HOUSE BILL NO. 361 An Act relating to municipal capital project matching grants for a municipality organized under federal law as an Indian reserve; and providing for an effective date. REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MACKIE came before committee in support of his bill and acknowledged a companion bill in the Senate, introduced by Senator Zharoff. The Representative explained that the bill attempts to address a problem relating to the capital matching grant program as it applies to Metlakatla. Metlakatla is not defined as other municipalities since it is a municipality organized under federal law as an Indian reserve. Although Metlakatla had received grants until last year, it is unclear whether language qualifies the community to receive capital matching grants. The community was thus denied grants other than an unincorporated matching grant. HB 361 would allow Metlakatla to receive capital matching grants. The community continues to receive state funds in other revenue sharing and municipal assistance programs. The proposed bill is drafted with the same language used in other municipal funding. The administration supports the bill; there has been no opposition. Representative Mackie acknowledged questions raised in other committees asking if passage of the proposed bill allowing an Indian reserve to receive the funds would "open the doors to tribes that claim sovereignty" and other Native organizations that are not municipalities. He advised that the answer is, "No." He further referenced an attorney general's opinion to that effect, pointed to language at Page 1, lines 6 through 8, and stressed that it applies only to Metlakatla. The bill is accompanied by zero fiscal notes. Senator Zharoff noted that the administration's capital matching grant program includes "passage of this bill as well." Co-chairman Frank directed that the bill be held in committee pending return of Co-chairman Halford. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was recessed at approximately 1:07 p.m.