppose Executive Orders on Gun Control
Committees and date of last action: HCS SJR 6(JUD) moved out of committee, 03/04/13, referred to (H) RLS, 03/05/13
Sponsor: Sen. Dyson
Cross sponsor: Rep. Keller
Description: Urging the United States Congress not to relinquish to the office of the President of the United States the legislative duty to safeguard our most fundamental right; and urging the President of the United States to refrain from any further efforts to restrict ownership of firearms.

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Bill Watch: Environmental Issues  

HB77 Land Disposals/Exchanges; Water Rights
Committees and date of last action: Transmitted to (S) as CSHB 77(RES), 03/04/13
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act relating to the Alaska Land Act, including certain authorizations, contracts, leases, permits, or other disposals of state land, resources, property, or interests; relating to authorization for the use of state land by general permit; relating to exchange of state land; relating to procedures for certain administrative appeals and requests for reconsideration to the commissioner of natural resources; relating to the Alaska Water Use Act; and providing for an effective date."

HB80 Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits
Committees and date of last action: Signed into Law Chapter 1 SLA 13, 02/28/2013, effective date of law 03/01/13
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act relating to the regulation of wastewater discharge from commercial passenger vessels in state waters; and providing for an effective date."

HB89 Aquatic Invasive Species
Committees and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard in (H) RES as CSHB 89(FSH) on 03/13/13 at 1:00 PM in Barnes 124, Juneau
Sponsors: Reps. Seaton, Kerttula, Kreiss-Tomkins, Nageak, Munoz, LeDoux
Description: "An Act relating to the rapid response to, and control of, aquatic invasive species and establishing the aquatic invasive species response fund."

HJR5 Oppose Genetically Engineered Salmon
Committees and date of last action: Referred to (S) RES as CSHJR 5(FSH) on 02/21/2013
Sponsors: Reps. Tarr, Kawasaki, Austerman, Reinbold, Tuck, Kerttula, Kreiss-Tomkins, Nageak, Gara, P. Wilson, Edgmon, Foster, Herron, Gruenberg, LeDoux, Olson, Josephson, Millett, Holmes, Drummond, Isaacson, Johnson, Munoz, Chenault, Higgins, T.Wilson, Gattis
Cross sponsors:
Sens. Wielechowski, Micciche, Ellis, Gardner, Egan, Dyson
Description: Opposing the United States Food and Drug Administration's preliminary finding relating to genetically engineered salmon; urging further examination of genetically engineered salmon; opposing AquaBounty's petition to produce genetically engineered salmon; and proposing, if AquaBounty's petition is approved, that its product should be labeled as "genetically modified." The resolution, which opposes the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the sale of genetically modified (GM) salmon in the United States, enjoys strong bi-partisan support.

SB29 Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits
Committees and date of last action: Heard and held in (S) FIN on 02/07/13
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: "An Act relating to the regulation of wastewater discharge from commercial passenger vessels in state waters; and providing for an effective date."

SJR8 Mining/Processing of Rare Earth Elements
Committees and date of last action: Referred to (S) RLS, 02/1513
Sponsors: Sens. McGuire, Gardner, Ellis
Description: Supporting the continued and increased exploration, extraction, processing, and production of rare earth elements in the state; and urging the United States Congress to support efforts of the state to develop rare earth elements in the state for the benefit of the economic and national security of the United States.

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Bill Watch: Energy Policy Issues

