The Twenty-third Legislature passed a significant number of bills to protect the health of all Alaskans. From prescription drug assistance, to support for victims of crime, to an overhaul of the state's child support system, the House and Senate worked to improve the health and lives of all generations.

In passing SeniorCare, the state stepped in where the federal government failed, by providing prescription drug coverage until the Medicare drug benefit takes effect in 2006. We recognized that our state's seniors need that assistance now and were successful in giving them the help they need.

Small and large employers, the self-employed and non-profits will benefit from a bill passed this year that allows them to form associations to obtain health insurance.

Alaskans most in need could also have greater access to medical care under a bill that extends the ability of licensed physicians and other health care providers to administer health care free of charge by exempting such services from malpractice liability. Alaska has historically had difficulty attracting and maintaining adequate numbers of qualified physicians, and currently ranks 49th among states in the number of physicians per capita. Without civil liability protection, retired physicians are more reluctant to provide free services to the indigent and elderly.

The Legislature also worked to ensure that Alaskans who want to donate their organs and tissues after they die will be able to do so. Now, agencies in the state that issue organ donation cards can transfer donor information to Life Alaska, the agency that administers the organ donation program. This will help Life Alaska identify those who may wish to donate their organs, but are not registered with Life Alaska. The legislation helps to guarantee that those who wish to donate their organs and tissue will be able to do so. In return, the tens of thousands of Alaskans awaiting organs and tissue have a better chance of receiving them.

This Legislature also supported major changes to the current child support system in Alaska. Among them was changing the name for the division responsible for child support services and increasing criminal non-support penalties for those who are in arrears and have the ability to pay. Now, both criminal non-support and aiding and abetting nonpayment of child support will be felonies. The Legislature also gave the child support services agency the authority to forgive a percentage of state debt per year if the non-paying parent meets the program criteria that the agency will be creating within the next nine months.

Another legislative priority this year was the issue of victims' rights. Too often, when the system concentrates on the accused, the victim is readily forgotten. With a slate of bills aimed at addressing this oversight, the Republican Majority has made the victim's interests a priority in our state's criminal justice system.

2004 Successful Legislation

HB 10 : Group Health Insurance For Private Groups
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Cheryll Heinze, Rep. Norman Rokeberg

An Act amending the definition of group health insurance, and allowing the Department of Administration to obtain a policy or policies of group health care insurance for employers that are small businesses, nonprofit organizations, special services organizations, or small associations for insurance purposes; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CS HB10 (FIN)
Contact: John Bittner, 465-4930
Action: 05-08-04: Passed the Senate

House Bill 10 moved out of the Senate State Affairs Committee on Saturday. Sponsored by Rep. Cheryll Heinze (R-Anchorage) and Rep. Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), HB 10 allows small businesses, nonprofit organizations, special services organizations, small associations, or self-employed individuals to create associations that can participate in group health insurance plans. These entities can then purchase health insurance coverage for their employees. HB 10 moves to the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. Amended to make date current.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

HB 14 : Permanent Fund Allowable Absences
Signed into Law! Chapter 116 SLA 03
Sponsored by Rep. Hugh Fate

An Act relating to an absence from the state while providing care for a terminally ill grandparent for purposes of determining eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date.

06-18-03 : Gov. Murkowski signed HB 14 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Hugh "Bud" Fate (R-Fairbanks), HB 14 expands the legal definition of a family to include grandparents. This addition allows Alaskans to leave state for an extended amount of time to provide care for terminally ill grandparents without fear of losing eligibility for the permanent fund dividend.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 15 : Telemarketers No-Call Lists
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Hugh Fate

An Act relating to establishing the Alaska No-Call List, a data base of residential telephone customers who do not wish to receive telephonic solicitations; providing that the data base be compiled at no cost to the customers; requiring paid telephonic sellers to purchase the data base; requiring telephonic sellers to identify themselves; requiring telephonic solicitors who are otherwise exempt from registration as telephonic solicitors to file with the Department of Law and purchase the data base; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CS HB 15 JUD
Contact: Jim Pound, 465-6541
Action: 05-07-04: (S)FIN » (S)RLS

Committee Substitute for HB 15 gives the Department of Law the authority to require telemarketers to register, pay fees and face penalties for non-compliance, defines groups which will be exempt from the law and brings Alaska law in-line with Federal Regulations. Minor language changes in Finance.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 25 : Health Care Services Directives
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch

An Act relating to health care decisions, including do not resuscitate orders and the donation of body parts, and to powers of attorney relating to health care, including the donation of body parts; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS HB 25 (JUD)
Contact: Linda Sylvester, 465-4963
Action: 05-02-04: Passed the Senate

HB 25 offers a comprehensive simplified alternative to the power of attorney enacted in Alaska in 1996 relating to health care services and directives for the terminally ill patient. Five simple directives request the patient's comprehensive details and instructions should they become incapacitated. These Five Wishes are: the person I want to make care decisions for me when I can't; the kind of medical treatment I want or don't want; how comfortable I want to be; how I want other people to treat me; and what I want my loved ones to know. Amended to provide guidelines for surrogate in DNR decisions and life sustaining procedures and refined DNR qualifications.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis | [PDF - 18 Pages - 216 KB]

HB 51 : Labeling Of Prescribed Drugs
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul Seaton

An Act requiring pharmacists to include generic drug information on containers in which brand-name prescription drug orders are dispensed.

Version: CS HB 51 (HES)
Contact: Chris Knight, 465-6867
Action: 05-08-03: Passed the Senate

House Bill 51 moved out of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Tuesday. Sponsored by Rep. Paul Seaton (R-Homer), HB 51 requires pharmacists to include the generic drug name on containers of a brand name drug. The requirement aims inform people of a brand name drug's generic name and prevent them from mistakenly overdosing on the same drug. House Bill 51 awaits assignment to its next Senate committee.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 93 : Repeal Boating Safety Sunset
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch

An Act relating to boating safety; repealing secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, 27, and 30, ch. 28, SLA 2000; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CS HB 93 (TRA)
Contact: Linda Sylvester, 465-4963
Action: 05-09-04: Passed the Senate

HB 93 consolidated boating regulatory functions and created a steady funding source for boater education programs for the state of Alaska. Amended to exclude non-motorized boats from the regulations.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

HB 188 : Bail Schedule For Skiing Violation
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Hawker

An Act relating to the authority of the Department of Natural Resources to issue citations for certain skiing violations; relating to establishing a bail schedule for certain skiing violations and to procedures for issuing a citation for a skiing violation.

Version: HB 188
Contact: Sara Wright, 465-4949
Action: 05-09-04: Passed the Senate

House Bill 188 allows for citations to be issued in ski areas throughout the State and provides the Court with the necessary authority to adopt the bail forfeiture schedule for the violations included in the Statute.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 260 : Immunity For Providing Free Health Care
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul Seaton

An Act relating to immunity for free health care services provided by certain health care providers; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CSHB 260 (JUD)
Contact: Cameron Yourkowski, 465-3306
Action: 03-03-04: (S)JUD ==> (S)RSL

HB 260 extends the ability of licensed physicians and other health care providers to administer health care services free of charge. By exempting such services from malpractice liability, HB 260 would allow health care providers do donate their professional services at a lower personal cost. HB 260 will be especially helpful to retiring health professionals that wish to donate their services but do not still carry medical malpractice insurance. After a reconsideration vote, HB 260 will move to the Senate. Minor technical changes made in Senate Judiciary Committee.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 334 : Unlawful Exploitation Of Minor/ Child Porn
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer

An Act relating to unlawful exploitation of a minor.

