Rep. Kurt Olson News & Bill Activity

HB 29 : Alaska Minimum Wage

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 21:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Rep. Olson

An Act increasing the minimum wage; and providing for an effective date.

Status : (H) L&C >> (H) FIN : 2009-03-12
Contact : Jennifer Senette, 465-4530

Alaska's minimum wage has not been increased since 2002, when it rose to $7.15 an hour. Since that time, the cost of living in the state has risen dramatically. Alaska is among the most expensive states in which to live; with a minimum wage that has remained stagnant, working ...

HCR 36 : Suspend Uniform Rules For SB 159

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 18:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 159, increasing the maximum funeral expenses payable as a workers' compensation death benefit.

Status : TRANSM TO GOVERNOR >> LEGIS RESOLVE 65 : 2010-08-02

HCR 31 : Suspend Uniform Rules For SB 234

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 18:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 234, relating to the voting procedures of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; allowing the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to release information contained in ...

Status : TRANSM TO GOVERNOR >> LEGIS RESOLVE 61 : 2010-08-02

HB 416 : Prudent Management Of Institutional Funds

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

Adopting and relating to the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act; relating to the investment of money for charitable purposes by institutions, including governmental institutions; and relating to the University of Alaska.

Status : TRANSM TO GOVERNOR >> CHAPTER 66 SLA 10 : 2010-06-10
Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

House Bill 416 would allow the State of Alaska to adopt the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA). UPMIFA replaces obsolete rules and concepts of investment and management of endowments and charitable funds currently in use. It provides current, industry ...

HB 315 : Public Accounting

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

Relating to public accounting; and providing for an effective date.

Version : SCS HB 315(FIN)
Status : TRANSM TO GOVERNOR >> CHAPTER 67 SLA 10 : 2010-06-10
Contact : Jennifer Senette, 465-4530

Today's businesses often have locations in multiple states and compliance responsibilities in multiple jurisdictions. Forty-five states recognize this fact and allow Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) the mobility necessary to operate in such a climate. Alaska does not. Certified ...

Pair of Finance, Accounting Bills Signed Into Law - Labor & Commerce Comm. Chair Comments on HB 315, HB 416 Enactment

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:27:31 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

House Labor & Commerce Committee Chair Kurt Olson, R-Kenai, today released the following statement regarding the enactment of House Bill 315 and HB 416. The governor signed the bills into law this afternoon in Anchorage. HB 315 updates Alaska's public accountancy standards in four ways: allowing licensed CPAs to practice across state jurisdictions, allowing non-CPAs to have a minority ownership interest in firms, giving the State Board of Public Accountancy the jurisdiction to address any violations of its standards, and adding a full-time professional position to the current all-volunteer Board. HB 416, or the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA,) was brought forward by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2006 to update the industry-standard uniform and fundamental rules for the investment of funds held by charitable institutions and endowments. HB 315 carries a transition clause allowing the state board to promulgate new regulations, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2011, the same date as the changes within the bill. HB 416 takes effect Sept. 7.

Statement

"Both of these bills aren't headliners or hot button issues, but they help Alaska businesses and nonprofits work. HB 315 was a widely-supported bill we crafted with the principal oversight boards that brings Alaska in line with the rest of the nation and keeps our CPAs and accounting firms nationally competitive. HB 416 reflects the 35 years of experience that has accumulated since the original Uniform Management of Institutional Funds Act. The changes in HB 416 will allow Alaska endowments and fund managers to attract outside investors and provide them with clear definitions and guidelines to help fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. I'm thankful to my colleagues in the Legislature for passing these two important commerce bills, and thankful to the governor for signing them into law."

Alaska House of Representatives Republican Majority Ajournment Book - 26th Alaska Legislature First Session 2010

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:25:31 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

May 12, 2010

Dear Colleague,

This 2010 Adjournment Package is intended to help you report back to your districts and constituents about the Majority Caucus's successes during the 2010 legislative session. Inside the package you'll find detailed breakdowns of the budget bills, highlights of priority Caucus legislation, a breakdown by member and committee, and a comprehensive list of legislation passed by the 26th Alaska Legislature.

