CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 77(STA) "An Act relating to the Joint Armed Services Committee; and providing for an effective date." SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, read the sponsor statement for CSSB 77. He explained that the CS for SB 77 reauthorizes the Joint Armed Services Committee (JASC) which was created in 1999. At that time Alaska was being considered the site for deployment of the National Missal Defense System. In addition, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACC) was considering closing vital military installations in Alaska. JASC was created for a ten-year period to give the legislature a voice in the national debate over these issues. JASC, which has sixteen members that are appointed by the House and Senate, has been successful in representing Alaska's interests. The committee was active in advocating for the establishment of the Missal Defense Site at Fort Greeley and in protecting Alaska's bases during the BRACC deliberations in 2005. The committee continues to play an important role in monitoring developments that might affect the military in Alaska. It also seeks to protect the interests of Alaskans serving their country. In May, the committee will host a ceremony honoring Alaskans who, since statehood, have lost their lives in combat. Senator Wielechowski reported that on January 1, 2009, JASC sunsets after ten years. This bill reauthorizes the committee and makes it permanent. The sponsors believe that a permanent committee is warranted because of the strategic role that Alaska will continue to play in monitoring and maintaining the security of the nation. The original version of the bill sought to reauthorize both the committee and its homeland security and emergency management subcommittee. After further discussion it was decided that the subcommittee did not need to be reauthorized. He requested that the CS be moved out of Committee as quickly as possible. 1:36:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM, CHAIR, JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, listed the members of the original Joint Armed Services Committee. She emphasized the importance of JASC because of BRACC coming up in two years and a major change in Washington. It is unknown how the bases will be handled. She maintained that their continuance is critical to Alaska's safety and economics. Co-Chair Stoltze stated intent to act in a timely manner on the bill. He thought the fiscal note would not prove to be a problem. MCHUGH PIERRE, LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, emphasized that the Department supports JASC because it is a vehicle to move information on the economic impact of the military bases in Alaska. He explained that DMVA works with all commands when briefing the legislature. He thanked the Committee for their support. 1:39:23 PM Representative Kelly recalled that unused funds are held and not sent back to the general fund. He wondered if that would change in CSSB 77. Co-Chair Hawker related how, in the past, the operating budget did not lapse. Currently, the Governor's budget carries over, but the legislature's budget now lapses appropriations. Co-Chair Stoltze stated that there was no public testimony. 1:40:38 PM Co-Chair Hawker MOVED to REPORT CSSB 77 out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. CSSB 77(STA) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Legislature. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 1:42:21 PM