Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-02-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0212 SB 84 SENATE BILL NO. 84 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the veterans' land purchase discount; establishing state land vouchers; relating to the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the Department of Revenue; authorizing the Department of Natural Resources to accept state land vouchers; relating to eligibility for public assistance; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Revenue 2021-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0213 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 11: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that creates an option for Alaskans to choose to receive a voucher toward the purchase of State land in lieu of a cash permanent fund dividend payment. The voucher, issued by the Department of Revenue, would have a value set at twice the amount of the dividend as calculated by the statutory dividend formula. Dividend land vouchers do not expire, are transferable to another person, and can be used as payment for land sales contracts on or after the effective date of this bill. Vouchers may be combined with other vouchers or used individually, to purchase land offered for sale by the Department of Natural Resources. The vouchers may also be used in combination with the veterans’ land purchase price discount or separately towards restricted land sale purchases. Dividend vouchers are considered income or financial resources in determining eligibility for public assistance or state programs. If an individual who selects to receive a voucher over a cash dividend, is the subject to a writ of garnishment, or other debt collection, a creditor may lay claim against the voucher up to the amount of that year’s cash dividend. The Department of Revenue will annually report the number and value of vouchers issued and the Department of Natural Resources will report the number and value of vouchers accepted for land sales. In order to help Alaskans maximize the value of the annual dividend, to encourage economic development in our state, and to move more public land into private ownership, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor