HOUSE BILL NO. 245 "An Act establishing a snow classic as an authorized form of charitable gaming." 9:26:31 AM REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAWKER, SPONSOR, explained that HB 245 would allow Four Valleys Community School, Inc. to conduct a "snow classic" to raise funds for their organization. The snow classic would be operated much like other contests already allowed under statute: contestants would buy a ticket and write a guess of the depth of snow accumulated by a specific date and time on Mount Alyeska. The winner would receive half of the net proceeds from the fundraiser. Four Valleys Community School, Inc. (FVCS) is a nonprofit organization that annually offers more than 250 year-round classes and sponsors community events. While most of the participants are Turnagain Arm area residents, people from neighboring communities such as Anchorage, Eagle River, and Homer have participated in FVCS events. FVCS also supports athletes and local high school graduates with scholarships. When community school funding from the Anchorage School District was eliminated, local residents helped FVCS become a 501c(3) nonprofit to ensure that lifelong learning and recreational opportunities remain available to the community. FVCS recruited volunteers to administer and teach, secured corporate and private donations, and fostered community involvement. Operating the snow classic will help achieve the short-term goal of self-sufficiency while keeping classes affordable and locally available. It also will support a long-term goal of creating a stable fundraising opportunity that will enhance the entire community. JULI LUCKY, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAWKER, pointed to numerous written public testimonies included in members' packets (copy on file). Co-Chair Stoltze asked Ms. Lucky to discuss the letters received. Ms. Lucky listed various support for the legislation. She stated that there were roughly 40 letters of the support from the Alyeska Resort; Girdwood Rotary Club; Girdwood 20- 20; Girdwood Turnagain Arm Lion's Club; Girdwood, Inc.; Little Bear's Playhouse; and many individuals and businesses in the surrounding areas. Co-Chair Stoltze noted that there were 43 organizations on the list of support. 9:30:54 AM REBECCA REICHLIN, BOARD CHAIR, FOUR VALLEYS COMMUNITY SCHOOL, GIRDWOOD, pointed to her written testimony that had been provided to committee members (copy on file). She spoke in support of HB 245. She discussed that there had been some recent cuts to education funding, and the legislation would encourage fundraising to survive the cuts the schools had become a 501(c)3 organization. The organization had experience with gaming activities. The Snow Classic would allow the school to eliminate dependence on tax dollars, meet the schools goal of self-sufficiency, and would allow the school to help itself. She reiterated her encouragement for the committee's support for the legislation. Vice-chair Fairclough asked whether there was a limit on the amount that you could sell a ticket. Co-Chair Stoltze replied that the committee would come back to the question. He believed the Snow Classic would be a historic event. Representative Hawker endorsed and supported new ideas. 9:35:13 AM Vice-chair Fairclough restated her question she wondered whether there was a limit on the dollar amount of the tickets. JEFF PRATHER, SUPERVISOR, GAMING SECTION, TAX DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, replied that there was no dollar limit on the price of raffle tickets. Co-Chair Stoltze asked whether there was a typical upper limit on what tickets were sold for. Mr. Prather responded that it was unusual to pay more than $100 for a raffle ticket. Vice-chair Fairclough discussed her prior experience working in non-profit organizations. She understood that there was a limit of $20 per raffle ticket for non-profits; she believed the amount was restrictive. Co-Chair Stoltze wondered whether there was a difference between a raffle and a game of chance. Mr. Prather stated that he was not aware of a $20 limit on raffle tickets. Co-Chair Stoltze noted that the issue would be clarified. Co-Chair Stoltze informed members that the bill would come back before the committee the following week. Vice-chair Fairclough noted that the fiscal note should be listed as indeterminate and not zero. She asked the sponsor if the analysis was correct. Representative Hawker responded in the affirmative. Co-Chair Stoltze noted that the committee would work with the department on the fiscal note. Co-Chair Stoltze CLOSED the public testimony with the intent to reopen it in the future if necessary. HB 245 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further consideration. 9:41:02 AM AT EASE 9:43:36 AM RECONVENED