HB 71-SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLINE CHECKBOOK  8:32:02 AM CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 71, "An Act relating to education; and relating to a school district online checkbook." 8:32:29 AM REPRESENTITIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, presented HB 71. He explained the school districts around Alaska spend millions of dollars each year without a clear understanding of where the money goes. It is believed it goes to everything from office supplies to teachers' salaries, administration, and hopefully the students and the classrooms themselves. A tool like an online checkbook would help the governor and the legislature understand where the deficits are and where funding is needed. Public accountability helps ensure funds are spent wisely, and the public is entitled to understand where the funds actually go. The intent of the online checkbook is to create a searchable website that provides Alaskans with easy access to details and comprehensive information on school district spending. 8:34:17 AM RYAN MCKEE, Staff, Representative George Rauscher, Alaska State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Rauscher, prime sponsor, provided a sectional analysis of HB 71 [included in the committee packet], which reads as follows [original punctuation provided]: Section 1 AS 14.17.910(a) This section adds that each school district shall make the financial records available on an internet website that is accessible and free to the public. 8:34:50 AM REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT observed a zero fiscal note and questioned whether the expense would fall to the districts. 8:35:13 AM The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:35 a.m. 8:35:39 AM REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT reiterated her question and asked if there is software involved that needs to be purchased by the districts. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER replied that when he said "free" he meant to the public. It would also not cost the state anything, and it may cost the school system whatever it may be to get their information transferred into the checkbook. 8:37:27 AM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX explained he had looked at the state online checkbook, and it did not provide information he found helpful. He asked who is expected to use this information. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER suggested that legislators and the governor would, and school board members may have some use for it as well. 8:39:34 AM CO-CHAIR ALLARD asked if there is a timeframe for implementation. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER replied there is no direct timeline, or 90 days from passage of HB 71. 8:40:47 AM REPRESENTATIVE STORY stated she thought the bill had merit but was concerned about the amount of personnel time, ease, and cost involved in transferring the information. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER replied he will get back to the committee on a future date with information addressing the concerns. 8:42:19 AM CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE asked if each district would have its own dedicated website, instead of being found on the department's website. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER offered his understanding that each district would have its own website. He referred to an excerpt of line 4: "each district shall maintain complete financial records". 8:45:04 AM CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced HB 71 was held over.