HB 73: An Act relating to state and local taxation and other state regulation as affected by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as amended, and related federal statutes; and providing for an effective date. David Harding, aide to Representative Maclean, sponsor of HB 73, testified in support of the bill. Discussion followed between Co-chairs Frank, Pearce, Senators Jacko, and Rieger regarding concerns over federal statutes. HB 73 was HELD in committee. HOUSE BILL NO. 73: An Act relating to state and local taxation and other state regulation as affected by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as amended, and related federal statutes; and providing for an effective date. Co-chair Pearce announced that HB 73 was before the committee. She invited David Harding, aide to Representative Maclean, sponsor of HB 73, to join the members at the table. DAVID HARDING said HB 73 was simple and straight forward. It would bring state law into compliance with federal law regarding the exemption of certain native lands from property taxation. Several years ago the Alaska Native Lands Settlement Act was amended to continue an exemption from federal, state or local property taxes on ANCSA lands until development would occur on those lands. HB 73 reflected those changes. The bill also included other technical changes pointed out by the attorney. The bill would not expand or reduce any benefits or protections already mandated by federal law. It simply cleaned up state law and insured that obsolete state statutes do not lead to misinterpretation by assessors or others who might work with Alaska's tax law. He said it passed the House unanimously and carried a zero fiscal note. In answer to Senator Jacko, Mr. Harding said that it did not pass two years ago. In answer to Co-chair Frank, Mr. Harding went into more detail on the technical changes listed in the bill. Co-chair Pearce referenced Mr. Chenoweth's memo dated February 24, 1994. Discussion was had by Mr. Harding, Senator Rieger and Co-chair Frank regarding this memo. Co-chair Pearce announced that HB 73 would be HELD in committee so the members interested could further pursue the information in the memo by Mr. Chenoweth.