HB 34-NAMING SCOTT JOHNSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE  1:30:49 PM CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 34 "An Act naming the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge." She reminded the members that they heard the companion bill, SB 4, sponsored by Senator Coghill. 1:31:16 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAVE TALERICO, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, sponsor of HB 34, introduced the bill speaking to the following sponsor statement: The legislation amends Alaska Statute 35.40 by naming bridge number 506 over the Tok River at mile 1309 of the Alaska Highway to be named the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge. Scott was a person who led from the front. He set very high standards for himself. After graduating his recruit class as valedictorian, he was assigned to Fairbanks patrol. Scott became involved with the Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) for 19 years and held positions of perimeter team leader, entry team leader and acting team leader. He was a K-9 handler, instructor and coordinator. In addition, Scott trained at least 33 dual purpose and/or drug detection canine teams throughout Alaska. He also worked in the Alaska Bureau of Investigation and at the age of 36 was promoted to sergeant. Scott oversaw patrol shift and later transferred to the Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement. Scott earned at least 43 letters of commendation, including two commendations for honorable service during his career. Scott Johnson was an Alaska State Trooper killed in the line of duty on May 1, 2014. He had served the State of Alaska 23 years. Let this be a lasting memorial to a man who gave his life in the line of duty to the citizens of the State of Alaska 1:32:54 PM SENATOR SHOWER joined the committee. REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO highlighted that the packets contain signature pages from community members who support this bill. CHAIR HUGHES asked if Trooper Johnson's widow was aware of the petitions expressing community support. She noted that when the committee heard the companion bill, Mrs. Johnson expressed reservations about the effort unless there was broad community support. 1:34:20 PM JULIE MORRIS, Staff, Representative Talerico, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, clarified that Mrs. Johnson is aware of the petitions and the support the community has exhibited. She credited Dave Stancliff and his wife for distributing the petitions and gathering signatures. 1:34:59 PM CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony on HB 34. 1:35:24 PM DAVE STANCLIFF, representing self, Tok, testified in support of HB 34. He said you can never tell how people will react to a petition, but when this one was circulated around Tok nearly one-tenth of the population quickly signed. He noted how emotional this has been for Scott's parents and said he wanted everyone to know how supportive the community is and "how wonderful it will be when we finally dedicate that bridge to a great Alaskan." CHAIR HUGHES thanked him for gathering the signatures as a way to honor Scott Johnson's widow. 1:37:35 PM CHAIR HUGHES found no further comments and closed public testimony. Finding no discussion, she asked the will of the committee. 1:37:54 PM SENATOR SHOWER moved to report HB 34, work order 31-LS0313\A, from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note(s). CHAIR HUGHES announced that without objection, HB 34 moved from the Senate Transportation Standing Committee.