Version: CS HB 334 (RLS)
Contact: Suzanne Cunningham, 465-4945
Action: 05-08-04: Passed the Senate

CS HB 334 (RLS) increases the criminal penalty for AS 11.41.455 Unlawful Exploitation of a Minor to a class A felony for a person who has been previously convicted of this crime. Also, the criminal penalty for AS 11.61.125 Distribution of Child Pornography is raised to a class A felony for a person who has been previously convicted of this crime.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 336 : Civil Damages For Uninsured Drivers Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer

An Act limiting recovery of civil damages by an uninsured driver; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CS HB 336 (JUD)
Contact: Suzanne Cunningham, 465-4945
Action: 05-04-04: (S)FIN » (S)RLS

HB 336 changes existing law to provide that a person who knowingly does not comply with existing motor vehicle liability laws may not recover damages for non-economic loss suffered by that person while operating a motor vehicle; clarifies that punitive damages do not need to be part of the mandated offers of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; and clarifies that the mandated offers of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage does not need to be made on excess or umbrella policies. HB 336 was amended in the Senate Judiciary Committee to provide that the limitations on damages do not apply if the driver of the other vehicle: (1) is cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated; (2)intentionally caused the accident; (3) flees from the scene of the accident; (4) at the time of the accident, is in furtherance of an offense that is a felony.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 337 : Anatomical Gifts Registry
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Lesil McGuire

An Act relating to anatomical donor registries, to an anatomical gift awareness fund, to an anatomical gift awareness program, and to motor vehicle licenses and registrations.

Version: CS HB 337 (FIN)
Contact: Heath Hilyard, 465-6841
Action: 05-06-04: Passed the Senate

With this legislation, the donor's status and other information will be available to Life Alaska Donor Services so that the donor's gift may be realized with or without the donor having their License/State ID card at the time of death. This will also allow Life Alaska to quickly ascertain the donor status of the Licensee and match the donor's gift with a suitable recipient. Amended to allow cancellation of registration at DMV or the Registry.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 342 : Driving Under Influence/Alcohol Offenses
Passed Legislature!
Sponsored by Rep. Carl Gatto

An Act relating to driving while under the influence, to the definition of 'previously convicted,' to alcohol-related offenses, to ignition interlock devices, and to the issuance of limited driver's licenses; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS HB 342 (FIN) Am
Contact: Cody Rice, 465-3743
Action: 05-11-04: Passed the Senate

HB 342 ensures that those individuals who are the most egregious offenders of DWI laws will receive punishment commensurate with the severity of their offense rather than fining all offenders the same. Amended to allow individual convicted of an off road DUI to apply and receive an off-road permit without attending wellness court of having a lock system, allow for a permit if this lose of license will severely impact the ability for making a livelihood and change the effective date to include those who currently have a suspension to fall under this law.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 351 : Carbon Monoxide Detection Devices
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Carl Gatto, Rep. Max Gruenberg

An Act relating to the devices, including carbon monoxide detection devices, required in dwellings; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS HB 351 (JUD)
Contact: Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, 465-3743
Action: 05-08-04: Passed the Senate

This bill adds carbon monoxide detection devices to the requirement in Alaska state statute (AS 18.70.095) that homeowners install and maintain smoke detectors and adds that landlords shall install the devices to be maintained by their tenants.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 357 : Restitution
Signed into Law! Chapter 17 SLA 04
Sponsored by Rep. Ralph Samuels, Rep. Lesil McGuire, Rep. Bill Stoltze, Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom

An Act relating to restitution; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS HB 357 (JUD)
Contact: Sara Nielson, 465-2095
Action: 04-14-04: (S)Floor » (H)Concurrence

Requires judges to order restitution from criminals in all cases where a victim has suffered a financial loss. It also clarifies that a minor who has been ordered to pay restitution be required to do so after his or her 19th birthday. Amended to make minor language changes.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 378 : Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Certain Devices
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by the Hou. Finance Committee

An Act relating to the Alaska Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including sales, advertising, certain devices, food donors, and food banks; making certain violations of organic food provisions and of the Alaska Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices under certain of the state's unfair trade practices and consumer protection laws; and providing for an effective date.

Version: HB 378
Contact: Geraldine McIntosh, 465-3424
Action: 05-06-04: Passed the Senate

The bill makes it possible for DEC to require food-handling operators to become trained and certified and assess fines. Both of these capacities are needed as part of the new food safety paradigm - Active Managerial Control. In addition, the bill defines a violation of labeling or advertising as a violation of the unfair trade and consumer protection provisions.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 381 : Child Endangerment Driving Offenses
Passed Legislature!
Sponsored by Rep. Lesil McGuire

An Act relating to child endangerment.

