SB 34-STATE-TRIBAL EDUCATION COMPACT SCHOOLS  8:34:07 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND announced that the final order of business would be CS FOR SENATE BILL 34(JUD), "An Act relating to a demonstration state-tribal education compact; relating to demonstration state-tribal education compact schools; and providing for an effective date." [Before the committee was HCS CSSB 34(TRB).] 8:34:48 AM SENATOR GARY STEVENS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau Alaska, provided closing statements on HCS CSSB 34(TRB). He stated that the proposed legislation has gone through several renditions with multiple compromises. He stated that the legislation would give federally recognized tribes in the state and the State Board of Education and Early Development (SBOE) a window of time to negotiate a structure for a state-tribal education compact. It is expected the negotiations would begin immediately and result in a formal proposal for a model that could be introduced to the legislature within the next few years. He stated that state-tribal compacting is an opportunity to embrace the Alaska Indigenous history, culture, and language in curriculum for all students. He reminded the committee members that the legislation would not create compacting; instead, it directs the SBOE and tribes to convene on the topic and return with legislation that can be considered in the future. 8:36:02 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND, after ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify, closed public testimony.  8:36:29 AM CO-CHAIR STORY moved to report HCS CSSB 34(TRB) out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. 8:36:53 AM REPRESENTATIVE CRONK objected. Speaking to his objection, he thanked the bill sponsor for bringing the bill forward. He expressed the opinion that this would be a good step forward for the state. He removed his objection. 8:37:14 AM REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM objected. Speaking to his objection, he voiced the concern that the legislation would allow school districts to exist within school districts. He stated that this would allow these districts to receive double funding. He removed his objection. 8:37:58 AM REPRESENTATIVE ZULKOSKY expressed appreciation that Representative Gillham removed his objection. She stated that she has worked with tribal health organizations, which has set the stage for tribal compacting in Alaska. Tribal health programs have shown that local control, through local agreements, have transformed the mechanism of health care in Alaska. She stated that to address questions and concerns, like Representative Gillham's point, the tribes and DEED would have a negotiation and consultation process to create a blueprint and demonstration. She referenced that the state has a constitutional obligation to provide public education in schools, so she appreciates the conversation. She reiterated that [HCS CSSB 34(TRB)] would be the vehicle to get to the point where answers could be provided. 8:39:25 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND stated that there being no more objections, HCS CSSB 34(TRB) was reported out of the House Education Standing Committee.