[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6629656,"mediaKeyId","2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428","parentId",2702838,"title","Committee hears testimony on payroll‑card bill; lawmakers set Senate Bill 79 aside for later consideration","audioSeconds",1518,"startMs",1690000,"endMs",3208000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428&start=1690&end=3208","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428/thumbnail_1690000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6629656/Alaska/Committee-hears-testimony-on-payrollcard-bill-lawmakers-set-Senate-Bill-79-aside-for-later-consideration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629656-4da4e6840d47830400d99b3addbb598a/orig.mp4?Expires=1774944406&Signature=TvGza9SQwBHa7XtdpuDjoSitLkhFEHCrYRVGS~raXX4CMxiKhumpSh~MR95kHO0wGUVaVtQLec3HMl5Lm9ygt0RQB719ph3s1UOhC2CDWhgrb3Glm9ceKu-MFPYF5iMEz4wp-hu~7umPCWyUgUgvTLoDE6Kk3b7TqVPXwiIsIu3pxvKFKE1b~XOmszVNfpnZRB46OvZFWPoqrHcqBt~8tDMaL71x0FCunAsSipp-u3foBvzPndjZ9b1a6~lrwG97vODA9p1WrgvElpxNqLia8~0BUSyfdpCRvct3KzmL6PNGbqWTN~a7bF0lNcezg3YxQXXxKZsCfE95vFPtdf4inA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alaska State Legislature","date","2025-03-19T00:00:00Z","article","The House Labor and Commerce Committee took testimony March 19 on Senate Bill 79, which would permit employers to pay wages to employees via payroll card accounts under specified consumer protections and would allow employers to stop offering paper paycheck options in certain circumstances.

Senator Jesse Bjorkman, sponsor of SB 79, said the bill allows payroll cards as an option if an employee voluntarily authorizes the card or if an employee has not authorized direct deposit to a bank account. He said payroll cards can be less expensive for employers, avoid the logistical issues of paper checks, and provide a mechanism for unbanked employees to access wages.

Amy Miller, senior director of government relations at ADP, testified in support, saying payroll cards and direct deposit reflect how most wages are already paid nationally, and that the bill includes consumer protections such as at least one cost‑free withdrawal per pay period and free balance inquiry mechanisms. Miller said the bill preserves collective‑bargaining rights and does not prevent employers from offering paper checks if they choose.

Committee members questioned who would pay various fees, whether ATM access would impose costs, how protections work in rural areas with few in‑network ATMs, and the role of federal regulators. Sevea Bieber (trustee staff for Senator Bjorkman) noted the bill requires that wages credited to payroll‑card accounts be insured on a pass‑through basis by the FDIC, NCUA, or another entity that insures deposits.

Committee members asked ADP for a list of fees and for information on federal regulation; Miller said she would follow up. Representative Nelson described personal experience using a payroll card as a teenager and supported options for unbanked workers.

After questions the committee did not take a final vote and set SB 79 aside for future consideration.

Why it matters: The bill would modernize wage payment options for Alaska employers and employees, affect unbanked workers' access to wages, and raise questions about fees, federal insurance, and consumer protections in rural areas.

What’s next: The committee set SB 79 aside and intends to take it up at a later date; sponsors and ADP staff indicated they will provide follow‑up information on fees and federal regulatory oversight.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/19/2025 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE","oneSentenceSummary","The House Labor and Commerce Committee heard testimony March 19 on Senate Bill 79, which would permit employers to pay wages using payroll‑card accounts under specified consumer protections and would allow limiting mandatory paper checks.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska","taxId",78559,"location","Alaska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":44,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6629660,"House committee advances fix to Alaska vehicle rental tax after debate over Turo, platform reporting",1382,308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428&start=308&end=1690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428/thumbnail_308000.jpg","/articles/6629660/Alaska/House-committee-advances-fix-to-Alaska-vehicle-rental-tax-after-debate-over-Turo-platform-reporting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629660-5747af258b641be53328e3762eb429ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1774944406&Signature=hefl0CsQ4F8BDkMX1JgcQpsgI2Wh6d8~ECWnPfGoRtjU1dvCiN5RvUEU~WbEby-jkUuBOq0GxEQ3-xOf5jo39304A7EjC9bMeU2fNl9CPHq~6aiFYdlHhrNa4GDW5Y1pIEOYZlukgRiWHtY4zdP8bX-WYJhnKcX9y3lLfWOLyaLRt47WZKpA-BIqjrzynxBtNEAC4ZZkD3~qyNlnJy335Fu0i72v9GQGVQCsUiVCmuczjXA02PM0jSQvZ-uatL-BBHzTOUAdFof7WVCKBbEwkG9itBZm3Dk-R2oBM1qGOvBC1fDB3XG1xOn5kxgXkOWgqmUWj26AN3GJOo2AV8FUzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alaska House Labor and Commerce Committee voted March 19 to report House Bill 123 (work order 34 LS0551i) out of committee with individual recommendations after testimony and debate over how to tax vehicle‑rental platforms such as Turo.

Representative Kevin McCabe, sponsor of HB 123, told the committee the bill is intended to fix “Alaska's broken vehicle rental tax system” and to protect Alaskans from retroactive tax liability he said could result if courts find platform operators owe taxes. McCabe said he supports a percentage approach negotiated with industry and that the bill’s reduction in the retail tax rate is intended to protect hosts and customers while resolving legal exposure.

The committee considered an amendment (I.2) from Representative Kerrick that would have removed the bill’s tiered structure and set a single 9% rate for all vehicle rentals, including peer‑to‑peer platforms. Kerrick said the amendment was intended to preserve revenue for state park and DOT funding and to ensure parity between traditional fleets and platform hosts. Co‑chair Fields objected to the amendment on grounds of legal uncertainty and urged advancing the underlying bill to avoid litigation. The roll call on amendment I.2 was 1 yea, 6 nays (Representative Carrick was recorded as the sole yes), and amendment I.2 was not adopted.

