SENATE BILL NO. 217 "An Act relating to the taxation of independent power producers; and increasing the efficiency of integrated transmission system charges and use for the benefit of ratepayers." 3:10:42 PM Co-Chair Olson discussed housekeeping. Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1, 33-GS2489\D.6, (Walsh, 5/11/24) (copy on file). Co-Chair Olson OBJECTED for discussion. Co-Chair Stedman spoke to Amendment 1: Page 6, line 9, following system: Insert or joint action agency established under  AS 42.45.310 located off the interconnected road  system  Co-Chair Olson WITHDREW his objection. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 3:11:56 PM Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2, 33-GS2489\D.1 (Walsh, 5/10/24) (copy on file). Co-Chair Olson OBJECTED for discussion. Co-Chair Stedman spoke to Amendment 2: Page 3, line 3, following utility: Insert or a joint action agency established  under AS 42.45.310  Co-Chair Olson WITHDREW his objection. There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 3:12:38 PM AT EASE 3:13:05 PM RECONVENED Senator Bishop MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 3, 33-GS2489\D.4 (Walsh, 5/10/24) (copy on file). Co-Chair Olson OBJECTED for discussion. Senator Bishop spoke to Amendment 3. He relayed that the amendment would allow AEA to have its own employees; currently AEA used employees of ADIEA. He added that two separate boards would be created as well. Current AIDEA employes doing the work of AEA would simply be transferred and located under AEA. Co-Chair Olson WITHDREW his objection. Senator Kiehl asked whether AIDEA employees were currently in the exempt service. 3:14:12 PM CURTIS THAYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), relayed that it was the same language that currently defined AIDEA employees. They would stay in exempt services. Co-Chair Olson WITHDREW his objection. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 3:15:06 PM Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 4. Co-Chair Olson OBJECTED for discussion. 3:15:22 PM AT EASE 3:17:53 PM RECONVENED Co-Chair Olson relayed that the committee would take no further action on Amendment 4 and would set the bill aside. SB 217 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration.