HB 338-ENTRY INTO SCHOOL Number 0050 CHAIR WILSON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 338, "An Act relating to attendance at public school; and providing for an effective date." Number 0153 REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL commented that he will not object to the bill moving out of committee; however, he told the members that he does not see the necessity of it since the administrative authority in school districts can make a determination already. CHAIR WILSON said that there are probably a couple of districts where this change would be very meaningful, such as districts where there are a high number of people who are in the military. REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL agreed with Chair Wilson's point, adding that he represents residents of Fort Wainwright. Number 0278 CHAIR WILSON announce that Representative Cissna has joined the meeting. Number 0288 REPRESENTATIVE WOLF pointed out that this issue could come back to the legislature again requesting that the date be rolled back to September 15, September 30, or October 15. REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL replied that he talked with Eddie Jeans on that very issue. Mr. Jeans [Finance Manager, School Finance and Facilities Section, Department of Education and Early Development] explained to him that the school year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30. Number 0354 RYAN MAKINSTER, Staff to Representative Lesil McGuire, Alaska State Legislature, testified on behalf of Representative McGuire, sponsor of HB 338, and answered questions from the committee. He told the members that he spoke with the Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau school districts regarding the movement of the early entry date to whatever was actually established as the first day of school. The districts agreed that it would be better to have a concrete date rather than a rolling one. He summarized that it was the districts' wishes to have one established date. Number 0396 REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL moved to report CSHB 338, Version S, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 338(HES) was reported out of the House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.