Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/08/2008 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB119 | |
| SB57 | |
| HB13 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 57 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 119 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE BILL NO. 119
"An Act establishing a grant program to support public
school libraries."
[A previous motion to adopt CSHB 119(FIN), version C, was
withdrawn.]
Senator Olson MOVED to ADOPT CSSB 119(FIN), labeled 25-
LS0749\M, Mischel, 2/5/08.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
9:23:00 AM
DARWIN PETERSON, STAFF, SENATOR BERT STEDMAN, explained that
the current version of the bill changes Section 1, the
library construction and major expansion matching grant
program part of the bill, from having the Department of
Education administrating the grant to the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development. The Board of
Education is no longer involved in adopting the regulations.
The major expansion is now defined as an expansion to
increase the square footage of a structure by not less than
30 percent. On page 2, line 3, eligibility requirements are
outlined. A library has to be publically owned and operated
and located in a community with a population of less than
10,000 persons. Local communities must now provide a match
of 20 percent or more. The state can contribute no more
than 50 percent. Private donors would pick up the rest.
The library collection grant has been changed in subsection
(c), line 24, to say that if there is not enough money
appropriated, it goes to the highest ranking eligible
grantee. If there is too much money appropriated, it goes
back into the general fund.
9:26:13 AM
Mr. Peterson described the change on page 3, lines 23 - 25,
which was in response to Senator Elton's concern that
schools may use the money to supplant their responsibility.
The library collection grants may not be used to supplant
school district library expenditures.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked about the criteria to rank
applicants. Mr. Peterson replied that the criteria will be
developed by the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development through regulations.
Senator Olson referred to the eligibility section of the
bill and asked if some libraries are being excluded. Mr.
Peterson replied that the grant is for construction and
major expansion of publically owned libraries, not for
school libraries. He said the title was changed to reflect
that. Part of the bill deals with public school library
collection grants and part of the bill deals with
construction grants for public libraries in small
communities.
9:27:59 AM
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his objection to adopt version M
of SB 119. There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
9:28:25 AM
JUDITH MCQUERRY, KETCHIKAN, testified in support of SB 119.
She asked why there was a population limit of 10,000 for
communities. She thought the community of Ketchikan would
not qualify for the grant, however, the municipality of
Ketchikan would. Co-Chair Stedman clarified that the city
of Ketchikan would qualify for the grant program with a
population of 7,622. Smaller communities would apply and be
ranked, and then the legislature would approve a block of
funds. Large populations such as Juneau with 30,000 would
not qualify.
9:31:06 AM
TARALEE ALCOCK, LIBRARIAN, PETERSBURG, testified in support
of the bill. She addressed Section 1, library construction
and major expansion matching grant program. She described
the need for a new library in Petersburg as urgent. She
noted that financial support by the community was essential.
JULIE HURSEY, PETERSBURG, testified in support of SB 119,
especially the state matching fund component. She detailed
plans for a new Petersburg library.
9:34:57 AM
MELINDA HOFSTAD, PETERSBURG, testified in support of SB 119.
She spoke of the diligent work of a local community group
toward building a new library in Petersburg. She praised
the local librarian and shared statistics about library
usage. She mentioned local fundraising efforts for a new
library.
9:38:04 AM
Senator Thomas commented that the definitions of "community"
and "on-going maintenance" should be clarified. Co-Chair
Stedman explained that the issues of on-going maintenance
and fiscal capability would be addressed in department
regulations. He pointed out that the bill is going forward
without the funding in it, but regulations would be written.
Mr. Peterson spoke of researching the definition of
"community". Legislative Legal Services explained that the
term is used throughout statutes and is an all-encompassing
term that includes towns, cities, and boroughs. Senator
Thomas asked if a community could be just an area that has
existed for a long time. Mr. Peterson said the community
does not have to be organized. The provision in the CS
states that the community would have to provide a 20 percent
matching grant, which would eliminate very small
communities.
Senator Dyson asked if a community defined by federal law
would qualify. Mr. Peterson replied that it would. For
example, the community of Metlakatla would qualify. Senator
Dyson asked if tribes and villages would. Mr. Peterson
replied that they would also qualify. Senator Dyson
inquired if a community not recognized by state law, but
recognized under federal law, would qualify. Mr. Peterson
said if a community is not recognized by state law it would
not qualify. He offered to research the subject further
with the drafter of the bill.
9:42:57 AM
Senator Olson MOVED to REPORT CSHB 119(FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSSB 119(FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with new zero fiscal note by the
Department of Education and Early Development.
9:44:24 AM
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