SB 170-GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS  2:44:46 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 170 "An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to pull-tabs and electronic pull-tab systems; and providing for an effective date." 2:45:28 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that SB 170 aims to modernize charitable gaming laws to increase revenue for charities and nonprofits. SB 170 also seeks to preserve the social and cultural nature of charitable gaming, keeping it fun, community-oriented, and distinct from gambling. 2:46:20 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 170. 2:46:45 PM CHRISTA FOLI, Department Commander, American Veterans (AMVET) Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified with concerns on SB 170 and expressed concern that the bill favors operators over small veteran service organizations (VSOs), which rely on volunteers to raise funds for charities. She urged giving these organizations more flexibility in choosing gaming methods, noting that current limitations on access and devices restrict their fundraising potential, and request that regulatory details be determined later rather than burdening small nonprofits upfront. 2:49:54 PM MICHELLE SAS, Member, American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars (ALVFW), Anchorage, Alaska, testified with concerns on SB 170. She stated that she supports modernizing charitable gaming through SB 170 but warns that its current structure overreaches, placing burdens on small nonprofits and veteran organizations. She advocated for more flexibility in gaming devices, higher payroll limits, and consideration of models beyond Wisconsin's, emphasizing the need to protect small organizations while still modernizing the system. 2:52:45 PM CHARLES BORING, Member, American Veterans (AMVET), Anchorage, Alaska, testified with concerns on SB 170. He stated his belief that the bill focuses too much on operators and imposes strict limits on small nonprofit and veteran organizations, which rely heavily on gaming and pull tabs for survival. He advocated for greater flexibility in funding limits and device choices to ensure these organizations can continue operating and maximizing their fundraising. 2:55:14 PM KAYLA HANSON, Gaming Manager, Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Soldotna, Alaska, testified in support of SB 170. She emphasized that small committee run organizations, especially in areas with internet challenges, should be allowed to choose the devices that work best for them. She urged legislators to ensure a level playing field between small groups and larger operators. 2:56:46 PM CODY OATMAN, Business Representative, Alaska District Council of Labors, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 170. He said the labor organization represents about 5,000 Alaskans. It supports electronic pull tabs to modernize charitable gaming and increase revenue for scholarships and community charities. He noted that tablets are affordable, social, and efficient, offering lower maintenance costs and greater benefits to nonprofits compared to pull tab cabinets. 2:58:46 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN kept public testimony open. 2:59:02 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN explained that SB 170 prohibits cabinet or tabletop gaming devices to prevent charitable gaming from resembling casino gambling and maintaining its social, community-based nature. He added that the proposed limits are designed to allow more nonprofits to participate and raise funds, rather than concentrating revenue among a few organizations. [CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 170 in committee.]