House Majority Highlights 2nd Session Accomplishments - Priorities of repaying CBR debts, controlling operating growth, addressing state energy policy and goals, and in-state gas storage and use all accomplished

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:39:05 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

The Alaska State House today adjourned the second session of the 26th Alaska Legislature. Alaska State House Majority Caucus leadership spent the bulk of the two-year legislative lifespan focusing on restraining state agency operating budget growth, repaying past legislature's debts to the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund, forward-funding education, researching and addressing energy costs and generation statewide, restoring the confidence of voters in the election process, and continuing to advance an in-state gasline project. The Caucus also addressed, where appropriate, revisions and expansions to oil and gas development tax credits and incentives, including Cook Inlet exploration, development, and gas storage.

"We had an aggressive agenda and many moving targets to aim for," House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, said. "This Caucus, in this Legislature, was able to tackle a wide range of issues while meeting our constitutional mandate to pass the budgets. I am thankful for the leadership team, committee chairs, caucus members and their staff for pushing and refocusing our efforts. Alaskans sent us to Juneau with a purpose and I believe we can return to them with results. We kept operational spending down, focused on creating jobs, protecting families, and keeping the pressure on in-state gas delivery."

"We set energy policy and direction, settled a major visitor industry lawsuit and strengthened campaign and initiative disclosure laws," House Majority Leader Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan, said. "I am very pleased with our success."

HB 314 : Workers' Compensation

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

An Act relating to fees and charges for medical treatment or services, civil damages, and penalties as they relate to workers' compensation; and providing for an effective date.

Version : CSHB 314(FIN)
Status : (S) L&C >> (S) FIN : 2010-04-09
Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

At the time of passage in 2005 of the revisions to the workers' compensation system, it was contemplated that the interested stakeholders, including the Workers' Compensation Legislative Task Force and the Medical Services Review Committee, would propose legislation acceptable ...

Final Majority Caucus Press Availability Scheduled - Leadership set to meet with reporters tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:43:07 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

Members of the Alaska State House Majority Caucus' leadership will participate in the final weekly press availability of the session tomorrow, Monday, April 12, at 9:00 a.m. in the Speaker's Chambers, Capitol Room 210.

A teleconference for reporters unable to attend in person has been set up through the Legislative Bridge Teleconference Center at 877-763-5073.

Digital Audio and video will be posted to iTunes and the Majority Caucus Web site following the event. Reporters with specific requests are encouraged to contact the House Majority Press Office at 907-465-5284 prior to the event for individual requests and formatting requirements.

HB 419 : Commercial Fishing & Agriculture Bank

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

An Act relating to the board, investigations, and examinations of the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and providing for an effective date.

Status : (H) L&C >> (H) FIN : 2010-03-29
Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

House Bill 419 makes two changes to statutes for the Commercial Fishing & Agriculture Bank (CFAB). HB 419 would eliminate the designation for a ""resident farmer" to be required as a member of the board. The Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank (CFAB) was created by the ...

HB 415 : 911 Call Recordings

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:00:02 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

An Act relating to 911 call recordings and the release of information regarding 911 calls.

Status : PREFILE RELEASED >> (H) L&C : 2010-03-15
Contact : Jennifer Senette, 465-4530

Public records disclosure is an essential tool for Alaskans to track the performance of state agencies. 911 transcripts and audio recordings are among the public records available for citizen inspection. Access to these records serves a legitimate public purpose; playing actual calls ...

HB 346 : Workers' Compensation Advisory Board

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Rep. Olson

An Act establishing the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, and abolishing the Medical Services Review Committee; and providing for an effective date.