Department of Revenue staff joined online and described the fiscal note as indeterminate. Revenue analyst Brandon Spanos told the committee the fiscal note shows a reduction from a rate change for current retail taxpayers (from 10% to 9%), while the net effect from collecting tax from platform companies is unknown because the state cannot yet estimate the size of that taxable base. Representative Colomb and Representative McCabe noted Anchorage’s practice of taxing Turo gives some data but the statewide amount is uncertain.

Representative McCabe told the committee he is focused on preventing retroactive liabilities that could financially harm Alaskans and said the percentage split in the bill was agreed to by some industry participants. He also said, based on prior presentations, roughly 1,500 platform hosts could be implicated and that outstanding liability might be on the order of $600,000, though he said a full accounting had not been provided to him.

After debate the committee chair called for the bill to be reported out; there was no further recorded objection and HB 123 was reported out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes.

Votes at a glance: Amendment I.2 (Kerrick) — moved, objected to by Co‑chair Fields; roll call 1 yea, 6 nays; amendment not adopted. Final committee action — HB 123 reported out of committee with individual recommendations (no objection recorded).

Why it matters: Changes in how platform‑mediated vehicle rentals are taxed could shift who remits tax and when, affect collections that support DOT and state parks, and limit potential retroactive liability for Alaskans who have used peer‑to‑peer platforms.

What’s next: HB 123 was reported out of committee with individual recommendations; any further amendments or floor action will be determined by the sponsoring members and leadership.","The Alaska House Labor and Commerce Committee voted March 19 to report House Bill 123 out of committee with individual recommendations after debate and a rejected amendment that would have set a single 9% rate for all vehicle rentals.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6629648,"House committee reports Office of Entrepreneurship bill after adopting several amendments, including a sunset provision",1853,3180000,5033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428&start=3180&end=5033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702838-56edfcbcd7e68a9d08437946f0a5e428/thumbnail_3180000.jpg","/articles/6629648/Alaska/House-committee-reports-Office-of-Entrepreneurship-bill-after-adopting-several-amendments-including-a-sunset-provision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629648-3cda1c75c70460e1b57d7eb1498bc3af/orig.mp4?Expires=1774944406&Signature=VbZMC5FeiNZVaAVO7YXnPNjCMvxe7mzH6gq26~XjWPel8G2bO54ND6KFDATvj00ktDqLkUzI5lr6F6RId4Z--SJHjuVjiFdDI3sd989Ctv6nJgaJe4GywgqRTCuQYmnYgxtg~36cyAsC9MkqPvnUGiLwTvLEati29hgZK6eiN~10COBxeLu1qe9~60f4qhYz58oAucUJ2KRrmdHjCSLLvYHVYEPapyWb9YVHx81A2ePKm4BcTFMtFWLY4QZHvpN8SGHz2b5ENQQt23MVubJoebC-EndMCqGWFUf5qaqNNDUc0q2fQufZFU4C-PVnG6UxQSBsB1DLeInfTFqslY9kNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Labor and Commerce Committee reported House Bill 30 out of committee March 19 with amendments after testimony, public comment and debate over fiscal impact and program design.

Representative Kai Holland, sponsor of HB 30, said the bill would create an Office of Entrepreneurship to coordinate support for startups and better connect entrepreneurs with existing services. Committee members proposed several amendments to limit fiscal impact, require reporting, and set a time limit for the office. Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) staff joined the discussion and did not object to a volunteer‑prioritized amendment that reduces immediate fiscal impact.

Amendment actions: Representative Colon offered amendment G.1 to prioritize a volunteer‑driven approach and require certain department supports; G.1 was adopted by the committee after the department indicated it was workable. Representative Sadler moved amendment G.2 (would have directed 5% of certain agency purchasing to support young businesses); the amendment failed on a roll call (3 ayes, 4 nays). Representative Sadler’s subsequent amendment G.3 (reducing the percentage to 2%) also failed by roll call. Amendment G.5, offered by Representative Sadler, proposed that the office be sunsetted after three years; Representative Kerrick moved a conceptual change to set the sunset/effect date so that section 4 would take effect Dec. 31, 2030 (effectively extending the review period), the conceptual change was accepted and G.5 as amended was adopted. Amendment G.6, which would have removed a reporting/analysis requirement, failed on roll call.

Public testimony: Tyler Arnold, founder of Tyler Systems LLC, gave online public testimony in support of an office to coordinate entrepreneurial resources across Alaska and help rural entrepreneurs access services.

Committee action: After adopting amendments as described above the committee chair called for the bill to be reported out. Co‑chair Fields moved HB 30 out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes; there was no recorded objection and HB 30 was reported out.

Why it matters: Supporters said the office would coordinate existing resources, reduce duplication and help startups access markets and procurement opportunities; opponents and skeptical members asked for tighter fiscal controls and measurable reporting requirements.

What’s next: HB 30 was reported out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. The bill’s reporting requirements and sunset/effect timing will provide data for later oversight and potential legislative review.","House Bill 30, to create an Office of Entrepreneurship, was amended and reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee March 19. Lawmakers adopted changes to reduce initial fiscal impact and added a sunset/reporting structure; several proposed amendments to direct a fixed percentage of agency spending to start‑ups failed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears testimony on payroll‑card bill; lawmakers set Senate Bill 79 aside for later consideration

House committee advances fix to Alaska vehicle rental tax after debate over Turo, platform reporting

House committee reports Office of Entrepreneurship bill after adopting several amendments, including a sunset provision