HOUSE BILL NO. 366 "An Act relating to marine safety training and education programs." Co-Chair Hanley noted that the Alaska Marine Safety Training and Education Association (AMSEA) has been federally funded. The federal funds for this program were cut. A designated grant in the operating budget was not allowed. He stressed that the program should be funded through legislation. REPRESENTATIVE ALAN AUSTERMAN, sponsor of HB 366, spoke in support of the legislation. He noted that AMSEA was created as a response to federal funding and pressure from the United States Coast Guard. He observed that the accompanying fiscal note for $150.0 thousand dollars is needed to fund the program. The legislation would allow application of 50 percent of the earnings of the Fishermen's Fund. The Fishermen's Fund is a dedicated fund. The interest earnings go directly into the General Fund. The legislation requests that half of the earned interest, approximately $155.0 thousand dollars a year, be appropriated to the program. He emphasized that the program saves lives. He noted participation of high school students. Representative Martin expressed concern that the Fishermen's Fund would be eroded by the legislation. Representative Austerman pointed out that the legislation would not affect the Fund. The interest earnings do not go back into the Fund. MARK JOHNSON, CHIEF, SECTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES spoke in support of HB 366. He noted that AMSEA is a broad based, statewide coalition that includes federal, state, local and private agencies. Members of the Board represent the Coast Guard, University of Alaska, emergency medical services agencies, non-profit Native corporations and other groups. It has been in operation for 10 years. Mr. Johnson noted that Alaska's rate for drownings was 10 times the national average from 1988 - 1992. He noted that commercial fishing drowning rates have been steadily decreasing. He stressed that the statistics demonstrate that the program has saved lives. There is no other statewide comprehensive program addressing the problem. The 5 program began in the commercial fishing industry, but has been expanded to include all groups, including children. Co-Chair Hanley noted that members were provided with Amendment 1, 9-LS133\F.1 (Attachment 1). Insert "up to" and "interest" on page 1, line 8. The amendment would clarify that legislative appropriation would still be needed and that the legislature can appropriate up to 50 percent of the Fund's earnings. In response to a question by Representative Brown, Co-Chair Hanley acknowledged that there are no designated funds. He explained that the funds would be earmarked as available to legislators. Funds would only be identified. Legislative appropriation would still be required. (Tape Change, HFC 96-103, Side 2) Co-Chair Hanley stressed that the money would be deposited in the General Fund. Co-Chair Foster MOVED to adopt Amendment 1. Representative Austerman noted that he had no objections to the amendment. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Grussendorf observed that the legislation provides statutory authorization to appropriate up to fifty percent of the interest from the Fishermen's Fund to AMSEA. Co-Chair Hanley clarified that a fiscal note for $150.0 thousand dollars would fund the program if adopted. Representative Martin questioned the constitutionality of the legislation. Co-Chair Hanley stressed that the legislation would not alter or impair the present dedication of certain revenues to the Fishermen's Fund. He pointed out that the legislature cannot dedicate any funds for any purpose. The legislation states that the legislature "may" appropriate. In response to comments by Representative Martin, Co-Chair Hanley reiterated that the bill does not alter or impair the current dedication of commercial fishing license fees to the Fund or the use of those funds to provide benefits to injured fishermen. He restated that the interest will still go into the General Fund. The legislature would have to appropriate the funds. Co-Chair Foster MOVED to report CSHB 366 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. Representative Kohring questioned why this item was not included in the operating 6 budget. He stated that the small amount of $150.0 thousand dollars would be well spent if one life is saved as a result of the training. There being NO OBJECTION, CSHB 366 (FIN) was reported out of Committee. CSHB 366 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a fiscal impact note by the House Finance Committee for the Department of Community and Regional Affairs and with a zero fiscal note by the Department of Revenue.