SB 29-EXTEND BOARD OF MARINE PILOTS  3:21:40 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL announced that the next order of business would be SENATE BILL NO. 29, "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Marine Pilots; and providing for an effective date." 3:22:29 PM DAVID SCOTT, Staff, Senator Bert Stedman, Alaska State Legislature, introduced SB 29 on behalf of Senator Stedman, prime sponsor. He said the bill extends the Board of Marine Pilots for eight years, as recommended by the legislative auditor. He explained that the board licenses and regulates marine pilots to ensure they are competent and safe. The board also makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary action against violators of laws and regulations. He noted that the board has seven members: two marine pilots, two vessel agents, two public members, and the commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development (DCCED). He further noted that the legislative auditor conducted a review of the board and found a continued need for it. The auditor determined that the board is following the law; it is processing investigations timely and actively reviewing and changing its regulations to improve the industry and better protect the public. He directed attention to the fiscal note, which is funded by Receipt Supportive Services. 3:24:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked why the extension is for eight years. MR. SCOTT offered his understanding that eight years is the longest possible extension, which means the board is in good standing. 3:25:08 PM EILEEN DONAHUE, Audit Manager, Division of Legislative Audit, Legislative Affairs Agency, provided a summary of the Board of Marine Pilot's sunset audit. She said the audit concludes that the board is serving the public's interest by effectively licensing marine pilots and approving trainees and apprentices, adding that the maximum eight-year extension is recommended for the board. As of January 2018, there were a total of 103 licensees, and by March the board had a surplus of over 229,000 dollars. She noted that the report included two recommendations. The Division of Legislative Audit (DLA) recommends that the board should ensure applicable documents are aboard foreign pleasure crafts in accordance with regulatory requirements. The second recommendation states that the board should ensure the Southeast Alaska Pilot's Association improves its procedures for tracking drug test notifications. 3:28:21 PM REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN sought clarification on the first recommendation and the correct procedure for a foreign pleasure vessel that is not in compliance with the required documents. MS. DONAHUE explained that the recommendation in question concerns an application process that occurs before vessels arrive in Alaska waters. REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN presumed that any foreign vessel lacking proper documentation would be denied permission to enter Alaska waters. She asked if that was the conclusion of the audit. MS. DONAHUE clarified that the audit looks at the application process for exemptions. She said before a vessel arrives, the operator must submit an application that indicates if certain items are on board. The board approved any exemptions with the understanding that the applicant will follow through and obtain the required documents at a later date. However, the DLA is of the opinion that the required documents should be aboard the vessels at the time of application. 3:30:19 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL sought clarification on the board's cumulative surplus. MS. DONAHUE replied that it changes from year to year based on biennial license renewals. She noted that the DCCED plans on evaluating the fees to ensure that the board's surpluses aren't excessive. 3:32:29 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL announced that SB 29 was held over.