Status : (H) L&C >> (H) FIN : 2010-02-26
Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

Since the mid-1980's an informal workers' compensation advisory committee has operated in Alaska. This "Ad-Hoc" committee was comprised of representatives from organized labor and from the Workers' Compensation Committee of Alaska - an industry group organized to lobby ...

HB 303 : Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Rep. Olson

An Act establishing the Alaska energy efficient small business grant fund and program.

Status : PREFILE RELEASED >> (H) ENE : 2010-01-19
Contact : Jennifer Senette, 465-4530

Rising energy costs in Alaska mean that energy expenditures have an increasingly substantial impact on the bottom line of small businesses in the state. As such, building energy efficient business structures is in the interest of any small business owner who wishes to save energy ...

HB 85 : Extend Board Architects/ Engineers/ Surveyors

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Hou. Labor & Com.

An Act extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; extending the term of a temporary member of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; and providing for an effective date.

Status : (H) FIN >> (H) RLS : 2009-04-10
Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

HB 85 extends the sunset date for the Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRAELS) to 2017, the eight year extension recommended by Legislative Audit. I encourage all the members to review the Legislative Audit report. In it, you will see that BRAELS ...

Admin. Reg. Review Committee to Meet Monday - Topics Centering on Cabins, Dairy Production

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 15:25:49 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

The Joint Administrative Regulation Review Committee will hold its first March meeting on Monday, focusing on Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation and Dept. of Natural Resources regulations.

Committee Chair Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, says he's agreed to hold the dual topic hearing after groups approached the committee about having separate hearings regarding dairy production and public use cabins. One part of the meeting will focus on examining regulations regarding cheese production by small dairies in the state, and possible exemptions in order to make manufacture and business easier. Another part of the meeting will focus on examining personal use cabin owners' requests to save their interests in their cabins that are on state land.

"The committee simply wants to perform its due diligence to look into these matters," Keller said.

House Majority Leadership Press Availability Monday

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 09:32:16 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

Members of the Alaska State House Majority Caucus' leadership will participate in the weekly press availability, which will be held Monday, March 8, at 9:00 a.m. in the Speaker's Chambers.

Majority press availabilities are scheduled every Monday at 9:00 a.m. during session unless otherwise noted.

A teleconference for reporters unable to attend in person has been set up through the Legislative Bridge Teleconference Center at 877-763-5073.

HB 315 Passes House, Heads to Senate - Bill paves way for CPAs to practice in Alaska with greater mobility

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 17:22:34 -0800

Contact : Konrad Jackson, 465-4954

House Bill 315 unanimously passed the Alaska State House this week, allowing for better CPA mobility in the state.

Under current law, Certified Public Accountants are barred from serving clients in Alaska without obtaining a license and registering with the Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy. HB 315 would change this rule in order to allow for CPA mobility, matching laws already on the books in forty-five states. This would ensure that CPAs and CPA firms can practice across state jurisdictions with greater ease, and keep Alaska's CPAs nationally-competitive.

Bill sponsor Rep. Kurt Olson, R-Kenai, says the bill will improve the environment for accounting in Alaska. "This bill brings Alaska in line with the vast majority of states," Olson said. "Such a change enhances the ability of Alaska accounting firms to attract and retain talent."

HB 340 : Municipal Sales Or Use Tax On Motor Fuel

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Rep. Olson

An Act relating to municipal sales or use taxes on motor fuels; and providing for an effective date.

Status : PREFILE RELEASED >> (H) L&C : 2010-02-10

HB 31 : Net Energy Metering

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:01 -0800

Sponsors : Rep. Olson

An Act relating to net energy metering for retail electricity suppliers and customers; and providing for an effective date.

Status : PREFILE RELEASED >> (H) ENE : 2009-01-20
Contact : Jennifer Senette, 465-4530

With our windy coasts, untapped rivers, and huge tidal resources, Alaska has the potential to be a national leader in the development of renewable energy sources. Though the state already produces 25% of its energy from renewable sources, we can do more to promote the use of these ...