Version: CS HB 381 (RLS)
Contact: Heathe Hilyard, 465-2995
Action: 05-11-04: Passed the Senate

HB 381 addresses loopholes in Alaska Statute regarding vehicular related child endangerment. This bill includes specific provisions to our existing child endangerment statutes pertaining to transporting a child in a motor vehicle while intoxicated or transporting a child in a motor vehicle and failing to use proper restraints.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 385 : Awarding Child Custody
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Lesil McGuire

An Act relating to awarding child custody; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS HB 385 (JUD)
Contact: Heath Hilyard, 465-2995
Action: 04-27-04: (S)JUD » (S)RLS

HB 385 adds, if a parent has committed repeated acts of domestic violence against another parent may not be awarded sole or joint physical custody of a child to the list of criteria a judge may used in the awarding of custody. Minor technical amendment made in committee.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 423 : Taxicab Driver Liability
Passed Legislature!
Sponsored by Rep. Tom Anderson

An Act relating to accidents involving the vehicle of a person under the influence of an alcoholic beverage; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS HB 423 (JUD) Am
Contact: Josh Applebee, 465-4939
Action: 05-10-04: Passed the Senate

House Bill 423 is a Good Samaritan bill for taxicab operators who transport intoxicated persons or who drive an intoxicated person's motor vehicle to their home or another directed location. Amended to add a sunset clause of July 1, 2007 and minor language changes. Limited the insurance to only automobiles.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 427 : Protection Of Persons And Property
Passed House!
Sponsored by Rep. Tom Anderson

An Act relating to guardianships and conservatorships, to the public guardian and the office of public advocacy, to private professional guardians and private professional conservators, to court visitors, court-appointed attorneys, guardians ad litem, and fiduciaries, and to the protection of the person or property of certain individuals, including minors; amending Rules 16(f) and 17(e), Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS HB 427 (JUD)
Contact: Josh Applebee, 465-4939
Action: 05-10-04: Passed the Senate

HB 427 would ensure those individuals or organizations wishing to serve as private guardians or conservators meet certain criteria, and register with the State. Amended for minor technical language. Amended to clarify that the appointment of a guardian ad litem shall occur only in limited circumstances when the respondent, as a result of incapacity, is truly incapable of articulating a position to their attorney. Also, the CS clarified that an attorney for a ward or respondent may be appointed as guardian ad litem in some cases, but the role of attorney in that situation ceases, since a guardian ad litem should not be appointed unless it is impossible for the attorney to operate under the traditional attorney-client model of advocating for the client's expressed wishes.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 428 : Civil Penalty: Underage Alcohol Purchases
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer

An Act relating to civil liability for acts related to obtaining alcohol for persons under 21 years of age or for persons under 21 years of age being on licensed premises.

Version: CS HB 428 (JUD) Am
Contact: Suzanne Cunningham, 465-4945
Action: 05-03-04: Passed the The Senate

Under House Bill 428 Civil Penalty: Underage Alcohol Purchases, an adult who orders or receives an alcoholic beverage, for the purpose of selling, giving, or serving it to a person under the age of 21 years, can be civilly liable to the licensee for a penalty of a $1,000. Likewise, the parent or legal guardian of a minor that solicits an adult to violate AS 04.16.060, can be civilly liable for a penalty of $1,000 to the licensee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased, ordered, or received.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 484 : Corrections: Fees/Surcharge Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by the House Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act imposing a correctional facility surcharge on persons convicted of a crime under state law, and on persons whose probation is revoked; relating to fees and expenses for interstate transfer of probation or parole; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS HB 484 (JUD) Am
Contact: Mike Tibbles, 465-4021
Action: 05-04-04: (S)FIN » (S)RLS

The bill imposes a surcharge on a person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is convicted of, a crime if the person was arrested and taken to a correctional facility or is sentenced to a term of imprisonment. The amount of the surcharge depends on the seriousness of the crime: $100 for a felony and $50 for a misdemeanor. The bill also would impose a surcharge on a person placed on probation after conviction of a crime. The surcharge is collected only if the defendant's probation is revoked for a probation violation and the person was either arrested and taken to a correctional facility for the violation, or sentenced to prison for it. Amended for minor language fixes.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

HB 500 : Medical Review Organization
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Rep. Ralph Samuels

An Act including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations under the definition of medical review organizations.

