HB 122-LIFE INSURANCE FOR NATIONAL GUARD CHAIR LYNN announced that the order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 122, "An Act relating to payment of premiums for Service members' Group Life Insurance on behalf of members of the Alaska National Guard deployed to a combat zone; and providing for an effective date." Chair Lynn announced that HB 122 will not be moved today and will be heard first. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM stated that HB 122 pertains to life insurance for the National Guard, at a time when the federal government is considering action to better serve its military men in other countries; The Alaskan Guard deserves the same. This bill will pay life insurance premiums for guardsmen that are deployed to combat zones. She went on to say that these guardsmen are our neighbors, co-workers, and some are even staff here in this building. This bill provides extra security for their dependents, gives them piece of mind, and a little assistance while they are away. This legislation will allow premiums to be paid up to $250,000. This bill has bipartisan support. Representative Dahlstrom characterized HB 122 as a work in progress. CHAIR LYNN asked what the out of pocket expense was for this insurance. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM answered that it is approximately $16.25 a month. CHAIR LYNN replied that the state should be able to afford this, considering what these guardsmen are going through to defend the national policy. He then queried the Representative Dahlstrom as to whether any of the guardsmen had died as of yet. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM asserted that though they had not come back with any dead among them, some guardsmen had returned with some physical injuries and issues that they needed to address. 1:13:35 PM REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS asked if the committee could extend this to property extension payments. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM replied that this is one of the items that is on a list that is being considered for inclusion in this bill, or within newer ones being considered REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS asked if he could co-sponsor the bill. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM answered that she would love to have him onboard the bill packet. CHAIR LYNN agreed that anything the committee can do to help those in the military is something it should look into. He opened the floor to more questions and then asked if the committee could go ahead and move it out of committee. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM agreed the issue of property tax is enormous. She expressed the need to review how deployment affects finances. [HB 122 was held over.]