Property forfeiture, petty theft measures inching along
NFIB/Alaska State Director Denny DeWitt’s report from Juneau on the legislative week ending February 24
The fiscal situation of Alaska’s state government remains the focus of both the House and Senate as February 24 came to an end, the 39th day of the 30th Legislature.
The House Finance Committee is hearing House Bill 115, which NFIB has sent a letter in opposition. It contemplates:
- using Permanent Fund earnings to fund government
- providing a $1,000 dividend
- instituting a state income tax of 15 percent of your federal income tax payment
- requiring employers withhold state taxes.
- taxing dividend income
- allowing a person to pay their taxes with their Permanent Fund Dividend
The Senate introduced its fiscal plan, Senate Bill 70, February 24. This measure:
- also uses Permanent Fund earnings to fund government
- guarantees a $1,000 dividend for the next three years
- imposes a limit on government spending
- allows an annual draw from the Permanent Fund’s earnings to help pay for government and fund a dividend.
Gas Tax Increase
The House Transportation Committee passed House Bill 60, the gas tax bill, but not before amending it to have the increase from 16 cents to 24 cents a gallon take effect in 2019, a year later than the original proposal. The measure is now before the Finance Committee.
Independent Contracting
NFIB continues to object to House Bill 79 and Senate Bill 40, companion measures sponsored by Gov. Bill Walker, because they limit who would be an independent contractor for purposes of workers’ compensation coverage.
NFIB/Alaska Leadership Council member Chris Nettels and State Director Denny DeWitt met with the Commissioner Heidi Drygas of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to discuss the difficulty the proposal causes for small businesses. We are expecting to see some changes to the bill, but are not expecting them to resolve our opposition. Both bills will have committee hearings next week, HB 79 March 1 and HB 40 February 28.
Contraceptive Insurance Coverage
House Bill 25, by Rep. Matt Claman, is scheduled to be heard February 28. It mandates insurance coverage for contraceptives, including 12 month supplies. NFIB continues its opposition to mandated benefits. Given the recession Alaska’s small businesses are facing, added mandates would seem to be a very harsh decision by the Legislature.
Property Forfeiture
House Bill 42, by Rep. Tammie Wilson, will be heard again in the House Judiciary. This measure would offer protection from civil forfeiture without a conviction. NFIB members voted 79 percent in support of this bill.
Petty Theft
Senate Bill 54 corrects some of the problems with last year’s major crime reform bill. It will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee March 1. The measure would restore jail time for misdemeanors so that there is leverage to get folks into treatment. NFIB member Ron Flint will be testifying on behalf of small business for SB 54’s passage.
Regulations
Check out the sidebar story on this page for an editorial sent to the Alaska media about NFIB’s extensive poll of small-business owners regarding one of their biggest worries–regulations.
Previous Reports & Related News Releases
February 17 Report—NFIB to Testify Against Assault on Independent Contractors
February 10 Report—NFIB Looking at Four Fixes to Omnibus Crime Bill
February 3 Report—Flaw in SB 91: What Penalty for Petty Theft?
January 27 Report—Independent Contractors Once Again in Crosshairs of Alaska Legislature
January 20 Report—Costly Bills Make Return Engagement in Juneau
January 5 News Release—Poll: Alaska Should Not Be in The Retirement Business
[Tile photo of U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan addressing a joint session of the Legislature courtesy of The Alaska State Legislature website.]