HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

BUSINESS, LABOR AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

March 05, 2003 Hearing Room E

8:30 A.M. Tapes 46 - 48

MEMBERS PRESENT: Rep. Betsy Close, Chair

Rep. Diane Rosenbaum, Vice-Chair

Rep. Mary Gallegos

Rep. Bill Garrard

Rep. Jeff Merkley

Rep. Mike Schaufler

MEMBER EXCUSED: Rep. Derrick Kitts, Vice-Chair

STAFF PRESENT: Megan Palau, Committee Administrator

Mike Reiley, Committee Assistant

MEASURE/ISSUES HEARD: SB 321 – Public Hearing and Work Session

HB 2389 – Work Session

HB 2249 – Work Session

HB 2639 – Public Hearing

HB 2714 – Public Hearing

HB 2718 – Public Hearing

These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker’s exact words. For complete contents, please refer to the tapes.

TAPE/#	Speaker	Comments
TAPE 46, A
002	Chair Close	Calls meeting to order at 8:33 a.m. Opens public hearing on SB 321.
SB 321 – PUBLIC HEARING
012	Megan Palau	Committee Administrator. Summarizes SB 321.
015	Rep. Joanne Verger	House District 9. Testifies in support of SB 321.
048	Rep. Wayne Krieger	House District 1. Testifies in support of SB 321.
060	Sen. Ken Messerle	Senate District 5. Testifies in support of SB 321.
075	Rep. Schaufler	Asks about employment opportunities in the region due to pipeline project.
077	Rep. Verger	Explains that employment is improving in the region.
099	Sen. Messerle	Explains employment opportunities that exist in the region and those that may come to be.
110	Chair Close	Asks for figures of Coos County unemployment.
115	Sen. Messerle	Answers that it is generally 2% above state average, but he does not have specific figures.
125	Lee Beyer	Commissioner, Oregon Public Utility Commission. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of SB 321 (EXHIBIT A).
151	Gary Bauer	Northwest Natural. Testifies in support of SB 321. Clarifies nature of pipeline project.
160	Rep. Rosenbaum	Asks when construction will be completed.
162	Bauer	Explains plans and timeframe for project.
170	Rep. Rosenbaum	Asks if new jobs will be created.
174	Bauer	Explains employment associated with pipeline project.
180	Chair Close	Closes public hearing on SB 321. Opens work session on SB 321.
SB 321 – WORK SESSION
182	Rep. Gallegos	MOTION: Moves SB 321 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation.
		VOTE: 6-0 AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye. EXCUSED: 1 - Kitts
	Chair Close	The motion CARRIES. REP. VERGER AND REP. KRIEGER will lead discussion on the floor.
190	Chair Close	Closes work session on SB 321. Opens work session on HB 2389.
HB 2389 – WORK SESSION
200	Megan Palau	Committee Administrator. Summarizes HB 2389 and -2 amendment (EXHIBIT B).
221	Scott Barrie	Oregon Building Industry Association. Testifies in support of HB 2389.
227	Rep. Merkley	Asks if time considerations could jeopardize claim.
234	Barrie	Explains time considerations and process for filing claims.
250	Rep. Garrard	MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 2389-2 amendments dated 2/28/03.
		VOTE: 6-0 EXCUSED: 1 - Kitts
	Chair Close	Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.
255	Rep. Garrard	MOTION: Moves HB 2389 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation.
260	Rep. Merkley	Expresses support and notes concerns regarding HB 2389.
324	Rep. Schaufler	Expresses support for HB 2389.
		VOTE: 6-0 AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye. EXCUSED: 1 - Kitts
	Chair Close	The motion CARRIES. REP. GARRARD will lead discussion on the floor.
340	Chair Close	Closes work session on HB 2389. Opens work session on HB 2249.
HB 2249 – WORK SESSION
345	Megan Palau	Committee Administrator. Summarizes HB 2249 and -2 amendment (EXHIBIT C).
385	Stacy Warner	Fire and Life Safety Services Manager, Office of State Fire Marshal Division, Oregon State Police. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of HB 2249 and -2 amendments (EXHIBIT D).
399	Chair Close	Asks for explanation of Medicaid match funding.
400	Warner	Explains Medicaid match funding.
405	Rep. Rosenbaum	Asks why Medicare and Medicaid facilities are exempted from inspection.
410	Warner	Explains exemptions.
415	Rep. Rosenbaum	MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 2249-2 amendments dated 3/3/03.
		VOTE: 6-0 EXCUSED: 1 - Kitts
	Chair Close	Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.
420	Rep. Rosenbaum	MOTION: Moves HB 2249 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.
		VOTE: 6-0 AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye. EXCUSED: 1 – Kitts
	Chair Close	The motion CARRIES.
460	Chair Close	Closes work session on HB 2249. Opens public hearing on HB 2639.
