CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 142(L&C) "An Act relating to ownership of land by regional school boards; and providing for an effective date." JANE ALBERTS, STAFF, SENATOR CON BUNDE, related that SB 142 excludes airport properties from AS 14.08.151(b), which directs the state to convey title to lands used in relation to regional educational attendance area schools, when requested to do so by the regional school board. It resolves a conflict between AS 02.15.020, which requires the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to retain "satisfactory property interest" in airport facilities in order to participate in federal grant programs, and AS 14.08.151, which gives regional school boards the opportunity to obtain title to land/structures for regional educational attendance area (REAA) schools. It saves the Departments of Transportation and Education time, effort, and money needed to settle conflicting claims. It ensures that DOT&PF will be able to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and obtain federal funding for airport projects in REAAs, and it conforms statute to legislative intent. 6:25:17 PM Representative Hawker commented on the encroachment issue with an exemption for schools. He asked about highway right-of-way issues. NONA WILSON, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, responded that the bill does not require a school to return any of the land that they are now on. It establishes future protection of the safety of the runway and the airport. The legislation does not intend to force the state to compromise federal funding. 6:27:11 PM Representative Hawker asked why the state would want to give up the ability to support schools as a real priority. Ms. Wilson replied that school boards are not being challenged. They can build away from the building restriction line. Airport land is some of the best land and some schools currently abut the runway. 6:28:05 PM Representative Hawker commented that there seems to be an inconsistency with how schools are treated, compared to churches, on state land. Representative Joule inquired if there is an appeal process in this legislation. 6:29:29 PM Ms. Wilson replied that the department would work with a school board in that case. The department is not trying to hinder any schools, just prevent encroaching on airport land. Representative Joule stated his support for the bill. Ms. Wilson referred to a map and explained how it is related to the bill. 6:31:32 PM PAM LEWIS, DIVISION AVIATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, added that the bill will let the FAA know that DOT has title to the land. The intent of the bill is not to dislocate schools, just clean up statute. Co-Chair Meyer set SB 142 aside. 6:33:22 PM CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 142(L&C) "An Act relating to ownership of land by regional school boards; and providing for an effective date." Representative Hawker surmised that the State of Alaska is deferring to federal regulations. He spoke to state primacy. He stated that it is a shortsighted approach. 7:09:28 PM Ms. Wilson commented that there is actual housing and schools on airport property. The bill only states that the title to the land cannot be granted. 7:10:37 PM Representative Foster MOVED to report CSSB 142 (L&C) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSSB 142 (L&C) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "no recommendation" recommendation and with two zero fiscal impact notes: #1 EED, and #2 DOT. Representative Foster observed that in his district villages are in close proximity to airport property. 7:12:34 PM