HOUSE BILL NO. 45 An Act authorizing the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska veterans' cemeteries; and establishing the Alaska veterans' cemetery fund in the general fund. REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GUTTENBERG, SPONSOR, commented that Alaska veterans deserve access to a military cemetery that honors their service and recognizes their sacrifices. On a per capita basis, Alaska has more residents in active military service than any other state. The Veteran's Administration (VA) long term goal is to provide an operational cemetery within 75 miles of 90% of the veterans' in a state. The nearest veterans' cemetery to Fairbanks is Fort Richardson National Cemetery, located 350 miles away in Anchorage. HB 45 authorizes the Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain a veterans' cemetery with funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Grants Program. Through the program, the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs may be awarded up to 100% of allowable costs for design, construction, and operating equipment for an approved project. 2:52:48 PM Representative Hawker asked about the intent to establish another special account in the General Fund. Representative Guttenberg observed the language was recommended by David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division. Representative Hawker addressed the receipt of money into the Fund, noting that the Legislature would have to authorize receipt authority for every deposit. He expressed concern with dedicated funds. Co-Chair Meyer noted that there are 85 [dedicated funds] in the State of Alaska's budget. 2:56:02 PM DANA KRAWCHUK, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GUTTENBERG, responded to questions by Vice Chair Stoltze. She noted that their office had been in contact with the Veterans' Council and the legislation did receive their support. Representative Guttenberg added that the bill would not reduce any current programs. 2:59:04 PM Representative Gara asked if statutory authority already existed, creating a fund to accept gifts. Representative Guttenberg had been advised that a fund could provide accounting for funds other than the General Fund. 3:00:30 PM DANA NACHTRIEB, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), VETERANS' OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW), FAIRBANKS testified in support of the legislation, commenting that it will add good feelings in the community. 3:01:23 PM HARRY FIELDS, VICE PRESIDENT, ALASKA NATIVE VETERAN'S ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS, testified in support of HB 45. He asserted that there are a lot of veterans living in the Fairbanks area, and emphasized the need for the legislation. He maintained that veterans cannot afford the cost of internment in private cemeteries; it can cost up to $9,000. 3:05:47 PM Representative Hawker reiterated his concern establishing separate funds. Representative Thomas spoke in support of the legislation and observed that Alaska has one of the highest veteran concentrations in the United States. Vice Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT CS HB 45 (MLV) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Gara OBJECTED for purpose of discussion and questioned if the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' fiscal note should be zero. Co-Chair Meyer advised that there would be some costs involved to the Department. Representative Gara WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTION, CS HB 45 (MLV) was reported out of Committee. CS HB 45 (MLV) was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with zero note #1 by the Department of Administration, new zero note by the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and a new indeterminate note by the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs.