Legislature(1995 - 1996)
03/06/1996 05:32 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 496 - FERRY TRANSPORTATION FOR NAT GUARD MEMBER Number 1450 CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN announced the next item on the agenda was HOUSE BILL 496, "An Act relating to transportation of members of the Alaska National Guard by the Alaska marine highway system." Number 1470 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT read the sponsor statement for HB 496, as follows: "Many potential recruits to the Alaska National Guard reside in isolated communities that are on the Alaska Marine Highway system. These individuals are not able to join the guard without paying their own fare to and from the drilling sites. As a result, guard recruitment in these communities is difficult. "This bill would permit guard members to travel to and from their drills without charge on the Alaska Marine Highway system, but only on a space available basis. These individuals perform great service to Alaska, for which they receive little compensation. It is not reasonable for the state to expect them to pay the prohibitively high costs of transportation in and out of their communities for what little they are paid. As a consequence, very few such individuals can afford to serve. The state, through the passage of this bill, would ameliorate this problem without incurring any additional expenses. Accordingly, your support is urged." Number 1579 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT stated a fiscal note was attached, and that the bill would have minimal financial impact. Number 1600 SAM S. KITO III, Legislative Liaison/Special Assistant, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, State of Alaska, stated he was present to address any questions regarding the fiscal note. He commented that the cost of the bill would be minimal. He noted, however, that there would be indirect costs associated with free passage on the marine highway system. He explained that the fiscal note also reflects these associated, indirect costs. Number 1661 REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER moved that HB 496 with attached fiscal note be passed out of the committee. Number 1673 REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES objected to moving the bill. He stated he thought the idea was a good one, but that he was concerned the marine highway system is being pushed to do more with less. He advocated including the funds in an appropriate budget. He also noted the same argument could be made for recruits living in rural Alaska. Number 1787 REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER stated that since the fiscal note was only $1,000, he believed the committee should pass out the bill. CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN asked if there were any objections on the motion to move the bill with attached fiscal note. Number 1286 REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES stated he objected to moving the bill. REPRESENTATIVE KOTT concurred with the objection. He stated various agencies are being asked to do more with less. He noted the importance of recruiting is certainly worth the money involved, and advocated putting $5,000 into the budget to provide travel reimbursement for recruits. Number 1972 REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER agreed with Representative Kott. He stated he would make a motion to amend the bill when it comes before the Finance Committee. REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES withdrew his objection. CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN stated, there being no further objections, HB 496 with attached fiscal notes was passed out of the House Special Committee on Military & Vetarans Affairs.
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