HB 99-ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION  2:16:10 PM CO-CHAIR FEIGE announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 99, "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission." [Before the committee was Version 28-LS0430\N, Martin, 2/15/13, adopted as the work draft on 2/25/13.] CO-CHAIR SADDLER recalled the previous discussion of HB 99, which seeks to extend the expiration date of the Alaska Minerals Commission, noting that the proposed committee substitute (CS) extends the expiration date for an additional ten years, adds provisions for three-year staggered terms - including term limits - and allows for the election of a commission chair and vice-chair. Included also are provisions in uncodified law, allowing the commission to transition to staggered terms. He summarized, saying the Alaska Minerals Commission has proven effective and provides an affordable voice for an important sector of the state's economy, and urged for passage of the bill. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether there is a reason for establishing an eleven-member board rather than saving costs and seating a nine-member board. CO-CHAIR SADDLER responded this board is one of the most economically operated boards; in fact, its funding request of $13,000 covers travel for members of the commission and the publication of its annual recommendations. Seating eleven members allows for representation of all aspects of the minerals industry, and helps ensure a quorum at meetings. 2:18:44 PM CO-CHAIR FEIGE opened public testimony on HB 99. 2:19:23 PM DEANTHA CROCKETT, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association (AMA), informed the committee AMA is a statewide business association representing the mining industry in Alaska, Alaska's seven large mines, ongoing exploration projects, placer miners, sand and gravel operators, and industry vendors. She expressed AMA's support for HB 99 and said the Alaska Minerals Commission is very beneficial, and is appreciated by AMA members. The commissioners represent a diverse background and are in close contact with AMA when making recommendations to the governor and the legislature on mining policy. Ms. Crockett encouraged the committee to review the statement of support from the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development. She provided a brief summary of the mining industry's economic benefits to the state and local communities. Her organization supports the proposed CS, and she urged for its passage. 2:21:38 PM MARLEANNA HALL, Project Coordinator, Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC), said that RDC is a statewide membership-funded business association representing the forestry, oil and gas, mining, tourism, and fishing industries. She provided a brief history of the mining industry in Alaska, adding that RDC believes the Alaska Minerals Commission provides a necessary voice on issues and recommendations for the betterment of the state's mineral industry. The commission makes recommendations in an effort to promote exploration and development, and to ensure policy-makers have the information they require. Ms. Hall said RDC supports the proposed CS and urged for passage of the bill. 2:23:14 PM CO-CHAIR FEIGE, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify, closed public testimony. 2:24:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON moved to report the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 99, Version 28-LS0430\N, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 99 (RES) was reported out of the House Resources Standing Committee.