TAPE 47, A
HB 2639 – PUBLIC HEARING
030	Megan Palau	Committee Administrator. Summarizes HB 2639.
040	Harlan Levy	Staff Attorney, Oregon Association of Realtors. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of HB 2639 (EXHIBIT E).
111	Chair Close	Asks about opposition to HB 2639.
112	Levy	Answers that he is unsure why there would be opposition.
118	Rep. Merkley	Asks who keeps interest from fund.
120	Levy	Answers that interest goes to the banks.
122	Rep. Merkley	Asks if fund owners accrue interest.
125	Levy	Explains provisions regarding interest on funds.
130	Rep. Merkley	Asks for additional clarification.
135	Levy	Offers clarification.
145	Rep. Schaufler	Asks about success of similar program in Colorado.
148	Levy	Explains success of Colorado program.
152	Rep. Schaufler	Asks if Colorado program would be similarly successful in Oregon.
155	Levy	Answers yes.
160	Rep. Merkley	Asks if interest in Colorado program would go to home ownership fund or to brokers.
162	Levy	Answers that it is voluntary.
164	Rep. Merkley	Asks what percentage of transactions participate in home ownership fund.
166	Levy	Answers that he does not know.
175	Gary Conkling	Oregon Home. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of concept of HB 2639 (EXHIBIT F).
235	Stewart Branam	Legislative Chair, Oregon Disability Commission. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of HB 2639 (EXHIBIT G).
260	Chair Close	Discusses Oregon housing crisis and potential for implementing fees.
280	Rep. Schaufler	Asks if HB 2639 would interfere with other attempts to address housing issues.
285	Conkling	Answers that it would not. Expresses concern that it would be viewed by some as an entire solution.
290	Michael Anderson	Community Development Network. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of HB 2639 (EXHIBIT H).
325	Rep. Garrard	States that HB 2639 is a step toward addressing the housing issue.
330	Anderson	Concurs. Explains magnitude of housing problem.
345	Rep. Merkley	Suggests that proponents examine Colorado program to further address issue.
360	Jack Kenny	Deputy Director, Oregon Housing and Community Services Department. Submits prepared information and testifies on HB 2639 (EXHIBIT I).
410	John Blatt	Executive Director, Association of Oregon Community Development Organizations. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of concept of HB 2639 (EXHIBIT J).
TAPE 46, B
023	Ian Slingerland	Community Alliance of Tenants. Submits and summarizes prepared testimony in support of concept of HB 2639 (EXHIBIT K).
070	Chair Close	Comments on housing crisis and potential for home ownership fees.
080	Rep. Rosenbaum	Discusses legislation addressing housing crisis. Asks for clarification of language in HB 2639.
085	Blatt	Responds that amendments to address concerns may be warranted.
090	Rep. Merkley	Asks about flexibility for interest to be channeled into home ownership fund.
100	Blatt	Answers that specific issue has not been directly addressed.
105	Rep. Merkley	Asks about appropriation of funds.
108	Blatt	Explains public benefit corporations.
110	Rep. Garrard	Asks about provisions regarding low-income and first time home buyers.
115	Blatt	Explains median income qualifications.
120	Rep. Schaufler	States that HB 2639 is step in right direction. Comments on impact of transfer tax on home ownership.
135	Jack Munro	Oregon Land Title Association. Testifies in support of concept of HB 2639. Offers clarification of provisions of HB 2639.
191	Randy Tucker	1000 Friends of Oregon. Testifies in support of concept of HB 2639 and explains concerns.
231	Rep. Merkley	Asks for clarification of appropriation of interest in accounts.
233	Munro	Explains provisions regarding account interest.
247	Rep. Merkley	Ask about benefiting from interest.
252	Munro	Clarifies nature of interest on accounts.
265	Jana Jarvis	Oregon Association of Realtors. Testifies in support of HB 2639.
319	Levy	Clarifies figures from previous testimony.
327	Rep. Gallegos	Asks about ability to provide funding to other organizations through HB 2639.
338	Jarvis	Explains intentions for HB 2639.
344	Rep. Merkley	Expresses support for work done on HB 2639.
374	Jarvis	Explains interest bearing account provisions.
The following prepared testimony is submitted for the record without public testimony for HB 2639:
	Jennifer Henderson	Submits prepared testimony in opposition to HB 2639 (EXHIBIT L).
390	Chair Close	Closes public hearing on HB 2639.
395	Vice-Chair Rosenbaum	Opens public hearing on HB 2714.
TAPE 47, B
HB 2714 – PUBLIC HEARING
400	Megan Palau	Committee Administrator. Summarizes HB 2714.
