SSTA - 2/13/96                                                                
                                                                               
             SB 266 CREAMER'S FIELD GOOSE CLASSIC                            
                                                                               
 Number 550                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR SHARP brought up SB 266 as the next order of business                 
 before the Senate State Affairs Committee and called the first                
 witness.                                                                      
                                                                               
 Number 545                                                                    
                                                                               
 ALISON GORDON, Aide to Senator Steve Frank, prime sponsor of SB               
 266, stated that SB 266 would amend current law to include the                
 Friends of Creamer's Field among those who could operate and                  
 administer a goose classic.  A goose classic is a game of chance in           
 which the participant has an opportunity to win a cash prize for              
 guessing the closest time of arrival of the first goose to                    
 Creamer's Field.  Currently, the Fairbanks Montessori Association             
 is the only group that may operate and administer a goose classic.            
 This association has found that with their small, volunteer group,            
 it has not been able to put on a classic.  Subsequently, there has            
 never been a goose classic in Fairbanks.  The Montessori                      
 Association and Friends of Creamer's Field have worked to form a              
 contract in which the two organizations would put the classic on              
 together.  SB 266 would also allow either group to operate the game           
 separately, if one should decide not to take part.  The department            
 supports this legislation.                                                    
                                                                               
 Number 535                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN SHARP mentioned that the Friends of Creamer's Field is a             
 fairly large group working towards preserving the field, which is             
 a refuge.  The chairman asked the pleasure of the committee.                  
                                                                               
 SENATOR RANDY PHILLIPS stated he is opposed to gambling.                      
 SENATOR DONLEY stated he also votes against gambling bills.                   
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN SHARP, hearing no motion to discharge, said he would let             
 the sponsor lobby committee members.