HB4 In-state Gasline Development Corp
Committees and date of last action: Moved out of committee as CSSSHB 4(RES), 03/05/13
Sponsors: Reps. Hawker, Chenault, Millett, Johnson, Neuman, Hughes, Olson, Gattis, Reinbold
Description: "An Act relating to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation; making the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, an independent public corporation of the state; establishing and relating to the in-state natural gas pipeline fund; making certain information provided to or by the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation and its subsidiaries exempt from inspection as a public record; relating to the Joint In-State Gasline Development Team; relating to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; relating to the price of the state's royalty gas for certain contracts; relating to judicial review of a right-of-way lease or an action or decision related to the development or construction of an oil or gas pipeline on state land; relating to the lease of a right-of-way for a gas pipeline transportation corridor, including a corridor for a natural gas pipeline that is a contract carrier; relating to the cost of natural resources, permits, and leases provided to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation; relating to procurement by the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation; relating to the review by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska of natural gas transportation contracts; relating to the regulation by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska of an in-state natural gas pipeline project developed by the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation; relating to the regulation by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska of an in-state natural gas pipeline that provides transportation by contract carriage; relating to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority; relating to the procurement of certain services by the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority; exempting property of a project developed by the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation from property taxes before the commencement of commercial operations; and providing for an effective date."

HJR6 BLM Legacy Oil Well Clean Up/ Awareness
Committees and date of last action: Transmitted to (S), 03/04/13
Sponsors: Reps. Millett, Kawasaki, Isaacson, P. Wilson, Nageak, Johnson, Tuck, Hawker, Feige, Hughes, Gara, Costello, Reinbold, Holmes, Chenault, Austerman, Lynn, Olson, Josephson, Gattis, T.Wilson, Thompson, Munoz, Saddler, Pruitt, Foster
Description: Relating to legacy wells and legacy well sites; urging the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, to open new areas of the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska for environmentally responsible oil and gas development; and requesting the Office of the Governor to increase nationwide awareness about legacy wells and well sites.

HR5 Fed. Assessment of 2012 Arctic Operations
Committees and date of last action: Enrolled HR5 permanently filed on 01/31/13
Sponsors: Reps. Herron, Johnson, Edgmon, Hawker, Millett, Holmes, P. Wilson, Austerman, Josephson, Hughes, Saddler, Lynn, Thompson, Feige, Gara, Costello, Higgins, Pruitt
Description: Supporting full state participation alongside federal officials in the United States Department of the Interior's "Expedited Assessment of 2012 Arctic Operations."

SB9 Price Gouging Involving Energy Resources
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time, referred to (S) L&C, RES, FIN, 01/16/13
Sponsor: Sen. Wielechowski
Description: "An Act making sales of and offers to sell certain energy resources at prices that are unconscionable an unlawful act or practice under the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act."

SJR2 Limit Federal Intervention in State
Committees and date of last action: Referred to (H) RLS, 03/05/13 
Sponsor: Sen. Dyson, Kelly, Giessel, Bishop, Stedman, Fairclough, Meyer, Micciche, Stevens, Dunleavy, Huggins
Co-sponsors: Reps. Saddler, Keller
Description: Commending and supporting actions taken by the Office of the Governor, the attorney general, and the commissioner of natural resources to protect the state from federal government incursion into the care and management of state resources and to promote the economic prosperity of the state; and urging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to limit federal government overreach into management of state resources.

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Bill Watch: General Health Policy

HB16 Adult Public Assistance Eligibility
Committees and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard in (H) HSS on 03/12/13 at 3:00 PM in Capitol 106, Juneau
Sponsor: Rep. Keller, P. Wilson
Description: "An Act relating to citizenship requirements and an alcohol impairment and drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of specified cash assistance."

HB40 Municipal Tax Exemption: Farm Structures
Committees and date of last action: CSHB 40(CRA) moved out of committee, 02/28/2013, referred to (S) RLS, 03/01/13
Sponsors: Reps. Hughes, Herron, Thompson, Isaacson, Olson, Kerttula, Johnson, Austerman, Reinbold, Keller, Gara, Lynn, Tarr, Gruenberg, Chenault, Feige, Seaton, Tuck
Description: "An Act establishing a municipal tax exemption for certain farm structures."

HB144 Biometric Information for ID

Committees and dates of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) STA and JUD, 02/27/13

Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, LeDoux, P. Wilson  

Description: "An Act relating to biometric information."

