By Alaska Legislative Digest

The Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee began hearings Jan. 30 on a redrafted version of SB 160, Sen. Hollis French's bill to require most Alaskans to obtain health insurance. French explained changes to the bill but there was no action. Due to previous scheduling the bill will not come before the committee again until the week of Feb. 11 at the earliest, according to committee chair Sen. Bettye Davis, D-Anchorage. To the annoyance Davis, no administration representative attended the hearing. The bill contains no penalties for individuals’ failure to obtain insurance, but French said he is looking at ways of “softer enforcement.” The bill would impose a tax on businesses that don’t offer health insurance to employers.