HOUSE BILL NO. 373 "An Act relating to educational benefits for family members of deceased members of the armed services." Representative Martin spoke in support of HB 373. He stressed that the legislation will help dependents of those killed in the military during peace time as well as in war. He noted that the September 22, 1995 crash of the U.S Air Force AWACS Yukla 27 at the Elmendorf Air Force Base, killed 27 crew members and left 32 children from birth to 18 years of age. According to the sponsor statement the legislation is directed toward the surviving dependents of all Alaska military residents enlisted in branches of the Armed Services, including the Alaska National Guard and the Alaska Naval Militia. These surviving dependents will be entitled to a waiver of room charges through University of Alaska student housing and a $200 dollar per month stipend for each month of enrollment. Representative Martin provided members with Amendment 1 (Attachment 1). He explained that the amendment will make the legislation retroactive to September 1, 1995 to allow surviving dependents of the September 22, 1995, AWACS crash at the Elmendorf Air Force Base to qualify. Representative Martin MOVED to adopt Amendment 1. Representative Brown OBJECTED. She questioned the cost of the amendment. She noted that the $200 dollar a month stipend would be in addition to benefits already paid. Representative Martin emphasized that this money would cover books and associated costs. Representative Brown referred to the $13.6 thousand dollar fiscal note by the University of Alaska. Representative Martin stated that fiscal note would cover the cost of the legislation. In response to a question by Representative Grussendorf, Representative Martin noted that 13 of the surviving dependents in the AWACS crash would be eligible. Representative Brown expressed concerns regarding the level of obligation the State would incur under the amendment. Co-Chair Hanley summarized that under current statutes surviving dependents are eligible for tuition and fees. The 2 legislation would waive dorm costs and provide a $200 dollar per month stipend for each month of enrollment. Representative Martin emphasized that the legislation would cover other associated costs. He observed that children will come from all over the State and will need housing. Co-Chair Hanley pointed out that Alaskans were also killed in the Gulf War. He observed that surviving dependents of Alaskans killed during the Gulf War would not qualify under the amendment. He observed that there is one child that would fall in to this category. He suggested that it would be equitable to include this child under the provisions of the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding the dates of the Gulf War. Representative Brown pointed out that the cost of the amendment will increase over time. She expressed concern with financial costs associated with the legislation. Co-Chair Foster noted that Alaska State troopers are sometimes killed in the line of duty. He questioned if they should be added. Representative Brown observed that a war could increase the number of eligible individuals. She maintained that the defense of the country is the responsibility of the federal government, not the state of Alaska. Representative Navarre noted that the military burial allowance was eliminated. He stressed that he is sympathetic to the legislation. HB 373 was HELD in Committee for further discussion.