Version: HB 500 (TITLE Am)
Contact: Sara Nielson, 465-2095
Action: 05-09-04: Passed the Senate

House Bill 500 simply adds the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) to the narrow definition of a review organization. Amended to change the title to- An Act Including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Under the Definition of Medical Review Organizations; and providing for an effective date.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 511 : Certificate of Need Program Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov. Sponsored by Rep. Ralph Samuels

An Act relating to the certificate of need program for health care facilities; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CS HB 511 (FIN)
Contact: Sara Nielsen, 465-4230
Action: 05-10-04: Passed the Senate

HB 511 seeks to level the playing field by subjecting all those seeking to provide health care services to the same rules whether they lease or build a facility. Amended to inflation proof the 1 million dollar threshold by $50,000 per year until 2014.

| Sponsor Statement |

HB 514 : Child Support Enforcement/Crimes
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov. Sponsored by Rep. Pete Kott

An Act relating to child support modification and enforcement, to the establishment of paternity by the child support enforcement agency, and to the crimes of criminal nonsupport and aiding the nonpayment of child support; amending Rule 90.3, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SCS CS HB 514 (FIN)
Contact: John Main, 465-3777
Action: 05-10-04: Passed the Senate

House Bill 514 has been introduced as an omnibus bill to help the Child Support Enforcement Division better serve the parents and children of Alaska. There are seven changes to the child support statutes. Each piece of this legislation attempts to remedy problems the agency has encountered over many years. Removed language which dealt with minors and their request for paternity as it related to rape and incest.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis | [PDF - 2 Pages - 82 KB]

HB 534 : Extend Office Of Victims Rights
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by the Hou. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act extending the termination date of the office of victims' rights.

Version: CS HB 534 (FIN)
Contact: Mike Tibbles, 465-4021
Action: 05-10-04: Passed the Senate

HB 534 extends the office of victims right to July 1, 2010.

SB 30 : Abortion: Informed Consent; Information
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by Sen. Fred Dyson

An Act relating to information and services available to pregnant women and other persons; and ensuring informed consent before an abortion may be performed, except in cases of medical emergency.

Version: CCS SB 30
Contact: Jason Hooley, 465-3762
Action: 05-11-04: Waiting transmittal to Governor

Requires that information be prepared and made available via the Internet to women seeking abortions on the medical risks of abortion and its alternatives, and where services can be sought, by geographic region. Requires a physician or other health care provider performing an abortion to obtain voluntary and informed consent as defined in the bill. Requires the Bureau of Vital Statistics to collect and record data on whether each reported patient requested and received a written copy of information on reproductive options required to be maintained on the Internet.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Fact Sheet | [PDF - 1 Page - 29 KB]

SB 201 : Home & Respite Care: Criminal Records

Signed Into Law! Chapter 23 SLA 04
Sponsored by the Sen. Judiciary Committee

An Act relating to home care and respite care; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS SB 201 (HES)
Contact: Brian Hove, 465-2327
Action: 04-23-04: Signed Into Law

Governor signed into law April 23. Reinstates a provision in Alaska law that requires a health care provider to undergo a criminal background check before receiving state funds for delivery of home care. Corrects an error made when a cross-reference was deleted in an earlier bill.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Fact Sheet | [PDF - 1 Page - 29 KB]

SB 224 : Lower DWI For Minors To .02
Signed Into Law! Chapter 128 SLA 04
Sponsored by Sen. John Cowdery

An Act relating to lowering the legal level of intoxication for operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft to .02 percent or the equivalent for persons under 21 years of age; relating to implied consent for purposes of determining consumption of alcohol; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS SB 224 (STA)
Contact: Richard Schmitz, 465-4921
Action: 06-29-04: Signed Into Law

SB 224 imposes a $500 fine and 20 to 40 hours of community service on minors for the first offense for operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol. On second offense, imposes $1,000 fine and 40 to 60 hours community service, third offense $1,500 and 60 to 80 hours community work service.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sponsor Statement for proposed CS |

SB 270 : Avalanche Awareness Month
Signed into Law! Chapter 10 SLA 04
Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green

An Act establishing November as Avalanche Awareness Month.