HCR1 State Food Resource Development Group
Committees and date of last action: CSHCR 1(EDT) moved out of committee, 03/01/13, referred to (H) RLS, 03/04/13
Sponsors: Reps. Stoltze, Hughes, Gattis, Keller, Neuman, Thompson, Herron, Costello, Millett, Isaacson, Tuck, Tarr, Kerttula, Kreiss-Tomkins, Drummond, Munoz, Foster, P. Wilson, Seaton, Feige
Description: Relating to the establishment and operation of a state food resource development working group.

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trackBill Watch: Bill Tracking Methodology

Bills listed in Alaska Health Policy Review were selected based on a series of subjective criteria to determine whether they were "health-policy related." All bills currently sitting in the Senate and House Health and Social Services committees were examined, and any that obviously dealt with non-health-related education or social services issues were eliminated. Every other House and Senate committee was then examined for health-related bills, which were included in the final list.
 
After determining the full set of health-related bills still in committee or pre-filed for the new session, they were divided into several general categories. This was done to facilitate finding bills that dealt with certain key health policy issues and to make overall navigation of the list easier. The remaining bills were categorized as "general" health policy-related because of the wide range of subjects they covered.
 
The information listed for each bill includes the bill number, the short title, the primary sponsor or sponsors, the committee in which the last action on the bill took place, and the date on which the last action on the bill took place. A short summary or long title of each bill is also included.
 
Abbreviations have been used for committee names. The committee names and their abbreviations are:

(H) HSS: House Health and Social Services Committee
(S) HSS: Senate Health and Social Services Committee
(H) L&C: House Labor & Commerce Committee
(S) L&C: Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
(H) EDC: House Education Committee
(S) EDC: Senate Education Committee
(H) FIN: House Finance Committee
(S) FIN: Senate Finance Committee
(H) JUD: House Judiciary Committee
(S) JUD: Senate Judiciary Committee
(H) STA: House State Affairs Committee
(S) STA: Senate State Affairs Committee
(S) RLS: Senate Rules Committee
(H) CRA: House Community and Regional Affairs Committee
(S) CRA: Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee
(H) TRA: House Transportation Committee
(S) TRA: Senate Transportation Committee
(H) RES: House Resources Committee
(S) RES: Senate Resources Committee
(H) MLV: Military and Veterans' Affairs
(H) EDT: Economic Development, Trade & Tourism Committee
(H) FSH: Fisheries

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Alaska Health Policy Review Special Legislative Session Subscription  
 
The Alaska Health Policy Review is issued electronically, weekly during the regular legislative session and monthly the rest of the year. A standard 12-month subscription to the Alaska Health Policy Review is available for $850.
 
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During the legislative session, Alaska Health Policy Review features a bill tracking section so you can stay informed about the status of health-related bills just by opening your email! Other features include interviews with health policy makers, original and reprinted health policy research, and a calendar of health policy-related events.  

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Legislative Committee Meetings

Meetings listed are current as of Thursday, March 7, 2013, at 10:00 A.M.


HB66 Approp. Mental Health Budget
House Finance Standing Committee
When: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Where: House Finance 519, Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced

 

SB49 Restrict Medicaid Payment for Abortions
Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
When: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 5:00 PM
Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg), Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced

HB66 Approp. Mental Health Budget
House Finance Standing Committee
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Where: House Finance 519, Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced


HB16 Adult Public Assistance Eligibility
House Health & Social Services Standing Committee
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 3:00 PM
Where: Capitol 106, Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced

 

HB89 Aquatic Invasive Species
House Resources Committee
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 1:00 PM
Where: Barnes 124, Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced  


HB66 Approp. Mental Health Budget
House Finance Standing Committee
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Where: House Finance 519, Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced  

 

SB37 Extend Suicide Prevention Council
House State Affairs Standing Committee
When: Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 8:00 AM
Where: Capitol 106, Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced   

 

HB69 Exempt Firearms from Federal Regulation
Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
When: Friday, March 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg), Juneau
Other information: Teleconferenced  

 

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