SB 113-INCREASE COMPENSATION FOR APOC MEMBERS  CHAIR MENARD announced the consideration of SB 113. SENATOR MEYER said he is the sponsor of SB 113, which will increase the honorarium received by the Alaska Public Office Commission (APOC) members from $50 to $150 per meeting day. APOC administers laws upholding the public's right to know the financial affairs of lobbyists and public officials. It is a five-member volunteer commission that oversees campaign finance laws, including issuing formal advisory opinions, adjudicating civil penalties for late filing, assessing penalties for non compliance, recommending removals, and adjudicating complaints. The work by the agency is subject to appeal by the superior court, so work must be done thoroughly. APOC's responsibilities have expanded over the years, but the pay has stayed the same since 1975. The proposed increase is in line with other state boards and commissions. The workload and the scrutiny that the board has to face deserve appropriate compensation. 9:06:55 AM HOLLY HILL, Executive Director, Alaska Public Offices Commission, Department of Administration (DOA), said last year 17 complaints were filed with APOC compared with 3 from the year before. There were 9 advisory opinion requests. This year there have already been 7 requests. SB 113 will help attract and maintain qualified and dedicated commissioners. CHAIR MENARD asked if complaints increase in election years. MS. HILL said yes, but it is still an increase over previous election years. 9:08:43 AM RACHAEL PETRO, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Administration, said the department supports SB 113. SENATOR FRENCH said he has a matter pending before APOC, and he believes he will be fined, but was also told that the commission could change its mind. He wants that on the record. SENATOR KOOKESH moved to report SB 113 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). There being no objection, SB 113 moved out of committee.