Version: SB 270 am H
Contact: Jacqueline Tupou, 465-6600
Action: 03-24-04: Governor signed into law

The governor signed SB 270 into law March 22. It establishes November as Avalanche Awareness Month to encourage activities that increase awareness of avalanche dangers.

| Sponsor Statement |

SB 285 : Medical Assistance Coverage
Signed Into Law! Chapter 93 SLA 04
Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green

An Act relating to medical assistance coverage for targeted case management services and for rehabilitative services furnished or paid for by a school district on behalf of certain children; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SB 285
Contact: Jacqueline Tupou, 465-6600
Action: 06-25-04: Signed Into Law

SB 285 unanimously passed the House May 5. It expands medical assistance coverage for targeted case management services. It also clarifies that school districts can seek reimbursement as Medicaid providers for services provided to students for rehabilitative services.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Fact Sheet | [PDF - 1 Page - 31 KB]

SB 288 : Emergency Child Custody Placement
Signed Into Law! Chapter 117 SLA 04
Sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green

An Act relating to certain determinations concerning placement of a child in emergency custody and temporary placement hearings in child-in-need-of-aid proceedings; and providing for an effective date.

Version: CS SB 288 (JUD)
Contact: Jacqueline Tupou, 465-6600
Action: 06-29-04: Signed Into Law

Conforms to federal requirements the language a judge must use at a temporary custody hearing when determining placement of a child who has previously been removed from home.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Fact Sheet | [PDF - 1 Page - 29 KB]

SB 306 : Naturopathic Medicine Task Force
Signed Into Law! Chapter 78 SLA 04
Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Seekins

An Act relating to the practice of naturopathic medicine; and providing for an effective date.

Version: HCS CS SB 306 (JUD)
Contact: Brian Hove, 465-2327
Action: 06-17-04: Signed Into Law

On May 11, in a unanimous decision, the Senate concurred with House amendments made to SB 306. SB 306 now creates a task force to investigate, in depth, naturopathic medicine law during the interim. The task force will then be required to report its findings back to the Legislature next year.

| Sponsor Statement |

Senate Bill 306 : Creates a task force to investigate, in depth, naturopathic medicine law during the interim and report its findings to the legislature next year.

SB 309 : Blood Pathogens Testing Of Prisoners
Signed Into Law! Chapter 142 SLA 04
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wagoner

An Act relating to testing the blood of prisoners and those in custody for bloodborne pathogens.

Version: HCS CS SB 309 (JUD)
Contact: Kurt Olson, 465-2828
Action: 06-30-04: Signed Into Law

SB 309 allows for the testing of prisoners for blood borne pathogens in the event a correctional officer is exposed to blood or other bodily fluids. Testing is subject to confidentiality provisions with penalties for unauthorized disclosure.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Fact Sheet | [PDF - 1 Page - 29 KB]

Senate Bill 309 : Allows for the testing of prisoners for blood borne pathogens in the event a correctional officer is exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, subject to confidentiality provisions with penalties for unauthorized disclosure.

SB 340 : Detention Of Minors
Signed Into Law! Chapter 95 SLA 04
Sponsored by the Sen. Rules Committee
Requested by Gov. Frank Murkowski

An Act relating to the detention of delinquent minors in correctional facilities; relating to emergency detention of minors for evaluation for involuntary admission for mental health treatment; relating to detention of intoxicated minors and minors incapacitated by alcohol or drugs; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SB 340
Contact: Sherry Hill, 465-3030
Action: 06-25-04: Signed Into Law

SB 340 brings state statutes into compliance with federal requirements under the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 clarifying that emergency protective custody of minors may not include placement in any correctional facility.

| Gov's Transmittal Letter |

Senate Bill 340 : Brings state statutes into compliance with federal requirements under the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 clarifying that emergency protective custody of minors may not include placement in any correctional facility.

