HOUSE BILL NO. 77 "An Act relating to the Joint Armed Services Committee, a permanent interim committee of the Alaska State Legislature; and providing for an effective date." REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI stated that Alaska is being considered as the site for deployment of a national missile defense system. The Pentagon and the Secretary of Defense recently stated that another round of base realignments and closures are forthcoming. Because of such challenges, Representative Murkowski noted she introduced HB 77. Representative Murkowski advised that HB 77 would replace the existing Joint Committee on Military Bases in Alaska which was established in Ch. 31, SLA 1998 with the Joint Armed Services Committee. Similarly, the Joint Armed Services Committee would have an existence longer than called for in the Uniform Rules, Rules 21(b) & (c). This would be a permanent interim committee so those members could be active year round. The committee would commence on July 1, 1999. The Legislative Council would provide administrative and other services to that committee. Representative Murkowski noted that the committee would provide a unified front with House, Senate, military and civilian members to monitor military topics relative to Alaska. Furthermore, it would review and encourage State policy, in order to ensure the continued well being and education of members of the armed forces in both active and reserve components. Representative Murkowski advised that military account for approximately $1.7 billion dollars of Alaska's economy. She stressed that it is imperative that the Legislature takes a leading role to monitor the economic impact of future military related events. She believed that the Joint Armed Services Committee could provide that focus. Co-Chair Therriault commented that the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) had placed a 10-year sunset on the legislation. Representative Murkowski replied that she had no objection to a 10-year sunset, although, less than that would create a problem when addressing the proposed closures. Co-Chair Therriault referenced the transition language on Page 5, Section #3, which would extend membership to the other committee. He pointed out that Representative Porter asked that language be removed in order that he could consider the make-up of the committee. Co-Chair Therriault referenced Page 4, Lines 20-21, and questioned what "well-being encouragement" would consist of. Representative Murkowski suggested such behavior would enhance the military feeling "welcome and accepted" in Alaska. She acknowledged that language could be "troublesome" as it is non-discript. Co-Chair Therriault offered to work with Representative Murkowski on changing that language. Representative Bunde suggested the referenced language could create a duplication of the work done by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Representative Grussendorf asked if there had been discussion regarding the U.S. Coast Guard. Representative Murkowski replied that there was definitely discussion of the Coast Guard, and that the inclusion of the Coast Guard in HB 77 would make the legislation different from the formation of the Joint Military Bases Committee. One member would represent the Coast Guard. Co-Chair Therriault noted that in Southeast Alaska, the Coast Guard represents the military presence and that the State of Alaska has the largest Coast Guard support than any other state. Representative Murkowski commented that she agreed with the House Speaker that he should be the party responsible for appointing committee members. She did not oppose adding language to reflect that. Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that the fiscal note would need to be adjusted. He thought that the fiscal impact could be absorbed in the current level of funding in the Legislature's budget and that those costs must be adequately reflected. HB 77 was HELD in Committee for further consideration. (Tape Change HFC 99 - 27, Side 2).