The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 137, legislation sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman, to extend the sunset dates for four state boards. The bill extends the sunset dates for the Boards of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives, Nursing, Veterinary Examiners, and Parole.
“I sponsored this bill because I believe all four of these boards provide value to the respective professions that pay regulator fees and to the Alaskan public.” Said Senator Bjorkman.
The Division of Legislative Audit reviewed the four boards and reported that they continue to provide a public benefit. Based on its recommendations, the following sunset extensions were granted:
- The Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives, extended to June 30, 2031, certifies midwives and oversees regulations to enhance public safety and improve the certification process.
- The Board of Nursing, extended to June 30, 2031, licenses nursing professionals and oversees nursing regulations to uphold professional standards and protect the public.
- The Board of Veterinary Examiners, extended to June 30, 2031, licenses veterinary professionals and oversees regulations to address statutory changes and improve public protection.
- The Board of Parole, extended to June 30, 2029, conducts parole hearings, sets conditions, and grants discretionary parole in compliance with state law. The shorter extension was recommended to allow greater legislative oversight due to a decrease in the parole approval rate, unjustified staff positions, and outdated regulations. The Legislature will monitor these issues during the annual operating budget approval process.
Each board is composed of members with relevant expertise who serve on a volunteer basis. These boards often reduce the state’s administrative burden while improving regulatory effectiveness.
Senate Bill 137 now heads to the Governor for signature after receiving a unanimous 19-0 vote in the Senate earlier this year.
*Photo courtesy of Gavel Alaska, KTOO