SB 365 : Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants
Signed Into Law! Chapter 114 SLA 04
Sponsored by the Sen. Labor & Commerce Committee

An Act relating to the regulation of speech-language pathologist assistants; and providing for an effective date.

Version: HCS CS SB 365 (FIN)
Contact: Jane Alberts, 465-4843
Action: 06-29-04: Signed Into Law

SB 365 establishes registration of speech-language pathology assistants through the Division of Occupational Licensing regardless of employment setting. Outlines the qualifications and training required to be an SLPA, scope of practice, supervision and continuing education requirements.

| Sponsor Statement |

Senate Bill 365 : Establishes registration of speech-language pathology assistants through the Division of Occupational Licensing regardless of employment setting. Outlines the qualifications and training required to be an SLPA, scope of practice, supervision and continuing education requirements.

SB 373 : Physician Interns And Residents
Signed Into Law! Chapter 73 SLA 04
Sponsored by the Sen. Health, Education & Social Services Committee

An Act relating to residency and internship permits issued by the State Medical Board; and providing for an effective date.

Version: SB 373
Contact: Jason Hooley, 465-3762
Action: 06-16-04: Signed Into Law

SB 373 passed the Senate May 3 by a vote of 38 to 1. It extends residency and internship permits issued by the State Medical Board for residents participating in the Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WAMI) Family Practice Residency program from 18 months to 36 months.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Fact Sheet | [PDF - 1 Page - 32 KB]

Senate Bill 373 : Extends residency and internship permits issued by the State Medical Board for residents participating in the Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WAMI) Family Practice Residency program from 18 months to 36 months.

SB 385 : Security; Div. Homeland Security/ Emergency Management
Passed Legislature! Await Transmit to Gov.
Sponsored by the Sen. Health, Education & Social Services Committee

An Act relating to homeland security, to civil defense, to emergencies and to disasters, including disasters in the event of attacks, outbreaks of disease, or threats of attack or outbreak of disease; establishing the Alaska division of homeland security and emergency management in the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs and relating to the functions of that division and that department; and providing for an effective date.

Version: HCS CS SB 385 (RLS) Am H
Contact: Wes Keller, 465-4729
Action: 05-11-04: Passed the House » Awaits Trans to Gov

On May 11, with a 19 to 1 vote the Senate passed House amendments made to SB 385. It consolidates two Divisions in the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. The Division of Emergency Services and the Division of Homeland Security are combined into a new Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Besides providing organizational efficiency, the bill updates civil defense laws that were written in the Cold War era. The updates address homeland security and proper responses to terrorism threat situations. The Rules Committee deleted the Homeland Security and Emergency Services subcommittee and instead gives the Speaker and President authority to appointe legislators or committees to review the department. It also created a homeland security coordinator position in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

| Sponsor Statement |
| Sectional Analysis |

Senate Bill 385 : Updates civil defense statutes to address imminent threats of enemy or terrorist attack and combines the response structure with Emergencies and Disasters. Combines the divisions of Emergency Services and Homeland Security in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs into a single Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Establishes the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Subcommittee as a legislative subcommittee of the Joint Armed Services Committee to review State activities and report back to the legislature as necessary. Creates a 911 coordinator position in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

SCR 21 : Sobriety Awareness Month: March 2004
Passed Legislature! Leg. Resolve 36
Sponsored by Sen. Ben Stevens

Relating to declaring March 2004 as Sobriety Awareness Month.

Version: SCR 21
Contact: Shannon Kempton, 465-4993
Action: Permanently Filed - Legis Resolve 36

SCR 21 declares March 2004 as Sobriety Awareness Month.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 : Declares March 2004 as Sobriety Awareness Month.

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