005	Jerod Broadfoot	Oregon Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association. Testifies in support of HB 2714. Explains that term “demolition” should be eliminated from bill and states that amendments will be forthcoming.
021	Rep. Schaufler	Asks for clarification of language.
026	Rep. Merkley	Asks for additional clarification of language.
038	Rick Thomas	Executive Director, Independent Electrical Contractors of Oregon. Testifies in support of HB 2714 and proposed amendments.
049	Mike Van Laere	Steelworkers Union Local 7150. Testifies in opposition to HB 2714.
060	Rep. Schaufler	Asks if Mr. Van Laere’s co-workers are licensed electricians.
062	Van Laere	Answers yes. Explains concerns about HB 2714.
071	Jerry Schmidt	Oregon Groundwater Association. Testifies and expresses concerns regarding HB 2714.
091	Vice-Chair Rosenbaum	Closes public hearing on HB 2714. Opens public hearing on HB 2718.
HB 2718 – PUBLIC HEARING
095	Jerod Broadfoot	Oregon Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association. Testifies in support of HB 2718.
105	Tim Nicol	International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 280. Testifies in support of HB 2718.
157	Rep. Schaufler	Asks if IBEW is willing to work with workers to obtain certification to avoid workers being dislocated.
162	Nicol	Explains situations in which workers perform duties different than their certifications.
172	Rep. Schaufler	States desire to protect workers and help them comply with changing regulations.
180	Nicol	Responds that industry provides training and continuing education.
184	Rep. Garrard	Asks if FCC licensing requirements affect provisions of HB 2718.
200	Nicol	Explains provisions of federal law and HB 2718.
208	Rep. Merkley	Asks how long laws have been in effect.
211	Nicol	States that he is unsure, but information can be obtained.
218	Rep. Merkley	Asks if there have been accidents or if HB 2718 is preventive.
227	Broadfoot	Explains provisions and intentions of HB 2718.
245	Vice-Chair Rosenbaum	Asks for clarification of 480-volt provision in HB 2718.
250	Nicol	Gives explanation of electrical systems.
268	Vice-Chair Rosenbaum	Asks why provision is 480-vole instead of 600-volt.
271	Nicol	Answers that he does not know.
277	Broadfoot	Offers clarification.
280	Vice-Chair Rosenbaum	Asks if Electrical Board has taken position on issue.
285	Nicol	Explains position of Electrical Board.
299	Bill Kluting	Western Council of Industrial Workers. Testifies in opposition to HB 2718.
380	Rep. Garrard	Asks about journeyman provisions and present law.
387	Kluting	Explains work and licensing provisions.
415	Rep. Rosenbaum	Offers clarification of changes to statute.
420	Rep. Garrard	Asks about maximum voltage to ground allowed with limited maintenance license.
425	Kluting	Answers that there is currently no limit.
430	Rep. Merkley	Asks about laws requiring machinery to be turned off before work is done on it.
435	Kluting	Answers that there are strict laws that require machinery to be turned off.
TAPE 48, A
004	Rep. Merkley	Notes similarities and differences between United States and European electrical systems.
022	Rep. Schaufler	Asks about education needed to meet requirements.
035	Kluting	Explains requirements for different licenses.
052	Lee King	Licensed electrician, Wah Chang. Testifies in opposition to HB 2718 and explains objections.
079	Mike Van Laere	Steelworkers Union Local 7150. Testifies in opposition to HB 2718.
122	Rep. Garrard	Asks for opinion of intent of HB 2718.
125	King	Believes based on language it is to eliminate jobs.
129	Rep. Merkley	Asks about magnitude of voltage addressed by HB 2718.
137	King	Explains magnitude of voltage.
145	Merkley	Asks for further clarification of provisions addressing voltage and amperage.
150	King	Explains nature of voltage and amperage.
172	Rep. Garrard	Asks if potential danger still exists even if machinery is turned off.
175	King	Answers yes.
182	Broadfoot	Explains that the intent of HB 2718 is safety.
200	Vice-Chair Rosenbaum	Closes public hearing on HB 2718. Adjourns meeting at 10:43 a.m.

EXHIBIT SUMMARY

A – SB 321, written testimony, Lee Beyer, 2 p

B – HB 2389, -2 amendment, staff, 10 pp

C – HB 2249, -2 amendment, staff, 1 p

D – HB 2249, written testimony, Stacy Warner, 1 p

E – HB 2639, written testimony and information, Harlan Levy, 3 pp

F – HB 2639, written testimony, Gary Conkling, 2 pp

G – HB 2639, written testimony, Stewart Branam, 1 p

H – HB 2639, written testimony, Michael Anderson, 2 pp

I – HB 2639, written information, Jack Kenny, 3 pp

J – HB 2639, written testimony and information, John Blatt, 7 pp

K – HB 2639, written testimony, Ian Slingerland, 2 pp

L – HB 2639, written testimony, Jennifer Henderson, 1 p