SENATE BILL NO. 148 "An Act relating to allowable absences for certain members of the armed forces and their spouses and dependents for purposes of eligibility for permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date." ANNETTE SKIBINSKI, STAFF, SENATOR COWDRY provided information on the bill. She explained that the legislation pertains to permanent fund dividend eligibility of National Guard reserve auxiliary military personnel that are activated. Currently those in the National Guard who are actively on orders are only allowed a 45-day absence from the state, while other residents are allowed an absence of 180 days. The legislation would allow active military personnel to be absent from the state [while on military leave] for the full 180 days. Representative Kerttula asked for clarification on the length of the proposed allowable absence. Ms. Skibinski clarified that the 180-day allowable absence would come into play when the individual has been activated for 180 days or more. She noted the case of an individual that served overseas for 10 months. Upon his return he left the state for two months, which was not allowed under the current statute. The current 45-day allowable absence would be extended to 180 days. LARRY PERSILY, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, provided information on the legislation. He observed that active duty days do not count against the recipient. The questioned is the amount of time permissible in addition to the allowable absence. Currently those in armed forces are only allowed to be absent [outside of their active service] for 45 days; students are allowed to be absent for up to 120 days [outside of the school year]. Residents are allowed 180 days or military active duty time plus 45 days. Someone called for 90 days of active duty, who took a 60-day vacation [150 total days] would be okay. The bill changes the requirement to military time plus 180-days. Representative Berkowitz concluded that active duty would be like being in the state. Mr. Persily agreed that, as it pertains to eligibility, active time would be like being in the state. Representative Kerttula asked about the amount of time allowed for illness, and why there were differences in allowable absences. Mr. Persily acknowledged that there were different qualifications in allowable absences. He pointed out that a 120-day absent for students would allow them to remain out-of-state during the summer. A 45-day allowable absence would require them to come back to Alaska even if they had an internship or job on campus. All other allowable absences are plus 45-days. Representative Foster MOVED to report SB 148 out of Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTIONS it was so ordered. SB 148 was REPORTED out of Committee with individual recommendations and one fiscal impact note, #1 from the Department of Revenue.