05/01/1995 03:08 PM House L&C

 HB 249 - MCGRATH KUSKOKWIM RIVER ICE CLASSIC                                 
                                                                              
 Number 364                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN KOTT stated the next order of business would be HB 249.              
                                                                               
 Number 366                                                                    
                                                                               
 DEBORAH OSTENDORF, LEGISLATIVE SECRETARY TO REPRESENTATIVE IRENE              
 NICHOLIA, PRIME SPONSOR OF HB 249, testified that HB 249 changes              
 AS 05.15.690 to add the McGrath Ice Classic.  She said she had                
 received a call from someone in the Bethel area concerning use of             
 the name Kuskokwim River included in the bill.  She asked the                 
 committee to adopt the committee substitute which would take out              
 the "Kuskokwim River" and rename it "The McGrath River Ice                    
 Classic."                                                                     
                                                                               
 Number 379                                                                    
                                                                               
 The committee took a brief at ease at 3:30 p.m. and was back at               
 3:35 p.m.                                                                     
                                                                               
 Number 384                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN KOTT would entertain a motion to adopt the proposed CS.              
                                                                               
 Number 384                                                                    
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE MASEK made a motion to adopt the proposed CSHB
(L&C), 9L-S0658/F, Luckhaupt, dated 4-28-95.                               
                                                                               
 Number 386                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN KOTT asked if there were any objections.  Hearing none,              
 CSHB 249(L&C) was adopted.  He asked Ms. Ostendorf to explain the             
 differences.                                                                  
                                                                               
 Number 389                                                                    
                                                                               
 MS. OSTENDORF stated that it removes the name "Kuskokwim River"               
 from the title, renaming it the "McGrath Ice Classic."                        
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN KOTT asked why the change was needed.                                
                                                                               
 Number 393                                                                    
                                                                               
 MS. OSTENDORF replied there was a similar ice classic out of                  
 Bethel, named the "Kuskokwim River Ice Classic."  People in                   
 Bethel didn't want there to be any confusion.                                 
                                                                               
 Number  400                                                                   
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG commented that in reading the sponsor                 
 statement, he could see where the proceeds are intended to go.                
 He asked whether there was anything in statute to mandate them                
 changing where the beneficiary or profits would go.                           
                                                                               
 Number 405                                                                    
                                                                               
 MS. OSTENDORF said the permit holder could have the proceeds go               
 to any organization.  In this case, KSKO Radio had opted to keep              
 half of the proceeds and to share the other half with the McGrath             
 Emergency Services.  Once they have a permit, they can change                 
 that.  There is nothing in statute prohibiting them from sharing              
 the money with whomever they want.                                            
 Number 412                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN KOTT asked if the Kuskokwim Public Broadcasting Company              
 was also responsible for the Bethel Kuskokwim Classic.                        
                                                                               
 Number 413                                                                    
                                                                               
 MS. OSTENDORF replied no.  They do not currently hold the permit              
 for this.  She wasn't sure who was responsible for that.                      
                                                                               
 Number 415                                                                    
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE KUBINA said Bethel Social Services.                            
                                                                               
 Number 419                                                                    
                                                                               
 DENNIS BOCHARD, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF CHARITABLE GAMING,                      
 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, stated that he was in attendance to answer             
 any questions the committee might have.  The division is neutral              
 on the bill as there are several other ice classics, and this                 
 would be no different than those they currently oversee.                      
                                                                               
 Number 428                                                                    
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE MASEK commented that with the state being in the               
 situation it's in, they were going to have to have an "Alaskan                
 Classic Day."  She made a motion to move CSHB 249(L&C) with                   
 individual recommendations and accompanying zero fiscal note out              
 of committee.                                                                 
                                                                               
 Number 434                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN KOTT asked if there were any objections.  Hearing none,              
 CSHB 249(L&C) was passed out of the House Labor and Commerce                  
 Committee.