SB 8-PFD CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS  3:36:22 PM CHAIR DUNLEAVY called the committee back to order. He announced the consideration of SB 8. 3:36:41 PM DOUG LETCH, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, explained that SB 8 is straight- forward legislation which will allow the federally recognized tribal governments in Alaska to receive contributions from the permanent fund's dividends through the popular "Pick.Click.Give." program. He detailed that Senator Stevens' office was approached by the Kodiak tribal organizations for the "Pick.Click.Give." idea a few years ago and other organizations around the state have provided additional support as well. He noted that nobody has testified in opposition to the bill. He disclosed that Alaska has more than 200-federally-recognized- tribal governments that provide a variety of cultural, charitable and social services to their members and communities throughout the state. He said like many nonprofits, financial donations are a key component to the tribal organizations' budgets. He summarized that the addition of tribal organizations to the "Pick.Click.Give." program will allow them the same opportunities that Alaska's charitable organizations and nonprofits enjoy by being a part of the program. He detailed that SB 8 will allow the Alaska Department of Revenue to add the state's federally-recognized governments to the "Pick.Click.Give." program. He noted that the federally- recognized governments will be subjected to the same "Pick.Click.Give." regulations and the $250 application fee that is currently applied to program participants. He added that SB 8 has a zero-fiscal note because the program's cost is borne by the people that will take part in the program. He noted that since 2009, "Pick.Click.Give." has made it easier for Alaskans to help hundreds of nonprofits fulfill their missions through direct contributions through the permanent fund dividend (PFD). He set forth that SB 8 will help tribal entities continue their work in a new manner. 3:37:14 PM SENATOR COGHILL joined the committee meeting. 3:39:35 PM SENATOR GARY STEVENS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 8, reiterated that the bill was submitted at the request of native corporations to allow them to participate in the "Pick.Click.Give." program. SENATOR WILSON stated that he has a general concern or question regarding the bill. He asserted that he is fine with the many people that like to give their PFD to charities and the act is a wonderful thing to do. He noted that depending on how the tribal courts are set up, he is concerned with children's rights. He asked if there is a clause that does not allow a child's custodian to give the child's PFD to a tribal organization. MR. LETCH replied that he will get back to Senator Wilson with additional information. 3:40:57 PM CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that SB 8 will be held in committee for future consideration.