HOUSE BILL NO. 331 "An Act relating to payment, allowances, and benefits of members of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska Naval Militia in active service; relating to computation of certain benefits for members of the Alaska State Militia; and providing for an effective date." CAROL CARROLL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES provided information on the legislation and spoke in its support. The legislation changes the name of the Alaska State Militia to the Alaska State Defense Force. The legislation also changes the way pay is calculated for national guardsmen when they are brought onto state active duty. Presently, pay is calculated based on rank, years of service and added allowances. The basic pay from the federal government would be multiplied by 200 percent. This would streamline the administrative process without affecting pay of the members. The proposal was presented to and approved by the officers and enlisted men's associations. The legislation would also clarify in statute that the members of the Alaska State Defense Force should be paid as if they are state employees. They are currently handled as emergency employees. Representative Phillips spoke in the support of the bill and stated that she was ready to move the bill from Committee. MAJOR RICHARD THOMAS, ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD testified via teleconference in support of the legislation. He stressed that anything that can simplify procedures during disasters would be of assistance. He noted that the bill would make pay more timely and accurate. RICHARD TURCIC, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference in support. He stressed that the current system is extremely complicated and emphasized that the new system would simplify and reduce the time needed to calculate pay. The legislation would also ensure timely payments. GENERAL THOMAS S. WESTALL, BRIGADOR, ALASKA STATE MILITIA, GLENNALLEN TESTIFIED via teleconference in support. The Alaska State Defense Force is a trained military service that principally trains in the field of mobilization. The defense force can mobilize in 24 hours. There are three trained soldiers assigned specific jobs in the State Emergency Coordination Center. The Alaska State Militia has operated in almost every disaster that the state has been involved in over the past 16 years. The soldiers are civilians in their normal capacity. They need protection of their civil jobs, which is provided under AS 24. These soldiers are not looking for compensation. He noted that they have been committed for extended periods of time. The Division of Emergency Services would have to hire staff to do the task that the State Defense Force has traditionally done. Emergency Services would not be able to operate 24 hours a day without exhaustion. Vice Chair Bunde noted that there is a zero fiscal note accompanying the bill. Representative Phillips MOVED to report CSHB 331 (MVA) out of Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. CSHB 331 (MVA) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note by the Military and Veterans Affairs.